The Mallu Apartment | Chapter 01: The Arrival

Prologue: Raj, a 29 year old Tamil web developer from Coimbatore, lands a new job in Kochi, Kerala. With dreams of a fresh start, he moves into an upscale apartment complex nestled near the backwaters. He doesn't know yet that this move will change his life in ways he never expected.

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Raj landed to apartment just now. He is asking details to watchmen and Then Shwetha comes Raj stood in the sweltering afternoon heat, suitcase at his feet, as the watchman, a wiry man in a crisp white uniform, nodded knowingly. "Ah, the new IT fellow from Coimbatore, yes? The apartment is third floor, unit 304. Good view of the river from the balcony." He gesticulated toward the building with a gnarled hand. As Raj was about to thank him, a woman's voice cut through the air, rich and warm. "Suresh, who's this now?" Shweta Menon approached from the main building entrance, a vibrant pink and brown Silk saree draped elegantly around her tall frame. Shwetha's presence radiated an effortless grace as she stepped closer, the folds of her saree swaying gently with her movement. Her dark hair, streaked with silver at the temples, was pulled back into a simple but elegant bun. She studied Raj with warm brown eyes, her full lips curling into a welcoming smile that revealed a faint dimple on her left cheek."Ah, another new resident! Welcome to the Back Waters Residency." She extended her hand, fingers adorned with delicate gold rings. "I'm Shweta Menon. I handle the apartment association here. Raj's hand found hers, feeling the softness of her skin as they shook. Up close, her presence was overwhelming—subtle jasmine and cardamom emanating from her, the faint musk of sweat underneath. Her grip was firm, confident, a contrast to the gentle curves of her body. 

"Raj," he said, his voice suddenly thick. "Just started at CyberTech Solutions downtown. Moved in today." Shweta's smile widened, her face glowing with genuine interest. "Ah, an IT fellow! You'll fit right in. Many of our younger residents work in tech." She released his hand and stepped back, but her attention remained fixed on him.Shweta's attention was fixed on Raj, her warm brown eyes twinkling with interest Shweta's smile widened, revealing a dimple on her left cheek. "Excellent! She Guided him to this Flat which was same Floor as Shweta. Shweta led Raj to the elevator, "I hope you'll be comfortable here, Raj. The apartment is fully furnished, so you won't need much. Though I always suggest a good fan our Kerala summers can be quite Hot." As they stepped into the elevator, Shweta's perfume enveloped him, a intoxicating blend of jasmine and sandalwood. In Lift they meet a lady Named Bhavana an 38 years old Divorce a yoga teacher she was in 5th Floor Shweta Menon Intros Raj to her The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing Bhavana standing there, her tall, athletic frame wrapped in a loose-fitting yellow cotton salwar kameez. She had shoulder-length hair streaked with brown, her face still bearing traces of sweat from what Raj guessed was a yoga session. Her skin glowed with a healthy sheen, and when she smiled, she revealed slightly crooked but endearingly confident teeth. 

"Ah, Bhavana, this is Raj, our new IT fellow from Coimbatore," Shweta said smoothly, her hand resting lightly on Raj's arm. "He's just moved into 304." On my Floor Bhavana's face lit up as she turned her attention to Raj, her dark eyes bright with curiosity. "Welcome to the building, Raj!" She extended her hand, her grip firm but gentle. Hey "I'm Bhavana. I teach yoga nearby. You'll find plenty of like-minded people here for meditation and mindfulness." Raj found himself standing a little straighter, acutely aware of both women's attention. Shweta's hand remained on his arm as she said, "Bhavana's classes are excellent. She's helped many of us find balance in our hectic lives." Bhavana's smile widened, revealing that slightly Naughty Smile. with Shweta Bhavana's smile widened, her face glowing with warmth. her eyes flickering down his body for a brief moment before meeting his again.Shweta beside him, her fingers giving his arm a playful squeeze. Raj Smiled On Her Replied "Thank You Mam" Good to have Beautiful Ladies as Neighbours. Bhavana chuckled, the sound warm and throaty. "You'll have to join us sometime, Raj. We could use some fresh blood in our group." Shweta was blushing on Raj's Comment.Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she adjusted her saree Pallu. 

