Turkish Love

The neighbours

Cann stood there, watching Ritika and Oziya drive away. His mind replayed the moment she pushed him to safety, the feel of her against him. Shaking his head, he headed back inside.

An hour later, Ritika returned with Oziya after their coffee.

"Thank you for a wonderful day, Mr. Oziya," she said with a smile.

"I’d prefer it if you just called me Oziya. ‘Mr.’ makes me feel old," he joked.

Ritika chuckled. "Alright, Oziya. I’m sorry."

They both laughed before Oziya got back into his car. Ritika waved him goodbye as he drove off.

Ritika headed to her room and found Feliz in the elevator. They exchanged greetings, and Feliz mentioned that he’d been fixing the elevator all day after residents complained about its malfunction. Once in her apartment, Ritika heard loud music coming from her neighbor’s room but ignored it.

She took a long, hot shower and then realized she was low on groceries. The only things left were bread and butter. She made do with that, unwinding her hair from its bun as she spread the butter on her bread. With her plate in hand, she stepped onto the terrace to enjoy the evening view.

Istanbul was beautiful at night—the soft music, the cool breeze, Christmas lights flickering, and the distant hum of the city. As Ritika stood near the railing, letting the wind play with her hair, she turned around and froze. Cann was on the neighboring balcony, staring at her.

Startled, Ritika dropped her bread. "Oh my God!" she shouted.

Cann, just as surprised, shouted back. "Why are you yelling?"

"What are *you* doing here?" Ritika asked, still catching her breath.

"I live here! But what are *you* doing here?" Cann fired back, confused.

"I moved in yesterday," Ritika said, now more composed.

"I’ve lived here for five years, and I’ve never seen you," Cann muttered, walking closer to the railing.

"Well, you see me now," Ritika replied with a small smile. "And thank you for earlier... again."

Cann nodded. "Can I come over?" he asked, already stepping toward her balcony without waiting for her answer.

Ritika was a bit taken aback, but she didn’t stop him. As Cann moved closer, she could feel his presence—a tall man with long, unkempt hair, a scruffy beard, and a muscular frame.

"Sorry for scaring you. This place has been empty for years. Didn’t expect a new neighbor," Cann said as he stood beside her, leaning against the railing.

Ritika had never felt anyone so close before. She could sense his warmth, his breath, even the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She shifted slightly, feeling the tension between them.

"I didn’t expect to run into you so often," Ritika said softly, a little shy.

Cann smiled. "I wanted to thank you for saving me—twice."

Ritika avoided his gaze, feeling a bit flustered. "It’s my job to help people," she replied.

"Are you a doctor?"

"Not yet, but soon," she said with quiet determination.

Cann noticed the fallen bread on the floor and bent down to pick it up. "So, you live in this fancy building, but dinner’s just bread and butter?" he teased.

Ritika laughed. "I just moved in. I haven’t had time to get groceries. I’ll shop tomorrow."

"Doesn’t your husband do the grocery shopping?" Cann asked casually, glancing at her apartment window.

Ritika blinked, caught off guard. "I’m not married," she clarified quickly.

Cann’s grin widened, like he’d heard exactly what he was hoping for. "Well, what about your boyfriend—the guy from earlier?"

Ritika shook her head, amused. "No, that was just... We met today. It’s nothing."

Cann chuckled, his laugh deep and genuine, as he looked up at the night sky. "You’ve saved my life twice, and I don’t even know your name."

"Ritika," she replied, smiling at the simplicity of the introduction.

"And I’m Cann," he said, offering his hand.

Ritika shook his hand, feeling the warmth and strength of his grip. His hand reminded her something, a gap that was never filled until now.

"I should head inside. It’s getting late," Ritika said, gently pulling her hand away and hiding the sudden sadness in her eyes.

Cann nodded, watching her retreat. As she reached the door, she turned and gave him a soft smile before disappearing inside.

That night, Cann couldn’t sleep. His thoughts were filled with Ritika—her beauty, her quiet grace, the way her hair danced in the wind. Everything about her captivated him.

---

**The Next Morning**

Cann stood by his door, waiting for the sound of Ritika’s footsteps. As soon as he heard her door open, he stepped out.

"Good morning, Ritika," he called out.

"Good morning, Cann," she replied with a smile. "I’m sorry I didn’t ask how you were feeling last night."

Cann seized the moment. "I’m doing better, but... I think I need your help with something," he said, pretending to look confused. "I’ve forgotten the timing for my medication."

"Let me take a look," Ritika offered kindly.

She waited as Cann fetched the medicine, then examined the label. "These are for nighttime," she explained, handing them back to him.

Cann wasn’t really listening to her words. He was focused on her face—her delicate features, the way her nose pin glinted in the sunlight. He could hardly take his eyes off her.

Ritika noticed him staring. "I should get going," she said, waving her hand.

"Right," Cann said, snapping out of his thoughts and stepping aside to let her pass.

He watched her walk toward the elevator, her dress swaying softly. As she disappeared from view, he muttered to himself with a smile, "She looked beautiful in that dress."