Riya was a quiet girl who preferred silence over noise. While most students in her college loved hanging out in cafes and taking selfies, Riya loved spending time in the library. Books were her best friends, and she never felt lonely when she was surrounded by them.
Her classmates often thought she was shy or strange, but Riya didn't mind. She believed that not everyone needed a large group of friends to be happy.
One cloudy afternoon, the weather suddenly changed. Dark clouds covered the sky and a heavy rain started falling. Most students rushed to leave the college before the rain became stronger.
Riya packed her books carefully inside her bag and started walking toward the college gate.
The road outside the college was wet and slippery. Rainwater flowed along the edges of the street, and the sound of raindrops hitting the ground filled the air.
Riya tried to walk carefully, but suddenly her foot slipped.
For a moment she lost her balance.
Before she could fall, someone quickly grabbed her arm.
Riya looked up in surprise.
Standing in front of her was a tall boy with dark hair and calm eyes.
It was Aryan — the new student everyone in college had been talking about since morning.
Aryan had joined the college only two days ago, but he had already become popular. Many students admired his confidence and friendly personality.
But Riya had never spoken to him before.
"Are you okay?" Aryan asked.
His voice was calm and warm.
Riya quickly stood up straight and adjusted her bag.
"Yes… thank you," she said softly.
Aryan smiled slightly.
"You should walk carefully. The road is very slippery."
Riya nodded.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
Rain continued falling around them.
Finally Aryan said, "You study in the same class as me, right?"
Riya looked a little surprised.
"Yes."
"I've seen you in class," Aryan said.
Riya didn't know what to say.
Most people in class never even noticed her.
But Aryan had.
A strange silence appeared between them.
Then Aryan suddenly laughed softly.
"Well… I guess today we officially met."
Riya couldn't help but smile a little.
Maybe Aryan wasn't as intimidating as people said.
After a few moments, Aryan waved goodbye and walked toward the bus stop.
Riya watched him leave.
For some reason, she felt that something unusual had just happened.
Something small.
But important.
She didn't know it yet, but that rainy afternoon was the beginning of a story that would change both of their lives.