The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 42

Jasmine had almost given upon on her parents just like other things in her life - career and relationship. She was depressed. Nothing seemed working in her life. She failed to be good daughter, friend, girlfriend or successful hairstylist. She had completely lost hope in her life. Zainab and Tina tried to revive her spirits. They took her out, treated her with her favorite snacks and pampered her all the time. But nothing interested her. She was still gloomy and unhappy.

As she looked out of the window, staring blankly at the clear blue sky after refusing Zainab to accompany her for a movie, her phone rang. It was her mom. "Jasmine, How are you, beta ?", her mom spoke. Jasmine froze. She had no words to speak. "Won't you say anything? Are you still angry with us ? We are sorry, sweetheart. We always love you.", her mother continued. Tears welled up in her eyes, Jasmine controlled her emotions that were in verge of bursting out of her heart.

After few minutes of silence, she broke down,"Ammi, I.. am sorry. You were right. I want to come back home. Mumbai was never the place for me. Please let me come back home. I promise.. I will never break your trust again..." Her mother consoled her and asked her to come back home. She promised that she would convince her dad to let her in. Jasmine relaxed bit though she was still sad.

When she informed Zainab about her mother's conversation,Zainab was stunned. She thought she would convince Jasmine in few days. She wanted to slap her and bring sense to her. But she didn't speak to her.

Zain looked like as if he hadn't slept for days. He hadn't trimmed his beard which had grown unruly and wild. He had sleep bags under his eyes. The spark that glowed from his face had disappeared. He looked miserable. His friends asked him about his conditions though they were aware he had rough breakup with his girlfriend. They wanted to bring back the old charming Zain. He stayed away from everyone and spent most of his time in thinking about Jasmine and what could have gone better between them. He felt more guilty thinking about all impossibilities. 

He stared blankly at computer screen. His eyes burned due to lack of sleep. He stretched to release the heaviness he felt inside him. Then he got up to take few minutes of break. He walked out of his small office to make shift tea stall. While he was sipping hot tea, he heard his name called out. He turned behind to see Usha Tai. He smiled at her. 

"Hi Tai, How are you ? Do you need some tea?", he asked politely. Tai declined his offer but asked him if he could spare some few minutes for her. Zain agreed. "Zain, I am sorry for all the inconveniences I caused you and Jasmine.", she began to speak. He was distraught when he heard Jasmine's name. "Why are you saying sorry ? We were the ones who had caused you inconvenience by keeping a secret about our relationship...", he said almost realizing that he had revealed the truth. "I know the truth. I know Jasmine and you are a couple. I forgive your for lying to me about your relationship status. But I am feeling miserable that I caused some problems between you and Jasmine. Please forgive me for this sin. I got influenced by my anger and see what mess it has created. I am sure my husband must be lamenting me for my sins in heaven.", she said sorrowfully. Zain smiled weakly at her innocence. He knew the real reason for their break up. It wasn't Tai. It was their egos that had messed their relationship.

(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 41

Three months had already passed. Many things happened in these three months. Tai had started searching for tenants for her flat as soon as Zain had notified her about leaving the flat. She had asked him the reason and even asked about Jasmine's absence. He had lied her that she had already shifted to PG as it was nearer to her workplace. Tai could see the pain in his eyes when he spoke about Jasmine. She felt there was something fishy in his explanation. "Did they broke up?", she has been wondering since that day.

Jasmine was in distraught condition. She felt guilty for ruining her relationship with Zain. She felt she didn't deserve him and hence never tried to get back with him. Instead she was trying to fix her relationship with her parents. She wanted to get back to home and erase all the memories she had in the city she called as her home. Zainab tried to coax her to stay but she never listened. She kept saying sorry to Tina whenever she met her. Even Tina tried to patch up Jasmine and Zain. Unfortunately all her efforts went in vain.

