Chapter 5: Bus Stop Blues (2012-2013) Life had settled into a comfortable routine in Bangalore. I found a great friend in Dipti, a lunch buddy with a genuine sense of humor and honesty. While oblivious to her deeper feelings, I was content with our platonic connection. Then, in late December 2012, a chance encounter on the company bus changed everything. A burst of laughter, a misunderstanding about my Gujarati cooking instructions—Vibha's charismatic presence sparked an immediate connection. Over the following weeks, our daily bus commutes became a highlight. She confided in me about her divorced parents, and when she spoke to her father on the phone, she changed from being