Living in the same space felt strange for both Tara and Nayan. Tara was still hurting from her breakup, feeling the heavy sadness of losing someone she had cared about. Meanwhile, Nayan kept to himself, focused on his work and keeping a routine to stay sane during lockdown. He spent his days tapping away at his laptop, working out in his room, or catching up on the news. Tara tried to stay out of his way, but in a house this small, that was easier said than done.
Awkward moments seemed to happen all the time. They'd accidentally run into each other in the kitchen, or reach for the same mug, both muttering apologies before stepping aside. Every mealtime was a quiet affair, each one too wrapped up in their own thoughts to try small talk. Tara could feel the tension, the silence between them often louder than any words.
One day, while Tara was trying to distract herself by cleaning, she heard Nayan sigh in frustration from the other room. She peeked around the corner to see him sitting at his laptop, rubbing his temples.
"Are you okay?" she asked, surprised by her own voice.
Nayan glanced up, caught off guard. "Yeah, just a lot on my plate," he replied, shrugging. "Trying to keep up with work during all of this is... well, it's a lot."
Tara nodded, understanding. "Yeah. Everything's just... different now."
They both looked at each other, a brief understanding passing between them. But just as quickly as the moment had come, it passed, and they both went back to their own spaces, feeling the awkwardness settle back in.
Over the next few days, they tried to stay out of each other's way. Tara buried herself in books or old movies, anything to keep her mind off her heartbreak. Nayan kept busy with work, working late into the night and barely saying more than a polite "good morning" or "good night." They were strangers living in the same house, each dealing with their own struggles, but in silence.
Still, despite the discomfort, there was a strange comfort in knowing someone else was there. Even if they hardly spoke, even if they had nothing in common, having another presence in the house reminded them that they weren't completely alone.
For now, though, Tara and Nayan would have to figure out how to share this small world without stepping on each other's toes—or getting too close.
YOU ARE READING
Quarantine Hearts
Romantik"Quarantine Hearts ☾" Two strangers, one quarantine. What could go wrong? Forced to spend the lockdown together, a heartbroken woman and a withdrawn man slowly start to unravel each other's lives. With the world outside on pause, they begin to disco...
