The Unseen Connection

The Unexpected Drop-off

Namiksha's Morning:

"Namiksha, get up; you're getting late for college!" Her sister called out, her voice cutting through the morning stillness.

"Didi, please go away; I just want a few more minutes of sleep," Namiksha mumbled, pulling the blanket over her head.

"This is what you get for staying out late at night and then trying to sleep in all morning," her sister teased.

"Okay, okay, I'm getting up. Just give me a minute," Namiksha finally relented.

"It's alright, dear. I'll just go talk to Dad then," her sister said with a hint of mischief.

"Ugh, fine! I'm getting up!" Namiksha groaned, sitting up in bed.

Before starting her morning routine, Namiksha grabbed her phone. "Let me call my friend first to see if she's coming to college today."

After a quick chat, her friend confirmed she'd be there, and Namiksha finally began to get ready.

Ruhan's Family:

"Ruhan, get up! Why aren't you ready for the office yet?" His father's voice boomed through the house.

"Every day you stay out late with your friends and then drag yourself to the office in the morning."

"Sorry, Dad, I'm getting ready now," Ruhan replied, rushing to his feet.

His younger brother, Dhruv, was lounging nearby, scrolling through his phone, and smirking. "If you were up, you could have woken me too," Ruhan grumbled.

Dhruv laughed, "Why would I ruin the perfect opportunity to watch you get into trouble?"

"I'll get you back for this," Ruhan warned, but Dhruv just kept laughing.

"Just get ready for the office, bro. You're running late," Dhruv said, still amused.

A little while later, their aunt walked into the room. "Ruhan, can you drop Richa off at college before heading to the office?"

"Of course, Chachi. Is she ready?"

"Yes, she's just finishing up."

Richa appeared, looking hopeful. "Bhai, can we go on the bike today?"

"Why?"

"Just look at the weather; it's so beautiful."

"But I have to go straight to the office after dropping you off, so not today. Maybe some other time."

"Ugh, why don't you ever wake up early?" Richa complained playfully.

In the end, they all piled into the car, and Ruhan drove her to college. After dropping Richa off, she immediately found her best friend, Namiksha.

At College:

"Namiksha, how's your morning?" Richa asked, falling into step beside her.

"Started with a lecture from Didi," Namiksha sighed.

"Why?"

"Nothing serious. We stayed out late last night, so I overslept. How about you?"

"Not much. My brother dropped me off in this beautiful weather, but we had to take the car," Richa said with a grin.

They both laughed, sharing the small joys of the morning before heading to their classes. After class, they decided to unwind at a nearby café. They spent hours talking, teasing each other, and reminiscing about old memories.

As the day wound down, Namiksha called Ruhan to pick her up. He arrived within minutes, meeting Namiksha for the first time.

"Richa, I think it's time we head home. Namiksha, will someone be coming to get you, or how are you getting home?" Ruhan asked, concerned.