15

The morning light filtered through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow over the space as Aryan stood by the counter, sipping his coffee. The air was filled with the sounds of clinking plates and utensils, the morning routine of university life. Aakash and Rohan were at the table, their usual banter filling the space.

"So, you've decided to move into a studio, huh?" Aakash asked, glancing over at Aryan, who had just finished his breakfast and was now putting his things together.

Aryan nodded, finishing his coffee. "Yeah, my dad insisted. He wants me to have more space because we keep having business meetings, and there's always family coming over. It's better if I have my own space for now."

Rohan raised an eyebrow. "So, you're leaving us for a studio? Man, I'm gonna miss you being around."

Aakash chimed in, smiling playfully. "Yeah, no more late-night chats or random hangouts. It's gonna be weird."

Aryan chuckled, looking at both of them.

"I'll still be around. Just one floor up, okay? I'm sure you guys will still crash at my place. And plus, I'm gonna need help setting everything up."

Rohan grinned. "Wait, which flat is it?"

Aryan thought for a moment before answering.

"Flat 1103."

Aakash nodded approvingly. "Great, so we know where to gatecrash now!"

Everyone laughed, the lighthearted moment breaking the tension in the air. Aryan appreciated how easy it was with these guys—his friends had always been there for him, no matter what.

"Thanks, guys. I'll definitely need your help with the move."

"Let's go then!"

As they wrapped up breakfast, the three of them grabbed a few of Aryan's boxes and headed out of the flat. The boys went down to the 11th floor, the weight of Aryan's belongings making the task a bit more cumbersome but still manageable with the three of them.

As they reached the last box, the studio door opposite his opened to reveal Tara standing there, just about to step off. She froze when she saw them, a bit surprised.

"Oh, Tara, hey!" Rohan called out casually, not sensing any tension in the air.

Tara looked at them, clearly a bit confused. "What are you all doing here?"

Aakash shrugged with a grin. "Helping Aryan move into his new studio."

Tara raised an eyebrow, looking between them and the apartment door ahead. She glanced up and saw the door of the studio open slightly, just enough for Aryan to step out. The moment their eyes met, Aryan paused, a small moment of confusion passing over his face. He hadn't expected to see Tara here.

"Here he is," Rohan said, motioning to Aryan.

Tara stood there, her expression unreadable as she processed the situation. Her gaze shifted back to Aryan, who now leaned casually against the doorframe of his new studio.

Rohan, seemingly oblivious to the growing tension, turned to Aryan. "Tara lives right in front of you, dude. That's pretty sweet."

Aryan's mind raced at the realization. Tara, his Tara, lived right across the hall from him? That moment, that small piece of information, felt like fate aligning itself in a way he hadn't expected. It was like the universe had given him a chance, right here and now.

Without missing a beat, Aryan flashed a smile and leaned back against the doorframe. "Hello, neighbor."

Tara's lips curved slightly, just enough to give a small smile, acknowledging the moment. It wasn't much, but for Aryan, it was everything. A small crack in the wall she had built between them. And even though the smile wasn't wide, it wasn't distant either.

As the elevator doors opened, she didn't say much, just giving a brief nod before she continued on her way, entering the elevator, Aryan stood there for a moment, still processing the fact that she was now his neighbor.

~•~

The evening was quiet in the new studio, with only the soft hum of the city in the background as Aryan moved around the apartment, trying to get things in order. He wasn't entirely used to the space yet, and the walls felt slightly emptier than he anticipated. His mind, however, wasn't focused on the furniture or décor—it was filled with thoughts of Tara. His phone rang, snapping him back to the present.

He answered it, his father's voice filling the air.

"Beta, how's the new studio? Everything set up okay?" his dad asked warmly.

Aryan smiled faintly, looking around the room as he set his phone to speaker. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just getting things in place. I'll show you around if you want."

Before Aryan could give the full tour, the elevator doors opened, and Tara stepped out, a bag slung over her shoulder. She froze when she saw him, caught off guard by his presence as he stood by the door with the phone pressed to his ear. Their eyes met, and the world seemed to pause for a moment.

