Thursday, 31 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 27

Zain shivered when he learnt that his landlady knew the truth. What was he going to do now? Thinking about Jasmine's reaction on this news made him tremble in fear. She would surely break up with him. "Mahesh Bhai, What will we do now?", he asked helplessly.

Mahesh smiled. He wanted that reaction. Now he could use their helplessness for his benefit. He imagined about how much money he was going to encash from their helplessness. "I have an idea. It's better to find new place to stay before Tai gets hold of you. You will saved from all the drama before she calls you a liar in front of public.",Mahesh said. Zain sighed and spoke,"Thanks! But is there any way other than this?"


"I mean we again need to search places. It will be an headache for all of us. It may take long time. We don't how our next owner would be. What if Tai throws us before we find a place to stay? What if she does it today?", he continued while thinking about the consequences of being thrown out of house. "Why are you thinking so much? She won't throw you today. She's planning to catch you red handed once you commit next mistake. She waiting for you to be off guard.", Mahesh tried to convince him.

The young man didn't seem to be convinced by his agent's words. He felt strange that he knew so much about his landlady's moves. "Bhai, How do you know that she will not throw us outside today?", he asked. Mahesh was getting agitated by Zain's questions. "Why is he asking so many questions? Why does he want to know so much?", Mahesh thought. He didn't want to reveal the truth. But he had to in order to get Zain convinced.

"I know this because she called me today to her place. She told me that she got to know everything. She warned me that she will call police on me if I didn't help her to catch you red handed.", he spoke the truth. Zain found him suspicious. He was about to ask him about his intentions in helping them. But he held back. He had to find out the motive behind Mahesh's sudden concern.

"Hmm I see! When shall we start looking out for the place to stay?", Zain asked, trying to sound convinced. He wanted to find the truth. Mahesh fell for his lie. "Let's start as soon as possible. But I have something to inform you before we start looking.", Mahesh spoke excitedly. "What is it? Hope there is no more surprises", Zain asked. Mahesh laughed and said,"You need pay me some advance before we start looking." "Advance for what?", the young tenant asked. Mahesh didn't like to clarify every time. "Nothing much! You have to pay Rs 15000 only to get out of contract with Tai since you are leaving before completion of one month contract.", he said. Zain finally understood Mahesh's motive. "Bhai! I need to discuss this with Jasmine and I will come back to you as soon as we made our decision." , Zain said. Mahesh was frustrated with failure of his second plan. He thought he would use Zain's innocence to his benefit. But it backfired. He cut the call immediately.


(To be continued) 

Wednesday, 30 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 26


Mahesh thought deeply, "How will I get Tai to agree to my plans?" He smiled nervously at her. Tai looked at him suspiciously. She knew if she agreed to his plans , she would be like pawn in his hand. He would use her for his benefit. But what benefit would he get out of using her? " 

"Tai, you are right. We will do as you say. We will wait for them to make some mistakes and catch them red handed just the way you want. ", he said. She wasn't convinced. She knew there was some hidden agenda there. She wondered what was his hidden agenda.  She regretted asking him for help. She should have done this alone. Something struck her mind while she was thinking.

She didn't have to take him in. She would do her own thing. If Mahesh acted smart, she would blackmail in name of 'police'. She had found out his weakness - he hated being called thief. She wouldn't let him know anything she did. She would do it discreetly.

"Mahesh, you go home. I will come up with a plan and let you know.", she said smoothly. He became worried. "Now what is she up to?", he wondered. He had to keep an eye over her. He didn't trust her. He thought she was simple woman. But he never thought she would think two steps ahead of him. He had to be cautious of her every move. 

As soon as he left the flat , he called Zain immediately. "Hi Zain!", he said. Zain was surprised by his call. He didn't expect Mahesh's call. "Hi Mahesh Bhai, how is everything?", he asked. "All is good. But I have bad news for you.", Mahesh said. Zain was confused. "Now what can possible go wrong?", he wondered. 

