Chapter 1 – The First Meeting
When Meera got down from the bus, she felt nervous and excited at the same time. Everything was new — the city, the college, and the people. Her mother's words stayed in her mind:
"Take care of yourself and your dreams."
She held her bag close and walked toward the college gate. Many students were standing around, talking and laughing. Meera felt small among them, but she still stepped inside.
Suddenly—
Thud!
She bumped into someone.
Her books fell on the ground. Meera bent down quickly, but another hand picked them up first.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't looking," the boy said.
Meera looked up. His eyes were calm, and his voice was gentle.
"It's okay," Meera replied.
"I'm Aarav," he said with a small smile.
"Meera."
Just two names. But neither of them knew how important this moment was.
In class, Aarav sat at the back. Meera sat in the middle row. The teacher was speaking, but Meera kept thinking about the boy she met outside.
During the break, Aarav came near her.
"You're new here, right?" he asked.
"Yes," Meera said.
"You must be feeling nervous."
"A little."
Aarav smiled.
"Then I will be your first friend here."
Meera smiled back. It felt safe to talk to him.
They walked together toward the canteen.
On the way, Aarav suddenly stopped.
"Meera… can I ask you something strange?" he said.
"Yes?"
He looked around to see if anyone was listening.
Then he said softly,
"You don't know me… but I feel like I have seen you before."
Meera felt confused.
"Seen me? Where?"
Aarav did not answer immediately. He looked serious now.
"I don't know how to explain it," he said.
"But meeting you today doesn't feel new to me… it feels like I've already lost you once."
Meera's heart skipped a beat.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
Aarav looked into her eyes.
Before he could say anything more, the college bell rang loudly.
Students rushed past them.
And Aarav walked away…
leaving Meera standing there with one question in her heart:
👉 How can someone lose you… before even knowing you?