The corridor was quiet. Too quiet.

The kind of silence that makes every small sound feel louder than it should.

Avni stood outside her new apartment.

One hand pressed against the door.

The other gripping the handle of a suitcase that clearly weighed more than her confidence right now.

“Great… first day and I’m already failing.” She exhaled, leaning slightly against the wall.

Her eyes dropped to the luggage. Then to the second bag beside it.

“Why did I pack like I’m moving forever…”

A small pause. A longer breath.

New city. New life. New beginning.

And somehow…

Already exhausting.

She adjusted her grip and tried lifting the suitcase again.

It didn’t move.

“Okay… this is personal now.”

She looked around the corridor.

Empty.

Except One door.

Slightly open.

Light spilling out.

Avni hesitated.

Then knocked.

The door opened slowly.

Arav stood there.

Simple white t-shirt. Calm expression. No curiosity. No irritation.

Just… stillness.

“Yes?”

Avni instantly straightened.

“Hi… um… sorry to bother you.”

He waited.

No words.

Just looking at her.

She awkwardly pointed behind her.

“I just moved in next door… and…”

A small nervous laugh escaped her.

“I think my suitcase hates me.”

A beat.

“I mean… it’s really heavy. Could you maybe help me carry it?”

Arav looked at the suitcase.

Then at her.

“Okay.”

That was it.

No questions.

No hesitation.

Avni blinked.

“That’s it?”

She smiled slightly.

“No expression? No ‘welcome’?”

He didn’t respond.

Just stepped out.

Picked up the suitcase like it weighed nothing.

She watched him for a second.

Then quickly followed.

Inside her apartment—

Chaos.

Boxes everywhere.

Clothes half out.

Books scattered.

A place that hadn’t settled yet.

“I swear it didn’t feel this heavy when I packed.”

Arav placed the suitcase neatly on the shelf.

Adjusted the other boxes.

Straightened what didn’t need straightening.

Avni noticed.

“He’s… different.”

“Quiet. But not rude.”

Arav glanced around once.

Then turned to leave.

And that was it.

He was walking out.

Just like that.

“Wait.”

He stopped.

Slightly.

“I’m Avni.”

A pause.

“Arav.”

No extra words.

Just his name.

She smiled.

Like that was enough.

He stepped out into the corridor.

“Thank you once again, neighbour.”

He gave a small nod.

Almost invisible.

And walked back.

Avni stood there for a moment.

Looking at the door he just closed.

Then at her messy room. Then back at the door.

A small smile appeared. “Interesting.”

Inside his apartment—

Arav placed his keys down. Sat quietly.

But something was different.

The silence…

Didn’t feel the same anymore.

For the first time in a long while…Arav noticed someone before they spoke.