"Usha Tai knows our secret.", Mahesh said. The phone almost slipped from Zain's hand. He laughed nervously as he spoke, "What are you saying, Bhai? Are you playing a prank on us? It's not April Fool's day." Mahesh changed his tone to bit serious. "I am not joking, Zain. It's true. She knows our secret. ", he said.

(To be continued)

Tuesday, 29 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 25

"So what are you going to do with them? Do you have plan?", Mahesh asked. Tai stayed quiet. She got Mahesh now. But she hadn't thought ahead. She had no plan.  Mahesh understood she had no plan. Now he had upper hand over her. He knew what to do now. "Tai, I have a brilliant plan. If you allow me, I can reveal my plan to you.", he said.

Tai regretted not having concrete plan. She knew how Mahesh was. He is opportunist. She knew that he would now dominate her regarding the plan. He would have his way over her. She should have had plan ready. She decided to reject whatever he said.


"Tell me your plan.", she asked though she wasn't interested in any of his plans. "You snoop behind their backs. You can follow them secretly, find out their weakness and take pictures if needed. You can use these photos as evidence against them.", he said. She immediately rejected the idea. "I am not doing that. I can't stoop that low. I will wait for them to make some mistake and then I will catch them red handed.", she argued.

"Tai, it's difficult to catch them like that. Do you think they will stay extremely relaxed? Irrespective whether they are aware or unaware that you know their little secret, they will still be vigilant. It will be difficult to catch them like that.", he asserted his point. Tai smirked. "This guy is very difficult person. He will not refuse a 'no'.", she wondered. She had to find a way to let him know that she was the boss.

"Every thief thinks they are vigilant. But they always commit silly mistakes and they get caught. They did that. But I let them off. Now they will become more relaxed and they will commit mistakes which will lead me to them. You were easy catch for me.", she said confidently.


Mahesh looked down withe embarrassment. He hadn't known that it was difficult to influence her. An idea struck him. He was going to let her use him as bait without letting her or her tenants know that he would be using their situation for his advantage. 

(To be continued)

Thursday, 24 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 24

Tai had found her friend with twisted side for her mission. He was supposed to come in few minutes. "He is always late ! I need to make this clear with him- no delays.", Tai said with disappointment. She hated people who disrespected time. Finally the bell rang. Tai rushed to open the door. It was Mahesh. He smiled idiotically. She didn't smile back and impatiently gestured him to come in. 

Mahesh walked in. There was something fishy. Tai's urgent call in the morning to meet her at home raised doubts in his mind. "What can it be?", he wondered during the entire journey to Tai's apartment. Instead of normal greeting or asking about her well being , he jumped to his question, "You seemed to be tensed, Tai. Even during the calls, you seemed disturbed. Are tenants troubling you or not paying you the rent properly?". He wondered whether Tai learned about Zain and his girlfriend's truth. If she did, he was in trouble.

Usha Tai was quiet. She had to deal with this man carefully. He was twisted man. She knew he was the main culprit in bringing the liars as her tenants. She had to teach him a lesson. She was going to blackmail him to help her teach her tenants a lesson. "Everything is fine. Tenants are paying rent on time. They are following the rules properly. But!", she spoke in sarcastic tone. Mahesh began to sweat profusely. He kept using his handkerchief to wipe the drops of sweat on his face. His heart beat faster. His truth was out.

"Tai, then what is the problem.", he said nervously. "The problem! It may not be huge for you. You got your commission and spent royally on your family. I am bearing the brunt here.", she said scornfully. Mahesh kept quiet. He knew if he spoke anything in his defense, Tai would break him black and blue. " I know the truth. The boy and girl are couple and not siblings. They are not married too. They are living in together. That's what you youngsters call it, right?", she said furiously. Her anger was rising every minute.  

His lips began to quiver due to fear. He felt as if his time has come. He wanted to run away from Tai's rage. He stuck to sofa he was sitting. Tai's big eyes reminded him of his strict teacher of  his high school days. She would stare at him with big eyes whenever he was caught red handed by her while cheating in class test. "You know what I will do now. I will call the police and report you and the couple for cheating me. How about that ?", she said sadistically. 


