THAT UNEXPECTED MEETING

Somewhere far away, Rychal’s mind isn’t calm. Instead of drifting into sleep, she’s tangled in thoughts about Alex—the memories, the pain, the unanswered questions that keep her awake long after the world has gone silent.

Though miles apart, both girls lie awake under the same sky, caught in a restless silence. One wishing the other peace, while the other battles the storm inside.

(Rychal is thinking.......)

Nancy must be asleep by now. She was already yawning in the bus, and I know she’s had a long day too. A part of me wishes I were there in the room with her, where her presence always brings calm.

I smile faintly in the dark. She’d scold me if she knew I was still awake, still thinking about him.

But I can’t help it.

Some nights, he feels too close—like a shadow I can’t walk away from. His words echo, even the silence he left behind feels loud in my mind.

I pull the blanket higher and whisper to myself,

"Forget him, Rychal. Just sleep."

But the memories don’t listen. And somewhere between silence and sorrow, I stay wide awake under a sky full of stars that don’t answer back.

Alex........

I still remember that day clearly — 11th November.

The Science Department was alive with color and sound. Their fresher’s party was in full swing—music drifting out of windows, juniors dressed in their best, seniors laughing, snapping photos, the whole area buzzing with energy.

But Nancy and I weren’t interested in the party. We were just there to meet someone.

We sat in the garden behind the building—one of those quiet corners where trees outnumber students. The grass was cool beneath us, and the evening sky was beginning to dim. Nancy opened a packet of chips, and we passed it back and forth, chatting about nothing in particular.

We were waiting for Daniel, our schoolmate from 11th grade, now studying Mechanical Engineering.

When we finally saw him, he wasn’t alone.

Walking beside him was someone I’d never seen before—taller than Daniel, sharp features, sleeves casually rolled, and a calm expression that didn’t match the festive chaos happening nearby. There was something quiet about him that caught my attention right away.

Daniel waved when he spotted us.

"Hey! Sorry we’re late.

Daniel smiled and looked between the two of us, a little confused.

"Uhh... who’s Rychal?"

Nancy and I laughed.

"I’m Rychal," I said.

"And I’m Nancy," she added.

"Got it now!" Daniel said. "This is my classmate, Alex."

"Hi," Alex said with a small smile.

"Nice to meet you," I replied.

We sat there for a while, talking. About college life, hostel food, and random things. Nothing serious. But still, I noticed Alex. The way he listened. The way he spoke only when he really had something to say.

And in that moment, a thought crossed my mind—

If Nancy had never had a crush on Daniel… we would’ve never come here today. We wouldn’t be sitting on this bench. I wouldn’t have met Alex.

It all started back in school—with Nancy’s small crush.

And that time , it felt like a new chapter had quietly begun.

Not a love story—

Not yet.

Just a moment under the gulmohar tree...

That I didn't know I'd carry forever.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

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