LOVE : A MATTER OF CHOICE OR CHANCE

Chapter 1 : NETRA

It was a busy day for everyone, the first day of the week. The roads were busting with the sound of moving vehicles, streets were cluttered and people were impatiently waiting for the signal to turn green, to cross the road. Some were checking their wrist watch continuously hoping it would make the signal turn green soon, some just turn themselves into traffic police by stopping the vehicle with a show of hands and crossing the road in a jig jag way. No one has got any time for anyone...not to mention they don't have even for themselves, all rush to reach their destination, like a target set. This is the life of every citizen living in this dream city, the city of faith, every Indian's urban dream...yes nonetheless it is Mumbai.

In a 5th-floor two-bedroom flat of a residential complex situated at the central line of the city, a cute and chubby-looking boy aged four and a half is finishing his breakfast, his school bag with a Doremon picture on it kept ready on the dining table. He took his glass of milk and while drinking his eyes roamed to the person who was running from one edge to the other while giving him various instructions.

Netra, a 26-year-old with pretty and chubby long hair with sharp features eyes, and a nose a mark on her forehead. She was smart diplomatic and one of the sharpest minds in finance but doesn't fit in any beauty standards that the world has set in.

She was getting late and it was obvious from the way her legs moved from one corner of the house to another, grabbing all the essentials. She cursed herself for sleeping this late, her alarm went off and she didn't even realize when she turned it off.

"Ridhant, have you finished drinking your milk? Are you listening baby? Be a good boy, eat your tiffin fully, and don't fight with anyone in the class. Stay with Sandhya Aunty till I return..okRidhu...you are a smart and cute child isn't it..."

Ridhant made a face and said " No cute smart or baby". U know Netra I hate those words" and please pronounce my name correctly it is " Ridhant' '.

I gave him a look of disbelief and said" Ur getting mature at your age, every kid loves their nicknames." Ridhant rolled his eyes and didn't reply as he knew today's marks of his unit test question papers will be coming and he wanted a treat from Netra. A new set of Legos and Netra will buy them till she has a solid reason to buy them.

Netra gulped down a glass of milk and immediately rinsed it with water keeping it on the kitchen platform to wash it.

Finally giving a last look at the gas top switch and other rooms, to check whether she had switched off the buttons, took her shoulder bag and rushed out holding Ridhant hand. Locking the door, the duo took the elevator. Ridhant pressed the 1st-floor button saying, "As your late and ur local will get missed I will go to sandhya aunty's place, you don't worry."

Netra admired the child, he was much more mature for his age, always understood the situation, and behaved like a smart child.

She lifted him up in her arms and leave a chaste kiss on his cheeks fond and said . "yup my genius, I'm getting late but I will leave you till the door" When she said this the elevator stopped and they both came out.

The third flat next to the elevator with a nameplate on it as Mr. & Mrs. Mehra, was already kept open as if anticipating their arrival. A lady who was in her fifties came out hearing their voice and said, "You got late today".

The boy ran inside uttering, "Good morning granny, grandpa, where are you" further adding, "Bye..I will be a good boy and I love you".

An older person about the age of sixties was sitting on a comfortable chair on the balcony reading a newspaper. Seeing the boy running towards him, he stopped reading and kept aside the newspaper, taking the boy in his embrace and saying, "Good morning little champ, come here".

With a smile, Netra bid them bye and left with a comfortable and secure feeling that her ridhu is in safe hands, not forgetting to mention to give her a call if the school bus doesn't come in time.

Mrs. Sandhya Mehra and her husband Mr. Ajay Mehra are the residents of the same building in their late fifties. They have a son who is married and settled in the USA. To ward off their loneliness, they offered Netra that they are willing to look after her son when she goes to the office as she was struggling with daycare.

Netra was quite relieved when Sandhya's aunty offered this and knowing the couple she had immediately agreed.

Ridhanttoo get along with them very well. When she shifted to this apartment, some four years back, she met the mehras in one of the society meetings.

Netra found Sandhya Aunty to be a very mature, understanding, and lovable person. Instantly she felt connected with them who were always very helpful and would come to meet her on weekends, knowing very well that she is staying alone.

They know half of the stories but both know some parts are hidden and both are not ready to disclose to each other.

Ridhant too adores and loves them very much. He received his grandparents' love and affection through them. They refused to take any monetary support from Netra for looking after Ridhant but Netra made sure to deposit a good sum in their bank account every month knowing that the couple won't accept any cash from her.

Ridhant is in Sr. Kg in a reputed convent school which is actually a twenty-minute walk from their complex. The school bus picks him up around 9.30 in the morning and drops him off after school gets over around 12.30 in the afternoon. Mr. Mehra brings him back in the afternoon from the compound. Nidhant stayed with the couple till Netra picked him up in the evening. This is their routine. Their life was calm and monotonous.

Both Sundays spend time at play areas, movies, or reading books, and some Sundays with Aunty when she prepares yummy food to her heart's content.

Rushing out, she took an auto to reach the station which is just a 10 min walk. She would usually walk to the station which serves two purposes, first the only time she would exercise and second, she saved Rs 30 daily.

At an early age, Netra understood one thing "Only money saved stands with you in your tougher times. She had a perfect budget for everything. The saving grace was she had a house in Mumbai.

A house that many people just dreamt of. But that is the only thing she had in her name from her father and thankfully her mother passed it to her. So no rent brokerage and no EMI to pay for.

She sat in the 2nd class and opened her notes which she made for the stocks and shares. She would work at night reading charts, movements, and other price movements. She saw the international markets and then she was ready with the strategy to be posted on her WhatsApp group with a clear strategy of when to purchase the stock and exit at what price. This is her second way of earning money.

At times people follow her strategy and the rule is simple: if they earn they need to share 40% of that. And loose she will pay 20%. Yes, it is risky, and she loses some money but at the end of every month she ends up in profit making which she kept for Ridhant's demands, we all play how play areas, dinners, or toys like Lego.

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Hope you guys like the 1 chapter of the book.

Your likes and comment motivate me to give chapter early