The word police bought him to knees. He knelt down next to where Tai was sitting. He folded his hands and begged, "Please don't do that ! I will do anything you ask for. What will happen to my family if I get arrested? Who will look after them?". He began to weep. Tai nudged him to get up. "Ok! Ok! I won't call. But you have to help me teach them lesson. I want to make it worse enough for them to pack their bags and leave.", she said firmly. Mahesh agreed to help her out with her plan.


(To be continued)


Wednesday, 23 October 2019

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 23

Jasmine waited impatiently for him to reply. She sensed there was something he was hiding. Thinking about what he was hiding made her more angry. "Come on, say something.", she said impatiently. Zain shivered. He wasn't scared of her anger. He was scared of disappointing her. He looked at her. Her eyes gleamed in fury. He regretted appreciating Tai's sweet dish. He should have kept quiet and agreed with Jasmine. Now it was too late.

"Nothing.. strange happened when you left. The delivery guy fixed the cylinder and went. He thought you were my girlfriend and I told him you were my sister when he said he won't tell anyone that I was with my girlfriend.", he blurted out everything that happened in morning. She slapped her head out of anger. "You messed it up. First you forget to lock the door and instead of handling that guy, you messed it more. Who asked you to tell I am your sister? Who asked you to open your mouth? You should have stayed quiet." , she spilled out her anger on him.

He held her tight to calm her down. She was fighting his grip on her. "Calm down ! If you scream like that everyone will get to know.", he said calmly. She understood the situation and calmed down instantly. "I am sorry I shouldn't have opened my mouth. In that situation I didn't know what to do.", he said softly. She glared at him in anger. "What do you mean you didn't know what to do?", she asked angrily.

"Calm down! I did what I could. But.. look at brighter picture. Tai doesn't know about us. If she knew, wouldn't she throw us out of the house. Why would she act sweet?", he said. "You do make sense. But why would she act sweet all of sudden? There is something odd in her behaviour. She hates us. Why bother to act sweet?" , she said. He hugged her tight. "Why do you worry so much? Nothing will happen." , he consoled her.


"But we have to be careful. We cannot let our silly mistakes to get us in trouble. She is very smart. We need to make sure she doesn't catch our lie.", she said. Zain agreed , thanking Lord that everything was sorted. He was relieved that she had read his mind. He wanted her support now to make things look fine.

It was midnight. But Tai didn't get sleep. She was thinking of evening at her tenants. She regretted being too sweet. She felt she was opening herself too much. They had suspected her actions. She had to be careful now. She couldn't take any chances.

(To be continued) 

Sunday, 20 October 2019

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 22

Jasmine sighed in relief. She wanted that for long time. She stared at Zain with gloomy eyes. Zain smiled at her. "Thank God! She went.", he said exhaling deeply. He got close to her and put his both hands on her shoulders. "What happened? Aren't you relieved that she went?", he asked calmly. She shifted her gaze from him to empty hot box and then back to him. "I was happy today. I wanted to treat you with your favorite snack. But Tai came and had her fill.", she said disappointingly. "She didn't even ask before snatching it.", she continued.

He noticed her cheeks had turned red. Her sweet voice made his heart beat faster. He suddenly felt immense love for her. He always found her childish antics cute. But today he found it more appealing. "Aww! How sweet of you? I am touched by your gesture.", he said as he squeezed her cheeks.  "Aren't you disappointed?", she asked.

"It's okay. She is an old lady. She liked your fries. She had them. I can have them next time. But she has bought us Puran Poli. Let's have them.", he said. She wasn't convinced. "But I prepared them for you with love.", she said softly. He held her hands and nudged them gently. "I understand you prepared them with love. Why should we fret over what has already happened?", he consoled her. She finally understood. They had first bite of sweet dish. It was tasty.

