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.

'Okay.' Alina replied and silently dumped her luggage on the single bed.

'So,' – Meera took a seat opposite her, - 'you were great today, Alina. It is cool that we are working in the same place.' She said and smiled. Alina nodded. She was very grateful to find someone from her workplace. Meera went on to talk about how she had come to Noida one week before, her struggles to find a PG and about another flat-mate Jessica, who was a struggling model but lied to Mr. Agarwal as he was very conservative.

'Shall I make you tea?' Meera offered and Alina couldn't refuse. She was very tired after the day and still couldn't stop replaying how she made a complete fool of herself in front of the boss, Haider. Her first impression came out as a clumsy oaf and stuttering buffoon. And the first impression is the last impression. Alina cringed at the thought and was glad when her phone rang. It was a video call from her parents. A bright smile instantly lit her face. Through the call, she toured her parents of the home, also made them speak to Meera. Alina was happy that they felt content, otherwise, they were super worried about her wellbeing. She felt blessed to have a happy and caring family. She knew there were few who craved love, complete family and peace but remain without any of them. She was truly fortunate.

Meera and Alina bonded over tea where they shared few things about themselves. Both knew there was a line that they should maintain to not get overfriendly in their first meeting. Alina was embarrassed when Meera inquired about work. She doesn't tell about her encounter and how she made a complete fool of herself.

As they spoke there was a doorbell and Meera exclaimed, - 'Jessica.' Alina silently followed her flatmate and colleague.

The door opened and a young woman in her early twenties entered the house. Alina admired her hourglass figure that was well hidden behind a white sleeveless top and denim skirt. Jessica clearly looked tired but that didn't stop Meera from questioning about her attire and escaping Agarwals judging looks. Jessica sighed taking a seat on the double sofa.

'That old man wasn't there, downstairs.' She explained while she grabbed her long straight hair and twisted it in a tight bun. Alina doesn't like her tone but lets it pass as she didn't want to be judgmental, which she unconsciously was.

'Shall I get you tea?' Meera queried with excitement almost as though she loved making tea for everyone. Alina must admit she makes rejuvenating and awesome tea, a perfect blend of masala, milk, sugar and of course, tea leaves.

Jessica exhaled loudly as she stretched her hands and then fell against the sofa, - 'You know babes I don't drink tea or coffee. It's bad for the complexion. I will make myself a fresh fruit smoothie.' She said.

Alina bit her lip, hesitated and commented, - 'Be careful with fruits. They have their natural sugar and could be—'

'Who are you?' Jessica raised her eyebrow. She looked annoyed upon being advised. Alina was taken aback by her tone, but she cleared her throat and replied with full confidence,

- 'I am Alina Hooda your new flatmate.' She raised her chin. Jessica scoffed and fell back against the sofa. She looked front and spoke,

- 'You are my flatmate so stay that way.' – she looked at her, - 'and you needn't act smart.' – Jessica paused to get a good look at Alina, making her conscious, - 'Also, I don't need to take advise from an average looking woman like you.' She threw a glance at Meera as well before standing up and then walked towards the bathroom, a tiny space adjacent to the bedroom.

Alina folded her arms and kept looking at the direction where Jessica disappeared. Meera walked slowly towards her and placed a palm on her shoulder.

'Let her be, she is just cranky because she isn't getting anything out of her modeling career.' She explained.

Alina shrugged her hand away and spoke without looking at her, - 'She is just arrogant for no reason.'- then she turned to Meera, - 'Apna time aayega (our time will come) then we will see how she treats us.' Alina winked at Meera, but the latter appeared skeptical. 

Okay, it is just me or Alina appears to be money minded. She feels blessed for a loving family but not her financial status. Babes, it is bad to be whining and greedy *evil smile*

Well at least, she isn't goody-good kind-hearted soul *laughs* #no_offense 

So, guys. How was the Chapter? We got a glimpse of Alina's new apartment, got to know her closely and also met her charming flat-mates. 

Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *lots of love* *muaaah* *muaaah* Stay Tuned for the next update my loves  :*