Tai was watching her favorite sitcom on TV. Ravi had come home to visit her. After casual chat, both were engrossed into the idiot box. It was an interesting scene. The mother in law was almost caught red handed by the simpleton daughter in law for snooping into her activities. This reminded Tai about her ordeal with snooping into her tenant's life. She felt ashamed of her actions. Watching Tai's expressions, Ravi asked, "What happened, Kakki?" 

Tai smiled weakly. "I .. I am feeling bad now when those tenants are leaving the house. I feel I stooped low like this wretched mother in law in the show. There is some problem in their relationship. I feel I could be the reason for that problem. I should be feeling happy because I succeeded in making their lives miserable. But I m feeling terrible here.", she said sorrowfully.

Ravi knelt down in front of Tai sitting on sofa. He pressed her hands gently and spoke, "What you felt is normal. You have right to feel anger for the lies they told you. You could have confronted them and displaced them. But you didn't. You were influenced by anger. Now the purpose of your anger is over and hence you feel guilty. If you want to rectify the mistakes, confront them now. I am sure they must be feeling the same pain you are going through. Confront them to release their and your pain."

She sighed. She decided to visit Zain next morning. She didn't want to visit him now. She had to plan what to speak to him. Words thought carefully would have positive impact than the words spoken without thinking. Next morning, she visited Zain immediately. After difficult climb to Flat No #2, she found the door locked. She slapped her head in despair. 

(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 40

Zain remembered the days when he would find Jasmine researching on latest hair styles trend and experiment it on herself. She would always pester him how it looked on her. She always looked pretty to him. He felt ashamed for not understanding the pain she went through. He punched the table very hard. Tina shook in fear while others looked at their table to see what was the commotion. They got back to their work when they sensed nothing.

Tina held his injured fist gently. "I understand your guilt. I am feeling the same. We can't do anything to change the past. But we can at least make our present better. Go and speak to her. I know where she will be. I will take you there.", she said calmly. He nodded gently. 

"Are you mad, Jasmine ? How can you leave your job like that ? What will you do now ?", Jasmine's cousin asked. "The job wasn't right for me. Abbu was right. This place was not for me. I didn't listen to them. I got influenced by my false dreams. I will go back home. But will they accept me?", Jasmine cried.

Suddenly door bell rang. Her cousin opened the door. It was Zain and Tina. "What are you guys doing here ?", she asked. "We want to speak to her. Please let us in.", Zain replied.She let them in. Jasmine got annoyed when she saw them. "Why did you let them in, Zainab ? I don't want to talk to them. It's over.", she spoke furiously.

She was about to leave when Zain grabbed her by her arms and dragged her towards him. He stared deeply into her eyes. There was still love in them. "Listen to us at least once. You have made all decisions without informing me. You left the house. You left your job. I didn't say anything. But I will now.", he said after releasing her immediately. "I thought you were a fighter. How could you be so dumb? Shweta was insecure about your talent. So she gave the reward to Tina because she couldn't bear your energy. How can you break your friendship over such a tiny thing like competition ?", he continued.

Before Jasmine could open her mouth, Zain spoke again, "You left me without saying anything. You didn't bother to even pick my calls. But what you did was wrong. You broke my heart. You can't come and go out of  my life whenever you like. I am not your game."  He left without saying goodbye. Jasmine wept hard while Tina hugged her tight. 

(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 39

Tina turned back to see two of her colleagues staring at her with wide eyes. One of them fled when they saw her approaching them. "We are sorry. We didn't say anything. It could be rumor spread by Meena.", her colleague blurted out. Tina wiped her eyes and glared at her. She knew Meena also envied  Jasmine's work and would do anything to stay in Shweta's good books. Meena was unofficially Shweta's pet. 

She proceeded to confront Meena who was busy trimming her nails and humming a popular Hindi song. "Meena darling, I heard you have some juicy news about Jasmine. Won't you share it with me ?", she asked sweetly. Meena stopped humming and looked up to find Tina towering over her. She was short and plump woman, filled with insecurity about her body.  "Why do you want to know ? Wasn't your ex.. Oops ! Best Friend ?", she said sarcastically.

