Mere saamne wali khidki mein...

So we have recently got new neighbors upstairs and I have to admit I am a bit baffled by them. 

We have one of those houses where the their dining overlooks my balcony-which-the-builder-insists-is-terrace which is quite conducive to cosy neighborly chats. While I didn't quite hit that level of camaraderie with the earlier set, we used to occasionally do some casual talk and Junior and kid-from-upstairs would swap important toddler talk. 

This new lady however dives for cover behind every time I happen to stroll out. I can see the curtains twitching and the occasional furtive glance downwards but never, ever an acknowledgement that I am there. I tried the hello and smiling bit, to no avail. 

I used to think that it was my face which used to scare her away. But apparently she does the same with my mother AND mother in law. ( And no, we don't have a family feud or anything remotely interesting happening)

And If i do happen to bump into her in the foyer, she refuses to make eye contact and rushes away. 

But the most mysterious bit is that she seems to have struck a  friendship with the bai. Every other day I can hear them chatting outside. And all information which I have got so far ( such as the fact that she has recently had a baby boy) I have got second hand from the bai. 

Yesterday, Ma happened to be outside, so she asked her about the child and his name. Mrs Neighbour, directed all the answers to the bai and also issued a very friendly invitation ( to the bai, not to Ma) to attend the naming ceremony this coming Friday

We don't seem to make the cut however. Hmmm.