WILD HEARTS

CHAPTER 25

"Shehnaaz, you're not taking that flat. Wahan uss area mein pani ka problem hai yaar."

"Yeah but the landlord said unke building mein there's no issue."

"Of course he will say that beta. He wants a tenant, that's all. Itne time se khali bhi toh pada hai," said Kiran Aunty who had accompanied both the girls to see yet another flat.

"Hmm, so I guess this one is a no too. Kya yaar at least this one had such a nice green view," Shehnaaz said dejectedly.

"View se nahaigi kya??" snapped Shefali.

"Ufff fine! We'll move on."

She had still 2 more properties to visit but the way things were going she was beginning to lose hope. They had already seen about 5 places. If she increased her budget then maybe she would get better options? But could she afford more rent? She remembered what Sharad uncle told her. Ok will see she told herself.

"Aunty you guys get going. Aap logon ko late ho jayega. I'll go with Milan Bhai, see the other two and meet you directly for dinner."

"Are you sure? We can stay a while longer, beta."

"Haan it's ok if we reach late. It's just an exhibition," shrugged Shefali.

"Yeah, an exhibition where your father is a sponsor and a speaker!" she snapped and Shefali rolled her eyes.

"Acha ok don't fight abhi!" interrupted Kiran aunty sternly. "Milan ji aap jaiye Shehnaaz ko lekar and please thoda dhyan rakhiye ga. Aap unko flat dikhane ke baad wait kijiye ga jab tak humara driver issey lene na aa jaye. Shehnaaz, any problem, call me!"

"Yes Aunty. You guys go, it's getting late. Plus rush hour hai abhi!" With that the four parted and went their respective ways.

True to her fears, her luck just didn't shine on the remaining two places. When the fourth house she saw that day also turned out to be a dud, Shehnaaz couldn't help feel slight panic creeping in. Milan Bhai was on a call with another broker talking about some other options but judging by his conversation, everything seemed to point at a significantly higher rent. Dangerously close to tears, she looked away cursing her fate inwardly.

Siddharth had just wrapped up a meeting in BKC and was on his way back. He was still in the middle of a conversation using his hands free when his eyes fell on 2 figures on the side of the road. It was Shehnaaz standing with an unknown male looking somewhat lost and defeated.

"What the fuck?" He muttered. "Mr. Srinivasan, can I call you back in sometime? Really sorry but something urgent has come up." He had barely acknowledged the reply on the other end when he hung up, parked his car at the curb and already exited his vehicle.

"Shehnaaz?"

She jumped hearing her name and when she saw who it was her eyes widened and immediately there was embarrassment written all over her face.

Approaching her, Siddharth immediately grabbed her face worriedly and asked, "Yahan kya kar rahi hai? You ok? And who's this guy?" He looked at Milan with suspicion.

"Uhm, uh Siddharth, this is-this is Milan Bhai, my broker. Umm, we came to look at flats actually," she said, not quite meeting his eyes.

Flat? The fuck? Siddharth's jaw hardened but he refrained from asking or commenting any further. He simply nodded his head curtly and asked "Are you done?"

"Yeah, yeah. I was just about to leave."

"Ok, get in the car."

"No, it's ok I'm supposed to call Kiran Aunty to send the driver."