17-07-2025, 07:53 PM
Sunday, 5:05 PM – “The First Entry”
The bell rang.
Abhi heard it from his flat, just as he was stepping into his slippers.
He paused for a second, heart strangely lighter.
Not nervous. But aware. Alert.
He opened his door just as the one across the hallway swung wide open.
There she was.
Shruti.
Wavy hair pulled up into a soft, casual ponytail,
A pastel lavender kurti just brushing her knees,
Silver jhumkas dancing as she stepped in.
Her skin seemed to glow even under the corridor’s yellow light,
And her smile, bright, confident, unfiltered, spilled across the room like she already belonged.
From across the room, Madhavi watched.
She was kneeling near the center table, placing the tray of coffee glasses just so.
Her eyes lifted, slowly, as Shruti entered.
She studied the way Shruti held Vinay’s arm lightly,
The way her eyes scanned the space, sharp, observant, like a bird entering a new garden.
She’s always aware, Madhavi thought.
“She’ll notice Abhi within five minutes. Three, if I’m right.”
“Hi!” Shruti said, voice high, melodic. “I’m Shruti. Thanks for letting us crash your Sunday.”
Sandeep greeted them with a warm grin.
“You’re right on time. We were about to start a murder mystery game.”
Abhi stepped in, locking eyes with Shruti for the first time.
- o -
The bell rang.
Abhi heard it from his flat, just as he was stepping into his slippers.
He paused for a second, heart strangely lighter.
Not nervous. But aware. Alert.
He opened his door just as the one across the hallway swung wide open.
There she was.
Shruti.
Wavy hair pulled up into a soft, casual ponytail,
A pastel lavender kurti just brushing her knees,
Silver jhumkas dancing as she stepped in.
Her skin seemed to glow even under the corridor’s yellow light,
And her smile, bright, confident, unfiltered, spilled across the room like she already belonged.
From across the room, Madhavi watched.
She was kneeling near the center table, placing the tray of coffee glasses just so.
Her eyes lifted, slowly, as Shruti entered.
She studied the way Shruti held Vinay’s arm lightly,
The way her eyes scanned the space, sharp, observant, like a bird entering a new garden.
She’s always aware, Madhavi thought.
“She’ll notice Abhi within five minutes. Three, if I’m right.”
“Hi!” Shruti said, voice high, melodic. “I’m Shruti. Thanks for letting us crash your Sunday.”
Sandeep greeted them with a warm grin.
“You’re right on time. We were about to start a murder mystery game.”
Abhi stepped in, locking eyes with Shruti for the first time.
- o -
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