"In My Dreams, I Found You"

The Invite

Manju had barely settled into her new routine when a message arrived that made her heart skip a beat. It was from Saritha Aunty, Shaan’s mother, the kind neighbor she had met the evening before.

"Manju, we’re having dinner tonight. I insist you join us. I’d love for you to meet Shaan properly."

Manju’s eyes widened, and she read the message again, as if verifying that it was real. Her heart raced, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling inside her. Shaan—the neighbor whose door was directly opposite hers—was finally going to meet her properly. It wasn’t just casual glances across the corridor anymore; this was a formal introduction.

She jumped to her feet, pacing the length of her small living room as she tried to calm herself. “Dinner… at their place… me… with Shaan… oh my God!” Her hands flew to her face, and she couldn’t stop the giggles bubbling out. She felt like a schoolgirl with a secret crush—her cheeks warmed, her heart fluttered uncontrollably.

By evening, she was ready. She had chosen her outfit carefully—a simple yet elegant kurta that was colorful enough to reflect her personality but not too flashy. She looked in the mirror multiple times, straightening her hair and adjusting her earrings, all while rehearsing polite greetings and small talk. “Don’t sound too eager… don’t stare too much… don’t… swoon.” But every time she tried to focus, her mind drifted to the idea of him standing just across the corridor.

When she arrived at Saritha Aunty’s flat, she was greeted with a warm hug and an encouraging smile.

“Oh, Manju! You look lovely,” Saritha Aunty, Shaan’s mother, said, her eyes twinkling. “Come in, come in. Dinner is almost ready, but we can chat for a while before Shaan joins us.”

Manju stepped inside, instantly enveloped by the aroma of spices and freshly cooked food. The flat was cozy yet elegant, with soft lights that gave the room a welcoming glow. She noticed little details—the carefully placed cushions, framed photographs on the walls, and the gentle hum of classical music playing softly in the background. Everything felt warm and lived-in, a space that radiated love and care.

“I’m so glad you could come,” Saritha Aunty said, leading her to the living room. “Shaan will be joining us soon, but I thought we could start with some tea. It’s a long day, after all.”

Manju’s hands trembled slightly as she accepted the cup, her mind already imagining the moment when Shaan would walk in. She tried to sip her tea, but her excitement made her clumsy, and she nearly spilled it. Saritha Aunty chuckled softly.

“Careful, dear. You’re too precious to ruin with a spill,” she teased, her warmth making Manju’s nervousness ebb just a little.

Minutes ticked by, each second stretching as anticipation built in Manju’s chest. And then… there was a soft knock at the door.

“That must be him,” Saritha Aunty said with a knowing smile. “Shall we?”

Manju felt her stomach flutter as she followed Shaan’s mother to the dining area. And then she saw him.

Shaan. Standing at the doorway, tall, composed, and effortlessly charismatic. His hair was slightly tousled, and his eyes, dark and observant, scanned the room until they settled on her. For a heartbeat, time seemed to pause. Manju felt a strange jolt of electricity run through her, the kind that made your chest tighten and your breath catch.

“Manju, this is Shaan,” Saritha Aunty introduced her son warmly. “Shaan, this is our new neighbor, Manju.”

Shaan’s gaze softened as he nodded politely, his smile subtle but genuine. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said, his voice calm yet carrying a warmth that made Manju’s heart skip again.

“You too,” she managed to reply, her words small, almost whispered, but her cheeks were burning with color. She felt her hands fidget with the edge of her kurta, wishing she could appear more composed than she actually was.“Come, sit. Dinner is ready.”

They moved to the dining table, where the spread was nothing short of spectacular. There were aromatic curries, perfectly cooked rice, and an array of side dishes that made Manju’s mouth water. She couldn’t help but marvel at how effortlessly Shaan’s mother had combined warmth with elegance—everything was inviting, and yet, it carried a personal touch that made her feel truly at home.

As they began to eat, Saritha Aunty skillfully encouraged conversation, drawing out small stories from both of them. Shaan was polite, engaging, and surprisingly easy to talk to, with a subtle humor that made Manju laugh despite herself. She realized that the nervous tension that had plagued her earlier moments was slowly melting away.

“You must miss Chennai,” Shaan said casually, his eyes meeting hers across the table.

“Yes… very much,” Manju admitted, smiling softly. “But I think I’m ready for a new chapter. This city… this place… it feels different. In a good way.”

Shaan nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Change can be good. It’s scary, yes, but also exciting. You’ll see.”

Manju felt a strange flutter of admiration for his calm composure, the way he spoke with quiet confidence. She realized, with a little shock, that she was actually enjoying herself—not just because of the food or the hospitality, but because he was there.“Shaan, you should try some of Manju’s favorite dishes sometime. She’s very passionate about her food. You might be surprised.”

Shaan’s lips curved into a small smile. “I’d like that,” he said. And Manju’s heart skipped a beat again at the softness in his tone.

Throughout dinner, the conversation flowed effortlessly.

Shaan: "Ahh, Manju, what about your family?"

She froze; her smile dropped. Shaan sensed this and quickly changed the topic.

Shaan: "If you're not comfortable sharing, it's okay."

Manju: "It's just..."

Shaan: "It's okay, don't stress."

Manju sighed in relief. She looked at him, admiring how considerate he was.

She was falling hard for him without even realizing it.

A call came for Shaan. Manju looked at the call screen. Her smile dropped once again—this time because of Shaan.

What would it be that made het smile drop wait until the next chapter drops...