Shweta's hand slid from Raj's arm to his back in a light, guiding touch. "Come, let me show you the apartment. Bhavana, we'll see you at the meeting, yes "Of course," Bhavana replied, stepping aside to let them pass. As Raj walked by, he caught her scent something herbal and earthy, perhaps from her yoga mat or oils. Bhavana stepped closer, handing Raj a simple white business card with black lettering. "My studio's number and schedule. I do private sessions as well." She winked as she added, "I might be able to help with... certain kinds of stress relief."Raj felt his face flush as he took the card, his fingers brushing against hers for just a second too long. "Thank you, Bhavana. I might take you up on that." His voice came out more confident than he felt. Bhavana's smile widened, showing the slight crookedness that somehow made her even more attractive. "I'd love to hear from you. Now, I'll let you settle in." She turned to Shweta. She was smiling Because she knows about her Private Sessions.  Shweta's whispered words to Bhavana made her face flush slightly, but she merely nodded, her smile never wavering. "Enjoy your evening, Raj," she said, her voice smooth and rich. "I look forward to seeing you at the sometime."As she walked down the hallway, Raj couldn't help but watch her retreating figure. The way her salwar kameez flowed around her legs, the confident sway of her hips as she moved—there was something undeniably alluring about her. Shweta guided Raj to his apartment, her hand still resting lightly on his back. Shweta unlocked the door to 304, pushing it open with a creak of well-oiled hinges. The apartment was modest but comfortable, with simple wood furniture and a large window overlooking the river. "The previous tenant was quite particular about the view," she explained, stepping inside and turning on the lights. "I think you'll find it helps with stress after a long day at work."

She moved through the space, showing him the bedroom, the small kitchen the attached bathroom. Her presence filled the apartment, her perfume subtle yet unmistakable. Raj was curious that what Shweta whispered on Bhavana Ears he Asked to Shweta. She Replied Shweta leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Bhavana has been... quite insatiable lately," she murmured with a knowing smile. "Three men in the past month. She's on a bit of a... rampage." Carefull with her Raj. 

Raj felt his throat tighten as he absorbed this information. The image of  Bhavana with multiple men flashed through his mind her lithe body, her confident smile, her warm brown eyes. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but couldn't suppress the flush creeping up his neck. Shweta noticed, of course. Shweta Bends to lift Raj's Bag But her saree pallu was revealing her deep Celevage on her tight blouse. Raj's breath caught as he caught a glimpse of Shweta's cleavage, his gaze inadvertently drawn to the shadowy valley between her ample milk jugs. 

He quickly averted his eyes, but not before Shweta had noticed. But she was Enjoying this , She stood up slowly, a subtle curve of her mouth betraying amusement at his reaction. Ok Raj Take Care she said softly, "You might find yourself drawn to things you weren't expecting here." She is teasing him in very settle maner. Shweta's fingers lingered on Raj's arm as she turned to leave, her touch sending tiny jolts through his body. At the door, she paused, glancing over her shoulder with a smile that seemed to hold some secret knowledge. "The building has thin walls, Raj. Best to keep that in mind if you're... sensitive to noise." Shweta's smile deepened as she saw the conflict play across his face. "I'll see you Friday at the meeting." Raj Replied " Sure Mam Thank You " for your guidence I won't make much noises So No worries. Shweta's laughter was soft but genuine as she stepped into the hallway. "I never said you would, Raj. Just that you should be aware." She closed the door behind her with a quiet click, leaving Raj alone in his new apartment. He stood there for a moment, surrounded by the silence and the lingering scent of Shweta's perfume. His heart was still pounding from the encounter. First, Bhavana's obvious interest and then Shweta's subtle hints the afternoon had been a whirlwind of unexpected flirtation. Raj moved to the window, looking out at the river below. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in fiery pinks and oranges. The view was indeed impressive wide and unobstructed, the water catching the last rays of sunlight in a dazzling display. Yet Raj found his thoughts drifting not to the scenery but to the women he'd just met. Bhavana's confident flirtation, the promise of private sessions, her knowing smile when she'd handed him her card. And Shweta her hand on his arm, the glimpse of cleavage, the way she'd mentioned thin walls with that knowing smile. 

