"Hello, Barman Dadu. Are you going somewhere? A trip?" Ankita waved at her neighbour.
An aged man who lived next to her house with his husband. They ran a small clothing store. She often went to their store during the Bengali New Year and the couple always specially prepared a food packet for her with all her favourites.
Ankita was on the roof dry wet laundry when she spotted him loading suitcases in a taxi. The old couple often went on pilgrimages. Last year they went to Kedarnath. She saw photos on his phone.
"Oh, Anu Didibhai. How are you? Haven't seen you these days. New school. Busy huh?" The old man smiled at her and his already wrinkled face grew a few more folds along his cheeks and eyes.
"I'm fine, Dadu. And yes I was a bit busy adjusting to the new school but don't worry I made some amazing friends. A few of them are famous singers! You know about Antariksha right? They are my classmates! And one of them is even my deskmate! He's a super cool and nice guy. Beautiful too." Ankita said excitedly.
"Oh is that so? Good good. I'm glad to hear that you're adjusting well to your new school. Alright, I'll be going now I still have a lot of things left to pack." Mr Barman waved at her and prepared to go inside.
"Dadu, you didn't say where you're going. What's the place this time? The Sun Temple of Konark? Dwarka?" Ankita called out, leaning on the railings and cupping her chin.
"No. We're not visiting any pilgrimage this time. We're moving out."
"Huh? Why? Are you guys facing any problems here?" Ankita tilted her head.
"No dear. No problem. This is a very nice neighbourhood. We're lucky to have wonderful people like you as our neighbours. It's just that my husband and I have decided to sell this house and live in an old-age home. We're not young anymore and it's tiring to look after the shop. Us old people also don't have many requirements. The money from our pension, from selling the house and the shop will be enough for us to live the rest of our lives peacefully. We've already contacted the home. We're moving the things today." he smiled.
"Uh, do you really have to go? We can take care of you. You don't have to worry about anything." Ankita tried coaxing.
"Hahahaha, Didibhai, I'm happy that you thought so much for us when we don't have any official connection. But I have to turn you down. I know you're saying that out of kindness but me and my husband are happy to live together with whatever we have and spend the rest of our remaining time with each other. All these years we've worried enough. Now it's time to devote ourselves to each other completely." The old man had a fond look on his face when speaking about his husband, Mr Goswami.
"Oh. Then keep my number. If you feel bored and want to talk to someone just call me. You already have my parent's number, keep mine too. And please leave the address, I'll go and visit you during my holidays." Ankita said with evident sadness on her face.
The old man laughed "Oh, my dear sweet child. Okay okay, I'll send you the address. Come whenever you want."
"Oh, Dadu, Maa is looking for me. I have to go now. Be careful. I'll come and help you in the evening. Bye"
With that said she waved and went downstairs.
There Ankita told her parents about the Barman-Goswami couple. They were also sad hearing the news. Subhashish said that he would also go with Ankita in the evening to help out the old couple. Trina wanted to go too but she had an important meeting in the afternoon and was uncertain if she would be home by evening so she decided to pay visit after coming back.
The next day Ankita and her parents went to see the couple off. They prepared some homemade dishes for them as parting gifts. The couple was very happy to receive such a warm gift. Ankita promised visit whenever possible. She also verified if their phones truly had her number saved. Mr Barman and Mr Goswami laughed at her antics. They blessed Ankita and her parents before getting into the car.
A few hours later.
Ankita heard the sound of a car stopping. She peeped out of the window and saw a luxurious car stop in front of the old couple's former residence. This type of car was rarely seen in their neighbourhood more so to stop at any of the houses. She was wondering who that was when the door opened.
A stern-looking woman stepped out and opened the door of the back seat.
A boy quite taller than her stepped out. His face was hidden by a mask and sunglasses. Only his wavey black hair and elegant posture was visible.
He was wearing ripped jeans and a yellow ochre shirt with black floral prints with one end tucked in while the other left loose. Two more people stepped out of the car after him. One was wearing a hoodie and a mask while the other one was wearing a cap and sunglasses with an oversized shirt and sweatpants.
Although their faces were not visible, their back view alone was very attractive. A few minutes later, all of them went inside the house.
Ankita said to herself "New neighbours?"
The guy wearing a yellow shirt felt someone's gaze on him and turned his head up. At first, he thought it was some paparazzi but raised his eyebrows in surprise when he was met with a familiar face by the window of the house next to their new one.
'Ankita?!' He thought.
On the other side, Ankita lowered her head and tried to study. But mind was focused on the people just now.
'Who are they? What's with all that mask, cap hoodie and sunglasses? It's like they're trying to hide themselves. Are they... criminals? Oh my Goddess!'
Her eyes became round by this phenomenal conclusion.