The Kabir Singh Story

First Impressions-Priyanka

Just as suspected, the buildings ladies association showed up Sunday afternoon to introduce themselves and they didn't show up empty handed. The older ladies all brought sweets, a pie, some herbal teas, and of course gossip. The meeting started of normal, when they arrived she'd led Daada into his room so he could watch a Formula 1 race in peace. When too many people crowd around him he got confused and anxious and she wouldn't want him to cause any panic amongst the ladies or deal with the aftermath. She put some sweets on a plate and gave him a cup of tea before leaving him on his own. She would check on him in a couple of minutes and though he hated being fussed over, it was more for her own sake than his. 

The five ladies who set in the living room seemed to be the core members of this buildings ladies association. Mrs. Reddy, Mrs. Varma, and Mrs. Dilton were all retired and had been living in this building since it was constructed; apparently they had known her father when he was growing up as well. Ms. Fayyaz and Mrs. Grover were much younger but apparently very active in the building affairs. She was very aware that this quintet was here to squeeze as much information out of her as they could so that they could then relay to the others in the building and decide whether she was worthy to join there elite circle.

"So, Priyanka" said Mrs. Reddy who was dressed in an elegant sari and was wearing a beautiful pearl earring and necklace set. "You were saying you are a journalist? Have you written anything we might have read?"

"Please call me Pri, and it's quite probable" she said picking up her tea cup "I used to write for the Deccan Chronicle and some of my work has been awarded". 

She smiled to herself pleased that they were impressed by my former work but hoping they wouldn't prod to much into her past. 

"What will you being doing here in Mumbai? Are you working for a paper here?" asked Mrs. Dilton whos son was apparently good friends with her father growing up. 

"no, no" she said "I'll be doing some freelance writing but mostly working on some side projects I've neglected"

"Oh you're writing a book"said Ms.Fayyaz who was a petite woman with a very stylish pixie cut."Please, if you need anyone to read over anything let me know, I'd love to see some of your work".

"Thank you, that is so kind of you to offer. If I manage to write anything of substance I will be sure to ask you". 

The ladies seemed like a very harmless bunch and she ended up enjoying the afternoon with them. The older ladies regaled me with tales of my dad and his siblings growing up and we all laughed imagining the mischievous pursuits of young boys who were now grown adults. 

However, the pleasant session was brought to an abrupt end when from outside the flat we heard loud screams.

"Who on earth is screaming so loud" she said trying to make out the words of our disturber.

The five women surrounding all looked at each other with knowing looks.

"That would be Dr.Kabir Singh in apartment 3D he is your floormate and lets just say he doesn't have the best temperament". 

Just as she said the loud smashing of glass made me jump in my seat.

"Oh my goodness! should we go check up on him" she asked out of concern.

"No, no" said Mrs.Dilton "this is what he always does, but Priyanka sweety if you are ever concerned by his behaviour come to us immediately ok, we will get security to act on him".

Just as abruptly as it started the noise was silenced but it hadn't come without causing a ripple. 

"Pri, Pri" I heard my Daada call "What's that noise? Are they coming for us? Should we arm ourselves and be ready for a duel?".

The ladies around me looked befuddled but she simply ignored them. 

"No Daada, it's a false alarm"

"I'll start boarding the windows Pri, you board the doors. We must protect ourselves".

She sighed resignedly and explained to the ladies. "I'm sorry but I think we have to cut this short, unfortunately Daada is a little worked up".

"No worries sweety, we understand"Mrs.Grover said as they all packed up there things and made way to leave. 

"By the way" she said from the front door "from now on you should leave this door closed, that way sound won't travel". 

Confused by her suggestion, she locked up her front door and went to pacify Daada. It wasn't exactly easy but then again dementia doesn't make life easy for anyone. It wasn't always this bad just a few months ago he was able to do everything himself but it has progressed more rapidly than we would've hoped. Thankfully his carer would come in during the week to help him and teach me what I need to know about caring for someone with dementia.

As night  came around she ventured out onto the balcony and watched as the dark sky settled over the still bright city. Who was this neighbour and why did he make all the ladies so uncomfortable? It seems that not everything in this building is as perfect they want it to be.