Across the street lived Rohan, a struggling freelance writer who spent most of his days staring at a blank screen. His windows offered a perfect view of House 18. He wasn't the only one watching, though. The local shopkeeper, the postman, and even the retired Colonel next door found reasons to linger near the gates of Shalini’s home.

"Trying to," Rohan replied, his heart racing. "The heat makes it hard."

Should the story focus more on or a suspenseful mystery ?

One sweltering July evening, the power went out—a common occurrence in Kanpur. In the sudden darkness, the neighborhood came alive with the sound of opening windows and frustrated sighs. Rohan stepped onto his balcony and saw a flicker of candlelight from House 18.

"The heat is just an excuse," she teased. "Maybe you're just looking for the wrong story."

"Writing tonight?" she called out, her voice cutting through the humid air.