ROOP

I am getting late for university as I woke up at 8:00 AM. No, I am not a sleepy person, but in yesterday's dream, I saw my dream person (who doesn't exist in the real world) and... I'm not going to tell you. ME AND MY FICTIONAL CHARACTERS.... Aarrgghh... I am going to be late!

I wore a beautiful chudidar, took my purse, and started running. I got off the stairs and ran towards the dining table, where everyone was staring at me.

"Itni jaldi kaise uth gayi beta, aur thodi der so jati" (How fid you wake up so early, child? You could have slept a bit more) My grandmother taunted me.

I ignored her and sat down on my seat, pulling out a sandwich from the plate and starting to eat it.

"Kaam ke Liye late ho kar bhi muft ka KHANA khana he maharani ko. Aise Nahin ki aaj kuch khaye Bina hin chale jaye" (Even if you're late for work, you still eat your food for free, Your highness. It's not like you can leave without eating something today) My grandmother taunted me again.

I put the sandwich back on the plate, grabbed my purse, and walked out of the house, leaving my grandmother's toxic words behind. It was just another day, another dose of her venom. I was used to it.

As I started my scooty and began to drive, I felt a sense of freedom. But it was short-lived.

Out of nowhere, a car crashed into my scooty, sending me tumbling to the ground.

"God, why does this always happen to me?!" I exclaimed, frustration and anger boiling over. "Especially when I'm already running late!"

I slowly got up, assessing the damage. My scooty was scratched, but I was more concerned about being late for university. This was not my day.

I dusted myself off.

ANIRUDH

I rushed out of my car, my heart racing with concern, and ran towards the scooty. That's when I saw her - the scooty girl. She was........ BEAUTIFUL.

Her big black almond eyes filled with annoyance, her nose was perfectly proportioned, and her natural pink lips were pursed in frustration.

"Andhe ho kya?" (Are you blind?)

She asked, her voice sweet and obsessive. I gave her no response.

"Aur behra bhi?" (And deaf too?)

She asked again, tapping on my shoulder, breaking my silence. She stood right in front of me, her eyes blazing.

I snapped back to reality. Feeling like a fool.

I looked down at her taking in her appearance. Her hair was messy, her clothes were rumpled. But she still managed to look stunning.

"Andhe ho Kya?" (Are you blind?"

She asked once more, her tone firm.

"Kabhi dekha hai andhe logo ko car chalate hue?" (Have you ever seen a blind person driving a car?)

I retorted, trying to deflect her anger.

"Haan to dekh ke chalao na, Meri Scooty ki Kya halat hui he dekho Jara." (Then drive carefully. See what's happened to my Scooty) She shot back.

I took out my purse, pulled out some money, and handed it to her. "Here, take this."

I started to walk away, eager to escape the confrontation. I had no time for this.

But she wasn't done yet...

"O hello!" I heard the same voice behind me and turned around to see her walking towards me, a determined look on her face.

She reached out, took my hand, and put the money I had given her back into it. Her touch sent a spark through me, but I was too stunned to react.

"Ye muft ke paise baantne ke badle me agar sorry bolna sikh loge to acha hoga" (If you learn to say sorry instead of throwing free money around, it would be good) she said, her eyes flashing with intensity.

I was taken aback by her words, unsure how to respond.

She turned away, picked up her scooty, and started walking in the opposite direction, leaving me standing there.

Why did I feel like I had just been schooled by this feisty, mysterious girl?

I stood there, frozen, as she walked away with her scooty. Her words echoed in my mind: "Ye muft ke paise baantne ke badle me agar sorry bolna sikh loge to acha hoga" - "If you learn to say sorry instead of throwing free money around, it would be good."

I felt a mix of emotions: shock, anger, and a hint of admiration. Who was this girl? She was feisty, confident, and unafraid to speak her mind.

My phone rang, breaking the spell. I answered, still trying to process the encounter.

"Hello?"

"Hello, sir. Where are you? Mr. Singh is here for the meeting and asking for you."

I glanced at my watch, realizing I was running late.

"I'm on my way. Tell him I'll be there in 10 minutes."

I hung up and took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of the scooty girl. I had a meeting to attend, and I couldn't let her distract me. But as I turned to walk towards my car, I couldn't help but wonder what had just happened. And who was that girl?