Jasmine had one while Zain finished rest. "Tai doesn't seem to be person who could make such tasty sweets. She is so bitter always.", he said. " I don't agree with you.", Jasmine argued. He stared at her in confusion. He thought he had convinced her about the fries incident. "She has been acting strange since this evening. She asked me about my day and even taunted me about my profession when I was going upstairs. I gave her back but she didn't reply. She banged the door on me and I got back home. The strange part was that she came back to flat few minutes after we had not so good chat. She was overly warm which didn't match her aura. She seemed different.", she continued.


"You are overthinking. She must be genuinely trying to build relationship with us. I didn't find her overly warm today.", he lied. He did find Tai's behaviour odd though. But he was convincing himself that nothing bad would happen and the gas delivery guy must have not mentioned  about them to her. He was trying to dodge the topic for another reason- he didn't want her to ask him about how he had managed with the guy today. The fear appeared again.

"I am not overthinking, Zain! You always blame for overthinking. What happened today shouldn't have happened. But it happened and now we are bearing the consequences. By the way, how did you manage today? Did that guy ask any questions? Did he try to blackmail us?", she asked firmly. Zain sweated profusely. He was speechless. He stared at her blankly as if trying to find answers in her.


(To be continued)

Thursday, 17 October 2019

The Tenants From Flat No #2- Part 21

Zain smiled weakly at Tai. He wondered,"Why is she here? Does she know the truth? Are we going to be thrown out? Will she call the police on us? What if our families get to know about this? Jasmine won't bear this? What will happen to her? Will this be an end to our relationship?" His eyes turned red thinking about their relationship. "What happened to you? You seem quiet today. I think you are tired. Anyway I will take a leave. Jasmine, take care of your brother. Thanks for the fries.", Tai said.

He was relieved with Tai's words. She was not going to throw them out. He looked at Jasmine and smiled. Jasmine didn't understand the reason behind his smile. She was aggrieved by Tai's munching all the fries she made for Zain. "Tai, I am not that tired. I am feeling embarrassed that I intervened your girls party with Jasmine.", he joked. Jasmine found his humor to be bad taste. She wanted to kick him out badly. 

Tai didn't understand the subtle joke in Zain's language. "Ok then I will stay back. Jasmine, can you please make those fries?  I am craving for it.", Tai said shamelessly. Zain seemed like naive boy. She could get more information from him if she had candid chat with him. He didn't expect Tai to stay back. He had thought she had hated Jasmine. He smiled nervously , not knowing what to say. He looked at Jasmine. She was fuming.

He pleaded her with his eyes to fulfill Tai's request. She stomped and walked towards the kitchen. Tai knew she had angered her. But she kept quiet. "So how was your work today?", she asked as she tried to break the ice between them. He was surprised by her warm tone. There was something fishy about her. But he didn't try to think hard about it. He thought, "I must be overthinking. Maybe she is here to build good relationship with us."

The sounds of Jasmine angrily placing the utensils on the stove could be heard in hall. Tai smiled by not reacting. Zain smiled back nervously. He awkwardly brushed his hair back with his hand. "How am I going to handle her outburst today? She is going to murder me if I tell her about today's event.", he wondered.

Tai felt it was getting over the board. Jasmine was angry. Tai felt if she stayed longer or spoke something that offended Jasmine, she would not fulfill her goal. She had to find other ways to fulfill her purpose. "I remembered I had some work. I will go. I will come some other time.", she said with smile as she got up to leave. Zain didn't persuade her to stay. He didn't want to add more fire to Jasmine's anger.


(To be continued)

Wednesday, 16 October 2019

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 20


Jasmine entered her room with smile. She was happy today. Everything was going good now. She impressed her boss and also gave back to her landlord when she was taunting about her profession. She wished everything would run smoothly in future. She thought about Zain. She wanted to treat him well today. She looked at her watch. He was going to come home in one hour.

She changed into her home clothes. She rushed towards kitchen. She looked at the utensils kept on the rack. "What does he like?", she wondered. She smiled when an idea struck her. She immediately started to prepare cabbage fries. It was his favorite dish. She was sure he would enjoy it. She smiled as she started to fry the cabbage in large wok.


