That evening, as Astha unlocked her door after a long day at work, she noticed movement in the flat next to hers. The once-empty space had a new tenant.
She paused at her doorstep, frowning slightly as she watched the man carrying a box into the apartment. There was something oddly familiar about his posture, the way he moved.
Then he turned, and her suspicion was confirmed.
Arin Verma.
Her new editor. And now, her new neighbor.
Astha stared at him for a beat longer than necessary. He met her gaze, his expression unreadable, before offering a polite nod. “Ms. Mehra.”
She inhaled, forcing a neutral expression. “Mr. Verma. Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Likewise,” he said smoothly. “Though it appears we’ll be seeing more of each other.”
Astha wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or an inconvenience. But she had no energy for small talk. “Welcome to the building,” she said, turning toward her door. “Hope you like it here.”
Arin watched her as she disappeared inside. He had known she lived here, of course. It was part of his careful planning. But now, seeing her in this unguarded moment, he realized something.
The more he observed her, the more he wanted to understand her.
And for a man who had spent his life outside the grasp of emotions, that realization was unsettling.
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