Episode 3: His Name Was Arjun

"Sometimes, learning someone's name is the first step toward changing your entire life."

The name stayed in Riya's mind long after he had disappeared into the crowd.

Arjun.

It was strange.

Just yesterday, he had been a complete stranger.

Today, knowing his name felt like discovering a missing piece of a puzzle she didn't even know she was solving.

The entire morning, she couldn't stop thinking about him.

As she sat in class, her notebook lay open in front of her, but instead of taking notes, she found herself absentmindedly writing the same name over and over.

Arjun.

When she realized what she had done, she quickly closed the notebook and looked around to make sure no one had noticed.

Unfortunately, Ananya was sitting right beside her.

"What are you hiding?" Ananya asked suspiciously.

"Nothing."

"Then why did you slam your notebook shut like it contains state secrets?"

Riya laughed nervously.

"You're imagining things."

Ananya narrowed her eyes.

"No. You're definitely hiding something."

Before Riya could answer, the professor entered the classroom.

Saved by the bell.

But only for now.

After class, Riya headed toward the library.

She needed a quiet place to study.

Or at least that's what she told herself.

Deep down, she knew there was another reason.

Part of her hoped she would see Arjun again.

As she walked through the library doors, the familiar scent of books filled the air.

The room was peaceful.

Rows of shelves stretched in every direction.

Students sat quietly reading or working on assignments.

Riya chose a seat near the window and opened her textbook.

Ten minutes passed.

Then twenty.

She had barely read a page.

A sudden movement caught her attention.

Someone sat down at the table across from her.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Slowly, she looked up.

It was him.

Arjun.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Both seemed surprised by the coincidence.

Then Arjun smiled.

"Looks like we keep meeting."

Riya felt her cheeks warm.

"I guess we do."

There was a brief silence.

Not awkward.

Just unexpected.

"I'm Arjun," he said, extending his hand.

Riya smiled.

"I know."

Arjun looked confused.

"You know?"

"I heard your friend calling your name earlier."

He laughed softly.

"Well, now that doesn't seem very mysterious."

His laugh made Riya smile.

"I'm Riya."

"Nice to officially meet you, Riya."

As their hands met, a strange feeling passed through her.

Not fear.

Not nervousness.

Something warmer.

Something she couldn't explain.

For the next few minutes, they talked about simple things.

Their classes.

Favorite books.

College life.

Nothing extraordinary.

Yet somehow, every conversation felt effortless.

As if they had known each other much longer than a few minutes.

Hours seemed to pass in seconds.

For the first time in a long while, Riya forgot about everything else.

The pressure of studies.

Her worries about the future.

Even the world outside the library.

It was just the two of them talking and laughing.

Eventually, Arjun glanced at his watch.

"I should go."

Riya felt a small wave of disappointment.

"Oh."

Arjun smiled.

"We'll probably run into each other again."

Probably.

The word lingered in her mind.

Before leaving, he paused.

"See you soon, Riya."

Then he walked away.

Riya watched him disappear between the bookshelves.

A smile slowly appeared on her face.

For the first time, he wasn't just a stranger.

He wasn't just a name.

He was Arjun.

And something told her that this was only the beginning of a story neither of them expected.

To Be Continued... ❤️✨

Next Episode: The Library Meeting 📖🌙

"Sometimes fate doesn't bring two people together only once. It keeps creating reasons for them to meet."

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