White Tulips

Chapter-6

Neil stepped into the elevator, lost in thought as he headed out for his errand. The doors slid shut, and he pressed the button for the lobby. Just as the elevator began to move, it jolted to a stop, and the doors opened again. Neil's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight of Isha standing in the hallway, dressed in comfortable clothes and her hair tied up in a bun. She was holding a few plastic bags, evidence of a recent shopping trip.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Neil asked, taken aback by the unexpected encounter.

Isha smiled, looking equally surprised. "I just moved in! I'm living on the third floor now."

Neil's eyes widened further. "No way! I live on the fourth floor. What a coincidence!"

Isha laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I know, right? I can't believe it either."

Neil grinned, feeling a strange sense of delight at this unexpected encounter. "Well, I'm glad we finally ran into each other. Small world huh! Welcome to the building!"

Isha smiled back at him, looking relieved and happy. "Thanks! It's nice to have a friendly face around."

"Definitely makes the building feel smaller!" Neil added with a chuckle.

Isha nodded in agreement. "Exactly! I'm already feeling more at home."

"Hey, I was actually headed out for some work," Neil said, glancing at his watch. "But now that we're neighbors, we'll have to catch up soon!"

Isha smiled. "Absolutely! I'd like that."

"Great! I'll see you around, Isha. Welcome to the building again!"

Isha smiled and waved as Neil stepped out of the elevator and continued on his way, feeling a sense of pleasure at their chance encounter.

As Neil walked out of the building, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. What were the chances of running into Isha in the elevator, of all places? He thought back to their previous encounters, how they had always seemed to hit it off, but never quite managed to stay in touch.

He shook his head, chuckling to himself. Fate was indeed strange, but he was grateful for this unexpected reunion.

Meanwhile, Isha was settling into her new apartment, unpacking things and putting away dishes. She couldn't stop smiling as she thought about her encounter with Neil. What a lovely coincidence!

As she worked, her mind wandered back to their conversation in the elevator. She had always enjoyed talking to Neil, and now that they lived in the same building, she was eager to reconnect and get to know him better.

With a happy sigh, Isha put down the box she was holding and walked over to the window, gazing out at the city below. She felt a sense of contentment wash over her, knowing that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

And as she stood there, she couldn't help but wonder what other surprises fate had in store for her...

Next morning, the sun cast a warm glow over the city, its rays peeking through the skyscrapers. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of birds chirping.

Isha stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for her floor. As the doors closed, she noticed Neil standing beside her, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Good morning," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Good morning," Isha replied, returning his smile.

"Want to ride with me to the office?" Neil asked, his tone gentle and inviting.

"It's fine, I can take the bus," Isha replied.

"Come on, it's no trouble at all," Neil said, his voice soft and persuasive. "We can catch up on the way."

Isha smiled, feeling a warmth in his words. "Okay, sure."

The elevator doors opened, and Neil gestured for her to follow him. Together, they walked out of the building and into the bright morning light, heading towards the office.

They walked into the office building, Neil holding the door open for Isha. As they entered the lobby, they were greeted by the familiar sight of the security desk and the elevators beyond.

"Shall we grab a cup of coffee before heading to our desks?" Neil asked, nodding towards the coffee machine in the corner.

Isha smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her colleague. "Sure, that sounds great."

Together, they walked over to the coffee machine, chatting about their plans for the day ahead.

Neil and Isha sat sipping their coffee, chatting about their day. Suddenly, Rohan appeared, a look of excitement on his face.

"Isha, I just got the most amazing news!" he exclaimed, barely containing his enthusiasm.

Isha's eyes lit up with interest. "What is it?"

Rohan grinned. "Come see!"

Isha apologized to Neil, "Sorry, Neil!" as Rohan pulled her away.

Neil watched them go, his eyes following them as they disappeared into the bustling office. He took a sip of his coffee, his thoughts lingering on the interrupted conversation.

Neil stood at the office window, gazing out at the bustling streets below. But his eyes weren't seeing the cars and pedestrians - they were fixed on the figure of Isha and Rohan, laughing and chatting as they walked down the hall.

He couldn't help but think about the changes he'd seen in himself lately. Ever since Isha joined the team, he'd felt a strange sense of restlessness. He'd always been content with his work and his life, but now he found himself wondering if there was more to it all.

As he watched Isha and Rohan disappear into the conference room, he felt a pang of... something. Envy? Longing? He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Neil's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing on his desk. He sighed and turned away from the window, wondering what new task awaited him. But his mind lingered on the scene he'd just witnessed, and the unsettling feeling that he was stuck in a rut, watching life pass him by through a window.

And the jealousy begins.... Means the love has started arising.❤️