chapter 19

For the first time since their friendship began, Aarti found herself pulling away. It wasn’t intentional—at least, that’s what she told herself.  She still smiled at Kabir when they crossed paths in the hallway. She still waved when she saw him on his balcony. But she no longer lingered outside in the evenings, no longer invited him over for chai, no longer let their conversations stretch into the late hours of the night.  Because if she did, she might slip. She might say something she shouldn’t.  She might let him see how much she had started to care.  And that was dangerous.  She had moved to this apartment for a fresh start, to focus on herself, not to develop feelings for her neighbor who made her laugh too easily and look forward to their silly arguments.  So she distanced herself. Just a little. Just enough.  But Kabir noticed.  ---  The First NoteOn the third day of Aarti’s self-imposed distance, she stepped onto her balcony in the morning and found a small folded note stuck between the railing.  Frowning, she picked it up.  "Aarti, are you avoiding me? If yes, blink twice when you see me. If no, send me a sign—like throwing a flower pot at me."She snorted. "Idiot."She crumpled the note but didn’t throw it away.  That evening, she didn’t step outside.  ---  The Second NoteThe next morning, another note was waiting for her.  "Day 4 of silence. I am officially concerned. Have I done something wrong? Or did you realize I’m your best friend and you’re in denial?Aarti bit her lip, fighting a smile.  She considered replying. Considered writing "I’m just busy" and leaving it on his side of the railing. But she didn’t.  ---  The Third NoteOn the fifth day, she found another note. This one was different.  "I don’t know what’s wrong, but I miss our chai talks. Whatever it is, I’m here. No jokes, no teasing. Just me."Aarti stared at the words for a long time.  She hadn’t expected this. The playful notes? Yes. But this honesty, this quiet understanding—it caught her off guard.  She sat on the balcony floor, holding the note between her fingers.  Did she miss their conversations? Yes.  Did she miss laughing with him over the smallest things? Yes.  Did she want to go back to how things were?  More than anything.  She sighed, tapping the note against her palm. Maybe she had been overthinking things. Maybe she had let her fears get in the way of something… good.  Maybe—just maybe—she needed to stop running.  ---  A SignThat evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Aarti finally stepped onto her balcony.  Kabir was already there, leaning against the railing, pretending to be busy with his phone. But when he sensed her presence, he glanced up immediately, eyebrows raising in surprise.  Aarti took a deep breath, then picked up a small potted plant from her table.  And gently placed it on the railing between them.  Kabir looked at the plant. Then at her. Then back at the plant.  A slow grin spread across his face. “Is this my sign?”  She folded her arms, tilting her head. “Depends. Did you want me to throw it at you?”  He laughed, shaking his head. “Nope. This works.”  Aarti bit back a smile as she leaned against the railing, finally allowing herself to meet his gaze.  And just like that, the silence between them was gone.. To be continue...