A Chance Encounter: The Unlikely Reunion

Om was heading to the mall with Riya, Somya, and his aunt in the car.

"Om, dear, buy whatever you like for yourself. Get rid of the old things and get all new ones. If you need anything, just get it," Sharda said, smiling from the backseat.

Om just smiled and focused on driving.

"We're going shopping to decorate Om bhaiya's room," Somya said, looking at her mobile.

"Di, you'll have time for Om bhaiya once you're done with your decorations," Riya teased Somya, and everyone laughed. Soon, they reached the mall.

At the same mall, two girls were shopping on another floor and chatting. They were Anshika and Seema—Anshika, who had driven Om to attempt suicide, and her friend Seema.

"Seema, it's been ages since we met like this," Anshika said, looking at Seema with a smile.

"Yeah, we're so busy with work. I just sit at the office with Dad, waiting for Sundays. And if I get a break, there's always work from Uncle, otherwise, Bhaiya piles more work on me," Anshika replied, searching for a store.

As Seema looked around, her eyes landed on Om entering the mall with his family. Seema was shocked and said excitedly, "Hey, Anshu, look at that guy entering the mall. Doesn't he look familiar?"

Anshika squinted to see and asked, "Which guy, Seema? Is he handsome?"

Seema pointed towards Om, who was wearing a white shirt and black jeans and heading towards the elevator. "Look, the guy near the gate. Does he look familiar to you?"

Anshika saw him and thought, "Yeah, his face does seem familiar, but I can't place him."

Suddenly, Seema gasped, "Oh my God, that's the same guy from school—the one who tried to commit suicide!"

Anshika was stunned and asked, "The one who drowned himself? Is he really alive? That's the guy who made me the target of so many rumors in school. If he's alive, then… where did he go? He was just near the elevator."

Seema suddenly remembered, "Wait a minute. But he was an orphan, right? There are other people with him here, so maybe he just looks like him. And this guy seems too cool and handsome to be the same person."

Anshika agreed, "You're right. We can only find out if we meet him. Let's look for him."

As they approached the elevator, they spotted Om coming toward them. They stared at him from top to bottom, realizing he was indeed someone who resembled Om but looked much more handsome and fit. Any girl would fall for his charm.

"Wow, he's not Om, but whoever he is, he looks amazing," Seema said, mesmerized.

"Yeah, it's like a star took the form of a guy," Anshika added.

Suddenly, Om stood right in front of them. Both girls were shocked. Seema blurted out, "Aren't you Om?"

Om, with a neutral expression, replied, "Yes, I am Om. Now, if you're done, please move on."

Anshika, regaining her composure, said, "Okay, you're Om. But why scare us like that? What if something had happened?"

Seema, smiling, asked, "But how did you know what we were thinking?"

Om had already seen them and overheard their conversation as he passed by. Smiling, he answered, "Well, it's because you haven't seen me in years. But I'm not interested in your thoughts. I just wanted to tell you to stop following me. It's better if we stay strangers."

As Om was about to leave, Anshika quickly said, "Wait a minute… So you are alive? Do you even realize how depressed I was because of you? The rumors, the school gossip—all because of you. And now you're here, living your life."

Om smiled faintly, saying, "Hah, really? A person like you was depressed because of me? Go make excuses to someone else. It's better if we remain strangers. Got it?"

Anshika, irritated, said, "Hmph… All a charade! And you should apologize for the disgrace you brought to me in school—apologize by falling at my feet."

Om, smiling, replied, "So, you haven't changed. Still arrogant. And as for your apology, dream on. Yes, I did try to end my life in the sea, but someone saved me. I left to start a new life. Now I live with my uncle and aunt, and I'm here just to buy some things. So, if you don't mind, I'll be going."

Seema added, "Sorry, Om. We heard you had died, but you're alive."

Anshika, still upset, said, "Yes, and you owe me an apology for all that happened. You should make amends."

Om looked at them and said, "Let's just leave things as they are. Better for both of us to remain unaware of each other's lives."

With that, Om left, leaving Anshika and Seema stunned as they watched him go.