Chapter 7- Past Encounter

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Ric Atwal

She closed my eyes instantly when I saw me with a towel wrapped around my waist, It took me by surprise, leaving me feeling a bit exposed she was the same girl whom I met a few hours back. But what's she doing here? God, please don't tell me that she's on my next-door

"Do you have no shame?" Her question hit me like a sharp rebuke, making me bristle with indignation. I couldn't help but notice the irony-here she was, scrutinizing me through the glass, yet she dared to question my decency.

"Excuse me, mind your words," I replied firmly, meeting her gaze with a steely glare. How dare she pass judgment on me like this?

She seemed flustered, apologizing quickly as if realizing her lapse in tact. It struck me then that perhaps she was projecting her insecurities onto me, deflecting from her responsibilities.

"I'm sorry," she muttered again, her voice softer this time.

Before she could explain further, I cut her off, impatient to steer the conversation back on track. "Can you please tell me what brings you here?" I demanded, shifting the focus away from her criticism and back to the purpose of her visit.

She whispered a response, barely audible, which caught me off guard. It was unusual for her to be so hesitant, especially after her earlier assertiveness.

"you want water?" I asked, trying to clarify her mumbled request. Her puzzled expression made me wonder what was causing her confusion.

"I didn't hear you clearly you're saying something like wat... If I'm not wrong" I said to clear her confusion and mine too. When I said that she sighed in relief. Is something bothering her?

"Yeah... Do you have a bottle of water?" Her sheepish admission surprised me, softening my demeanor slightly.

"Wait here," I instructed, heading inside to fetch water. As I searched, I realized I had Mia's gift bottle of water I had kept untouched. It felt odd to give it away, a gesture that held sentimental value beyond mere hydration. But we've to quench the thirst of the needy I never gave it to anyone but now I've to give.

"Here, thank you," she said as I handed her the bottle, but my frustration got the better of me. Without waiting for her response, I closed the door abruptly. It wasn't just about the water; it was about preserving something meaningful Mia had given me.

As the door closed, I heard her mutter something under her breath, likely in frustration. Perhaps she didn't understand the significance of Mia's gift, but to me, it represented a connection and a memory I cherished deeply.

When sorrow holds my heart and loneliness feels suffocating, I seek solace in walks along the deserted streets of the city, especially in the night. It gives me strange comfort in my loneliness.

As I treaded along the dimly lit road, a sense of unease crept over me. It was as if someone was following my every step. I turned around abruptly, expecting to catch a glimpse of the mysterious person, but the street was empty and quiet,

Shaking off the irrational fear, I resumed my walk, but the sensation of being watched continued. Every few steps, I stole a glance over my shoulder, half-expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows. But no one was there, I took a seat on a bench with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. As I sat there, scanning the surroundings.

I saw a drunken girl approaching me. Is she the one who followed me? She started saying that I was looking like someone dear. She said she's missing them badly So I talked with her to make her feel better. I was wrong she started touching me, and she made me a fool then I understood the meaning of someone dear from her perspective.

I was about to leave but she held my wrist. I removed her hand from my wrist. But I saw she was shuddering So I removed my shrug and extended it to her but she was losing consciousness so I bent and placed my shrug on her.

It's not safe to leave a girl in such a condition at this hour so I called management and talked with them about her. When I reached my room I called management to make sure she was safe. I sighed in relief when I heard from them. Then I recalled that I met Mia in the same way.

A few years ago, on my way back to the hostel after a late-night study session, a girl suddenly ran into me, nearly knocking us both over. Her speech was slurred, and her eyes were glassy-she was very drunk and in distress. I could barely make out what she was trying to say, but I knew I couldn't leave her alone in that state.

I reached for my phone to call someone for help, but to my frustration, the screen remained dark- my battery had died. Looking around desperately, I spotted a house with its lights still on. Supporting the girl, I made my way over and knocked on the door, hoping the occupants would be willing to assist.

A friendly family answered, their concern evident as they took in the situation. They welcomed us inside without hesitation. I explained as best as I could what had happened and asked if I could stay with her to ensure she was safe. They agreed, offering us a place to rest.

The night was long and filled with moments of uncertainty. I stayed by her side, making sure she was comfortable and periodically checking on her. As dawn broke, she began to stir, slowly waking up and realizing where she was. Her initial confusion gave way to gratitude as she thanked me for helping her.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I gently asked her what had led to her desperate state the night before. She took a deep breath and began to explain. She told me about her father and the health issues she was facing. Her father, worried about her condition, had forbidden her from continuing her studies, which had driven her to despair.

Just then, her phone rang. It was her father, his voice frantic with worry. She reassured him, explaining everything that had happened and how she had ended up in the care of kind strangers. I could hear snippets of their conversation, and soon, a look of relief and joy spread across her face. Her father had finally agreed to let her continue her studies.

She squealed with happiness, tears of relief streaming down her face. She turned to me, sharing the good news and thanking me once more for staying with her. After ensuring she was alright and making sure she had a way to get home safely, we parted ways.

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