" Hmm ! I will tell you what caused her to become my ex friend if you spill beans about her.", Tina said with gleaming eyes. Meena smiled. "Ok ! Listen! Shweta hates Jasmine because you know right, her favorite client was impressed by Jasmine's work and Shweta hates when someone takes her spot. So she declared you as winner though Jasmine was better than everyone. She knows you won't outshine her in front of her clients and will always be under her. Anyway, who knew this would irk Jasmine so much that she would leave the job.", Meena said while rolling her eyes because she thinks she looks cool by rolling her eyes out.

"Tell me about how you and Jasmine turned from friends to foe.", she asked excitedly. Tina was shocked. She always thought  Shweta was impressed with her work. "Well! Jasmine never became my foe. She is always my best friend. Now that you cleared the misunderstanding between us, it will become more stronger. Thank you, Meena.", Tina said. She hugged Meena tightly while Meena grumbled. 

Zain wasn't focused at work. He was remembering the sweet memories he shared with Jasmine. He missed her innocence. He missed her sweet banter. He missed her smile. He missed everything about her. His phone rang. He immediately picked it up without seeing who was calling. He thought it was Jasmine. But it was Tina. "Hi ! I have something to tell you. It's about Jasmine. Can you meet me at 4 in the evening at the cafe next to my parlor ?", she asked. He agreed to meet her. 

They met at the cafe. The cafe was empty with few youngsters having coffee and pastries. Zain and Tina stared at the rim of their coffee mugs. After few minutes of silence, Tina spoke, "I can't imagine Shweta could be so insecure. We all look up at her with great respect and admiration. Because of her, Jasmine left her job. Because of her, Jasmine broke her friendship with me." Zain stared at her with shock and confusion. He didn't know how to react. He felt even more guilty for not being there for Jasmine.

(To be continued) 

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 38

Jasmine woke up to sound of chirping birds outside. She found Zain next to her bed. He was sleeping with his head lying over his folded hands while sitting on the floor. She sneakingly got up and packed her bag. She noticed him every time he snored. She gently opened the door and closed it behind her. She quickly kept her keys on the table next to the sofa.She looked at the house one last time before leaving.

An hour passed since she had left. Zain woke up slowly. He saw empty bed. The bed wasn't made. The bed sheets still lay on the bed like someone had used it. He got up and started searching for Jasmine. He looked every corner of the house. She wasn't there. He found the spare set of keys of the house. " Does this mean, she left?", he wondered. Suddenly he felt emptiness within him.

He quickly called her number. She didn't pick up. He kept calling her. She still didn't pick up. Then he gave up. He called Tina. "Hi, How are you ?", he said. "I am fine. How is Jasmine ? Did she wake up?", he asked. "She left. I don't know.. I know it's wrong to ask you after what happened yesterday. Did she come to your place ?", he asked. Tina was astonished. " I will talk to her when she come back.", she said. Both knew it was too difficult to speak to her now. 

Jasmine was at her cousin's house. Her cousin sister was one amongst few she shared good relationship. She had narrated her woeful story to her sister. "Hmm! But he seemed like a good boy. I liked you with him. I always thought Tina was sensible girl. Are you sure you want to leave the job because of your tiff with your best friend?", her sister asked. 

Tina arrived at the work. She found Jasmine and Shweta in deep discussion. The discussion took place for about an hour. She couldn't understand what was going. Shweta arrived with Jasmine and called everyone for meeting. "It's sad news today. One of our talented stylist is leaving us. Jasmine, we wish you all the luck. Thank you for being part of our family. You will be missed.", Shwetha said with pretentious sorrow.

Tina felt pinch in her heart. She felt guilty. Her eyes were welled up with tears. She waited for her turn as Jasmine hugged each and every one. When there was no one around her, she approached her. But Jasmine ignored her and left. She kept calling her name. But she didn't respond. Tina cried silently while she heard soft whispers behind her. She turned behind her to see two of her colleagues staring at her with wide eyes.

