Eyes fixed on the wall, she refused to meet his gaze. He shuffled uncomfortably, shifting from one foot to the next, not knowing what to say.
Her fingers caught a wandering strand of hair flitting across her forehead and gently nudged it back into the curve behind her ear. He ran his finger around his collar, trying to loosen the grip of the necktie that held his suited form in place.
She drummed her fingers on the side of her suede purse while he did the same on the handle of his laptop bag.
She almost turned to say something while he turned simultaneously to offer a half-hearted smile. But they both stopped short of it, awkwardness overcoming the moment.
Ding! The elevator buzzed and the doors slid open revealing that their destination had arrived. They both stepped out and without nodding, moved in opposite directions to their respective homes on the same floor.
For it was the curse of civilized society that the walls they had erected between people were more than those made up of just brick, mortar and cement. They were strangers, despite living on the same floor for over three years.
Not even an elevator was able to break that wall down.
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My theme for the Challenge this year is
A ‘Hi’ would have been easier than bearing this uncomfortness! Rightly told, Shailaja.
I think this happens a lot more these days what with people staring at their phones or else having headphones stuck in their ears.
Sometimes it’s just hard to break the ice but when you do it makes you wonder why was it so late ? 🙂 Nice one.
So damn true. Even after 12 years in the same building, I don’t know many people.
so true! I’ve lived that scene many times. Great story and great buildup…
Michele at Angels Bark
that’s the bane of today’s society! There are people in my apartment like that! strangers forever!
It’s too bad people have to be so uptight!
Such a common state of affairs in today’s world: shyness and lack of confidence, elevator or not, neighbours or not! 😉 <3
Sadly very true, Elly.
A sad reality of today’s world. Well portrayed!
Thanks Swathi 🙂
Sigh, it happens. Thankfully the lift in my building allows only two people so more often than not it is my husband and I 🙂
But it happens at office and I usually smile at the people around. Some of the people smile back and some just think “WTF is wrong with this girl” 😛
Ha ha ha. I know what you mean. I often catch myself smiling at people and nobody smiles back. AWKWARD!
V true.You have depicted this sorrowful state of our society through a very sweet story.???
Thanks Niharika
3 years, wow the walls that they crated were really high. I wish people could communicate with each other like how they used to, without fear and anxiety.
Why is it that people don’t anymore? Makes you think, doesn’t it?
I too hope they talk some time 🙂 It’s not like talking will open up other ways, right?
We can’t really say, can we? More has been wrought through dialogue than anything else 🙂
That’s so true! Superbly written Shailaja 🙂
My A-Z posts: http://sundarivenkatraman.blogspot.in
Thank you Sundari 🙂
Thats very true story.. walls around the homes, walls around our hearts.
More walls than we need, unfortunately 🙁
And it needs just a Hi to start a conversation. But at times that simple word is too heavy to utter.
Very true, Sheethal.
Hehe.. I prefer ignoring people who stay in the same building as me! My earphones help me in this conquest! 😛
And deprive them of your sparkling wit? Why? 😉
That is the story of people living in the city, they are least bothered about the neighbors where as in villages even if a small event happens in someone’s house, the whole village will come to know 🙂
Says volumes for the way we live, doesn’t it?
Sigh! It’s such a pity right. It’s the same everywhere i guess. On a more joyful note, whenever I enter the lift with Rishi, he makes it a point to say hello to everyone and that breaks the uncomfortable silence. Interesting one, Shailaja
Thanks Sid. Kids are lifesavers. More so in such situations.
I loved the description! And, waited for them to say something to each other, but…
Sigh.. yes
Maybe they will speak next time! (There is bound to be a next time!)
I like your optimism 🙂
Sad reality of this day and age. Nicely done.
*Shantala @ ShanayaTales*
Thank you Shantala <3
A sad reality of our times!
Unfortunately yes 🙁
Sad but true in today’s society. Beautiful writing once again.
Thank you Henrietta <3
Sad but Beautiful story…hope one of them can initiate the conversation sometime.
Well, after three years, one can only hope. Thanks Alok 🙂