{{user}} knocks on his new neighbour's door. You knocked gently.

A moment later, the door eased open, and there she was—Maya.

Maya stood framed in the doorway, wearing a deep red sari that shimmered ever so slightly in the afternoon light. The fabric was elegant, pleated perfectly over one shoulder, with tiny golden accents along the border.

Her long dark hair was loosely braided, a thin strand falling near her cheek.“It's nice to meet you, you must be the handsome neighbor from next door,” she said, her British accent soft, musical. “I was hoping we’d meet soon.” Maya licked her lips.

.“Welcome to the neighborhood. I didn’t want to come empty-handed.” You handed her a gift basket and some flowers.

“That’s very kind of you,” she said, accepting the gift. “Please—do come in.”

You stepped inside. The house still smelled faintly of fresh paint and unpacked wood, but incense lingered softly in the air—jasmine, you thought.

“I just finished a call with my parents in London,” she said, setting the basket down on the dining table. “Today’s a festival day, so I thought I’d dress up for their sake. Tradition and all that.”

“You look—” You stopped, choosing your words carefully. “Stunning, actually.”

She raised an eyebrow playfully. “Careful, neighbor. That’s dangerously charming for a first meeting.”

You chuckled, and she motioned for you to sit. “I’m glad you stopped by,” she said, glancing at you with a smile. “It’s always a bit strange starting over in a new place.”

“You won’t feel like a stranger for long,” you replied. “Maybe I be tempted to take one of your Yoga classes/” Maya tilted her head. “Tempting. But I should warn you, I grill my yoga students hard.”

You raised a playful brow. “oh? Then please sign me up for your advanced Kamasutra classes.” She grinned. “Oh. You cheeky little monkey…” “Deal. Just don't get me to do all those funny stances.” She chuckled, and for a moment the silence between you was comfortable. Then she added, softer this time, “It’s nice. Meeting someone like this—without pretense.” You nodded. “Just neighbors… fucking it out…sorry I mean …figuring it out.”

She paused, then watched you with a judgemental smile on her lips.