(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 37

Tina released herself from embracing her friend whom she was meeting after long time. She smiled at him. Zain was relieved. He was thinking about how happy Jasmine would be when she gets to know what surprise they had planned for. They were about to enter the building when they saw Jasmine was red faced. She looked very angry. As they got closer to her, she ran upstairs.

Tai greeted them with smile and good wishes. "Oh she is your girl friend ! You make good couple. I think Jasmine was upset because of your girlfriend unexpected visit. Ask her to make those yummy fries she made last time. I will also join if you don't mind.", she said with pretentious happiness as if she didn't know the truth. This was her way of teaching them lesson. "Aunty, we are friends !", Tina said. 

"I know. I know. Everyone says the same thing when they get caught.", Tai joked. Zain ignored her while grabbing Tina's hand and running upstairs. Tai didn't like the way she was ignored. "Look at these tenants ! If you show them some gratitude, this the way they pay us.", she said aloud while entering her flat. Zain first knocked the door. Then he realized he had the key, he opened the door quickly. Tina and he found Jasmine curled up in the sofa. She was crying.

Tina got closer to her. "Jasmine, why did you run when you saw us ? Aren't you happy seeing us?",  Tina asked calmly, placing her palm gently over her friend's lap. Jasmine brushed her hand off from her lap. "Happy! Why should I be happy watching my best friend taking over my dreams and now my boy friend?", she growled, spitting anger towards Tina. Tina , tear eyed rose up. She was shocked by her friend's allegation. "What are you saying?", she asked softly. 

"Don't act naive! I saw you both hugging.", Jasmine cried.  Zain couldn't take this any longer. He grabbed Jasmine's arms and dragged her closer to him. "Here we were planning to surprise with treats and goodies to make you feel better and you are accusing us for something we haven't done. You have taken failure into your head so much that you are accusing Tina for jeopardizing your career and love. If she wanted to hurt you, she wouldn't be here to help you make you feel better. You are selfish person. Always complaining and hurting people. If you are true friend, you should have been happy for her instead of blaming her for silly things.", he said sternly. 

"Leave my hand !", she said, trying to release herself from his tight grip. He left her. "Yes, I am selfish ! I always overreact on small things. I am not good friend or good girlfriend or daughter or employee or human. I...", she fainted before completing her sentence. Zain and Tina rushed beside her. They took her to her room and placed her on the bed. They sprinkled some water over her. She woke up but she was feeling weak. They fed her some food and put her to sleep. Tina left with heavy heart while Zain took care of Jasmine by sitting beside her and watching her if she needed something.

(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 36

Zain got up late. He hurried to get ready. He noticed the door was still closed. It didn't strike him why the door was locked or whether she was still inside. His mind was absorbed on how he would reach office early for client presentation. He quickly ate few slices of bread and drank cold milk. His phone rang. It was his friend. He didn't pick up. He scooted towards the door and rushed to office.

She lay on her bed. She didn't feel like getting up. She wanted to sleep and remain hidden from people. She knew people wouldn't care if she was there or not in this planet. Her parents were miffed with her for running away from home to start a career in hair styling in Mumbai. Her friends and cousins were struggling with their lives. Her best friend Tina was flying high and wouldn't bother to notice loser like her. Her boyfriend was annoyed with her constant complain. No one was happy with her. She wished she was not born.

It was afternoon. She still lay on her bed like vegetable. Her phone rang. Some calls were from her boss and some were from Tina. She didn't pick the calls. She was tired of speaking to anyone or answering everyone's questions on where was she or what happened to her though she hadn't answered to anyone or spoke to anyone. She felt low.

The meeting was success. Zain was happy to bag the offer. He had just settled in his seat and was about to switch on the monitor to check few mails when Tina called him. "Hey Zain ! How are you? Is Jasmine okay?", she asked nervously. "Hey Tina ! I am fine ! How are you? Jasmine is fine, I guess. Why do you ask?", he replied. "Jasmine hasn't come to work. I only wanted to know whether she was okay. She seemed upset yesterday.",  she said ,concerned about her friend. 

