The Tenants from Flat no #2 - Part 7

The weekend arrived soon. Jasmine wasn't as excited as Zain. She wasn't happy with exorbitant rent they were going to pay. She hated the landlady already. Tai's bragging nature was too much for her to handle. But Zain wasn't bothered at all. He was happy that he was going to be with his lady love. The rent is high but he knew he could manage to pay it. He was earning quite enough from the tech startup he had set up with his friends.

They had reached the apartment with only three suitcases. Mahesh was already at the apartment. He was having poha with masala tea that Tai had prepared. He gestured if they would have some. Tai made a face and whispered, "He is acting as if it's his house." She looked at them. They had declined his request. She sighed with relief as she didn't have to prepare the food.

They sat on the sofa. Mahesh took his time to finish his meal. Everyone were cursing him in their minds as they pasted their lips with fake smile. "So which celebrity's hair did you cut?", Tai asked Jasmine. The girl was annoyed by her question. "Not again", she muttered. But she immediately replied with a smile, " I didn't cut anyone's hair. I.." Tai interrupted, "Oh! It's Tuesday for you today." Jasmine smirked and said, "No, it's not Tuesday. We don't consider any day inauspicious. We style our client's hair everyday. By the way, I usually don't cut people's hair. I style their hair. My clients are all celebrities." 

"Oh! I see ! I thought you follow your calendar of auspicious and inauspicious day as per your religion. Nowadays youngsters follow their own rules. These traditions have no value for them.", Tai ridiculed. Jasmine didn't say anything. She had learnt quickly that if she argued more with this lady, she would only get hurt by her comments. Mahesh coughed to interrupt Tai before she could say anything.

" Everyone, I have got the contract paper ready. Tai,  Please read it and let me know if you need something." he said. Tai read every line carefully. She didn't believe Mahesh. Everything seemed fine. "It's fine." , she said and handed the copy to Mahesh. He handed back to Zain and asked him to read before committing to the contract. Before Zain could start reading, Jasmine snatched the contract papers. Tai looked at her suspiciously. She wondered why would a younger sister take charge when her brother was here. But she didn't say anything.  Jasmine read it to make sure it was all right. Everything looked fine and then handed back to Zain after saying sorry. 

Later Tai and Zain signed the documents. "How will you pay the deposit and rent?", Mahesh asked. Zain replied, "Through paytm, please let me know your account details . I will send it directly." Tai immediately spoke, "No! No! You sign me a cheque. That will be fine for me. I don't believe your modern techniques of payment." Zain agreed. He opened one of his suitcase and took out folder where he kept his cheque book. He signed it and handed it to Tai. Later with heavy heart, she handed the keys to Zain. 

(To be continued)

The Tenants from Flat no #2 - Part 6

Mahesh was turning red. He had almost settled everything by not letting both the parties speak. Now he could see his commission being withhold by this nuisance young man. He shouldn't have promised him anything before coming here. He tried every possible way to coax him to say yes. Nothing was working. He had to do something fast before Zain would say no. 

"Zain, my dear ! Your girlfriend and you are only going to stay in this house. Outside the house, people will know you as siblings but inside the house, you can do anything you want. No will ask.",he said but before he could continue, Zain interrupted. "People will still doubt. These doors too have ears. What if people come to know that we are not truly siblings.", Zain argued in hush tones. "You are not understanding. Why people will say anything? No one will doubt you are not siblings. Your family will also not doubt. What if someday your family member passes this street and gets to know you are married? Haven't you seen movies? There will lot of brawl. They will get you forcibly married to the girl. You tell me are sure you and your girlfriend want to marry each other in future?", Mahesh said firmly.

Zain looked down. He wasn't sure of the relationship. So was she. They had just started dating since few months. He had no idea about how she was when they got together in one roof. Marriages this days don't survive too long. He was still struggling in his career. There were many more aspects in the relationship which he had to explore. He didn't know whether they were compatible. He hated this.

Pretending to be siblings wasn't bad idea. He would still have time to explore their relationship. If they found it was not working, they could anyway break off. No one would question. No one would find anything. They could move on with life as if nothing happened. "Ok! I am up for it. I will convince Jasmine some how. You finalize the deal.", he said.

Mahesh was elated. As he was about to walk towards the ladies to announce their decision, Zain spoke, "One more thing".Mahesh grunted softly out of frustration. "I want my money back from that fake certificate agent.", Zain said. Mahesh relived a sigh and nodded his head. He walked towards the ladies with excitement. The ladies seemed quiet now. There was some one sided conversation going between them which had ended much before Mahesh had arrived.