The smell of delicious fries had spread across the whole house. The door bell rang. She got excited to see Zain's expression. She ran to open the door. To her dismay, it was Usha Tai. She had bought six Puran Poli in a steel plate. She smiled at her , waiting for her to let her inside. "Tai, do you need something?", Jasmine asked dishearteningly. "No, why would I need something? Instead I have bought something for you.", Tai said.


Jasmine wasn't happy with Tai being here. She wanted her to leave soon. "Oh ! It's sweet of you.", she said dispiritedly. "I thought you are alone. So I bought some Puran Poli for you and we can have nice chit chat until your brother comes.", Tai said excitedly. Jasmine let her in as she had no other options. Tai was landlord and she didn't want to upset her in first week of stay.

"The house looks clean. I wasn't expecting from you. Youngsters nowadays don't keep the house clean.", Tai said as she looked around. The smell of cabbage fry caught her nose. She rushed towards the kitchen to find a heat box. She opened it due to intense craving.


She took few and had them. "Delicious!", she said. Jasmine was furious. She had made them specially for Zain and here Tai was having them as if she hadn't eaten for days. She wanted to snatch the box from her but she couldn't. Suddenly bell rang. Jasmine opened the door. It was Zain outside. He looked anxious and tired. "I am sorry. I won't do it again.", he said as he followed Jasmine inside. Tai came out of kitchen with hand full of fries. "What did you do?", she asked with smile. Zain was startled to see her here. His face became white with fear and his heart beat faster.


(To be continued)

Thursday, 10 October 2019

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 19

Jasmine was over the moon. She had finally made good impression on her boss. But she wasn't aware that her boss was jealous of her and not happy with her work. She hugged Tina for saving her twice. Tina smiled. She was happy for her friend. "I am proud of you, girl. But what happened to you today? You looked out of focus today.", she asked.

Jasmine went back again to morning events. She felt uneasy thinking about it. "Don't ask about it. Zain messed it again.", she said. Tina laughed. "What did he do now?", she asked. "We almost go caught by gas cylinder guy. I don't know whether he managed the situation or put the cart before the horse. I am tensed.", Jasmine said.


Zain couldn't wait to meet Jasmine. He was worried about the gas cylinder guy. He wished he didn't spill the beans to Usha  Tai. Whenever his phone rang, he would jump from his seat. He would relax whenever he saw the name of the caller. He was anxious what Tai would say. He dreaded on thought of going home and witnessing Usha Tai with broom in her hand, waiting for them at the doorstep. 


He didn't mind facing the wrath of Jasmine but he didn't want to witness Usha Tai's fury. With their secret out, he feared Tai would have upper hand over them. He trembled thinking of ways she would torture them. He wished he had not got influenced by words of Mahesh. He wished he could change what had happened in morning. He wished he had remembered to look the door. 

Jasmine got home early. While she was about to head upstairs, Tai opened the door. She smiled. Jasmine smiled back wondering whether she got to know about them. "How was your day? Did you cut any hair today?", Usha Tai asked. Jasmine cringed with hatred. How much she hated when someone mocked her profession. "No Tai. In fact I had styled an actress's hair. She is having red carpet day next week.", she replied.

Usha Tai giggled. "Oh I see. You style people's hair one week before the event? Does the hair stay that way whole day? Oh! I think these actress don't take bath for a week.", she joked. Tai's useless conversation was getting on her nerve. "You also don't take bath before any special occasion?", Jasmine mocked. Tai expression turned sour. "I was joking, Tai. The actress came for design selection. She selected my design and hence we will be styling her hair with my design for movie premiere.", she said. Tai made a face and went inside. "I have to be careful with this girl. She is cunning.", she thought.

(To be continued)

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 18

Jasmine wasn't really focused on work. She was thinking constantly about the morning events. It was perfect one moment and next moment it was all mess. She wondered whether Zain took control of the issue or whether he make mess of it. She knew Zain's carelessness. He could destroy a controlled situation with his antics.

Tina watched her friend's depressed face. But she didn't inquire due to busy schedule. While she was working on one of her client, she saw her friend almost jeopardize her client's hairstyle if she hadn't stopped her in time. She would have cut the hair shorter than what client expected it to be. Jasmine smiled at her for saving her. 

