Anisha Sethi, a fresh graduate from college, had just landed a new job in a new city. As she packed up, preparing for the big move, she came across an old box of memories tucked away in a corner of her room. It had been years since she had seen it, but today, as she looked around one last time before leaving, the box caught her attention.

It was filled with ribbons, badges, certificates, friendship bands, and a bunch of old photographs. As Anisha went through the photos, nostalgia swept over her, and she lost herself in the memories of her school days. One photo in particular caught her eye. It was of her and a peculiar guy—a nerdy-looking classmate with glasses. It was a picture of her and Rajat Trivedi, her benchmate from school. He had always been quiet, reserved, and often bullied. But around her, he was a totally different person.

She had always been his protector, the one who stood up for him when others would tease him. Anisha used to fight off the bullies, always making sure Rajat felt safe. In return, he was the one who always helped her during last-minute exam preparations and shared his homework—no one else, just her. They spent countless hours together—playing games, sharing lunches, and having long, meaningful conversations. It was a bond that Anisha cherished deeply. But that bond was broken when Rajat’s father got transferred to another city. After that, they lost contact. Anisha tried to find him, but there was never any luck, and slowly, Rajat faded into the background of her memories.

As Anisha sat there, lost in thought, her parents called her downstairs—her flight was about to leave. She carefully placed the photo of Rajat in her handbag and closed the box. She took one last look at her room, said goodbye, and left.

Throughout her journey to the new city, Anisha couldn’t help but think of Rajat. She found herself wondering about the memories they shared, and where he might be now. But life moved on. She settled into her new job and soon fell into the routine of work, day after day. The thoughts of Rajat began to fade, buried beneath the demands of her new life.

One evening, as she headed home, Anisha boarded her regular train. Just as the door was about to close, a man rushed in at the last second, causing a brief collision. Her handbag fell, and things spilled out onto the floor. The man, clearly flustered, began apologizing and hurriedly helped her gather her things. As he picked up a photo, he paused, staring at it with a look of sudden realization.

"Anisha..." he said, his voice full of surprise.

She looked up in shock. "I’m sorry, but do we know each other?"

The man smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "It’s me—Rajat. We were benchmates back in school. You used to protect me from the bullies..."

It took her a moment to process, but then the recognition hit. "Oh my god… Rajat, it’s you! You look so different without your glasses. It’s been so long. How have you been?"

Rajat chuckled. "Yeah, I’ve been good. Same old corporate 9-5 job. And you?"

Anisha smiled. "Same here. Still getting used to the new city, but otherwise, no different. So, when did you get here?"

Rajat shrugged. "I’ve been here since we moved away from school."

Anisha’s face lit up with surprise. "And where do you live?"

"Not too far, near the old church. And you?" Rajat asked.

"Oh, that’s great! I live somewhere near there too," Anisha replied. "It’s nice to finally run into someone I know. We must be on the same train route."

"That’s awesome! We could travel together every day, what do you think?" Rajat suggested.

"Of course!" Anisha agreed. "And now that I’ve found you again, maybe you can show me around sometime."

"Deal," Rajat said, grinning. "But only if you get me coffee."

They both laughed, and so began the rekindling of a long-lost friendship. They started meeting regularly after work, chatting and catching up. The more they met, the more their old memories resurfaced, and new ones were created. They began to look forward to their daily train rides, not just as a commute, but as an opportunity to reconnect. Some days, they even waited for each other, missing a few trains just to spend more time together.

One weekend, they were walking around the local church when they noticed a wedding taking place. For a brief moment, there was a quiet silence between them, but it felt strangely sweet, as though the moment was significant in some way.

As they continued walking down a narrower street, they were suddenly approached by a group of street goons who started threatening Rajat. Rajat froze, not sure how to handle the situation, while Anisha, as always, stepped forward. With a fierce, protective energy, she drove the goons away. Once they were gone, she turned to Rajat and said with a smile, "Just like old times."

Rajat, still processing what had just happened, looked at her, a mixture of gratitude and confusion in his eyes. "Yeah, just like old times."

They continued their walk to their usual coffee place, but Rajat couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed in him. As they sat down, he gathered his courage and looked at Anisha.

"Anisha, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you," he said, his voice a little shaky.

"Go on," Anisha replied, sensing the seriousness in his tone.

"I know this might sound weird, but ever since we lost touch after school, there’s been no one in my life who’s been there for me like you have. After what happened today, I just feel so lucky and grateful that you’re back in my life," Rajat confessed.

Anisha looked at him, her heart skipping a beat. She knew where this was heading. "What do you mean by that, Rajat?" she asked, trying to keep her voice light, though she felt a little anxious.

Rajat hesitated for a moment, then continued, "I mean, what if this... what if we’re meant to be more than just friends? Think about it—us meeting again, getting to relive some of our old memories. Maybe it’s a sign… maybe it’s fate."

He stopped and took a breath before saying, "I really think I’m in love with you, Anisha. But it’s up to you. I didn’t want to shock you, but I’ve always felt this way about you. I couldn’t hide it anymore."

Anisha was taken aback, but a smile slowly spread across her face. She had been waiting for this moment. "You say I’ve always been your strength, but you’ve always made me feel strong too, Rajat. I’ve always wanted to see that in you. I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear this."

Her eyes softened as she continued, "Yes, Rajat, I feel the same way about you. It’s because of who you are—how you’ve always understood me, how you’ve always been there for me in your own way. And nothing would make me happier than having you by my side for the rest of my life."

They shared a moment of happiness, exchanging loving glances. Rajat gently pulled her into a hug, and they stayed there for a while, savoring the feeling of being together again.

Breaking the silence, Rajat pulled away slightly and asked, "Another coffee?"

Anisha smiled, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Yes, but this time, you get it for me."

And just like that, a new chapter in their long-forgotten yet newly rediscovered love story began.