The Third Encounter

Exams ended, and my friends celebrated the way they always did—plans for late-night buffets, laughter, and irresponsibility. I skipped, as usual, happy to retreat into my quiet home.It was 3 a.m. when they called me. “Nilabh, pick us up.”Sighing, I borrowed my neighbor’s car—something I did often enough for them to trust me completely—and drove to collect my friends. They were wasted, just as I’d expected.On the way back, I noticed a small group of drunk men harassing someone on the side of the road. I honked loudly, enough to scatter them, and the girl turned toward me with a grateful expression.Urja.She approached the car, clearly relieved. “Twice now,” she said, shaking her head with a smile. “You’ve helped me twice, Nilabh. And we’ve met thrice.”“Are you okay?” I asked, rolling down the window.“I’m fine, thanks to you.” She looked at me carefully. “Remember, we were supposed to get coffee?”I didn’t, but I nodded anyway.“Tomorrow?” she asked.“Sure,” I mumbled.“Reply to my messages this time!” she called out, walking off toward a nearby street—likely her home.