Later that Evening

The Invitation 

That evening, Raj's stomach rumbling and fridge was empty, he decided to head out to the nearby hotel to pick up some food. As he reached the lift, someone called from behind.“Raj!” He turned. Shwetha , was locking her door.“Going out?” she asked, raising one eyebrow. “Just grabbing some food,” he said, holding up his wallet awkwardly. She looked him over with a calculating glance. “You eat hotel food ?”Raj chuckled. “I didn't have some essentials & grocery to cook”

“Hmm,” she said, almost disapprovingly. Then, without missing a beat:
“Come have dinner at my place.”Raj blinked, unsure if he heard her correctly. “Sorry?”She looked at him like she’d just offered him a seat in Parliament and he’d said no. “Dinner. My place. 9:00. You need some real food and better conversation than your mobile screen.” It wasn’t a request. It was a command with a generous wrapping. Before he could say more than a grateful “Okay,” she added, “Don’t be late. I don’t like cold sambar,” and vanished into her apartment.

It's 9:05 Raj knocked on Shweta's door, still in a mild state of disbelief at the unexpected dinner invitation. Before he could second-guess his decision, the door opened to reveal Shweta, now wearing a cotton saree in rich maroon that accentuated her curves. "Raj! So glad you could join us." She ushered him inside, her hand resting briefly on his lower back as she guided him into the living room. The smell of spicy curry and freshly baked naan wafted through the air, making his stomach growl audibly."Oh, I hope you're hungry!" Shweta laughed, clearly enjoying his obvious hunger. "Anikha, our guest is here!" Anikha emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. She was younger than Shweta She just 21 years old with long dark hair pulled back into a loose braid. She wore a simple top-tanks in black shorts , her face radiant with a warm smile. "Hello, Raj! I'm Anikha, Shweta's daughter." She shook his hand firmly, her grip confident and sure. "I've heard so much about our new neighbor." 

"All good things, I hope," Raj said, trying to sound casual as he watched her move with practiced ease around the kitchen."Of course!" Shweta interjected, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Anikha has been very curious about the new IT guy in the building." She turned to her daughter. "Tell Raj about your job, dear. He might have some insights for you."Anikha's smile faltered slightly as she busied herself with the food. "I actually work in IT myself. Web development and database management." She avoided Raj's gaze, her attention focused on arranging the dishes on the table. "It's not exactly the same as what you do, but I'm always interested in learning from others in the field." Shweta's hand came to rest on Raj's arm, her touch warm and familiar. "Raj is with a very prestigious company in Bangalore. I'm sure he has all sorts of fascinating stories about the cutting edge of IT." She leaned in slightly, her breath warm against his ear. "And Raj, Anikha's been wanting to improve her skills. She's quite ambitious, but sometimes shy about asking for help."Raj felt his heart rate quicken as Shweta's proximity and words combined. "I'd be happy to offer any advice I can," he said, his voice slightly higher than he intended. "Web development is always evolving, so it's good to stay current." Anikha finally met his gaze, her face flushing slightly. "Thank you. That would be... very helpful." Shweta's hand slid from Raj's arm as she moved to the table, pulling out a chair for him with a graceful gesture. "Please, sit. You two can talk more over dinner." As Raj took his seat, he found himself directly across from Anikha, Shweta seated along with Raj on the table. The proximity between them felt charged, made more so by Shweta's knowing smiles and the occasional brush of her foot against his under the table.

Dinner conversation flowed easily, with Shweta steering the topics with practiced skill. She encouraged Anikha to ask Raj questions about his work, which he answered with professional enthusiasm. Anikha's questions were intelligent and well-informed, showing she had genuine interest in the field. As the evening progressed, Raj found himself becoming more comfortable in the warm, intimate setting. Shweta's presence remained as a constant, her attention seemingly divided between the conversation and watching Raj's reactions with subtle amusement. She refilled his plate before he even realized he was empty, and when he reached for his water glass, her hand sometimes brushed against his as she topped it off. "You two seem to have a lot in common," Shweta observed, breaking a particularly comfortable silence. "The same industry, similar interests. It's refreshing to see two young professionals connect so naturally." Shweta lands her hand on Raj's Thigh and squeezes gently. "Anikha has been so focused on her course lately. It's nice to see her relax and enjoy herself."

