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5. Shifting Perspectives
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2023-04-02 22:59:52Liam gazed at the curtains fluttering at Maya’s window; his thoughts consumed by what he had just witnessed. To him, she was just another neighbor, someone who happened to live in the house next door. He never really paid much attention to her before. But now, after seeing what her father had done to her, everything started to shift.
He didn't know what to do, or how to help her. But one thing was certain: he felt disgusted. Disgusted by what she had been forced to endure.Liam's thoughts shifted to his encounter with Maya that morning. He remembered how she seemed to be running away from something or someone, and he couldn't help but wonder if it had been her father. The way she had flinched when he touched her made him uneasy. Was it fear or just her natural shyness? Now, witnessing what her father was doing to her, Liam couldn't shake off the feeling that Maya had been trying to escape from this man.He felt a fierce protectiveness surge within him, one that he had never felt towards anyone before, and it both excited and scared him. Standing by idly and watching her suffer didn’t sit well with him, he wanted to help her, he just didn’t know how.***The next day, Liam set out for college. As he walked, he couldn't help but glance up at Maya's bedroom window, where he had seen the despicable acts of her father the night before. The curtains were still shut, but they fluttered in the gentle morning breeze.Lost in thought, Liam was jolted out of his reverie by the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned to see Maya, her face pale and her eyes filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty. Her steps faltered as she caught him looking at her, and for a moment, they stood there in awkward silence.Maya's mind raced as she tried to come up with an excuse for her presence, but all she could think about was the events of the previous night. She wondered if Liam knew what her father was capable of, and if he thought less of her now that he'd seen her at her most vulnerable.Surprisingly, or not, Liam kept a straight face and continued walking without even acknowledging her presence. She felt a pang of disappointment and embarrassment. Had she misread his concern from the previous night? Or did he not care at all? She looked down at her feet and followed him, a few steps behind.***Maya had already bumped into Liam several times that day, in class, in the canteen, and now in the library. Every time, he seemed to ignore her presence, throwing occasional glances her way. As they stood in the library, searching for books on a packed shelf, Maya felt her tension rising. Liam acted as if she wasn't even there, and the crushing pain in her heart returned. She couldn't understand why his behavior affected her so much, especially after their encounter the night before. It was like he was a completely different person now.Maya tried to focus on her task of finding the book she needed, but her mind kept wandering back to Liam. Why was he ignoring her now? Not like he paid attention to her before. But still! Was it because of what he had seen last evening?As she reached for a book on the shelf, her hand brushed against Liam's. She quickly withdrew her hand, feeling a jolt of electricity run through her body at the contact. Liam didn't even flinch or acknowledge the accidental touch.Maya sighed and continued her search for the book, but her eyes kept wandering back to Liam. He seemed so distant, so unreachable.Finally, she found the book she was looking for and made her way back to her table. Liam had already left the aisle and was nowhere to be seen.***Maya had been feeling increasingly anxious as the day went on. Liam's behavior towards her had been cold and distant, and it was affecting her more than she cared to admit. As she made her way to the girls' bathroom, she felt her eyes start to water.She locked herself in an empty cubicle and leaned her head against the cool metal door. Tears streamed down her face as she let out a sob. Maya had never felt so alone and isolated before.Maya couldn't hold back the tears any longer. It wasn't just Liam's behavior that was affecting her. She was worried about a lot of things, her father's abusive behavior towards her being one of them. She felt trapped and helpless, like she didn't have any control over her life. What was in store for her? What was her fate? The uncertainty of it all made her feel like giving up. Maya buried her face in her hands and sobbed. She wished she could just disappear, escape from it all. The sound of her crying echoed in the empty cubicle of the girl's toilet.Maya cried for what felt like hours until she finally regained some composure. She splashed cold water on her face and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy, her mascara smudged from the tears. She took a deep breath and made her way out of the bathroom.***Maya stumbled out of the bathroom, still wiping the tears from her eyes. As she turned the corner, she collided with Liam, who was passing by. Their eyes met, and Liam's stony face seemed to soften as he saw the redness and puffiness around her eyes. He wondered what could have made her cry, but he couldn't find the words to ask her. It wasn't that he didn't care, but being soft and considerate was something he had never been good at, no matter how hard he tried.Maya felt a mix of emotions as she looked at him. She felt embarrassed and vulnerable, but also a strange sense of comfort. She looked down at her feet, willing the tears to stop falling. Liam cleared his throat awkwardly and stepped to the side, letting her pass. Maya walked away, wanting to hide from the world.***Related chapters
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Maya rushed down the stairs, her tears blurring her vision. She had to be somewhere more private, where she could breathe, preferably behind those manicured shrubs. She stumbled and nearly fell but caught herself on the banister. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see the tall, muscular guy coming her way until it was too late. She collided with him, and his cup of Starbucks went flying, spilling hot coffee all over his chest. “You stupid bitch!” he snarled and grabbed her by the arm. Maya's heart raced. The guy Jake was at least six feet tall with a chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes that bore into her. His friends, equally beefy and intimidating, loomed behind him. Maya stumbled backward, almost losing her balance. "I'm sorry," she stammered, "I didn't mean to-" They circled her, making her feel so small before them, so trapped, like helpless prey in the face of a pack of predators. "I didn't do it on purpose," Maya insisted, her voice barely above a whisper.