Jasmine stared at him with bored eyes. She wanted this end early. She had almost decided to give up the idea of living in with Zain. Usha Tai understood from the excitement of Mahesh that deal was finalized. She felt disappointed. "The deal is finalized. Both the parties are okay with the terms and conditions. So I will get written copy of deal within the end of this week and you pay me the rent and deposit that time. I will give you keys once we have received the payment.", Mahesh said excitedly. He was happy that he was going to get good commission out of this. He was planning already what he was going to do with the money.

(To be continued)

The Tenants from Flat no #2 - Part 5

Everything was happening too fast. Zain was confused. He had to do something. He had to tell Mahesh to change the lie. Instead of making them siblings , address them as married couple. "So I will get your deal papers by end of this week and you can move in here that time." , Mahesh said excitedly. He couldn't contain his excitement in finalizing the deal. He didn't let the two parties speak and that was his plan. If he had, this deal would have also not materialized.

"One minute, Mahesh Bhai !" Zain interrupted, holding his hand. Mahesh was surprised. "What now?", he wondered. "Any problem?", he asked immediately cursing himself for asking that question. "I need to speak to you privately.", Zain said softly. Usha Tai looked at him suspiciously while Jasmine was relived. "At last some sense went to his head.", she thought.

Mahesh didn't get time to say anything. He was literally pulled by Zain to a corner where both the ladies couldn't hear. Zain glanced at Jasmine before speaking to Mahesh. She was smiling nervously at Usha Tai. "Why did you say that I am fine with Rs 20000 per month as rent ?", he asked. Mahesh pasted fake smile on his lips and replied, "Didn't you mention you were okay with the rent ranging between Rs 10000 and Rs 20000?" Zain replied yes but when he was about to give explanation, Mahesh interrupted, "You have seen the house. It's cleaner than previous houses you have seen. It's in posh locality. Anyone would have paid Rs 30000 as rent for this property. The landlady is herself charging the house for Rs 25000. But I reduced it to Rs 20000. If you want, you can ask her."

Zain looked worried. The price Rs 30000 was too high for the house. Jasmine had warned him about Mahesh. He was too shrewd.  "Ok fine ! But why didn't you introduce us as married couple. I had told you before looking for the houses. We had agreed that we would be introduced as married couple. I also made payment for the fake marriage certificate through one of your agents. ", he said. 

"Usha Tai doesn't want any married couple. Last time one couple came and they argued too much. Hence Tai decided not to rent to couples except if they are siblings. Now you tell me where you will get such clean house?", Mahesh argued. "But you should have told that before. We could have discussed on this. Maybe we wouldn't have seen this place.", Zain protested.

The argument went on. The ladies could hear hush voices behind them. "So what do you do ?", Tai asked. She didn't know what else to do. The men were discussing something. Maybe it was about rent or something else which she didn't care. "I am a hair stylist.", Jasmine replied with a smile. She loved her profession unlike many of us. She always felt proud to say what she did for living. "Hair stylist? Like the barber for high society ladies.", Tai said in mocking tone. Jasmine felt bad. This wasn't first time anyone had teased her about her profession. "My downstairs neighbour's daughter owns a parlour. So she told me. By the way, my son is Vice President in company in USA and my daughter is doctor in renowned hospital.", Tai continued as she proudly spoke about her children's achievements. Jasmine smiled pretentiously. She only wished that the deal never happen. She was starting to hate her landlady.


(To be continued)

The Tenants from Flat No #2 - Part 4

Mahesh watched Jasmine's expression. He immediately understood that she liked it. He knew exactly that when it came to buying a house or furniture or household items in a progressive household, females had upper hand over the males. Since Jasmine liked it, the deal would be finalized. "So what do you think, Zain Bhai?", he asked with pretentious courtesy.

Zain smiled shyly, gazing at Jasmine with loving eyes. "We liked it. The house is perfect for us. If you don't mind, let's finalize the deal today itself.", he said. Usha Tai was disappointed but she still had one more weapon with her - the rent price. " Nothing is over yet. Once they get to know about the price, they will only say no.", she thought. Mahesh beamed in happiness. "Ok! Before finalizing the deal, do you have any price in mind?", he asked excitedly. "We told you our price before looking for rent.", Zain said while Jasmine nudged his hand. She didn't expect Zain to jump in too soon for finalizing the deal. She thought of discussing about it for a day and then coming back. She also wanted to know how much they were charging for the rent. She had discussed this before to Zain that they would ask for the price first then discuss about it and then come back later. Now they will never get to bargain about the price.

"Oh yeah I remembered. It was Rs 20000.", Mahesh said. Zain looked surprised. He hadn't mentioned an exact price. He had just mentioned the range between Rs 10000 and Rs 20000. "Tai, you have no problem for Rs 20000 per month as rent, no?" Mahesh asked. Tai thought deeply. She had listed the rent price as Rs.15000 per month and she was going to get Rs.5000 extra. Mahesh had given guarantee that he would get them to pay the rent regularly. But she didn't trust him. He would forget about it as soon as the deal is finalized.

