White Tulips

Chapter-10

Neil's pov-

I walked into the office, still feeling a bit frustrated after lunch with Isha and Rohan. We had headed to the office together, with Rohan dominating the conversation as usual. Isha seemed to be enjoying his company, laughing at his jokes and engaging in a lively discussion.

As we settled at our desks, I couldn't help but feel like an outsider. Why did Isha seem to connect so easily with Rohan, but struggle to find common ground with me?

I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept wandering back to our lunch conversation. I felt like I was stuck in a rut, unable to express my true feelings to Isha with Rohan always around.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a text from Isha. "Hey, Neil, can we talk for a minute?" My heart skipped a beat as I wondered what she wanted to discuss.

As the day drew to a close, I packed up my things and headed out of the office, hoping to catch Isha and maybe even offer her a ride home. I had been thinking about her all day, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing.

As I walked out of the building, I scanned the sidewalk for a glimpse of her. And then, my heart sank. There she was, standing at the bus stop with none other than Rohan.

I felt a surge of disappointment and frustration. Why was she always spending time with him? Didn't she know how I felt about her?

I considered approaching them, but something held me back. Maybe it was the way they were laughing together, or the way Rohan's arm was slung casually over her shoulder. Whatever it was, I knew I didn't want to intrude on their moment.

So I turned around and headed in the opposite direction, feeling like I was walking away from my own heart. Why did it seem like everyone else got to be with Isha except me?

As I sat on the couch, feeling miserable and rejected, a sudden realization hit me. I wasn't just feeling left out or frustrated because of my friendship with Isha. It was something more.

I was attracted to her.

The thought caught me off guard. I hadn't consciously acknowledged it before, but now it seemed obvious. The way she smiled, the way her eyes sparkled, the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back... it all added up to a crushing realization.

I was drawn to Isha in a way that went beyond friendship.

My mind raced with this new awareness, trying to process what it meant. Had I been blind to my own feelings all along? And what did this mean for our friendship now?

As the night wore on, I sat there, lost in thought, trying to wrap my head around this unexpected revelation.

I was lost in thought when the doorbell rang, and I  opened the door. On the other side, I found Isha, looking frazzled and worried.

"Hey, Neil, I need your help with something," she said, her eyes pleading.

I felt a pang in my chest, and my heart began to race. What did she need help with? And why did she have to come to me, of all people?

"What's going on?" I asked, trying to sound calm despite my inner turmoil.

"It's my sink," she replied, gesturing to her apartment. "It's leaking everywhere, and I don't know how to fix it."

I nodded, trying to focus on the task at hand. "Okay, let me take a look."

And with that, I followed her into her apartment, trying to keep my feelings hidden and my mind focused on fixing the sink.
As we walked into her apartment, I could see that the sink was indeed leaking all over the place, and water was pooling on the floor. Isha looked at me with a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.

"I feel so silly not being able to fix this myself," she said, "but I have no idea what I'm doing."

I smiled and tried to reassure her. "It's no big deal, Isha. I'm happy to help. Let me just take a look."

I walked over to the sink and started examining the pipes and fixtures. Isha stood next to me, watching as I worked.

As I tightened a loose connection and turned off the water supply, I couldn't help but notice how close we were standing. Our arms were almost touching, and I could feel the warmth of her body next to mine.

I finished the repair and turned to her with a smile. "All fixed!"

Isha smiled back, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thanks so much, Neil. I owe you one."

We stood there for a moment, looking at each other, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

As we stood there, I realized that I didn't want the moment to end. I wanted to prolong this feeling of closeness, of connection with Isha.

"So, as a reward for my handyman skills," I said, trying to sound casual, "how about I take you out for a cup of coffee or something?"

Isha's smile faltered for a moment, and I worried that I had overstepped. But then, her face relaxed, and she nodded.

"Sure, that sounds nice," she said. "But only if you promise to tell me more about your impressive plumbing skills."

I laughed, feeling a surge of excitement. "Deal!"

As we walked out of her apartment and into the night, I couldn't help but wonder what this newfound connection between us might lead to. Was it just a friendly gesture, or something more?

We walked to a nearby café, chatting about everything and nothing. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I found myself laughing and smiling more than I had in weeks.

As we sipped our coffee, Isha asked me about my interests and hobbies. I told her about my love for reading and writing, and she shared her passion for art and music.

The more we talked, the more I realized how much we had in common. Our shared interests and values created a sense of connection that went beyond mere friendship.

As the night wore on, the café started to close. Isha glanced at her watch and gasped. "I can't believe how late it is! I'm so sorry, Neil."

I smiled and walked her out of the café. "Don't apologize, Isha. I've had a wonderful time."

We stood outside, lingering in the quiet night air. I looked into her eyes, feeling a spark of attraction that I couldn't ignore.

__________________________________________

After their coffee, Neil and Isha walk out of the café, enjoying the evening air. They stroll together in comfortable silence, their footsteps echoing off the buildings.

As they approach their apartment building, Neil slows his pace, savoring the moment. Isha notices and smiles softly, her eyes sparkling in the evening light.

They reach the entrance, and Neil holds the door open for Isha. "After you," he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Isha passes through, her shoulder brushing against his chest. "Thanks, Neil."

They step into the lobby, the soft glow of the lights enveloping them. Neil hesitates, not wanting the evening to end just yet...