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Liam walked out of the principal's office; his eyes fixed in the distance as he tried to process the suspension. As he walked past Abby, she looked up at him in awe, impressed by the way he had stood up for Maya. But Liam didn't even notice her, lost in his own thoughts. Just then, Maya burst out of the office, her eyes searching for Liam. "Liam!" she called out, her voice shaky with emotion. He slowly stopped and glanced at her; his expression unreadable. "I'm sorry," Maya spoke after a lot of hesitation, wringing her hands nervously. Liam was a little surprised but did a good job at hiding it. He didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue. As they stood there, some students passed by and commented on Liam's fight with the jocks. "Dude, you were so cool!" one of them said. "We didn't know you could do that," another added. “You were a beast, man!” one of them exclaimed. "Jake deserved it, that guy's a total jerk," said another. Liam didn't react to the comments,
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Maya watched as her mother’s nurse exited the front door, and she closed it behind her. She walked down the hallway towards her mother's room, but her eyes were drawn to Liam's house across the street. A loud, constant thud had been echoing from his house for a while before it finally stopped, and Maya couldn't help but wonder what was going on. She strained her ears to listen for any other sounds, but there was only silence coming from the house. Maya's eyes shifted to Liam's bedroom window, which was partially covered by a thick curtain. She could see a faint light glowing through the fabric. Suddenly, the hammering sound stopped, and Maya's heart sank. She couldn't hear Liam's father anymore, and her mind immediately began to wander. Was Liam okay? Was his father hurting him? The sound of a distant car engine broke Maya out of her thoughts, and she shook her head. She didn't want to think the worst of Liam's situation, but the constant noise and her own fears were getting the bes
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Maya stood at the stove, carefully stirring the dal, her mind lost in a world of its own. The kitchen enveloped her in its familiar warmth, occasionally punctuated by the gentle sizzle of spices. In the adjacent room, her mother lay in bed, an unchanging routine they both had grown accustomed to. But then, a nostalgic aroma drifted into the kitchen, pulling Maya back into the past. It was the same scent that used to fill their home when her real father, Sanjay Sharma, was alive. The memories rushed back like a flood - the laughter, the outings, and the family dinners at the Chinese restaurant, indulging in sweet corn chicken soup, chicken fried rice, and Gobi Manchurian. Her heart ached for those times when they were complete, united, and happy. But life had taken a different turn, leaving her with a stepfather, Manoj Suri, who was nothing less than a nightmare. Just then, the front door creaked open, and Manoj entered the kitchen, carrying takeout bags. He looked oddly content wit
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NEXT WEEK: Maya walked briskly down the hallway of the college, her steps echoing against the tiled floor. It was sometime around the first half, and she decided to stop outside the admin's office to check out the notice board, hoping for any updates or announcements. As she scanned the notices, one in particular caught her eye - a yellow-colored sheet titled "Attention." Curiosity piqued, Maya leaned in closer to read the contents. That's when she noticed Liam, standing inside the office, engaged in a conversation with the administrator. Liam's usual stony demeanor was evident as he listened to the administrator's reprimand for not paying his college fees from the last semester. "I will pay, I just need some time," Liam's voice was firm, but Maya sensed an underlying tension in his tone. The administrator's response was skeptical. "But that's what you said last time." "I know," Liam replied, his expression unreadable. With a sigh, the administrator relented. "Take your time. B
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They reached Maya’s house and paused outside her gate. Liam turned to face her. “So remember what i told you. Whatever happens, don’t be afraid. He or anyone else gets the better of you only when you are afraid. So don’t be.”She wasn’t sure how to muster the courage he was talking about. Perhaps, that was the secret of his stoic demeanour? She also wondered if he applied the same to his life, thinking how his father always got the ‘better of him’.Maya rang the door bell and Liam stood closely behind. On the second ring, the door was answered by Manoj. The concern on this face was very far from genuine. “There you are! Where have you been? Your mother was worried sick! I looked for you everywhere, you know? Can’t you at least keep us informed if you have any plans of your own?”Liam’s eyes shifted from Manoj to Maya, catching a subtle cringe in her hand.Liam intervened. “Actually Mr. Suri, it was me. I needed some help on our project and Maya was kind enough to stay back and help m
