Destiny brought us together

A Collision of Beginnings

Regent's University hummed with its usual weekday rhythm—footsteps echoing along stone pathways, snippets of laughter drifting through the cold London air, pages flipping, phones ringing, lives colliding in quiet, forgettable ways.

Manasi Khurrana was in a hurry.

A red kurti fluttered around her knees as she walked briskly across campus, black leggings matching the urgency in her steps. Silver bangles chimed softly against each other on her wrist, competing with the muffled sound of her phone pressed to her ear. Books were clutched tightly against her chest, a black bag slipping slightly off her shoulder as she spoke in hurried half-sentences, eyes fixed ahead as if time itself were chasing her.

A few steps in front of her, two boys walked side by side, oblivious to the approaching chaos.

Raj Gupta wore a white hoodie and dark blue jeans, his bag slung lazily over one shoulder. Beside him, Aman Malhotra balanced a stack of books against his striped shirt, black jeans creased neatly. They were mid-conversation, unbothered, unhurried.

"Raj, take this—your books," Aman said, handing them over. "And thanks for the notes."

"It's okay," Raj replied easily.

"So, assignment done?"

"Yes. Finished."

"Great, dude."

The collision happened in a heartbeat.

Manasi crashed straight into Raj, the impact sudden enough to knock the breath out of both of them. Books slipped, then scattered across the ground in a soft, chaotic thud.

"I'm really sorry," Manasi blurted out, already crouching down. "I didn't see you—I was in a hurry."

"It's okay," Raj said, bending down as well.

For a brief second, the world narrowed to fallen pages and hurried hands brushing past each other. Manasi gathered her books quickly, apologised once more, and rushed off again—just as fast, just as distracted.

She didn't notice the book she left behind.

Raj straightened, holding the forgotten notebook, scanning the path ahead. She was already gone.

"Ajeeb ladki hai," Aman muttered. "Ekdum Rajdhani Express."

Raj glanced at the book in his hand. "Haan. Apni book bhi bhool gayi."

"Naam hoga uspe," Aman said, peering over.

Raj turned the cover. "Manasi Khurrana."

"Lagta hai India se hai."

Raj closed the book gently. "Chhod. Class ke liye late ho raha hai."

They walked away, unaware that the name in Raj's hand would soon belong to more than just a forgotten book.

⸻

The classroom was settling when Raj and Aman slipped into the last bench. Moments later, the teacher entered, her presence silencing the room.

"Before we begin, submit your assignments," she announced.

As notebooks were passed forward, the door creaked open.

"May I come in, ma'am?" a familiar voice asked.

Manasi stood at the doorway, slightly breathless.

"You are late," the teacher said.

"Sorry, ma'am. I was in the Principal's office."

A pause. Then, "Alright. Come in. You're a new student?"

"Yes, ma'am. I joined today. My name is Manasi... Manasi Khurrana."

Raj's gaze lifted instantly.

"Take your seat."

Manasi walked down the aisle and settled diagonally ahead of Raj and Aman.

The class resumed, but whispers followed.

"Hey," the girl beside her said softly.

"Hi."

"I'm Steffany. Call me Steffi."

"I'm Manasi."

"So, you're from India?"

"Yes."

"That's great."

Behind them, Aman leaned closer to Raj. "Wahi ladki hai na... jo tumse takraayi thi?"

Raj nodded. "Haan."

The bell rang soon after.

As students packed up, Manasi turned to Steffany. "Can you help me with the assignment?"

"Of course. Library after lunch?"

"Okay."

Aman nudged Raj. "Chal, baat karte hain."

They walked up to Manasi.

"Hey," Aman said cheerfully. "I'm Aman Malhotra. And this is Raj—Raj Gupta."

"Hi," Manasi smiled. "I'm Manasi."

"You're from India?" Aman asked.

"Yes. Tum dono bhi?"

"Main yahin ka hoon," Aman replied. "Raj India se hai."

Before the conversation could continue, Manasi's phone rang.

"I'm sorry," she said, stepping aside. "Hello?"

Her expression shifted—focused, urgent.

"I'll be there in half an hour. Text me the address."

She disconnected and turned back. "I really have to rush somewhere."

"It's okay," Aman said.

She turned to Steffany. "Can we do the assignment tomorrow?"

"Sure."

"See you tomorrow," Manasi said, already backing away.

"Wait," Raj called.

She paused.

"You forgot your book earlier," he said, handing it to her.

Her eyes widened. "Oh—thank you so much. And sorry about before."

"It's okay."

She smiled once, briefly, and left.

Raj watched her go.

⸻

That evening, Manasi stood inside a quiet apartment in Marylebone, sunlight filtering through tall windows.

"It's perfect," she said softly. "Near my university. Exactly what I needed."

"Papers will be ready tomorrow," the agent replied.

Manasi nodded, already imagining a new beginning.

⸻

The next day passed more easily.

Lectures were cancelled. The library was quiet. The canteen buzzed.

When Manasi and Steffany walked in, Aman waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Manasi! Come join us."

She did.

Assignments were discussed. Numbers exchanged. Laughter shared.

"I won't be coming tomorrow," Manasi said casually. "I'm shifting apartments."

"Oh?" Aman grinned. "Where?"

"66 Chiltern Street. Marylebone."

Aman's eyes widened. "Raj lives there."

Manasi looked at Raj, surprised. "Oh."

A small coincidence.

Or maybe, the beginning of something else.

Raj didn't say much. He didn't need to.

Some stories don't announce themselves.

They simply begin.