The Power of Random Encounters: A Love Story That’s Not What You Think
- Zahra Khan
- May 2
- 3 min read
The year was 2021. I was in my final year of college, living off-campus with three other girls in a place that felt more like a collection of rooms than a home. There was this weird vibe in the apartment, where everyone stayed in their own corner of the world. It was quiet. Too quiet. Little did I know, that’s where my story with someone truly special would begin.
It was my cousin’s second day visiting me in Atlanta. She was from New York and had just arrived to spend some time with me. There was this new girl who had just moved into the apartment next door. My cousin as outgoing as she is, struck up a conversation with this new girl. She came back to my room, asking if I had ever spoken to this girl. I said no, we hadn’t really interacted. My cousin, always the social butterfly, thought it was a good idea to invite her to hang out with us that night since she was new to town and didn’t know anyone. At first, I felt weird. To me, she was a stranger. But hey, it was a night out, so why not?
Fast forward to us all in the car, vibing to AP Dhillon. And that’s when the magic happened. We all started talking, sharing meals, and getting to know each other. We shared stories of dating mishaps, laughed at the ridiculousness of it all, and realized we were just a bunch of girls figuring life out in our own ways. We connected.
A couple of days later, my cousin left, and that’s when my friendship with this girl really began.
She started knocking on my door randomly, asking if I wanted to grab lunch. And how could I say no to that? We discovered we shared so many interests—food, watching Friends, and just enjoying the little moments in life. Almost every day, we’d order lunch, settle in, and binge-watch Friends while talking about everything under the sun. It was the kind of easy, comforting friendship I never expected to find, but there it was.
One day, while we were chatting, I had this realization. She was such a gem, but she didn’t know it. It was like I had discovered her hidden talent and was the only one who could see it. She was this beautiful, smart, and kind soul who deserved to know just how amazing she was. I took her on hot girl walks, got her nails done, and, little by little, I convinced her to put herself out there and go on dates. For the first time in a while, I felt like I had a close female friend living with me. We were laughing, growing, and experiencing life together in a way I hadn’t before.
Then one day, she made the decision to move to California for work. And, I’m not going to lie, I was sad. Really sad. The thought of returning to my lonely, single life felt overwhelming. But you know what they say: long-distance relationships can work.
I would find any excuse to visit her in California. Random trips, spontaneous weekends—anything to spend time with my best friend. She was the grounding force to my restless energy. If I was the fire, she was the earth. If I was the driver, she was the navigator. I even taught her how to drive, gave her endless advice, and we made memories that are forever etched in my heart.
But the biggest gift she gave me? Holding me accountable. She never let me settle for less, never allowed me to reduce my standards. She was there, pushing me to be the best version of myself, even from miles away.
Last New Year’s, we ate grapes together under the table, making wishes for the future. I silently hoped for her to find love, even though a part of me didn’t want anyone else to steal her attention away from me (yes, I’m that protective). But that’s what best friends do—they want the best for you, even if it means letting go of a little piece of you.
Her name is Rohitha. My beautiful, gorgeous, smart friend.
Happy Birthday, sis. I will always be grateful to my cousin for introducing us because I truly believe she was my Cupid. I’m beyond proud of everything you’ve accomplished and excited for all the amazing things yet to come. Keep shining, always 💖
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