Windows to the Heart

Unexpected Encounters

Isha

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It's been a few days since that morning coffee with Aarav, but the memory of it has lingered, popping into my thoughts at the most unexpected times. The way he listened so genuinely, how his usual serious demeanor softened as we talked... it's hard not to think about it.

Today, I'm just coming back from the nonprofit, weighed down by a tote bag filled with supplies. The kids had been particularly energetic, and all I want is to collapse into bed. As I reach the elevator, the doors open just in time, and in steps Aarav, dressed in a sharp, dark suit, looking like he just stepped out of a boardroom meeting.

For a split second, he seems surprised to see me, but then a smile breaks across his face. "Busy day?" he asks, glancing at the supplies spilling out of my tote.

"Something like that," I say, adjusting the strap on my shoulder. "Just wrapped up a long session at the nonprofit. Arts and crafts, mostly. Apparently, organizing kids with glue sticks is more challenging than I expected."

He chuckles, a sound that feels warm and oddly familiar in the confined space of the elevator. "I can imagine. It takes a certain kind of patience to manage that. I'm not sure I'd last five minutes."

I laugh, brushing off the compliment, but there's something about his tone that makes me pause. It's as if he's really seeing me—not just the Isha who occasionally passes by in the lobby, but the one who spends her days chasing after kids and crafting new projects.

As we step out of the elevator and make our way down the hall, I'm caught off guard when he slows his pace to match mine, his presence calm but somehow electrifying.

Then, almost as if it's an afterthought, he says, "Are you free for dinner this week? Just... thought it might be nice to catch up again."

The question takes me by surprise, my heart doing a small flip. Dinner? I realize it's silly, but it feels more significant than our coffee meeting. More... personal.

I nod, trying to hide the excitement simmering inside me. "Yes, that sounds nice. Maybe Friday?"

"Friday it is," he replies, his voice warm with an undercurrent of something I can't quite place. "I'll text you the details."

As he disappears into his apartment, I can't help the little smile that tugs at my lips. A quiet excitement bubbles up inside me, one that lingers as I unlock my own door and step into the warmth of my small apartment. It's just dinner, I remind myself, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. Just two neighbors getting to know each other.

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Friday Night

The end of the week arrives faster than expected. After a whirlwind day at the nonprofit, I rush home, giving myself just enough time to shower and throw on a simple navy dress. I tell myself it's not a big deal, but I catch myself adjusting my hair one too many times before finally heading down to the lobby.

Aarav is waiting by the door, his gaze softening as he catches sight of me. "You look lovely," he says, his voice low and sincere.

"Thank you," I manage, feeling warmth rise to my cheeks. There's something about his expression that makes me feel both shy and exhilarated.

The restaurant he's chosen is tucked away in a quieter part of the city, far from the bustling crowds. It's cozy, with warm lighting and the inviting scent of spices lingering in the air. As we settle into our seats, I'm reminded of our coffee chat, but there's something different now—a quiet anticipation, like an unspoken understanding between us.

We fall into conversation easily, sharing stories about work, favorite foods, and travels. As the night wears on, Aarav opens up in ways I hadn't expected. At one point, he pauses, his gaze steady as he says, "You know, it's rare for me to do this. I'm used to people seeing a certain version of me. But with you, I feel like... I don't have to pretend."

His words catch me off guard, and I feel a sudden warmth, a feeling of being truly seen. "I feel the same way," I reply softly. "It's nice to be around someone who doesn't put on a front."

He smiles, a gentle, sincere smile that makes me realize how rare it is for him to open up like this.

After we finish, Aarav offers to drive me home. In the quiet of the car, the evening settles around us, and I find myself feeling a mix of contentment and curiosity, wondering where this will lead.

When we pull up to the building, he pauses, his gaze lingering just a bit longer than necessary. "Thank you for tonight, Isha. I... enjoyed it," he says, his voice soft.

"Me too," I reply, a smile finding its way to my lips as I step out of the car. As I make my way to my apartment, I can't shake the feeling that this dinner was more than just an evening out. It feels like a step into something new—something that's only just beginning.

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