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7. Unveiling The Scars
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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 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 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 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 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 1. Liam 'The Savage' Parker
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
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 2. The New Neighbor
A new family had moved into Rosewood Hills this morning, causing some curiosity among the neighbors. A big truck loaded with cheap plastic furniture was parked outside an old double-story house, signaling the arrival of the newcomers. As they peered through their windows, some of the neighbors bounced on their toes and craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the new residents. Excitement built as rumors spread among the neighbors. "It looks like someone has finally bought that house!" they whisper to each other. One of the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bansal, a couple in their mid-50s, can't contain their curiosity any longer and decide to go meet the new family. They walk through the gate and find the owner of the new house instructing the movers on where to place the furniture. Mr. Bansal greets the owner cheerfully, saying "Good morning". The Bansals turned to the owner, and as he smiled, they realized he was the Security Head of a US security company. He was dressed in a haphazard m
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 3. The Morning After
Maya Suri stirred in her sleep as sunlight streamed in through an open window and fell upon her face. She lay on the cold, hardwood floor, just beneath the window from where she had watched Liam last night. The harsh light was disturbing. It finally got her to open her eyes and cast her weary gaze around the room. It took a moment for her to come to her senses and figure out where she was. She quickly sat up in a state of panic. Last night’s cringe-worthy events and the close shave she had come flooding back. Still in panic, she quickly checked the bolt of the door just to make sure it was locked. That it had indeed been locked all night. When she found it securely bolted, she leaned onto the door with her back, sighed in relief, and sank to the floor. Safe. Yes. For now. What worried her was this - she couldn’t hide in here forever. “Maya…” Dread washed over Maya’s pale face. It was her mother’s call from downstairs. She fidgeted a bit and wondered what to do. If only she could w
Latest chapter
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 12. Don’t Be Afraid
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 11. Confiding in Liam
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 10. Maya’s Story
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 9. Maya Retaliates
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 8. Getting Ready
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 7. Unveiling The Scars
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 6. Taking A Stand
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 5. Shifting Perspectives
- THE BOY NEXT DOOR 4. Learning About Maya
