The Vows We Exchanged

2) A Place to Call Home

Mayank sat on the front passenger seat of Tanmay's sedan, staring blankly at the people passing by. He loved to go on rides like that, especially if someone else was driving for him. The destination never concerned him, all he liked about a journey was the travelling part. Looking out of the window, observing everything yet staring at nothing while his favorite music jingled in his ears – he loved that. He would then wish for the ride to never even end.

However, at that moment, his wish was the exact opposite. The estate agent sitting on the rear seat was going on blabbering about a list of two BHK flats. "I understand that you think you don't need a two BHK flat but just think about the future, Mr. Chaturvedi. The prices are just going to rise," the grumpy bald guy stated. "Besides, you'll need more space when you get married and have kids. I'm actually surprised you haven't yet."

"Mathur Saheb!" Tanmay meddled, trying to sound 'nice' even though he had a look saying, 'Why on Earth did I even hire you?'

Mayank had requested Tanmay to get an estate agent so that he could make the broker think that Tanmay was the one who needed an apartment. Although, the man figured it out by overhearing their conversation when he showed them the first spot on the list. Now knowing that Mayank can easily afford a two BHK, the man was trying to squeeze out as much cash as he could out of him.

Mayank quietly patted Tanmay's thigh, signaling him to calm down. Tanmay hated that. Mayank always used to go easy on people, never allowing anything they say get to him. Or at least he pretended so. Acknowledging his friend's request, Tanmay altered his words. "Will you do me a favor and focus on guiding me to this next apartment." He gritted his teeth, "I feel a little 'lost' over here."

Mr. Mathur noticed that. He knew he was crossing the line but felt like it was worth trying. Although, noticed how Tanmay's bulky arm felt like it was itching to knock his face, so he decided to comply.

Realizing that the atmosphere had cooled down, Mayank adjusted his earphones and raised the volume a little. His eyes ventured out, gazing at the street. Variety of stores line the road along with occasional trees. People buzzed around like bees, randomly but with an aim. Bus stops, rickshaw stands, medicals, Vada-paw stalls, he took a note of everything while his mind still pondered over Mr. Mathur's words.

'Married, huh? Like that's ever gonna happen.'

Suddenly he felt an upwards jerk and his towering head crashed onto the car ceiling. "Ow! Can't you..." Even before Mayank was done expressing his pain, Tanmay steered the wheel right, making a sharp turn. The jerk sent Mayank crashing onto the door, smacking his face onto the window. "That's it! I'm reverting back to wearing the seatbelts when you have the wheel."

"What could I do? The pothole appeared like out of nowhere!" Tanmay tried to reason. Mayank stared him dead straight into his eyes and pulled over the seatbelt, locking it into the hatch. A symbol of him losing faith in Tanmay's driving.

"Come bro! You kidding me? That was a close call! I could have hit someone if I hadn't put through that pothole," Tanmay pleaded but Mayank dramatically crossed his arms.

He pointed towards his earphones, "I can't hear ya!"

Tanmay made a face. "Then forget my Anda Bhurji," He declare peeking at his friend from the corner of his eye.

Mayank quickly pulled out an earphone. "Hey! No fair! Aren't you the one who always tells to keep 'food' out of it?"

"I can't hear you!" Tanmay mimicked his friend, bursting into laughter.

Mr. Mathur in the back scoffed, trying to stop the childish play of the two adults. "We're here," he declared.

Tanmay parked his car by the roadside and they all stepped out while Mayank groaned since his seatbelt got stuck for a moment. Once he was out, Mr. Mathur pointed towards a tall building across the street. Towering amidst the eight-storey housing colonies with faded paint and mossy walls, the building seemed rather new. Seemingly rising upto twenty-storey, the apartments appeared to have been designed in a blocky pattern with the balconies extruding out. It was painted in lavender over the white base, highlighting the extrusions with rose pink. "Let me welcome you to 'Crystal Heights'."