This was not all. A horror was going to taking place that could ruin Jasmine's career. Shweta was showing different hairstyle to very important client who was looking for unique hairstyle for her film premiere.  The client asked her to show a sample and Shweta obliged. Jasmine was on her break when Shweta asked her to get some clips and accessories. 

As usual Jasmine was in her own world. She bought comb and scissors instead. However Tina arrived on time to save her. "What are you doing? She has asked you to get clips and accessories, not this.", she reprimanded her. Jasmine was startled. She grabbed the right stuffs and offered it to Shweta. As Shweta accessorized her client's hairstyle, Jasmine looked. The client didn't seem to be happy.

 Jasmine asked her boss if she could help. Shweta was skeptical. "Jasmine, it's her premiere night. I can't let you assist me unless I have checked your work. I haven't yet inspected your work. It's not your day.", she said. Jasmine begged to let her show her work today. While Shweta was declining her request, the client interrupted, "Let her show her work! Even you reached where you are because someone gave you an opportunity. Give her the opportunity. If her idea looks great, then we will see. She's not going to cut my hair and the premier night is a week later.

Shweta complied to her client's request. She gestured her to do her work. Before starting out, she asked her about her dress. The client showed the pic of her dress. It was an elegant floor length black gown. It had sequence work on chest area. It looked perfect.  Since it was tube dress. She found the perfect hairstyle that could suit the dress. She combed her hair and sprayed little of hair spray on the top to make perfect puff. Later she used the hot buns to make a Cinderella hairstyle.  It looked pretty. 
"This is too..", Shweta was about to make some nasty comment when she saw the client seemed happy with the hairstyle. She changed what she was going to say. "This is pretty ! Good Job, Jasmine!", she said with bright smile. Jasmine felt overwhelmed with happiness. 

(To be continued)

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 17

The secret was out. She had to deal with this situation carefully. "Kaki, if you allow me, I can suggest you that you catch them red handed outside or somewhere no one from this building recognizes you or the new tenants.", Ravi spoke. She rejected his idea and said, "No, Ravi ! I don't want any drama outside. In these scenarios, you will always meet someone you know. I don't want to do that."

Ravi wondered how he could assist his aunt. He loved finding solution to other people's problems which his wife hated him for. This was a complex problem and there has not been a day when he had not found solution for any problems. He would find one solution and think how Tai would react to those solutions. He had rejected almost all solutions based on how Tai would react on them. 

Finally he found one. He smiled as he spoke, "Kaki, you will like this idea definitely. Why don't you confront them privately?  Threaten them that you will call the police and I am sure they will get scared. They will leave the house without even causing any noise." Usha Tai thought, "It wasn't bad idea. They will surely leave the place if I threaten them. When they leave, the same issue of finding tenants will start. Again I have to catch hold of Mahesh and I don't like him. He was the one who got these people. If I get tenants, they won't pay rent these fools are paying. How about I watch them and find a weakness in them? Then I can use that weakness and teach them a lesson."

She rejected his idea but decided not to share her idea. She knew Ravi. He was simpleton man who wouldn't like this idea. He would make her feel guilty and she would have to quit teaching a lesson to them. "Tai, so what will you do now?", he inquired. She looked at him for few minutes and replied, "I will handle them by myself. If I need your help, I will let you know. Anyway , do you need one more Puran Poli?" 

He found it odd. He knew she was hiding something. He respected her privacy and didn't want to divulge more on this topic. He knew she was hurt. He only wished she would allow him to help her. He declined to have any more of his favorite sweet and wished her goodbye before he left. Usha Tai was back in action. 

She had her plan laid out. But she didn't know how to start. She knew she couldn't execute this plan alone. She needed someone who was suave as well as cooperative to help her out. She couldn't take Ravi's help. He would be caught on first attempt only. Finally she found a person who could help her out . But it wasn't easy to get help from that person. She had to be as twisted as that person.

