Alexander was running late. He was supposed to be on the way to the Sunday lunch with family already. The recent move to the new apartment and not having had time to unbox and arrange had left him hunting for the presents he had purchased for his niece and nephew. He could have left them for another time, except he committed that he is bringing them something today.

He rushed to the door, carrying everything in his hands. Keys, wallet, presents and the cake he had bought for dessert. Stepping out to the hallway he was welcomed by the sight of box upon box and suitcases lining the opposite wall. Looked like move in day for someone across the hall. A third addition to the two that were already living there. He looked for a place to keep his cake, and one of the boxes felt better than the dirty hallway floor. He quickly placed the cake and turned around to lock his front door.

Footsteps sounded behind him. He focused on the lock and didn’t look up. There was a short hesitant click of a heel and a scratching sound. Locking up, Alex looked to his right and up, to see a girl looking the other way, her back to him. Her long straight hair falling beyond her bottom. A flowery dress that ended a little below her knees, her tapering legs ending in tiny heeled, shoes. She was leaning a hand on the wall and talking softly to someone who was beyond the turn for Alex to be able to see. It was a language he couldn’t understand. South Asian was all he could predict. A subtle scent of lily floated towards him. Intrigue kicked in.

His heart rate sped up a notch and he tilted his head slightly trying to see her face better. She turned toward the hallway then and blinked up at him. A round face and eyes that took up most of the real estate of that face, looked back at him with apprehension and curiosity. She swallowed and said softly “Hello”. Her lips curving just for a second before uncertainty framed her face along with her beautiful hair. Alex felt his entire being react. He stood up a bit straighter and his eyes focused on her fully. A lump of want formed in his throat. He also realised he had scared her a bit as she had expected an empty hallway but he was there tall and silent, looking at her.

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Scaring her would not get him closer to her. Which was the opposite of what he wanted. He wanted to befriend her, smile with her, laugh with her, spend time with her, know her, her! Alex blinked at his own thoughts. He must first meet her, he thought to himself. Relaxing his face to what he felt would be a gentler expression, he cleared his throat. He dipped his chin in greeting. “Hello” he said. His voice sounded abnormal, gruff to his own ear.s

Her smile returned. He took a step toward the cake he had left on top of one her boxes. She traced his movements, as he picked up the cake, frowning when she looked back at him. He could read her train of thoughts on her face.

“This is mine,” he said, unprompted. “I am going for Sunday lunch with my family. Dessert” he finished lifting the box a few inches.

Her face cleared. He needed to know her name. “I am Alex. Alexander” He took the 2 steps toward her and stretched his hand in greeting. “Your neighbor.” He added.

She had to tilt her head up to look him. Her eyes, which were already huge, widening slightly. She cleared her throat. Did he affect her as she affected him. She licked her lips and said “I am Abi. Abirami” He smiled. Her eyes flared the tiniest bit.

“Nice to meet you Abby” He said. His voice almost at a whisper. They stood there, looking at each other, as if neither could look away.