PROMISE?

    It is a busy morning in the city of mumbai. Everyone is running as if they are running for their life ! People are very busy in 

    themselves. Witnessing this very normal scene with a nervous heart is a 24 year old, Akanksha. She was never used to such

    a scene in the mornings. She grew up in a small town, with not much population. She was used to mornings which were so 

    calm and collected. She felt so alien in "Mumbai ". She felt alone, even when she was surrounded by way more people than

     back in her town. " listen, you have got this Akanksha. You know it is important since your job is in Mumbai.  

    you will ace it." she reassured herself. "now, i have to find an auto to reach my new home " she said. "autoooooo, autooooo"

    she called out. " here " she said showing him the address. "55 rupees " he said. "55! that's a lot, bhaiya ". " that's the rate here.

   Board if you want or allow me to leave ". " how rude " she thought but decided to sit anyways. The auto started, and so did 

    Akanksha's journey. She was unable to tell if she was more excited, or more nervous. She was about to start a totally new 

   journey of a life. She reached her new home. A tall building, it seemed. She reached her designated floor, and she met her 

  new landlord. "hello, I am-

  " I know " said the woman with black straight hair, brown highlights and dressed up in a smart coat as if she was going to office.   

  " the water comes everyday at 6. Make sure to fill it. The geyser has been repaired. Rest all details will be messaged . The rent 

    should be in my account on the first of every month. I will update to you the details for the agreement. "

  Akanksha wanted to steer a conversation, but after the landlady completed her discussion of the important guidelines, Akanksha  suddenly felt so overwhelmed. It suddenly hit her that all of these responsibilities were to be fulfilled by her.  

" I ll take your leave " said the landlady and went.  

" will i be able to do this ?" said Akanksha as she ran to the terrace. She was so scared, she felt so vulnerable. She started doubting if this change will be worth it. 

Just then she saw another figure sitting. She had short hair, had formal clothes on and had a very serious face. Akanksha sat next to her.  

" What seems to be your trouble. huh?" said the woman 

" what do you mean " 

" there might be something that is bothering you. I know it, because no one in their right minds would come to a terrace when it's so sunny and so busy"

" I can say the same thing for you "

" yes "

" you go first "

" I don't even know you "

" That's even better. "

"how ?"

" because, people you know might judge you. You can say anything to me and get away without the stress of hurting me or me judging you. I don't matter."

" that is not how it works"

" moreover, we have the same plight. I cannot judge you "

"how do you know that "

" we both are in a problem "

" what is your name "

" samantha "

"nice name "

there was a silence that followed.  

" I am new here. I just came in today. This place just seems so alien. I am afraid I wont fit in. " 

" This is Mumbai. Everyone can fit in here"

" how ?"

" there are just way to many people. It might feel alien at first but everyone make their own world here. They all make a place to fit in. "

" what is your problem "

" just stressed"

"you will be fine"

" I don't think so "

" why is that ?"

" I don't have no one "

" well, you have me "

"you ?"

" yes, me. why ?"

" you will leave. "

"no. I pinky promise "

Samantha laughed " pinky promise. what are you, 5 ?

" hey, i never broke a pinky promise "

" there " she extended her pink finger. It is a pink promise.

fine, said Samantha. "pinky promise "

" no value of cross" said Akanksha 

" no value of cross" said Samantha giggling.