Alina was ecstatic when she got selected for an internship in Noida's best Architecture firm- Infinite Designs. Her parents were apprehensive, but she was positive and determined. Only if she knew she was going in for a rollercoaster ride that woul...
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Alina dragged her luggage to the reception and tapped her fingernails on the wooden desk to get the attention of a middle-aged man, who sat behind the desk very much engrossed in doing something underneath. With the tapping, his head shot up and he quickly adjusted his glasses, looking around; alarmed.
'Ye—yes.' He stuttered.
'Hi, I am Alina Hooda. And I am supposed to be PG here at Mr. and Mrs. Agarwal.' Alina explained and even before the man asked, she placed her ID card on the table. He glanced at it and asked her to wait whilst he called the couple via intercom. Alina nodded and looked away. As she looked around, she noticed from the corner of her eyes that the man in front was gawking at her with a pure judgmental gaze. Alina shifted on her feet as she pulled on the collar of her grey blazer.
Soon, the call was over, and the man asked her to wait as Mr. Abhinav Agarwal is on his way. About fifteen minutes later an elderly man approached the benches where Alina waited for him. She straightened in her seat as she saw him come towards her. The man walked slowly with the support of a walking stick. When he came near, Alina stood up. She noticed he was dressed in yellow Kurtha and pajama, his grey hair neatly combed, he had a head full of hair surprising for his age, and neatly polished shoes.
'Hello, sir.' Alina extended her hand. Abhinav eyed her hand and without saying anything just joined his palms together. Embarrassed, she withdrew her hand and joined her palms together as well.
'Come I will show you your flat.' He simply said, his voice croaky. Alina nodded and grabbed the handle of her bag. Quietly, she followed him to the elevator. As soon, as she entered, she had to scrunch her nose because the sting was too strong. She placed the back of her finger against her nose as she squeezed inside the tiny elevator.
'Damn! This tiny pigeonhole. It sucks to be middle-class. Next time, Alina take the stairs.' – She thought to herself.
Abhinav rang the bell to an apartment and five minutes later the main door swung open. A tall, plus-sized young woman with Spanish curled shoulder-length hair stood on the other side. Alina peeped from behind Mr. Agarwal and looked at her. She looked familiar. Quickly, she recollected this woman to be one of the interns with her. She was relieved.
'Meera, this is Alina.' – Abhinav stepped aside and Alina came to the front, - 'she will be staying with you and Jessica. Okay.' – Meera nodded and all of sudden Abhinav sounded strict, - 'Give her the rule book and instruct her to follow them strictly.'
'Yes, Uncle.' Meera spoke confidently. Alina looked confused but she put her apprehensions in the back burner the moment Abhinav walked away. This apartment was on the fifth floor while the PG flat was on the fourth.
Alina looked around the 1 BHK flat. The tiny living room was stuffed with furniture and some glass cupboards with tacky decorates, that Meera informed were Agarwals belongings, there was a tiny balcony and next to it was a door leading to the kitchen. Meera led Alina to their bedroom, that the three girls will be sharing. As they entered, the first thing that Alina noticed was a bunker bed and a single bed beside it. A study table in between with a night lamp above. She realized that the bedroom was of decent size and didn't feel stuffed. There was another small balcony. Meera informed her about Jessica and she had taken the bunker bed.
