Our neighbours hood

The day we shifted felt unreal like the world had softened around the edges just for me.the house was small but endless at the same time -warm lights,wooden floors,corners that felt like secrets.too many for a family like ours,yet somehow perfect.it smelled new,like fresh paint mixed with comfort.i was still in my shalwar kameez,hair tied into a messy braid that refused to stay neat no matter how many times i fixed it.i didn’t try again.the house didn’t need perfection as I stepped inside,carrying a box that was definitely heavier than it looked,someone else walked out at the exact same moment.we almost collided.time slowed in that strange,dreamlike way -my breath caught,his steps paused.He was tall.effortlessly so,with a calm face that felt familiar even though I knew I had never seen him before.His eyes met mine,not just glance but a look that lingered,like he was reading something written behind my ribs.then he smiled.not loud.not dramatic.just…soft real. “Sorry”,he said,stepping back. I nodded,suddenly aware of everything-my loose braid,the box slipping in my hands,my heart beating too fast for no reason. Later,while the house buzzed with voices and unpacking, I found myself alone in the kitchen,making noodles for my siblings. The kitchen was right next to his room. I knew because his door opened. Then closed.Then opened again. He walked out casually,pretending to check something. Water. The fridge.Nothing important. Each time his,eyes found me. I could feel it-even when I didn’t look back.like the house itself was watching, holding its breath with us.he leaned against the door once,asking something unnecessary,just to hear my voice.l answered simply,trying to act normal while my hands stirred noodles that were definitely overcooked by now.there was something unspoken between us.no names.no questions.just a quiet awareness-like this house had brought us together for a reason it hadn’t revealed yet.