Zain was worried. He realized why the door was locked and it alarmed him suddenly. "Lord ! She is at home. I don't know how many hours she is locked in that room. She didn't have any food. I am coming. Can you meet me near my place? She needs us. Let's surprise her.", he said anxiously. Tina agreed to come. 

It was evening. Jasmine's tummy growled. She got up. She was hungry. She dragged herself to the kitchen. There was nothing that enticed her taste bud. She remembered about the restaurant that served hot dosas next to the apartment. She took bath and dressed up in plain T shirt and pyjamas. She tied her hair into a simple ponytail without brushing the ends of her hair. When she reached downstairs, she saw Usha Tai standing at the entrance with her back towards her.  Tai was watching outside with keen smile. When she saw Jasmine's dull face, she quickly said,"Look, don't they make good couple. Your brother look so perfect with that girl. Jasmine watched in horror. Tina and Zain were hugging.

(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 35

Two weeks passed and it marked the end of three month contest of who will assist Shwetha in upcoming film fest. Everyone looked at Shwetha with their heart beating faster. She was going to announce the names. Jasmine was sure it was going to be her. She had not left a stone behind to impress her boss. But still she was nervous.

"So I have checked your work these three months. Everyone were impressive. But I can't take everyone with me.", she joked. Everyone laughed nervously. " I have a name. She has surpassed everyone of you. She has been dark house amongst you. Her name is..", she continued while everyone watched her clutching each other's hand.

"It's Tina ! ", she said at last breaking the suspense. There was mixed response from everyone. Some were happy for her. Some were not so happy. That included Jasmine. She watched her best friend saunter towards Shwetha and shake hands with her. Jasmine always thought it was going to be her. She wondered what went wrong in her efforts. Everyone had told her that she was way better than them. She would win the contest. She sneakingly left for home. Tina was busy receiving congratulatory wishes from others. She had only noticed her friend absence when she left.


Jasmine locked herself in her room. Her phone rang few times. It was Tina. She didn't pick up. She was sulking. She had built dreams of flying with Shwetha to gather experience of styling Bollywood star. She had even made plans of taking pictures and photos with stars she had seen in big screen. Now everything was messed up. Her dreams shattered. Now she would be here sulking here while Tina gets to relive 'her' dream. She recalled all the memories she shared with Tina. She had remembered telling her about her dreams and fears of how she would impress Shwetha. But now everything seemed clear.

Tina's words of consoling her to make her feel better whenever she felt she was lacking efforts to impress her boss now looked like a big fat lie. "She only wanted to make me feel better. She wanted to distract me from mistakes I had committed so that I can falter more in my work. She knew Shwetha wouldn't pick me because my work wouldn't match the quality. I believed her words. I am such a fool.", she contemplated.

She felt like her whole world was coming to end. She didn't realize when Zain arrived. Zain didn't bother to check on her. He got refreshed and changed to casual T shirt and pyjamas. He got busy with his laptop. He was already sulking because of fight that took place two weeks ago. He only got up when it was time to have dinner. He walked into kitchen to see whether dinner was prepared. Usually Jasmine prepared dinner by this time. There was only empty vessels. He quickly prepared some pasta and walked towards her room. He knocked at the door. There was no response. He knocked again. "What?", she asked loudly. He was surprised by her tone. But then realized that it was same old drama. He didn't want to get into one more argument. "Do you need something to eat?", he asked casually. "No!", she replied back. He didn't try to force her to have dinner. He left her alone, unaware to the fact that she had lost a battle at work.


(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 34

"You are overreacting too much.", he said. She could sense the panic in his voice. "I am not overreacting. I was just suggesting you about marriage. It looks like you are panicking at word of marriage.", she said with anger boiling inside her. She pushed him aside and got up from her bed. She stood with her hands folded and her back towards him.

