Hasan reached his floor and noticed cardboard boxes, people walking in and out of the apartment opposite his. It was glad tiding that someone has shifted here, otherwise, it was abandoned ever since he had come to stay in this building. And that has been almost six years. Just like his flat, this one was one BHK but spacious and with no balcony. Hasan was tempted to peep in to see who was shifting but resisted. He mentally decided to do something special to welcome his new neighbor.

He placed his bag on the divan and sat down. He removed his shoes and socks and placed them at the feet of the divan. After that, he washed his face, prayed, and changed into half sleeve grey tracksuit. As he stepped out of his apartment, the apartment next to his was still being set, but the owner was nowhere to be seen.

Hasan found himself obsessed with keeping fit. He would remember how Sanam was particular about being fit and would urge him not to be lazy. Laziness is the root of every evil- She would say. With beautiful memories, Hasan jogged out of the locality. After one hour, he brisked walked back. On the way, he stopped by his favorite tea stall. Staying in Mumbai for so long, he was now addicted to the refreshing and delicious cutting chai. He sat down on a small wooden bench and relaxed. Slowly, his heart rate returned to normal. Hasan tried not to eavesdrop on the conversations of the other customers around him.

It wasn't as posh as Singhaniya Villa but staying in Seattle Anaisha was now used to humble living. When she had seen this apartment, she had instantly loved it. Abhinav tried to coax her out of it as it wasn't a luxurious locality. But it had a gym, a pool, and a garden area; the apartments were more than decent, and it was enough for her. Also, the rent was affordable.

After the heavy shifting, that Anaisha insisted should happen by today. It took a whole day, and she got the apartment by nine. Since Abhinav was a reputed and well-known real estate owner, so, the paperwork will be happening in background and Anaisha could shift. It was a perk of being the sister of one of India's most successful businessmen.

Settling in was tough, but Anaisha didn't feel lonely or homesick as she was now used to a nuclear lifestyle. After all her belonging was settled, she had called online beauty service.

The beautician pampered her with a manicure, pedicure. Also, she had her hair trimmed, straightened, and colored with a beautiful wine-red burgundy shade hair color; it blended perfectly with her black hair and matched her brown skin tone.

After the beautician left, Anaisha showered and wore a tiny polka-dotted padded push-up bra and panty set over which she put on a pink satin night robe loosely and left it untied.

It was only her after all. Anaisha made cold and creamy vanilla flavored coffee and glided from the open kitchen into the living room. She flopped over the grey couch and placed her legs one over the other. It wasn't much but it was peaceful and heavenly for her. She closed her eyes and took a sharp sip from the straw. The cold beverage gave her a brain freeze. She looked at the transparent tall glass and giggled.

Anaisha had just finished her delicious drink and uninterestedly browsed through the online food app. She was hungry but also bored as she wasn't finding anything worth eating. Just then, a ring of doorbell got her attention.

Who could this be? No one knows me here - She thought, standing up and tied her nightrobe. She tied her hair with a claw clip and peeped through the peephole. Her eyebrow raised at the person on the other side. She unlocked the door and flung it open. The person on the other side almost dropped the casserole from his hand.

"You?" He looked wide-eyed.

"Um, Professor Rauf?"

Hasan nodded dumbly, fumbling with the casserole and a Dabba in his hand. Anaisha eyed him suspiciously. He gulped, hesitating to speak.

"I didn't know you shifted here. I thought—anyway, I just wanted to be a good neighbor and welcome my new neighbor. This—I have prepared this Veg Biryani and this Meetha Tukda for you—I mean my neighbor."

Anaisha was stunned by his gesture. She was inwardly thankful as well. Thanks to him, her dinner was sorted.

She took the casserole and Dabba, - "Thanks, Professor."- She bit her lip, - "Would you mind joining me for dinner?"

Hasan shook his head and politely declined. He was about to leave when she interrupted him, - "Um, Professor. How is Sanam? For five years, I lost touch with her. It was mostly phone calls anyway." She shrugged.

Hasan smiled sadly, - "She is fine. She is in Chandi chowk with my family and works in all girl's school." He chose his words cautiously.

Anaisha smirked, - "Oh, I get it—Nerd."

It was then realization dawned upon Hasan and he gave her a surprised look. She recollected their last meeting and everything else. But she didn't want to be bitter because, despite her, he was being sweet to her. Maybe, she has grown out of the nineteen-year-old impulsive Anaisha Singhaniya.

They didn't exchange any conversation after that but silently looked at each other, recollecting the past. A moment later, Anaisha thanked him again and then shut the door. Hasan let out a breath and turned away. This was embarrassing. But he was glad he found Anaisha was his new neighbor and so he could avoid her as much as he can. Or they could just talk and sort their past. After all, they have now grown-up adults in their late twenties.

Love Thy Neighbour ;)

How was the Chapter, my lovelies? Drop your thoughts in the comments and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*