Scene: A bustling street in Mumbai

Aarav is engrossed in the music as he strolls down the congested street while wearing headphones. Wearing trousers and a casual white shirt, he appears just like the endearing 27-year-old software developer that he is. On the other side of the street, Riya exits a bookshop while holding a stack of books.

She’s a 25-year-old freelance writer, her hair tied in a loose braid, dressed in a simple yet elegant blue kurta.

Riya: muttering to herself Oh no... why did I buy so many books? This bag is going to tear...

A motorcycle races by, splattering dirty water from a nearby puddle as she struggles with her backpack. Aarav crosses the street to assist her after noticing that she is having difficulty.

Aarav: Excuse me, are you okay?

Riya: startled but relieved Oh, um... yeah. Just these books... and now this mud. Great day, huh?

Aarav: laughing You seem to have had better ones. Let me assist you with them here.
Aarav removes the books from her hands without waiting for her response.

Riya Thank you. It truly wasn't necessary for you to...

Aarav: smiling And let a woman to struggle? It's not my style.

They walk together, Riya guiding him to her nearby apartment building.

Riya: I’m Riya, by the way. I write... or at least try to.

Aarav: Nice to meet you, Riya. I’m Aarav. I write too... but it’s mostly code.

Riya: smiling Still counts.

Scene: Outside Riya’s apartment

On the stairs to her building, Aarav places the books.

Aarav: There you go. Safe and sound.

Riya: Thanks again, Aarav. Let me know if you ever need book recommendations as a reward.

Aarav: I might take you up on it, he said with a lighthearted grin. Take my number here. Naturally, for emergencies.

Riya: laughing Of course. Emergencies.

As he leaves, Aarav waves and they exchange numbers. With a faint smile on her lips, Riya observes him for a while.

Scene: A week later – A quaint café

Riya is sitting at a corner table, sipping chai and working on her laptop. Aarav enters the café, looking for a seat. Spotting her, he walks over.

Aarav: Fancy meeting you here.

Riya: looking up, surprised Aarav! Hi. Do you haunt all the cafés in Mumbai, or just this one?

Aarav: Only the ones with good chai. Mind if I join?

Riya: gesturing to the chair Sure. It’s a free country.

Aarav sits down, ordering a chai for himself. They start talking, their conversation flowing effortlessly.

Aarav: So, what are you writing?

Riya: A short story. It’s about chance encounters and how they can change your life.

Aarav: Sounds intriguing. Is it inspired by real life?

Riya: with a teasing smile Maybe. You’ll have to read it to find out.

Aarav: Deal. But only if I get a signed copy.

Riya: laughing Done.

Scene: Later that evening – Aarav’s apartment

Aarav is using his phone to browse while seated on his balcony. He starts sending Riya texts.

Aarav (texting): Had fun at the café. Let’s do it again sometime.

Riya (replying): Me too. Let’s. Goodnight, Aarav.

Aarav: Goodnight, Riya.

Scene: A few weeks later – Marine Drive

Aarav and Riya are sitting on the promenade, the sea breeze ruffling their hair. The city lights twinkle in the distance.

Riya: Do you ever feel like the city has its own heartbeat?

Aarav: nodding Yeah. And sometimes, if you’re quiet enough, you can feel it sync with yours.

Riya: smiling softly That’s poetic. Didn’t know software engineers had it in them.

Aarav: grinning We’re full of surprises.

As they both gaze at the waves, there is a relaxed silence.

Aarav: Riya, can I ask you something?

Riya: Sure.

Aarav: Do you think fate exists?

Riya: thinking for a moment I think... I believe in moments. And the choices we make in those moments.

Aarav: looking at her intently Like the moment we met?

Riya: meeting his gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly Maybe.

The Writer: Thus, a germ of something more profound was sown in Aarav and Riya's hearts. What comes next? Will anything deeper emerge from their moments together? Await Part 2!