Raj's pulse quickened at the contact, his face warming. Anikha's gaze darted down to her plate before meeting his eyes again, a shy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Shweta's right. It's been a long time since I've had such an interesting conversation about work."

Shweta's hand remained on Raj's thigh for a moment longer than necessary before she stood, gathering empty dishes. "I'll just clear these. Raj, would you care for more naan?" He replied " No I'm already Full " Thank you Mam.  Shweta was Rubbing her hands on Raj's trousers. Teasing him little bit Anikha cleared her throat slightly, breaking the moment. " Amma always makes the best naan. She learned from our grandmother." But Shweta was still Tesing Raj , she said " Yes Raj i learned Many things ". The double meaning in Shweta's words lingered in the air as she disappeared into the kitchen. Raj found himself fidgeting with his napkin, acutely aware of Anikha watching him with a slight smile. "So... have you always lived here in Kochi?" he asked, desperate to steer the conversation away from the charged atmosphere Shweta had created.Anikha shook her head. "No, I grew up in Bangalore. Moved here for college and just... stayed." She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table. "The city really grows on you. Especially the slower pace compared to the IT hubs." Raj nodded, understanding immediately. "I can see that. Bangalore is fast-paced, but there's something... comforting about a place that doesn't demand so much from you all the time." Anikha's smile deepened at his words. "Exactly. Sometimes I miss the bigger city, but..." She gestured around the apartment, where soft music now played from the kitchen. "This feels like home now."

Shweta re-entered the room with a tray of small glasses filled with wine. "Raj, I hope you'll join us for a drink." She set the tray down between them, her movements deliberate and graceful. Raj hesitated for a split second, but the wine glasses looked enticing, and the atmosphere was already relaxed and comfortable. "Sure, why not?" He accepted a glass from Shweta, his fingers brushing against hers as he took it. Anikha reached for her own glass, her face flushing slightly as she sipped the wine. Shweta took her seat again, but this time she positioned herself closer to Raj, her shoulder occasionally brushing against his. "To new neighbors and old friends," she said, raising her glass. Raj and Anikha echoed the toast, clinking glasses. The wine was sweet and smooth, a perfect complement to the lingering flavors of dinner. As the evening continued, conversation flowed more easily between Raj and Anikha. Shweta watched them with a knowing smile, occasionally interjecting with gentle prodding or a subtle touch that nudged them closer together. Shweta was getting closer to Raj. By the time the wine bottle was empty, Raj had lost track of time. The room felt warmer, cozier, the air thick with the lingering aroma of spices and the gentle perfume that Shweta seemed to wear naturally. Anikha had relaxed noticeably, her earlier shyness giving way to a warm openness that matched the wine's effect on Raj.

Raj stood abruptly, ok was to tried it's time to take some Rest . And " Thanks for the Good Dinner Shweta Mam " Shweta stood gracefully, her sari swirling around her ankles. "So soon? But it's ok Raj you always welcome Raj and Anikha also stood, both a bit unsteady on their feet. "I should probably go too, Amma," Anikha said, stifling a yawn. Shweta's smile widened as she turned to her daughter. "Of course, dear. You've both had a long day." She walked Raj to the door, her arm occasionally brushing against Raj's. At the threshold, she pulled him into a hug, holding Raj , he was stunned by her sudden hug. Her big melons are touching on his chest her mature hands are around his neck. Raj was completely Blackout. Raj freezes as Shweta's body presses against him, her curves unmistakable even through the thin cotton of her sari. Her head tilts up slightly, bringing her face near his. "Raj, I'm so glad you came over tonight," she says softly, her breath warm against his cheek. Her fingers play lightly with the hair at the nape of his neck. Before Raj can respond, Anikha clears her throat behind them, a pointed reminder of her presence.

Shweta releases Raj slowly, her hands sliding down his arms before she steps back with a knowing smile. "Do come visit us again soon," she says, her dark eyes warm and inviting. Raj feels his face flush with heat as he steps back, his body still thrumming from Shweta's touch. He turns to see Anikha watching them with an unreadable expression, her arms crossed over her chest. The wine has left him pleasantly relaxed, but also acutely aware of how close he came to crossing a line with her mother.

