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Chapter 3 - Chapter 2: The Unexpected Connection

The Unknown Chat Feature

About the Feature:

The Unknown Chatting Feature lets users chat with random strangers on Silent Speaks. After some time, if they want to add the unknown person to their friend list, they can. If they're not comfortable, they can use the skip option. Simple, right?

But sometimes, the algorithm has a sense of humor.

Late Night, Two Screens, One Connection

11:47 PM

Shanaya clicked on the "Unknown Chat" button, her mood still sour from Amira's quick dismissal. She needed to talk to someone—anyone—to shake off this weird feeling.

At the exact same moment, in his dark room, Neel did the same thing. Bored after his chat with Nakul ended, he thought, Why not try talking to a stranger?

The app connected them instantly.

Unknown Chat initiated...

Unknown User 1 (Shanaya): Hi

Unknown User 2 (Neel): Hey

Unknown User 1: Can't sleep?

Unknown User 2: Nah, just bored

Unknown User 2: You?

Unknown User 1: Same. Had a frustrating conversation earlier

Unknown User 2: Lol, relatable. Was it with a friend?

Unknown User 1: Sort of. More like someone I talk to online

Unknown User 2: Ah, the classic "online friend who doesn't get it"

Unknown User 1: EXACTLY

Unknown User 1: You understand

Unknown User 2: Of course. I live online basically

Unknown User 1: Same here! Physical interactions are so overrated

Unknown User 2: THANK YOU. Finally someone who gets it

For the first time that night, both of them smiled at their screens.

12:03 AM

Unknown User 1: So what do you do when you're bored?

Unknown User 2: I chat with people. Sometimes with my fake account lol

Unknown User 1: WAIT WHAT

Unknown User 1: You have a fake account too??

Unknown User 2: Yeah... don't judge me

Unknown User 1: I'm not judging! I have one too!

Unknown User 2: No way

Unknown User 1: Yes way! This is crazy

Unknown User 2: Why do you have one?

Unknown User 1: Long story. Wanted to talk to someone without them knowing who I really was

Unknown User 1: Plus it's easier to be... different online

Unknown User 2: SAME. Like I can be someone else completely

Unknown User 1: This is wild. We're like... the same person

Unknown User 2: Maybe we're soulmates lol

Unknown User 1: Don't jinx it 😂

12:45 AM

Unknown User 2: I should probably sleep

Unknown User 1: Same but I don't want to stop talking

Unknown User 2: Me neither

Unknown User 1: What if we add each other?

Unknown User 2: But then we won't be unknown anymore

Unknown User 1: True... but we can stay anonymous if we want

Unknown User 1: Just... keep talking like this?

Unknown User 2: Okay. Deal.

Unknown User 1: Deal.

[Unknown User 1 sent a friend request]

[Unknown User 2 accepted]

Unknown User 2: Wait, we need names

Unknown User 1: Just call me S

Unknown User 2: Then call me A

Unknown User 1: Perfect. Good night, A

Unknown User 2: Good night, S

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