He hit his head with his fist. Now he had to pacify her again. " How should I cool her down? If I say something, she will again take it in wrong way.", he wondered. "You guys are all the same. You say you love me. But when I asked you to hold my hand, you are shying away.", she said. He got up and stood behind her. He turned her toward him and stared down at her gloomy eyes.


"You don't look good when you sulk.", he said softly. She glared at him. "Your sweet words won't melt me now.", she said firmly. "I am always there for you. But marriage is something I haven't thought about.", he argued gently. "Why? Don't you want to marry me?", she asked. "Yes, I do! Maybe some day I will. But not now.", he said.

She walked out of the room. He followed her. Finally he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. "What happened to you? Why are you behaving like this?", he asked. "You know why.", she said sulkingly. He released her hand. "I am tired of this drama. I need fresh air.", he said. He banged the door while he walked out.

She didn't stop him. She was hurt. He walked aimlessly outside. His mind was absorbed into the fight. He wasn't against the thought of marriage. He wanted to marry her. But not like this. He wanted both families involved in their marriage. He didn't want to marry to prove to world. He wanted to marry her only because he loved her.

He came home. He found her engrossed in her phone. He tried to speak to her. She didn't speak. He left her to herself and got busy with his work. This followed for few days. No one spoke. They were held by their egos and misconceptions. Their love for each other was hidden by their pride.


(To  be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No # 2 - Part 33

Zain held Tai's hand as he helped her get inside her flat while Jasmine walked alone to her flat. She was unhappy. She wanted to spend quality time with Zain and thought dismissively, "Tai had to ruin it all. I was thinking...". Something struck her. Her thoughts slowly diverted to "was Tai spying on us?" . There was doubt of her following them. She was aware Tai knew they were couple and not siblings. Slowly she realized,"Maybe she wanted to catch us red handed." She spoke aloud without realizing that Zain was behind her,"We should be more vigilant."

  

"Why should be more vigilant?", asked confused Zain. He closed the door and made sure it was locked twice. He turned towards her with his hands on his hip. "Why should we be more vigilant?", he asked again. "We should be more vigilant because Tai is spying on us.", she replied like excited kid who had solved a complex problem. "Why will she be spying on us?", he asked. Jasmine was getting annoyed with his slow realization. "Why are you acting dumb? You know she knows we are a couple. She wanted to catch us red handed there.", she quipped. 

He banged his head with his fist. "Come on Jasmine! You are acting like that suspicious daughter in laws from typical Indian TV series. She must've had some work there. That's why she was there.", he said. "Oh Please! What work will she have in empty street with shops and restaurants closed. Don't tell me she also wanted to visit the same restaurant we had decided to go. Unfortunately it was closed and she didn't know just like us.", she said sarcastically.

"Even if she wanted to catch us red handed, what can we do? She can catch us now also. She could have caught us when she slipped in middle of road. Or she could have caught us on day she got to know. Why would she wait? Maybe she doesn't want to leave us because she is getting rent from us.", he protested. She stomped towards the room. "There she goes again. Why do I have to tolerate this daily?", he whispered to himself. He quickly followed her. She had not locked the door this time. He opened the door and found her sitting on the bed.

Her eyes were moist. He sat close to her. He put his hand on her shoulder and dragged her close to his chest. She immediately cried. "Why don't you understand? It's better we leave now. We can't take chances. What if she informs police about us or inform our parents about us? We will be doomed. I can't stay without you. I don't want us to part ways.", she sobbed. 

He tightened his grip on her shoulder and said, "Don't worry. Give me few days. We will find some place to stay and then we will leave. If she informs the police or our parents, we may be doomed but I won't leave your side. We will face this together." She wiped her tears and spoke, "Why don't we get married? No one will raise fingers on us. Our families may be disappointed but they will accept us." His grip loosen over her. He became nervous. He had not thought about marriage. It was too early to take that step in their relationship. He was sure he didn't want to leave her but marriage was too much for him to give in their relationship.

(To be continued)