"Thank you again for dinner," he says, addressing both of them. "It was excellent."

Shweta moves to Anikha's side, sliding an arm around her waist in a casual but possessive gesture. "You're very welcome, Raj. We enjoyed having you." Anikha with small smile. "It was nice to talk to someone who understands what I do for a living," she says, her tone slightly husky from the wine.

Shweta gives Raj's shoulder a light squeeze as she guides him to the door. "We're always here if you need anything, Raj. Anything at all." The emphasis she places on the last word makes it clear that the offer extends beyond just mundane assistance. Raj nods, feeling strangely shy despite the intimate atmosphere. "I appreciate that. Goodnight, Shweta Mam. Good Night Anikha." "Goodnight, Raj," Anikha replies, following her mother's lead. 

Shweta leans against the doorframe, her sari draping elegantly as she watches him. "Sleep well," she adds, her smile promising more than simple rest. Raj turns away, the hallway feeling cooler after the warmth of their apartment. His pulse still quickens as he walks to his own door, acutely aware of Shweta's gaze on his back. Inside his apartment, Raj leans against the closed door, exhaling slowly. The wine has left him pleasantly buzzed, but more than that, he's replaying the evening—the teasing touches, the flirtatious glances, the charged moments with both mother and daughter. Raj stands in his apartment, leaning against the door, his body still thrumming with the energy of the evening. The wine has left him warm and mellow, but his mind replays every detail—the way Shweta's saree had brushed against his legs, the gentle pressure of her body when she hugged him at the door, the way Anikha had watched them both with that knowing smile. 

Raj Came to his Apartment ,He moves toward the window, pushing it open to let in the night air. The breeze carries the salty tang of the Arabian Sea, mixing with the remaining aromas of dinner and Shweta's perfume. Below, Kochi's nighttime lights sparkle in the distance, but his mind keeps drifting back to the apartment across the hall. Raj Took his Ciggerate Pack and heads to Terrace to Relax and smoke 

Buzz.

His phone lit up. A soft blue notification from Instagram

Anikha Menon has followed you.

He stared at the screen for a moment, surprised.

Raj felt a jolt of excitement as he saw Anikha's Instagram notification. He opened it to find she'd followed him, and his heart quickened. Curious, Raj tapped on her profile. @anikha_menon Scrolling through his profile, he realized there wasn't much there just a few photos from his trip to Kerala and some old posts from when he was in college. He hesitated for a moment, then went to his settings and made his profile public.

Within minutes, he saw that Anikha had liked several of his posts old photos of him with friends, a picture of the Bangalore skyline he'd taken from his old apartment. Raj felt strangely exposed as he saw her likes, knowing she was actively scrolling through his past. 

He hesitated for a second, then hit "Follow Back."

Almost instantly, a message popped up.

Anikha: “You looked like you had survived something tonight. Was it my mother’s dinner or her interrogation?”

Raj smiled, taken aback by her unexpected wit. He typed back:

Raj:“Both. The curry was intense. The eye contact was more intense.”

Another message blinked in.

Anikha: “Yeah... she has that effect. Just don’t let her convince you to run for the apartment committee. That’s how they trap you.”

Raj laughed out loud, genuinely. He relaxed into the conversation. What began as playful messages turned into a quiet exchange of thoughts: favorite music, books, the weird smell of wet books in college libraries, what they missed most about childhood. Raj noticed she often left her sentences unfinished like she trusted silence to do the rest.

After a pause, she sent one more message:

Anikha:“You seem… different. I don’t know how yet. But I like it.”

Raj stared at her words, feeling something stir. Not attraction in the usual sense—something quieter. The way she saw things, the way she noticed the edges of things most people missed—it drew him in.

He typed a reply but paused. Instead, he sent a voice note. Just one sentence “Sometimes different just means not broken yet.”

There was no immediate reply.

But he didn’t mind.

Sometimes silence was its own kind of answer... 

The Night Ends....

*******_End of Chapter 01_*******