" The price is fine. But I need a writing in a paper that the rent will be paid regularly. Then only I will agree.", she said firmly. Jasmine was disappointed with turn of events. She knew this would happen. Zain was too naive. He should have let her taken the charge. "Everything is mentioned in the document. You don't worry about it, Tai. Nowadays everything included clauses related to price is mentioned in the document. Where will they go without paying you rent? Anyway, you are staying downstairs. So they will not escape.", he said. Zain and Jasmine stared at him in anger. "I was joking, Zain Bhai. Don't take seriously." he said.


Tai was still not convinced. "I need to know one more thing.", she said. Mahesh was already getting frustrated with her constant questioning. "Are they couple? If they are couple, they need to prove they are married with marriage certificate. I don't want any unmarried couple in my house." Jasmine and Zain stared at each other. They were couple but not married. They had just started dating since few months. They planned to understand each other by living in together because almost all their friends were doing that and they thought they should try too. "Hmm.. We are..", Zain tried to speak but was immediately interrupted by Mahesh. "They are brother and sister. Don't worry, Tai. You are overthinking." Mahesh said.

Zain wanted to punch Mahesh for this lie. He could have told that they were married. It was easy to get a fake certificate. He looked at Jasmine. It was evident from her face. She didn't like it. "Ok! They do seem like one.", Usha Tai said, burning more fuel to Jasmine's anger. She hated it. "I don't want any wrong things going in my house. Mahesh, I want this mentioned in the clause. I don't want any lafda (fights) in my house.", Tai continued. Mahesh nodded his head. "Tai, you have any more clause. Just mention it in piece of paper and I will put that in the document.", he said ironically.


(To be continued)

The Tenants from Flat no #2 - Part 3

Mahesh walked towards the prospective tenants. Zain asked him about the discussion he had with Tai. He simply avoided question by turning attention to showing them the house. Zain didn't try to divulge more on it. "The flat is in first floor. Tai, can you give me the keys so I can show them the place?", Mahesh said excitedly.

Tai was suspicious about Mahesh fixing deal secretly with them. She didn't want him to make promises that she never knew. "I .. I will show the place.", she said grabbing the key from the side table next to the sofa. He didn't expect that. He thought she wouldn't climb the stairs to just to show the place. Anyway, he didn't argue. He didn't want to ruin anything.

Everyone followed Tai towards the flat. They climbed the stairs in same speed as Tai. She found it painful to climb them due to Osteoarthritis. But she didn't want Mahesh to do something that she didn't approve of. She had to be mindful. She climbed slowly while others complained in their mind about her pace.

She reached the flat with great difficulty. She thanked Lord and her husband for buying the flat next to the stairs. She would have died if it was few meters far from the stairs like her flat. The flat was built in similar layout like her own flat. There were old furnitures that she had used many years back. The sofa had few holes on the seat but she had neatly covered it with bed sheet. The cupboards were empty and clean. She had the maid dust this place once a week.

Jasmine seemed content looking at the place. She checked every area carefully. She hated the flats Mahesh had shown them. None of them were as clean as this one. It wasn't spacious. But it was enough for her. The house was clean and only that mattered. There was king size cot with bed and single cupboard in the house. There was a small balcony that was exact opposite to the entrance of the bedroom. There was a tiny dressing table with standard size mirror. The curtains were blue and walls were freshly painted cream colour. This was most spacious room of the house.  She had decided this was going to be her room.

The other bedroom was quite small . It had just one cot and a study table. The bedroom was meant to be for kids and guests who came for short visit or for night. There was small window which gave proper ventilation to the room. The kitchen was tiniest. The fridge covered maximum size. There was standard rack for plates and other small utensils found in every Indian houses. There was a tiny sink at the corner of the kitchen. The bathroom was medium sized with enough space for person to take bath in shower or bucket and western size commode. The house was perfect for any average Indian family. Jasmine looked satisfied and sent her approval to Zain through her eyes. Zain smiled as he only wanted her to be happy. He decided to speak to the agent and make no hurry. But he was only doubtful whether Usha Tai would agree to renting them the flat. He was suspicious about their discussions when she got to know they were Muslims. But there was one more shocking fact about them that may lead to her refusing them.

(To be continued) 

The Tenants from Flat no #2 - Part 2

The exchanging of glances between Usha Tai and the strangers went for few minutes. No one knew how to break the ice. Finally Mahesh arrived from behind. He was whispering to someone in his cellphone. It looked like as if he was eager to keep the phone down soon. He was in his thirties but his hair had almost turned silver. He wasn't as tall as the young man standing near the door. His potbelly made him look few years older than what he is.  He always carried two cellphones , small silver Paan box and few documents with him.

