Advik didn't understand why his eyes kept searching for her.
It had been days since the bus ride, yet the memory of the overthinking girl refused to leave his mind. Her thoughts had been loud, chaotic… alive. Different from everyone else.
He told himself it meant nothing.
Still, when he stepped into the supermarket that evening, tired after work, his gaze moved automatically across the billing counters.
And then he froze.
It was her.
Standing behind the counter in a simple uniform, black hair tied loosely, scanning items one after another. Her face looked tired, but her eyes were focused on the screen.
Advik slowly removed his headphones from his ears and let them fall around his neck.
Immediately, the noise of thoughts rushed in.
When will this shift end… my feet hurt… why are groceries so expensive… next customer please…
Her thoughts poured out in a restless stream.
Then suddenly—
Please give exact change… I don't have six rupees to return…
Advik blinked.
A small smile escaped him before he could stop it.
A soft sound of amusement slipped out.
Tara looked up.
Their eyes met.
For one second.
Two strangers, both confused.
Why is he smiling? Is he mad? she thought instantly.
Advik almost choked.
Oh no. Stop smiling, idiot.
He quickly looked away and stepped forward as his turn came.
"Four hundred ninety-four," she said aloud.
He handed her five hundred.
Inside, she panicked again.
Please don't ask for change… please don't ask for change…
But silently, she counted the drawer and returned the correct balance without a word.
Advik stared.
Wait… she had change?
Confusion flickered through him.
He took the bill, nodded slightly, and left.
Yet something about the encounter stayed with him all the way outside.
The evening air felt heavy near the bus stop.
Crowds had already gathered.
Office workers. Students. Vendors. Endless thoughts buzzing like insects in his head.
Advik pressed his fingers against his temple.
Too loud.
Too many minds.
Too many voices.
He almost put his headphones back on
Then he saw her again.
Tara walked slowly toward the stop, exhaustion clear in every step. When she noticed her friend nearby, her whole face changed instantly.
She ran forward, smiling brightly, talking nonstop.
Words poured out of her mouth now instead of her head.
Advik frowned slightly.
So… she talks this much outside too.
After some time, another bus arrived her bus.
They both boarded.
By coincidence or fate, they ended up seated beside each other.
This time Tara became quiet again.
Introvert mode.
Her thoughts returned.
Should I ask the conductor for change? No… what if he gets angry… but that money is from my hard work… what do I do…
The conductor moved past without returning it.
Before Tara could gather courage
Advik spoke calmly,
"You forgot to give her the balance."
The conductor turned, annoyed, but returned the money.
Tara stared at the coins in her hand, shocked.
Why did he help me again…?
Advik looked out the window, pretending nothing happened.
But inside his mind, one question echoed louder than all the others.
Why does this girl feel… different?