SIXTH FLOOR

SIXTH FLOOR - PART 1

**Chapter 1: Morning Troubles**

My name is Alina. I am currently doing my internship and soon I'll be a biologist. I live in a flat on the 26th floor with my wealthy friend Sarah. She is a CA and earns in lakhs.

One cloudy morning, I got out of bed and headed to the kitchen for some breakfast, only to realize I was out of groceries. With a sigh, I rubbed my eyes and made my way back to my room to get dressed. The room was bathed in the soft, grey light of the overcast sky, giving everything a muted, almost dreamlike quality.

I chose a comfortable pair of jeans and a light sweater, knowing the weather could turn at any moment. After tying my hair into a messy bun, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. As I walked down the hallway, the echoes of my footsteps bounced off the walls, creating a rhythmic pattern that was oddly soothing. The air smelled fresh from the rain the previous night, and I took a deep breath, feeling a slight chill as I stepped into the elevator.

The ride down to the ground floor was uneventful, filled with the soft hum of the elevator and the occasional ding as we passed each floor. When I finally stepped out into the lobby, the doorman greeted me with a warm smile and a polite nod. I returned the gesture and pushed open the glass doors, stepping out onto the bustling street.

The city was just waking up, and there was a certain buzz in the air. People hurried past, umbrellas in hand, some shielding themselves from the light drizzle that had started. I made my way to the Mart, my steps quick but unhurried, enjoying the feel of the cool morning air against my face. The streets were wet and shiny, reflecting the grey sky above, and the occasional car splashed through puddles, sending ripples across the surface.

As I walked, I couldn't help but notice the small details around me: the way the leaves on the trees seemed greener against the grey backdrop, the smell of fresh coffee wafting from a nearby café, and the soft murmur of conversations blending into the background noise of the city. There was something calming about these mundane moments, a stark contrast to the hectic pace of my internship.

Finally, I reached the Mart. The automatic doors whooshed open, and I stepped inside, greeted by the familiar, slightly chilly air of the store. Grabbing a basket, I began to navigate the aisles, picking up the essentials. Fresh fruits and vegetables, some bread, milk, and a few snacks for those late-night study sessions. The Mart was relatively quiet, with only a few other early birds like myself moving through the aisles.

As I approached the checkout, I couldn't help but think about the day ahead. Another day at the lab, another step closer to my dream. But for now, I was content with the simple act of grocery shopping, finding a small sense of peace in the routine.