He glanced at the two parties staring at each other. He excused the couple and stood in between of them. The couple cringed as they stood few inches apart. The girl almost hurt her hand due to this shuffle. "Tai, meet your new prospective tenants - Jasmine and Zain.", he introduced with beaming smile. Usha Tai looked stunned. She dragged Mahesh inside to corner where the new prospective tenants couldn't hear..

"They are Muslims. How can I rent my flat to them? I told you I wanted pure vegetarian tenants. That was most important criteria." she whispered grimly. The couple looked at them with suspicious eyes. "So what if they are Muslims? Don't be racist.",he teased her. Tai looked at him sternly. If she had no company, she would have definitely hit him.

"I am sorry. I am sorry. They are Muslims ! You get that. You will be in better position. You see these guys have least chance to get rent anywhere in Mumbai. They are ready to pay any price you quote. They will accept all your terms and conditions.", he convinced her calmly. However she still had doubts. "What will my late husband will think? He has never rented the flat to any Muslims in his life. He will curse me surely. What about society? You know how they are. They will find another reason to mock me.", she said solemnly.

Mahesh had to do something to crack the deal between them. He had been trying to rent this property badly. He was known as best property agent in his area. His commission was being stalled by never ending demands of this old lady. He sulked and wondered how he could convince her. He didn't want to leave hefty commission he would get from this deal. "Don't worry about what people say. You know that song right - Kuch toh log kahenge. Logon ka kaam hai kehna (People will say something or other. It's people's business to say something.) Why do you care when you will get good rent from them?", he said calmly.

"You will say all these things to convince me. How will I trust them? What if they don't pay rent properly?", she asked adamantly. "I will make sure they pay on time. You only tell, you have met several people for rent. Most of them were making too many demands. I will take guarantee on these people. You will get good rent and that too on time." he said confidently. Usha Tai thought deeply. It was getting too hard to find a tenant over few months. There was equal probability that they may agree or not agree . She prayed for them not to agree. She agreed to Mahesh with heavy heart.



(To be continued)

The Tenants from Flat no #2- Part 1

It was lazy Sunday morning but not for Usha Tai. She promptly got ready in her cotton sky blue sari with matching blouse. The large red bindi between her thin eyebrows looked like her third eye. She looked around the hall. Everything looked clean and neatly arranged. The teak wood three seater sofa shined due to her repeated dusting and cleaning. The exquisite plate and glass set only meant for premium guests were neatly arranged with few showpieces in the cupboard. The floors were squeaky and shiny. Everything looked in place.

After glancing around hall one more time, she sat peacefully. She waited eagerly for her new prospective tenants the dealer, Mahesh, was bringing. "Hope he brings the right people this time.", she hoped softly. She was feeling hot partly due to weather and anxiety of not finding the right tenants. She quickly fanned herself with help of her pallu(loose end of her sari). That didn't help. She got up immediately to switch on the fan. She was getting anxious. 

As she sat down, she remembered the tenants Mahesh had bought last time. They were newly married couple. They seemed like perfect tenants but as soon as she was about to close the deal, they showed their true face. They first started arguing with her about the price and how unfair the price was for the two bedroom flat. When she didn't budge down on the price she was offering for the rent, they started to complain about how tiny the house was or how unclean it was kept. Later when she agreed with their price, the wife started arguing with her husband. Finally she refused to rent them.

After the last fiasco, she had reprimanded Mahesh to bring decent tenants. "I don't know where he gets such people.", she wondered. She sighed softly. She wished her husband Sadashiv Joshi was still alive. If he was here, he would have managed everything. She had lost her husband to brain tumor. He was always fit but the last few days before his death, he looked frail. His once bright face was filled with pain. His voice no longer sounded firm. It was soft and weak. 

Soft tears dropped from her eyes while remembering about her husband. Her son called regularly and her daughter would drop in the house during weekends when her husband was alive. Now they hardly talk to her or visit her. Maybe her husband had strong aura around him that drew people towards him. His strict personality would make people fear near him. However Usha Tai developed the nagging nature in order to show people her strong nature. Unfortunately it always drew people away from her. 

She looked at the clock. It was already past ten. Mahesh was supposed to bring the tenants at 10 am. "Where is this Mahesh ? Always late ! I don't know why youngsters are not punctual nowadays.", she complained. Suddenly the bell rang. She got up to open the door. A tall young man in mid twenties stood in front of her with beaming smile. His smile was short lived. He pursed his lips and looked at her. He was fair and sported a beard look which is trend nowadays. His hair was curly just like Usha Tai. He looked like proper Jatt boy. Next to him stood a petite girl who may be two inch taller than Usha Tai herself. She was fair too. Her innocent brown eyes reminded her of her granddaughter's eyes. They exchanged stares with each other. No one knew what to say.

(To be continued)