Just as I’m about to reach my apartment and devote the rest of the evening to watching endless episodes of Modern Family until I fall asleep, I receive a message from Richa, an old friend of mine from my university days. She’s based in Houston, Texas now and hasn’t messaged me in a long, long time. What could she possibly have to say at this odd hour?

I open her message and see that she’s driving across the US in her SUV and is staying the night in Chicago. ‘Can we meet in about twenty minutes at a diner downtown?’ she’s asked. It’s really cold today and it’s also been snowing since morning. The older version of me would’ve politely denied the invitation and headed up to my apartment to watch TV. But I don’t know what’s possessed me these days. I’m so full of life. Our brains are generally so wired to follow a pattern that it takes a new person or a new experience to break that pattern. You know how we get so used to turning on the geyser before taking a shower in the winters that sometimes, even after winter’s gone, we still reach for the switch? That’s our brain following a pattern. In my case, it’s Neer’s presence that has forced me out of my patterns. So, I agree to meet Richa and set the location she’s sent on my navigation app.

A little later, I walk into a bustling bar and quickly scan the room, searching for Richa’s familiar face. And there she is, sitting at a table near the back, her infectious smile lighting up the dim interiors. I make my way over to her, a rush of mixed feelings surging inside me.

‘Richa! It’s been way too long!’ I greet her with a warm hug.

‘It has, hasn’t it?’ She laughs as she hugs me back.

And in that very moment, I’m reminded of her effervescence and energy from our college days. ‘I know, right? But better late than never!’

We settle into our seats and order a glass of wine each. ‘You’re on a road trip across the US? Solo, right?’ I ask, unable to contain my excitement.

‘Yes, it’s been incredible,’ she replies. Her eyes sparkle as she continues, ‘I’ve seen so many amazing places and met so many fascinating people. Not to forget, I’ve caught up with many old friends.’

I can’t help but feel a little envious of her adventurous spirit. While I’ve been stuck in the same city, working the same job day in and day out, she’s been out there, living life to the fullest.

‘I want to hear all about what you’ve been up to,’ she says, forcing me to snap out of my reverie.