(To be continued)

Tuesday, 8 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 16

Ravi knocked the door. His favorite aunt opened it immediately. "Hi Ravi! How are you ? Come inside. I was thinking about you. I prepared your favorite sweet - Puran Poli.", she said with warm smile. He came inside. The house looked as usual- clean and polished except for the smell of freshly prepared Puran Poli that surrounded everywhere.

He sat near the dining table while she served the sweet to him. He devoured the sweet and forgot the reason he came here for. Later they had quick chat. Tai asked him about his family and  work. He replied that everyone were good and his work was going on very good note. That was when he realized the reason he came here for - the secret of Tai's tenants.


"Kaki, I have something to say" , he said suddenly shifting the topic from his family to new tenants. He was eagerly waiting to disclose the secret he saw today. Tai stared at him with curiosity. He shook his feet while he continued to speak, "Kaki,I saw.. something strange in Tenant's house. They are not actually who they pretend to be. They are lovers. They are not siblings." Tai was confused.

"Why do you say that ? What did you see there ? What happened?", she asked like eager child. "The door was open. I didn't realize that. As I opened the door without thinking, I saw them holding each other like lovers. They were almost about to kiss if I hadn't raised my voice.", he said. "Are you sure?  You weren't dreaming right?", she asked.

"No Kaki ! God Promise! You tell me who will hold their sister like as if they are going to kiss.", he asked. She thought deeply. He made sense. He never lied. He always thought good about her. Unlike her children, he always inquired about her well being. He would help her even if she called him during midnight. She believed him.

But she had no idea what to do now. She wanted to throw them out now. But if she did, she would be known as gullible by everyone. She didn't want that. She had to deal this situation carefully. She thought deeply while Ravi tried to decode what she was thinking.

(To be continued)
 

Thursday, 3 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 15

It took about few minutes to fix gas cylinder. Zain was in his own world. He was searching ways in his head to cool his girlfriend's anger. Ravi got up triumphantly. "At last your cylinder is fixed. If you have any issue, just call me. I will be at your service. You can check the stove.", he said excitedly. All his customers liked his spirit, knowledge of handling issues related to gas cylinders and his ever ready attitude. Unfortunately due to shortage of staff, he would deliver the cylinders personally. In turn t

He waited for Zain to say something or check the stove. The young man was simply staring into emptiness. He seemed lost. "Sir! You look lost.", Ravi said. There was no response from Zain. Ravi assumed that his barging inside the house and catching the tenant with a girl must have gone wrong. He realized his error. He didn't want to lose a customer or witness Usha Tai's fury.

"I am sorry for barging in like that. I didn't mean too. I didn't expect the door to be open.", he said. Zain came back to reality. He wanted to screw Ravi for spoiling their perfect moment and now he had to cool Jasmine's temper. He stared at him with anger boiling inside him. He cooled his mind and replied with tinge of mockery, "Do you always enter people's house without ringing the bell or knocking the door?" He smiled to cover his anger.

Ravi was flustered. He was out of words for a moment. Later he replied, "Bhai, I said I am sorry. I didn't mean to. Anyway, I won't tell Kaki or anyone about your fling with your girlfriend." He lied partly. He would have informed Kaki about this. But he had to cool the situation and not lose the money he would receive for his service.

Zain was worried. He didn't believe Ravi.  He was sure he would tell Usha Tai. He blurted out with no thought, "Dude, mind your business. She is  not my girlfriend. She is my sister."  Ravi stared at him suspiciously. "Sister ! I am sorry. My bad!", he said. He knew if he tried to get more information from him , he would attack him. He kept quiet. He received money and he headed towards Usha Tai's house.

He wondered how can anyone hold their sister the way they hold their wives or lover. He was burning with this doubt. He had to share this to Usha Tai. She had to know what their tenants are up to. Zain banged his head with his fist. He had messed it up. Now he had to deal with Jasmine and Usha Tai. He had to come up with a story that Tai would believe it instantly. For this he needed Jasmine's help which seemed like distant dream right now.