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Night has descended upon the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, casting a shroud of darkness over the city. However, in a quiet corner of the city, away from the hustle and bustle, a shabby building bustles with activity. The dilapidated structure is surrounded by several motorcycles parked haphazardly; their engines still hot from use. At first glance, the building looked abandoned, with the shadows of the trees and the darkness of the night hiding it from view. However, upon closer inspection, the true nature of the place became apparent. The sounds of hushed whispers and clinking glasses can be heard from inside, as well as the muffled thuds of a makeshift fighting ring. Despite its unassuming exterior, this building is a hub of illegal activity, drawing in adrenaline junkies and high-stakes gamblers from all over the city. Inside, a ring was set up in the middle of the room, surrounded by rows of folding chairs and makeshift tables littered with betting slips and cash. The
Last Updated : 2023-03-19
Latest chapter
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 12. Don’t Be Afraid
They reached Maya’s house and paused outside her gate. Liam turned to face her. “So remember what i told you. Whatever happens, don’t be afraid. He or anyone else gets the better of you only when you are afraid. So don’t be.”She wasn’t sure how to muster the courage he was talking about. Perhaps, that was the secret of his stoic demeanour? She also wondered if he applied the same to his life, thinking how his father always got the ‘better of him’.Maya rang the door bell and Liam stood closely behind. On the second ring, the door was answered by Manoj. The concern on this face was very far from genuine. “There you are! Where have you been? Your mother was worried sick! I looked for you everywhere, you know? Can’t you at least keep us informed if you have any plans of your own?”Liam’s eyes shifted from Manoj to Maya, catching a subtle cringe in her hand.Liam intervened. “Actually Mr. Suri, it was me. I needed some help on our project and Maya was kind enough to stay back and help m
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 11. Confiding in Liam
Liam's flushed face radiated heat from his training session, his head still pulsing with the rush of blood. Typically, he would have dismissed the curiosity to check on people crying for whatever reason, knowing he couldn't solve everyone's problems. Yet, this time, the voice struck a chord, familiar and unsettling. With a painful grunt, he rose to his feet and staggered toward the sound's origin, moving like a rusted machine in need of oil.He followed the voice to a clearing where Maya sat, huddled on a park bench. He stood nearby, hidden in the shadows of the trees, pondering what could have led her to this state.His initial impulse was to approach and ask, "Are you okay?" Yet, he knew the question was futile; it was evident she was far from okay. He speculated whether her distress was linked to her father, but he couldn't broach the subject with her.Maya sensed a presence looming nearby, as if she were being watched from the shadows. Startled, she opened her eyes and peered into
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 10. Maya’s Story
NEXT WEEK: Maya walked briskly down the hallway of the college, her steps echoing against the tiled floor. It was sometime around the first half, and she decided to stop outside the admin's office to check out the notice board, hoping for any updates or announcements. As she scanned the notices, one in particular caught her eye - a yellow-colored sheet titled "Attention." Curiosity piqued, Maya leaned in closer to read the contents. That's when she noticed Liam, standing inside the office, engaged in a conversation with the administrator. Liam's usual stony demeanor was evident as he listened to the administrator's reprimand for not paying his college fees from the last semester. "I will pay, I just need some time," Liam's voice was firm, but Maya sensed an underlying tension in his tone. The administrator's response was skeptical. "But that's what you said last time." "I know," Liam replied, his expression unreadable. With a sigh, the administrator relented. "Take your time. B
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 9. Maya Retaliates
Maya stood at the stove, carefully stirring the dal, her mind lost in a world of its own. The kitchen enveloped her in its familiar warmth, occasionally punctuated by the gentle sizzle of spices. In the adjacent room, her mother lay in bed, an unchanging routine they both had grown accustomed to. But then, a nostalgic aroma drifted into the kitchen, pulling Maya back into the past. It was the same scent that used to fill their home when her real father, Sanjay Sharma, was alive. The memories rushed back like a flood - the laughter, the outings, and the family dinners at the Chinese restaurant, indulging in sweet corn chicken soup, chicken fried rice, and Gobi Manchurian. Her heart ached for those times when they were complete, united, and happy. But life had taken a different turn, leaving her with a stepfather, Manoj Suri, who was nothing less than a nightmare. Just then, the front door creaked open, and Manoj entered the kitchen, carrying takeout bags. He looked oddly content wit
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 8. Getting Ready
