The Double Jeopardy!

4. The Misanthropic Neighbour!

Romila had been awake since she had got a nightmare. She made some coffee which had enough cocaine to make her stay awake for the rest of the night.

She went downstairs and switched on the television. Romila had no idea about Indian soap operas. So she began watching one. But as expected, she was annoyed within minutes because of the camera shifts and background noises.

She switched off the television and picked up a magazine from the table. She didn't realise when she fell asleep.

She woke up to the sound of her grandmom chanting prayers with a bell. She realised her hairs were messy and she had forgot to tie it up. "Had a good sleep it seems Romi?" asked her grandmom.

"What good sleep. My head is heavy. Can you make some tea for me?" asked Romila.

"Yeah sure. Once you freshen up. Until then I'll make your breakfast."

Romila went to her room and saw what a mess she left the previous night. Her laptop was half open and sheets of her work flew all around the room. She heaved a sigh and started re-arranging them.

As soon as she dressed up in a white tube top and ripped jeans she opened the grill-less window which often scared her when she was young. She always dreamt of a monster sliding inside her room. While standing near the window, she noticed something unusual. The adjacent bungalow was always empty as the owner was an old creepy man who never allowed anyone to enter his house. But Romila's bedroom had a direct view to the old man's bedroom and she saw a man probably very tall, moving around.

She went to her grandmom who was busy making an omellete for breakfast. "Granny, is there a new family in the next house? The old man actually allowed someone in?" asked Romila.

Grandmom said, "Yeah. Actually not a family but only one man. I have never seen him. The other neighbours say he is very arrogant. Not only new in town but also new in the country. He is from Washington."

Romila laughed. "No wonder why the old man allowed this man. Same old arrogance continues to conquer the Asiatic Mansion!"

Asiatic Mansion was the bungalow's name where the old man once lived. Romila was quite interested in her new neighbour as he could help her in the new project she had to complete.

She completed her breakfast and went out to take a round around the town. She loved the sun rays. They were very warming. She put on her shades and was walking on the streets now.

She remembered the days when she was young and she had no grave in her thoughts. But as she grew up, she had developed one which didn't leave her even after 10 years. Her maternal uncle hated her as Romila inherited all the wealth and property after her mom died. Her uncle would have been the heir if she wouldn't have been there.

Romila strode around her house and saw a man coming out of the house next to her's. He was the same man she saw in the morning. As soon as he was visible, she was stunned.

He was a complete angel. As it is said, angels have always been associated with beautiful girls but, if there was an angel for boys, it had to be him. It has to be him. Tall as a tree, might be 6 feet 4 inches with broad shoulders. Fair skin, perfect enough to glow under the gleaming sun. He was wearing a black t-shirt underneath a gray jacket and blue jeans. His hair were brown. Shimmering brown, suiting his skin color.

He walked right past Romila and didn't even notice her.

She spoke up. "Hey umm..Washington Guy?"

He stopped and turned around. "Did you just call me Washington Guy?" Romila was bowled over again. Voice as sweet as honey but sharp at the same time, he could possibly win the singing contest in the very first round without other contestants even protesting.

As he came close, Romila swooned over two things. First, his sterling gray eyes. And second his fragnance. As fresh as water lily.

"Actually I di-didn't..know your name. I j-just live next door." stammered Romila.

"Whatever. I am not a guy you want to be friends with. And do not speak to me again. I like minding my own business and you better be doing the same thing and I promise I will never be in your way. Nor do I care. Have a nice day!" and he swift off.

Instead of raging with anger, Romila smiled foolishly. She didn't mind being insulted. Insulted by the angel who just won her heart. She walked towards her house, smiling. She wanted to get insulted. More. By him.