(To be continued)

Wednesday, 2 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat no #2 - Part 14

Jasmine woke up to sunny morning. She stretched lazily.  She scanned around. She was in her room on her bed. She smiled at the realization. She knew how he had carried her towards her room. What amazed her was that he didn't take undue advantage of the situation. This made her fall head over heels for him.

Later she checked her phone. There was still time. She didn't want to go to work. Even one day off costed her too much. She got up sulkingly. She lazily headed towards the bathroom. She freshened up after few minutes of sleep. She sluggishly took bath and got ready for work. She checked her phone one last time before heading to Zain's room. There was still more time for the terror to arrive.

Before she could open the door, the door opened. She almost fell in his arms. She blushed. Her cheeks turned pink. Her gaze was downward on the floors. He didn't shy while holding her hand and dragging her close to him. She didn't resist. She wanted to stay in his embrace for infinity. "I wish you had no work today. Do you really have to go?", he said huskily.

Her heart raced faster. But before she could say something, the door opened suddenly. They froze at sight of stranger staring at them suspiciously. They broke out from their embrace. "Oh.. Hmm.. I am sorry. The door was open. I came in.", the stranger said. He was short built and was wheatish complexion. He wore orange t shirt that had logo of company he worked. 

Jasmine stared angrily at Zain when he looked at her with guilt. "How can someone be so irresponsible?", she thought. Zain automatically realized what she said.  He smiled at her weakly. "I am Ravi. The gas agency guy. I got you the cylinder.", the stranger said. The couple suddenly remembered about Usha Tai's conversation yesterday. They gestured him to come in. Jasmine hurriedly went out while Zain showed Ravi the kitchen.


As Ravi fixed the cylinder, he glanced at Zain momentarily. "Usha Kaki(Aunt) told me that she had rented the flat to brother-sister duo. Who is this girl then? Where is his sister?", he wondered. While checking on Ravi, Zain received a message from Jasmine. It read," How can you keep the door open?I am not going to forgive you for this." Thinking of tonight's ordeal he was going to receive from his girlfriend terrified him. He wondered how he was going to cool her down.


(To be continued)

Tuesday, 1 October 2019

The Tenants from Flat no #2- Part 13

As soon as Zain closed the door, the argument brewed between them. "I told you she would get to know.", Jasmine argued. "She didn't get to know. You heard that. She didn't hear anything, darling. You are thinking too much.", he asserted on his stand. "I am thinking too much? You don't know what could have happened?  She would have killed us if she got to know. I don't know whether she heard our conversation or not.", she protested.

He couldn't take it any longer. Her reasons were based on her fear. She was getting worried over nothing. He walked closer to her and hugged her. She resisted it. "Relax! I know you had a bad day. She doesn't know. She said she didn't hear. Even if she heard and throws us away, I won't leave you alone. I will always be your side. Why worry today about what will happen tomorrow?", he whispered.

His warm hug melted her heart. She wanted to stay in his embrace forever. All her worries vanished. She felt secure. She was convinced that nothing wrong would happen when he was there. She believed his words. She was worrying too much and for those things that didn't take place. "You are right. But what about dinner? Aren't you hungry", she said with smile.

He quickly ordered something. They settled for something vegetarian this time. The night went smoothly. "I am tired of eating out. Hopefully we will get to make something from tomorrow.", she complained. "It's been two days, babe. You are bored with outside food?  I have heard girls love to be pampered with outside food.", he joked. She frowned but smiled. "Not all girls are the same." she said.

They watched a movie after dinner. It was too boring. Jasmine slept during the first half of the movie. He stared at her innocent face. He fell in love with her all over again. He bent down to kiss her forehead but stopped in middle when she moved a little. He learnt something new about her. She was light sleeper and one could melt her temper with just one hug.  He smiled at this realization.


Suddenly he carried her gently towards her room. She did wake up. She did feel someone carrying her but she was too tired for the day to realize what was happening. He tucked her in her blanket. Before switching off the light, he stared at one last time. His eyes were filled with love and care. He headed towards his room after switching off light.


(To be continued)