Maya watched as her mother’s nurse exited the front door, and she closed it behind her. She walked down the hallway towards her mother's room, but her eyes were drawn to Liam's house across the street. A loud, constant thud had been echoing from his house for a while before it finally stopped, and Maya couldn't help but wonder what was going on. She strained her ears to listen for any other sounds, but there was only silence coming from the house. Maya's eyes shifted to Liam's bedroom window, which was partially covered by a thick curtain. She could see a faint light glowing through the fabric. Suddenly, the hammering sound stopped, and Maya's heart sank. She couldn't hear Liam's father anymore, and her mind immediately began to wander. Was Liam okay? Was his father hurting him? The sound of a distant car engine broke Maya out of her thoughts, and she shook her head. She didn't want to think the worst of Liam's situation, but the constant noise and her own fears were getting the bes
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 7. Unveiling The Scars
Liam walked out of the principal's office; his eyes fixed in the distance as he tried to process the suspension. As he walked past Abby, she looked up at him in awe, impressed by the way he had stood up for Maya. But Liam didn't even notice her, lost in his own thoughts. Just then, Maya burst out of the office, her eyes searching for Liam. "Liam!" she called out, her voice shaky with emotion. He slowly stopped and glanced at her; his expression unreadable. "I'm sorry," Maya spoke after a lot of hesitation, wringing her hands nervously. Liam was a little surprised but did a good job at hiding it. He didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue. As they stood there, some students passed by and commented on Liam's fight with the jocks. "Dude, you were so cool!" one of them said. "We didn't know you could do that," another added. “You were a beast, man!” one of them exclaimed. "Jake deserved it, that guy's a total jerk," said another. Liam didn't react to the comments,
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 6. Taking A Stand
Maya rushed down the stairs, her tears blurring her vision. She had to be somewhere more private, where she could breathe, preferably behind those manicured shrubs. She stumbled and nearly fell but caught herself on the banister. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see the tall, muscular guy coming her way until it was too late. She collided with him, and his cup of Starbucks went flying, spilling hot coffee all over his chest. “You stupid bitch!” he snarled and grabbed her by the arm. Maya's heart raced. The guy Jake was at least six feet tall with a chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes that bore into her. His friends, equally beefy and intimidating, loomed behind him. Maya stumbled backward, almost losing her balance. "I'm sorry," she stammered, "I didn't mean to-" They circled her, making her feel so small before them, so trapped, like helpless prey in the face of a pack of predators. "I didn't do it on purpose," Maya insisted, her voice barely above a whisper.
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 5. Shifting Perspectives
Liam gazed at the curtains fluttering at Maya’s window; his thoughts consumed by what he had just witnessed. To him, she was just another neighbor, someone who happened to live in the house next door. He never really paid much attention to her before. But now, after seeing what her father had done to her, everything started to shift. He didn't know what to do, or how to help her. But one thing was certain: he felt disgusted. Disgusted by what she had been forced to endure. Liam's thoughts shifted to his encounter with Maya that morning. He remembered how she seemed to be running away from something or someone, and he couldn't help but wonder if it had been her father. The way she had flinched when he touched her made him uneasy. Was it fear or just her natural shyness? Now, witnessing what her father was doing to her, Liam couldn't shake off the feeling that Maya had been trying to escape from this man. He felt a fierce protectiveness surge within him, one that he had never fel
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 4. Learning About Maya
Maya couldn't help but feel relieved as she stepped onto the college campus, finally feeling like she had left her troubled home life behind. As she walked towards the entrance, she spotted her bubbly friend Abby waving at her. "Maya, girl! Over here!" Abby called out, grinning from ear to ear. Abby had long, curly hair that framed her round face, and bright green eyes that sparkled with mischief. She had a contagious energy that made it impossible not to smile when she was around. Maya envied her confidence and carefree spirit. "How was your morning?" She asked. Maya grinned back, happy to see her friend. "It was good. I'm just glad to finally be here." As they chatted, Maya noticed Liam walking through the gates wearing a long sleeve shirt rolled at the sleeves, and jeans that fit him just right. Liam was a good 6'2", with a rugged handsomeness that could make any girl's heart skip a beat. His brown hair was always styled messily, as if he didn't care about his appearance, but it
