I, Sharmi, Diamond -Ep-5

  1. Me

I was irritated that he wasn't answering his phone. I was angry at myself. What was I doing with my life? I should have been studying, getting a decent job, and finding a nice girl at work—the usual path to settling down. Instead, I was paying to chase after sleazy characters offering sex. Despite the shame, I had to admit I was more drawn to the immediate gratification of money, women, and sex than to the long-term prospect of education, a good job, a loving relationship, and a stable life.

The next morning, when I went to the Nungambakkam flat, the outer grill gate was locked. I returned, dejected. I asked the watchman downstairs if anyone was in the flat. He replied with a suspicious look, "Maalum nahi" (I don't know). A young man asked the watchman, “Sir, how do I get to flat F24?” “I’m here to see them too,” I interjected. “It’s locked.” “Oh, really?” he replied, pausing thoughtfully before walking away. The sun was already scorching. I had only thirty rupees. I went to the nearby tea stall and had tea and a "King's" cigarette. The tea had a strange effect, making me feel full and temporarily suppressing my hunger as if some powder had been added.

I didn't know what to do next. As I lit another "Kings," the young man who had asked for the address at the flat came back. He looked at me and asked amicably, "Are you having tea?" "No, I just had one," I replied with a smile.

"Are you also waiting to see them?"

"No, I already saw them. Like you said, it was locked from the outside. I called them, and they opened up… these things can’t be done publicly." I was shocked.

"What are you saying? There are people inside?"

"Yes, sir."

"How much did you pay?"

"Two thousand."

"Buddy, they're real swindlers. They stop answering the phone the moment you pay," he said, and shock registered on his face too.

"We can't let them get away with this. Should we go see what's happening?" he said, starting to walk quickly. I hesitated, wondering whether or not to follow him. He turned back, looked at me, and said, "Come on." Without knowing the significant experience that lay ahead, I followed him, speechless.

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