CHAPTER ONE
The traffic buzz around me was enough to make me rethink whether my decision of moving to Mumbai was a sensible one or not.No matter where you decide to settle,this fast paced human race will always make you want to strive faster and harder.I can only wish that I don't disappoint my life in general.It's always difficult to step beyond the shade provided by your parents umbrella.Soon enough you realize it's time you seek your own shade amidst the scorching heat of competition for survival.
I fanned myself with my hands and rolled down the window of my taxi.The taxi hadn't moved for past fifteen minutes and the uproar of horns provided no comfort to my ears.Everyone were eager to reach their destination and I was here to begin my journey.
India has always been my home irrespective of where I stayed.It provides comfort in a way I can never decipher.It reminds me of summer vacations when I would travel to Mumbai to visit my grandparents.I have grown up hearing the struggles our ancestors have been through for swaraaj.A country rich in historical and cultural diversity.I hope I get a place to write my journey in this place.
After a tiresome journey, I reached my apartment where I was supposed to stay.It was a lovely neighborhood with greenery around the lane.It was just the place I wanted for a home.Paying the fare, I collected my two suitcases and a few boxes,dragging it along through the gates.The watchman provided a brief smile.The lobby was clean and the building was well maintained.
"Let me help you with that-"
I heard a deep voice,kind enough to offer me a helping hand but my vision couldn't picture the man in front.These heavy cardboard boxes that I was carrying, blocked my straight view.That's when he removed the box on top allowing me to see who was the guy after all.
His crescent-of-moon eyebrows were thin and narrow. He carried an imperious nose and his angular cheekbones carved down towards a flinty jaw.His mariner-blue eyes were orb round and darted constantly, a-gleam with delight and the vigour of youth.His voice was infectious just as common cold.
"I guess you are the 'Door no.8' that everyone here has been talking about,"he initiated a conversation as we headed towards my apartment.I was glad he did as another minute of silence would have proved to be awkward for both of us.
"Door no 8?"I wasn't sure what he meant.
"Uhm- people in this apartment have this kind of peculiar means to refer to people who have shifted new.Dont worry this tag shall last only till they get to know you,"he chuckled as if it was some sort of personal joke.
"What was your's?"I asked him out of curiosity as we stood in front of elevator,waiting.
"Oh,don't even ask,"he passed a snide smile as he spoke.Now I definitely wanted to know what was the tag given by the people here.
"C'mon you can tell me,"I insisted and then with a 'ting' lift was open.We got in and he pressed on the 3rd floor button,probably he knew where was door number 8.
"Door no.007,"he answered.
No way,is he like the 'Boy next door'.I tried to be normal though I wasn't anywhere near to 'N' of normal.
"So I have got agent 007 beside me,"I tried my sense of humor.I don't know if I succeeded but he chuckled and I felt assured of not sounding dumb.
"I am bond,James Bond,"he mimicked the introduction that usually comes up in Bond movies.
I snickered, remembering the introductory line of the famous James Bond Movies.
With another 'ting' we were out of the elevator.The space was huge and clean.There were apartments that were adjacent and I couldn't remember if I had to take a left or right.
"It's right,"he answered and I was quite surprised.I just hope he isn't gifted with mind reading.You can never know who's gifted with extraordinary abilities in this peculiar-strange world of miracles.
After a few steps of silence we reached 'Door no 8'.I wasn't sure if I had to invite him in as my stuff were unpacked and furnitures weren't at its place.I don't even have the slightest idea as my belongings were unloaded yesterday and I showed up today.All I have is a set of few books in the two cardboard and my suitcase.
"I am sorry,you were heading out I suppose-"
"You don't need to be formal.I know what it takes during shifting,"he replied with a formal smile.I just flashed my teeth in response.God,why am I so nervous and dumb in front of him.
I unlocked the door with a spare key that I had been given and we both entered my apartment.It was a messy flat with all my unpacked boxes lying at random places.
"Why don't you come to my place for a cup of tea,uhm-"
"Anika,Anika Raichand,"I introduced myself as I forwarded my hand.He held it firmly,introducing himself.
"Shivaay,"he revealed.
"So,do you want to come over?Only if you want to."His smile was really comforting even for a stranger like myself.
"Yeah,why not."I just agreed as it's good to be socializing with neighbours.LIAR,my heart rebuked.I just turned a deaf ear and walked behind him to the next door'7 or 007' after I locked mine.
Just as I had expected,he was one among those who preferred things organised.Things were perfectly placed at it's designated spot and not a single object was lying randomly around.He guided me inside towards the living room.The inside was even more suprising.It was bright,very open and very large.There were three rooms,an open kitchen,a balcony subjected with artificial lawn and a huge living space.The back,south facing wall had been entirely replaced with glass painted in different shade of cedars.A slight curving staircase dominated the west side,leading to a room.It was more like a secret space,study room I guessed.The walls,the high-beamed ceiling,the wooden floors and thick carpet was of contrasting shades.
I wouldn't be surprised as flats here are quite expensive.It's a five storey lavish apartment with twenty flats near to metropolitan area.Being the only daughter of Raichand's gives you an edge over the money and that's how despite my reluctance to a lavish-posh building,my parents got me one.My beliefs lies in simplicity.
"Have a seat,"he said.
I sat down on the L shaped sofa.It was fluffy and soft beneath my fingers.
"What would you have,latte or espresso?Forgive me that's the only variety I insist on-"
"I would prefer a Latte,"I muttered.
He headed to his open kitchen while I continued examining his flat.
He came back with two cups,handing over one to me.He sat down on the opposite couch with his cup.
"How long have you been here?"I pounced out a question in the name of getting comfortable with each other.
"Uhm-3 years,"he answered with a smile.
That's quite a long stay.
"A long stay,"I voiced my thoughts loud.
"Indeed.What made you shift here?"he asked as he placed his cup aside on the table.
"I used to leave with my parents in New York.I was studying fashion designing there and I got a call for internship from Fluke Designs and that's how I landed here," I explained.
"Woah,that's a huge fashion hub in Mumbai-"he exclaimed.
"Yeah,"I flushed.
"What do you do for a living?"I asked hesitantly.
"I work in the corporate sector,"he answered giving not much details.I didn't want to come of as an imposing person so I decided not enquire more.
"Are people here friendly?"I questioned as it was relevant.
"You don't need to worry about that.Most of them are couples with kids and a few people of our age.You would find old souls with young mind,they are lovely,"he revealed with a brief smile.
I am an ambivert.I prefer people who are open to different opinions in general.
"I should get going,I need to set my place at the earliest.Since it's monday tomorrow,I need to hurry up,"I excused myself as I seriously didn't want to prolong things and end up cleaning for weeks.
"Don't hesitate asking for help.I would be happy to lend a helping hand."
"Thanks,"I smiled and left his place.
I entered my flat with a huge sigh.Fear of unknown was just around the corner.Excitement of uncertain events pestered around assuring me of certain hope which I dreamt of. New beginnings are always difficult to decipher.
*****
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