It was around 1:00 AM when Raj reached the station on his bike to drop his friend for a late-night train. As they walked toward the platform, Raj noticed a girl standing alone near the entrance. She wore a red one-piece dress, had a small travel bag, and looked around, a bit anxious.
He didn't think much of it and went inside with his friend.
Fifteen minutes later, after the train had left and his friend waved goodbye, Raj walked back toward the station entrance.
To his surprise, the same girl was still standing there — in the exact same spot — looking even more tense now. Her eyes kept checking the road and her phone. Still no auto. Still no cab.
Raj slowed down.
She's still here… alone… this road is too silent…Should I ask if she needs help?
He hesitated, then walked toward her slowly.
"Excuse me," Raj said gently, keeping his voice soft and respectful. "Do you need any help?"
The girl looked at him with suspicion and stepped back.
"No. Go away," she said firmly.
"I understand… you don't trust me — and that's okay. I'm just a stranger to you. But I promise, I'm not here to make you feel uncomfortable. I genuinely respect girls, and I saw you standing here alone for quite some time. I just thought… maybe I could help, because it's not safe to be alone here this late — especially for a girl."
She looked away, clearly uncomfortable.
Still no response.
"I understand it's hard to trust. So here — take my number, take a photo of my Aadhaar card, even my photo and address if you want. If I do anything wrong, you can go straight to the police."
The girl blinked in surprise.
"You're serious?" she asked, watching him closely.
"Yes," Raj said quietly. "Your safety matters more than anything else right now, and I'd rather do whatever it takes to make you feel safe, instead of walking away knowing you might be in danger."
After a pause, she finally spoke.
"I'm Lavanya. I just came back from Delhi — I wanted to give my parents a surprise visit, so I didn't tell them I was coming. But when I called just now… I found out they've gone to Nagpur for some urgent work."
"From the last half an hour, I've been trying to get an auto or cab, but nothing's coming. I even tried booking a cab through the app, but it keeps saying there are no cabs available. I seriously don't know what to do now."
He glanced at the empty road behind her. Not a single vehicle. Just shadows and flickering lights. Yeah… this spot is pretty dead at night.
If you're okay with it…" Raj said gently, "I can drop you home on my bike. It's really not a problem.
She looked at him sharply again, mind racing. "Why would I trust you — and come with you on your bike?"
Raj immediately responded, "You shouldn't — not just like that. So here…"
He pulled out his Aadhaar card and held it out to her.
"Keep it with you. I'll only take it back when I drop you safely. You can take my phone number, photo — even message a friend with my details if that makes you feel safer."
Lavanya hesitated. Then slowly took the ID card from him and put it in her purse.
"I swear," she said, narrowing her eyes, "If you try anything weird, I'll kick you. I've trained in karate."
Raj chuckled. "Noted."
She looked down at her dress, unsure.
"I want to, but... a one-piece and a bike? That's not going to work."
"You can sit sideways," he said softly, turning his eyes away. "I'll drive slow — really careful, don't worry."
Lavanya nodded.
As she settled onto the bike, Raj shifted forward, creating respectful distance between them. Lavanya noticed that thoughtful, caring gesture — it put her a little more at ease.
She first tried to hold the side bar but couldn't balance well.
"You can hold my shoulder if you're comfortable," Raj said gently. "Only if you want to. Just for balance."
After a short pause, she placed her hand lightly on his shoulder.
"Where's your home?" he asked.
She told him.
Raj looked surprised. "Oh. I live just two streets away from there. What a coincidence."
She didn't reply — still unsure, still guarded. But as the ride went on, she began to relax. His driving was slow, careful. No unnecessary talk. No wrong moves.
Just calm silence and a hand resting softly on his shoulder.
Within half an hour, they reached her building.
Lavanya got down carefully, adjusting her dress. Raj quietly turned his face away, not even glancing at her. She noticed — and somewhere inside, that small thing made her feel a little more comfortable.
Thanks… for helping me," she said in a calm, genuine voice.
Raj gave a small smile. "You're welcome. Go inside. I'll wait until you reach safely."
Lavanya walked toward the building gate and turned around just once.
Raj raised a hand with a light smile.
And then… they both left.
Neither of them realized…
The Aadhaar card was still in her purse.