Aryan, caught in a deep gaze with her, took a breath but quickly returned to his call, trying to play it cool. Tara, however, seemed to make up her mind in that split second, her face growing unreadable. She glanced briefly at Aryan and then made a beeline for her studio, the sound of her footsteps echoing softly as she hurriedly entered and closed the door.

Aryan sighed and turned back to his phone, trying to mask the small pang of disappointment. "Dad, sorry about that. I'll show you around now," he said.

His dad's voice came through, sounding more curious now. "What happened, Aryan? You seemed distracted there."

Aryan nodded, but his mind was still on Tara. "She lives right opposite me, Dad."

There was a moment of silence before his dad responded with a chuckle. "Isn't that good news? You'll have more time to spend with each other."

Aryan's jaw tightened slightly. "Not when she hates me."

His dad was quiet for a beat. "You'll figure it out, Aryan. Just take your time. But for now, show me the studio, okay?"

Aryan nodded, glancing around the space. As he moved through the studio, he gave his dad a virtual tour, explaining the layout, pointing out the details, and showing him the view from the window. The conversation flowed easily, but Aryan's thoughts kept drifting back to Tara.

He was wrapping up the tour when he stepped into the main corridor to show his dad the view from there. As he spoke, his mom's voice echoed from the other end of the phone.

"Beta, did you do the housewarming yet? Put up the little Hanuman Ji and Ganesh Ji picture we sent?" she asked in a gentle tone.

Aryan, slightly distracted, responded dryly. "No. Not yet."

His dad, sensing the tension in the conversation, between mother and son, stepped in. "It's important, Aryan. You should put it up. We sent the Ganesh Ji and Hanuman Ji picture, just put it above the door."

Aryan didn't respond immediately, still focusing on the view outside. But then, his eyes landed on the Hanuman Ji picture above Tara's door—he hadn't noticed it before, but there it was, placed right where his mother had suggested.

He raised the camera to show his parents the spot. "Like this?"

Both his parents responded affirmatively. "Yes, that's perfect."

Aryan was about to continue when his mom's voice softened, almost hesitant. "Is that Tara?" she asked.

Aryan paused for a moment, unsure of how to respond. "Hmm," was all he said in reply.

His mom's voice was filled with concern. "Beta, I... I just want to make sure you're—"

But Aryan, quickly cut her off. "I need to go now. I'll put the picture up and show you later."

After cutting the call, Aryan stood there in silence for a moment, contemplating everything his parents had said. He felt a weight in his chest—like there was still so much left unsaid between him and Tara.

He sighed and turned his attention to the Hanuman Ji picture and its counterpart, the Ganesh Ji picture. He stood there, unsure of where to place them, the space above the door feeling too small for his indecision.

Just as he was about to climb up the ladder, trying to figure out the best placement, Tara's door opened again. She stepped out into the hallway, glancing at him briefly before pausing. Her eyes met his, and he saw the hesitation in her stance.

Tara stood still, watching as Aryan struggled to center the pictures. It wasn't that she wanted to help him, but something about him—looking so frustrated, unsure—made her sigh inwardly. Without thinking, she walked over, took the pictures from his hands, and climbed the ladder with ease.

Her movements were deliberate as she placed the image of Ganesh Ji picture on the left and Hanuman Ji on the right, both perfectly aligned in the center.

Aryan stood below, watching her, momentarily caught in the proximity. As she descended from the ladder, she almost stumbled, losing her footing. Without thinking, Aryan reached out and caught her by the waist, steadying her. "Careful, Star."

For a split second, everything seemed to stand still—Tara's breath, his heartbeat, the tension hanging in the air. He felt her warmth, the closeness they hadn't shared in so long. His hand lingered on her waist a second longer than necessary, and their eyes met again—this time with a flicker of something unspoken between them.

But just as quickly as it happened, she pulled away, steadying herself before jumping off the ladder. Tara immediately turned and made her way toward the elevator, avoiding his gaze.

Aryan watched her go, a small, confident smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He whispered softly to himself, his eyes never leaving her retreating figure.

"I'll get you back, Taru."

And with that, he stood there for a moment, finally understanding what he needed to do.

💜