Chapter 4: Seven Flatmates and a Kitchen Bed

"That room’s the master bedroom, currently occupied by a young lady—she’s very kind."

The word "kind" hung in the air, as if he was advertising a used car with only minor scratches. I nodded, trying to look serious.

"Next door is the second bedroom. Two girls live there, best friends."

I nodded, again, feeling a bit like a judge in a school debate—except here, the only prize was a place to sleep.

"Across from the second bedroom is another room, also occupied by a girl, just graduated like you."

Another nod. I wondered if my neck would start aching from all this polite bobbing.

"The living room has been partitioned into three by the landlord. The one closest to the door is occupied by an older didi—she’s busy with work."

Didi—the word felt safe, familial. I relaxed a little.

"The middle one is also an older didi, very nice."

I nodded, mentally noting to use extra respect while talking to these didis.

"The innermost one is the girl who just opened the door, Priya. She’s a bit introverted and doesn’t talk much."

My head was spinning—I was tired of nodding.

I half-expected the agent to say, “Now, beta, take blessings from all.” Instead, I grumbled,

"Bhaiya, I’m not here for a rishta meeting. Just tell me where I’ll be staying."

"That one."

I looked where he pointed and frowned.

"Isn’t that the bathroom?"

"Right."

My heart skipped a beat. This couldn’t be real.

"You want me to live in the bathroom?"

"No, no, I’m just showing you the layout."

I shot him a look that my mother reserves for sabziwalas who overcharge.

"Bhaiya, I can figure out the layout myself. Just tell me where my room is."

He didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned in, his mouth stained with paan.

I almost recoiled, the smell mixing with the memory of college canteens.

"Bhai, did you notice?"

"Notice what? Did I find a 4G network or a lost wallet?"

"All your flatmates are girls—and they’re all pretty."

He wiggled his eyebrows, as if offering me a secret treasure. Instantly, a flash of embarrassment ran through me—Ma’s warnings about good character echoed in my mind, and I remembered that aunty’s lecture about sanskaar and ‘good boys’.

"So?"

"That’s a huge advantage!"

At first, I didn’t get why he was going on and on—until I saw my bed. Then I understood the reason for all his rambling.

My heart sank. A quick glance around and it was clear: there was no hiding from the reality of the situation.

"So this is where I’m staying?"