“Where is my handset?” Rohan exclaimed in exasperation, his fingers fumbling desperately through the pockets of his trousers. A wave of panic washed over him as he scrambled to recall his morning routine, only to quickly confront the disheartening truth: in the rush of getting ready, he had left behind his prized possession—the sleek Pixel 10 Pro—sitting neglected on his bedside table at home.
Earlier that very morning, as the sun began to filter through his window, Rohan had dressed in his favourite pair of off-white trousers, believing their colour would provide a fresh and stylish look for his day of exploration. He vividly remembered tucking his smartphone into his pocket, excited to document the day’s adventures with friends and family. However, after a moment of contemplation about the unpredictability of Agra’s bustling city life—especially with its notorious dirt and vibrant, chaotic energy—he had changed his mind. Driven by practicality, he opted for a darker pair of trousers, convinced that lighter shades would soon take on the hues of the city’s dust. It wasn’t until he was standing in front of the breathtaking Taj Mahal that he realized the true misfortune of his choice: he had left his phone at home.
For Rohan, Sundays were more than just ordinary days of the week; they were sacred opportunities for adventure and discovery. At twenty-eight, he had recently embarked on a new chapter in life, having moved to Delhi just a couple of months prior from Ahmedabad, that had been his city from the time he was born.
In this new city, each weekend felt like a thrilling invitation to explore the vast and mesmerizing surroundings; today was no exception. With a sense of eager anticipation, he had decided to venture to Agra, where he planned to visit two of India’s most iconic landmarks: the utterly magnificent Taj Mahal and the formidable Agra Fort.
“Make sure to take photos and share them with us!” His family back in Ahmedabad had excitedly urged him during their last video chat. “Wow, you’re so lucky! I’ve heard that the Taj Mahal is simply stunning—an exquisite marvel of art and architecture! Don’t forget to send plenty of pictures!” His younger sister’s enthusiasm echoed in his mind, heightening the pang of disappointment he felt. Here he stood, mere feet away from one of the most photographed wonders of the world, acutely aware that he was completely unprepared to capture any of its beauty.
As he gazed at the magnificent structure ahead, the beauty of Agra sprawled out before him like an artist’s canvas. The expansive blue sky was punctuated by wisps of clouds, and the warm orange glow of the January sun added a golden touch to the day, enhancing the sense of magic in the air. It was one of those rare days when everything seemed to fall perfectly into place—except for Rohan’s tragic lapse of memory.
He couldn’t help but observe how the throngs of visitors around him were immersed in their own moments, their faces lighting up with joy as they snapped photo after photo with their devices. It struck him how many of them appeared to be seasoned tourists, yet their expressions hinted at the wonder of experiencing these sights for the first time.
“Stupid,” he muttered under his breath, berating himself for his carelessness. Just as frustration threatened to overtake him entirely, a sweet voice broke through the haze of his thoughts. “
“Excuse me, are you alright? You seem a bit upset.” Rohan turned to see a young woman standing nearby, her strikingly large, expressive eyes radiating warmth, paired with a genuine smile that instantly made him feel more at ease. Her brow was slightly furrowed in concern, showing her kindness.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Rohan exclaimed, momentarily caught off guard by her unexpected kindness. “I didn’t mean to come off as rude. I was just lamenting my own clumsiness for forgetting my phone. It’s frustrating to know I can’t share this incredible moment with my family back home.”
The young woman’s smile grew even wider, revealing a dazzling set of pearly white teeth. “I totally understand! It can be disheartening not to have the chance to capture those beautiful memories. But don’t let that ruin your day! I’m Seema, by the way. A final year student at JNU and I’m here in Agra for a two-day trip. How about this: I’m taking pictures too, and I’d be happy to create an album and share it with you later! Just give me your contact number, and I’ll send you the link!” She paused for a moment, then hurriedly added, “I mean, if that is ok with you.”
In that moment, what had begun as a tale of disappointment transformed into the promise of an unexpected and delightful connection. Just like that, Rohan found himself not only relieved but also intrigued by this newfound encounter, realizing that sometimes, misadventures can lead to charming surprises that enrich our experiences in ways we never anticipated.
The phone connection soon led to a divine relationship!