Helping my neighbour to feel happiness – Part 1

Greetings to all readers of ISS. Once again, it is Kumar from Bangalore writing. I have had a lot of great feedback from the readers. I would welcome the support and encouragement from readers, as it inspires writers like me to share the stories and interestingly present them.

The story I am sharing today involves my new neighbour Disha who had moved in recently with her husband and young son. As the days went on, I realized that something was not good in their family. I used to hear frequent quarreling sounds from their apartment.

One day when I was working from home, it was difficult to work as the noise coming from Disha and her husband was too loud. I went and knocked on their door and informed them not to make so much noise.

After a few days, I apologized to Disha and her husband in the lift. Even they apologized for disturbing my work. Then I was invited for dinner at their place and I readily agreed.

We chatted and had a lovely dinner. I became aware that my neighbour Disha was uncomfortable during our dinner. She attempted to conceal her true emotions while maintaining her smile. I was aware of this and eager to get through dinner.

After dinner, I went to the sink to wash my hands. Disha gestured to the restroom. I saw that she had some hand injuries when she was pointing. I knew that nothing had changed, but I didn’t understand why the noises weren’t getting louder like they used to be earlier.

Then I entered, cleaned my hands, returned to the living room, bid farewell, and walked out. My week off began the next day. I had a little job to do and was at home. In my living room, I was sitting and watching TV. I caught Disha’s husband saying he would be late as he was leaving the house. He requested that Disha not hold out on him for supper.

I waited for an hour, looking for the chance. Then I knocked on Disha’s door at 11 in the morning, and she answered. There, she was by herself. She had on a yellow blouse and saree. My married neighbour looked amazing with her hair tied back. I requested permission to come inside.

After nodding, she let me in. She offered me coffee when I sat down, and I accepted. I could tell she wasn’t happy as we were conversing. “How did you get those bruises on your hands?”, I questioned. She sidestepped the inquiry and enquired, “What happened, Kumar ji? Why are you here?”

I told her that I went to discuss her problems if she didn’t mind. I wished to know if she was content and doing well. Then I asked her to tell me what had happened because I thought I might be able to assist her. She resisted talking and didn’t want to share.

However, Disha eventually told me everything, how she used to feel helpless, and how she used to attempt to disguise the fact that her spouse used to hit her. I paid close attention and recognized her issues. Then I made an effort to comfort her and urged her to persevere. She was crying when I hugged her.

My neighbour sobbed for a long while on my shoulder. Then I calmed her by holding her close to me. After a while, she opened up.

Disha: Kumar ji, can you please help me? I am at a loss for what to do.

Me: What am I supposed to do for you?

Disha: I want to know if you can find out if my spouse is having an affair.

Me: You know it’s difficult to determine whether someone is cheating on you.

Disha: You’re right. But I am at a loss for what to do.

Me: What doubts do you have?

Disha: He has been acting strangely for a while now.

Me: In what way?

Disha: He would sometimes go out with his friends. However, he has been going out every night and returning late since last month. I don’t think he is working overtime, even though he claims to be. Upon his return, he appears fatigued and avoids conversation with me.

Disha was crying non-stop as she was speaking. I attempted to comfort her and hugged her since I felt horrible for her. She sobbed for a long while on my shoulder. I calmed her by holding her close to me. I had no idea what was inside of her.

Then she moved closer, weeping on my shoulders, and pressed a gentle kiss on my lips. In addition to staying silent, I kissed back. We had a two-to-three-minute kiss. She instantly broke off the kiss after realizing what she was doing and said –

Disha: Kumar ji, thanks for your support, but please, you should leave now.

“Okay”, I replied, and I left from her place. I began to feel a different kind of something for her after this happened. She was just my neighbor, so I felt bad about kissing her. I had no right to kiss her, and I didn’t want to ruin her life. However, I couldn’t get her and her kisses off my mind. I felt embarrassed that I kissed her.

A few days later, I ran into my neighbour again in the elevator lobby. After exchanging pleasantries, we walked away. I was feeling very perplexed. I kept staying away from her since I had no idea what to do. For a few days, this went on.

I was once standing in the lobby, waiting for the elevator to arrive. Disha appeared to me from the opposite side of the structure. She looked great, dressed in blue pants and a red top. To make things less awkward, I went up the stairs to my floor.

I saw her standing close to my door as soon as I got to my floor. With a smile, she asked –

Disha: What happened? Why do you want to avoid me?

I was shocked and unsure of how to respond.

Me: I apologize, but I am at a loss on what to do.

Disha: What is causing you to feel guilty? And you did not kiss me forcefully. To be honest, I enjoyed it when we both made use of that little opportunity. Thus, don’t feel bad; simply act normally. I had no problem kissing you.

I simply nodded, grinned, and apologized once again as I started to feel a little at ease.

Me: I have to admit, I’ve never had a kiss quite like this in my life. It was incredible.

She merely smiled at me and blushed, said goodbye, and went to her apartment.

***

That’s all for today. I hope everyone enjoyed reading the story so far. I will continue further in the next part and it would be worth the wait.

Please feel free to drop your comments or feedback via Hangouts or email at [email protected] and I will respond to everyone.