The Marvel i.e. Mumbai Homes

On a grey-cast monsoon morning, bathed in sweat (mine and others - ‘local’ites will know) and scolded for not yet having reached office, I was downcast. I searched among the clouds for the proverbial silver lining but all I saw was bird poop white on my shirt. I became even more downcast and then as I was walking towards the office, there, looming larger than the sky was an advertisement board by ____. My saviour, those glorious red words - “Extra space in 1BHK to pursue your passions”. I couldn’t believe it at first and had to rub my eyes, pinch myself but there it was. I immediately called the number displayed and set-up a meet for that evening itself. Overjoyed I didn’t even realize all the scolding I got during the day from my boss, colleagues and friends. And at last, drained of all respect and wet as a puddle, I reached the apartments for a view. Oh boy, so much space. In my current flat all my family had to walk inside in a single file but here.. ooooh.. here two people could almost stand side by side. I immediately cut them a cheque for all my savings as the deposit on the apartment. Tearful I started back for my home. I couldn’t wait to tell my parents.

It's been a year since we moved in. I have since quit my job and pursued my passion of being a jumping jack (from face of one wall to the face of opposite wall). I had my parents make videos of me which I then uploaded to TikTok. And now I have become a mini-celebrity with thousands of people watching me jump aimlessly between the walls, bleeding my feet. That popularity has made me an influencer and it was not long before I was getting endorsement offers. Now, I am earning almost a lakh per month (just yesterday, I bitched about my last job and boss to my followers).

Whenever I envisage my future (which is as bright as a sun), I invariably remember that day and ____ who changed my life completely. Thank you so much ____.

*'local'ites = Those travelling in Mumbai local