Chapter 1: The Mystery of Marked Scooter (2002) The school parking lot was bathed in warm winter sunlight, offering welcomed respite from the harsh glare of the classroom lights. The air carried a faint scent of pine from nearby trees, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.We always park my reliable TVS scooter and go on a sunny lunchtime ride with my closest pal, Bhaumik.The bold declaration of I Love You etched across the scooter case that day shimmered under the sunlight, adding a touch of romance to the mundane setting. My heart hammered against my ribs.A million questions raced through ...Read More

Finally,in 2003,I stepped into the hallowed halls of Gujarat's most prestigious engineering institute.Excitement crackled in the air,and my internal pretty face scanner went into overdrive.It filtered out a sea of hopeful candidates,but Bijal stood out from the crowd. She had warmth and kindness that shone through her eyes. She has irresistible charisma, despite her lack of traditional beauty.Her own brand of brazenness and carefree enthusiasm radiated through her attitude.There were certainly more attractive faces, but none had the irresistible appeal that hers did. The way she carried herself with confidence and grace made her truly captivating. My first few years ...Read More

Chapter 3: A Spark in the Cubicle (2007) The internship was a far cry from the academic grind. The environment felt stagnant—a monotonous routine fueled by empty showmanship. But a beacon of light cut through the boredom—Urvashi. On the second day, in January 2007, a new batch of interns arrived. Among them was Urvashi, an introverted beauty with a smile that could melt away the Ahmedabad heat. I, meanwhile, was battling the chores of the internship while preparing for the GATE exam, my escape route to a more stimulating academic environment. Our working hours were grueling, from 3 p.m. ...Read More

Chapter 4: A Slow Burn in Bangalore (2008-2011) M.Tech. at my dream college was a breath of fresh air the stifling environment of my B.Tech. years. Freedom reigned; learning was valued over grades, attendance wasn't mandatory, and the library was accessible at all hours. I reveled in it all, participating in everything from theater to badminton and never missing a single class. The most fulfilling part, however, was conducting lab sessions. I took joy in helping students think about the subject, valuing their approach over rote memorization. Their positive feedback, from both students and professors, was a sweet reward. ...Read More

Chapter 5: Bus Stop Blues (2012-2013) Life had settled into a comfortable routine in Bangalore.I found a great friend 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 ...Read More