Dark side of PGs, flats and brokers in New Delhi

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This one is about the brokers & flat owners there. Summers 2018.

Meetesh and I needed a place to stay during summer vacations as we had joined a coaching for JAM. Our PG closed its mess until 19th July and was charging much higher for the damn June & July.

We decided to go for a flat or a room thinking we could manage with tiffin food. Ended up talking to a nearby broker. Neither liked the room that he showed nor agreed on the monthly rent. He offered with 1 or 2 more options. I politely disagreed each time, “ Nhi Lena sir , itna mahanga.”

Now suddenly, this guy offered ( atleast in 'talk') me a room in his own house at Model Town at much cheaper monthly rent, food and also promised to drop me at coaching in GTB Nagar daily! And it was becoming difficult to stop him. First I was puzzled. Then I got a glimpse of my future with him & a picture emerged. So this was it. This could have become the darkest side of Delhi in my graduation . I found myself somewhat angry after months.

I did exactly what my daada would have done,

“ Nhi Chahiye sir. Kuchh nhi Chahiye. Galat jagah aa gya main. Shukriya.” And left. That needed some courage.

Later, we found place at 2 BHK flat ( cheapest ever, no broker) of one of our Hindu - phy - friends who was staying with his brother in Old Gupta Colony. Cook cooked tastiest vegetable & chutney. His bhaiya was expert in chapattis. Those were the most memorable 2 months of my Delhi chapter.

Thanks to mutual friends, causal conversations & WhatsApp.

It reminded me of the good old Chhidamilal chapter of 4th Hindi, “ khair! Bhagwan Jo krta hai, achha hi krta hai.”

_/\_

VKJ)

"Why do certain configurations of matter cause that matter to light up with awareness?" Experiencing a few moments of Mindfulness amidst the chaos. suchabrieflife@gmail.com

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