It was another day, the sun brightly beaming high in the sky. The city of Rishikesh was bustling with puja aarti, enthusiastic travelers, and people out to earn their livelihood, engaged in their daily chores.

Meanwhile, Nitya, still in her slumber, was disturbed by the light beam of the sun. She buried her head deeper into the pillow, trying to cling to her sleep. Her alarm buzzed again, jolting her awake. She groggily lifted her head to snooze it, but upon seeing the time-7:00 am-she panicked and rushed to the washroom.

She washed her face and opened her cupboard to find something to wear. The memory of her encounter with Manav the previous day made her flush, and she spent longer than usual deciding on her outfit. After ten minutes of deliberation, she settled on something simple, deciding that Indian wear would be too much. She picked out an oversized t-shirt along with cargo jeans.
After completing her morning routine, she packed her bag, grabbed a sandwich, and slid into her sneakers. Locking the door behind her, she headed towards college.

Reaching the campus, she saw her friends talking and chatting. She ran towards them, her best friend Anu among them. They hugged each other, followed by Nitya greeting the rest of her friends with warm hugs and a cheerful "good morning."
As they discussed the day's plans, assignments, and other activities, Nitya was annoyed to learn that their practical files were due the next day. She mentally berated herself for forgetting but quickly resolved to complete it after returning home, even if it meant staying up until midnight.

As they headed to their lecture, Nitya noticed Manav approaching her, a smile playing on his lips.
"Good morning, Nitya," he greeted warmly.
"Good morning, Manav," Nitya replied, her heart skipping a beat. "How's your day going so far?"
"Busy as always, but that's just how it is," Manav said with a chuckle. "I wanted to remind you about our coffee date this afternoon. Still up for it?"
Nitya's annoyance about the practical file melted away at the thought. "Absolutely," she said. "Looking forward to it."
"Great," Manav said. "I'll meet you at The Bean Café around 3 PM?"
"Perfect," Nitya confirmed, feeling a pleasant flutter in her chest.

As Manav walked away, Nitya's friends gathered around her with curious looks. "Coffee date?" Anu asked with a teasing smile.
"Yeah, just coffee," Nitya replied, trying to play it cool but unable to hide her excitement.
"Well, you deserve a break," Anu said. "And who knows, maybe it'll be more than just coffee."
Nitya laughed and shrugged. "We'll see. Now, let's get to the lecture before we're late."
The group headed towards their class, Nitya's spirits buoyed by the prospect of the afternoon's meeting at The Bean Café.

----
Nitya walked briskly towards The Bean Café, her mind buzzing with anticipation. The café, a cozy little spot near the campus, was known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent coffee. As she approached, she saw Manav waiting outside, leaning casually against the wall with a smile on his face.
"Hey, Nitya," he greeted warmly as she arrived.
"Hi, Manav," she replied, trying to keep her excitement in check. "Shall we?"
They entered the café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping them. They found a quiet corner and settled into their seats. The waiter handed them the menus, and they each took a moment to decide.
"I think I'll go with the classic cappuccino," Nitya said.
"Good choice," Manav nodded. "I'll have the same."
As they waited for their drinks, they fell into an easy conversation. Manav talked about his experiences in his final year of residency, sharing stories of late-night shifts and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Nitya listened intently, impressed by his dedication and passion for his work.
Their coffee arrived, and they sipped their drinks, enjoying the warmth and flavor. "So, Nitya," Manav said, leaning forward slightly, "what got you interested in medicine?"
Nitya smiled, her eyes lighting up. "I've always wanted to help people. Growing up, I saw how much doctors can impact lives, and I wanted to be a part of that. Plus, the science behind it all fascinates me."
Manav nodded appreciatively. "That's a great reason. It's a tough journey, but it's definitely worth it."
They continued talking, finding common ground in their love for medicine and their experiences as students. Time seemed to fly, and before they knew it, over an hour had passed.
"By the way," Manav said, a playful glint in his eyes, "I must say, you have a great taste in coffee. And in company."
Nitya laughed, feeling a warm blush creep up her cheeks. "Oh, do I? Well, I guess I just got lucky today."
"Lucky indeed," Manav replied with a wink. "Or maybe I'm the lucky one."
Nitya shook her head, smiling. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"
"I try my best," Manav said, grinning. "But honestly, it's not hard when I'm around someone as interesting as you."
Nitya felt her heart flutter at his words. "You're not so bad yourself, Dr. Manav."
As the conversation flowed, Nitya felt increasingly comfortable with Manav. His genuine interest in her thoughts and his easy going nature put her at ease. Manav, on the other hand, found himself more captivated by Nitya's enthusiasm and warmth with each passing moment.
"Tell me," Manav said, leaning in slightly, "is there a special someone back home who might get jealous of our coffee date?"
Nitya raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. "Why? Are you worried about competition?"
Manav chuckled. "Just curious. I might need to step up my game."
"Well, you can relax," Nitya said, her eyes twinkling. "There's no one special back home."
"Good to know," Manav said, his smile widening. "Gives me a chance to make this even more special."
Eventually, Nitya glanced at her watch. "Wow, I didn't realize how late it was. I should probably get going. I still have that practical file to finish."
Manav smiled. "Of course. It was great talking to you, Nitya. We should do this again sometime."
"I'd like that," Nitya replied, standing up. "Thanks for the coffee, Manav."
"Anytime," he said, walking her to the door. "Good luck with your practical file. And by the way, you look amazing today. Just thought you should know."
Nitya felt her cheeks heat up. "Thanks, Manav. You don't look too bad yourself."
"Coming from you, that's a huge compliment," Manav said with a grin. "See you soon, Nitya."
"See you," Nitya said, waving goodbye as she headed back towards her apartment.
As she walked back, Nitya couldn't help but replay the conversation in her mind. The afternoon had been more enjoyable than she had anticipated, and she felt a growing sense of connection with Manav.
Meanwhile, Manav watched her leave, a soft smile on his face. He was already looking forward to their next meeting.

______

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