As she was from a well-off family, Gauri had expensive tastes. She loved to wear everything that was branded, hence expensive. She abhorred the ‘street-side’ casual clothes that her other classmates wore on their outings. They were too ‘infra-dig’ for her ‘refined’ tastes. She considered herself to be a connoisseur of sorts; even going to the extent of advising them to wear branded stuff, with regular and accurate updates on the brands, fashion labels and their comparative prices. She knew where to buy what and prided herself on her perceived ‘exclusive’ knowledge! After all she was a self-confessed shopaholic, in the second year of her course; who knew the city inside out, thanks to her frequent outings with her friends.
Obviously, she couldn’t turn every now and then to her parents for extra money. Hence she ended up borrowing money from her generous room-mate Kanika. Kanika was a middle-class girl; one of three siblings. But her pocket belied her humble background. She always had enough money to splurge and some more to lend!
Their room-mates spoke in hushed tones about the clandestine affairs of Kanika. She was rumored to be an ‘escort,’ in other words, a call-girl. Though no one dared to ask her outright about her dealings, fearing her ‘whip- like’ tongue, the rumors flew thick and fast. How else could she live like a queen, everyone wondered!
Designer wear and designer accessories, weekly visits to expensive spas, eating out in fancy restaurants, partying at discos and riding pillion on the expensive bikes of well-heeled ‘boy-friends’! Her beautifully made-up face and well -manicured hands and feet, well-groomed hair and haughty demeanor; at once attracted people to her and her caustic tongue instantly made them cautious about talking to her too! Hence she was without any friends. Naturally she gravitated towards her elegant room-mate Gauri for company and friendship.
Though Gauri was aware about the stories circulating about her dubious room-mate, she preferred to ignore them. As long as Kanika was nice to her, she didn’t care. Besides, Kanika willingly gave her the ‘moolah’ as and when she needed it. That was more than enough for Gauri to turn a blind eye to Kanika’s shenanigans!
Unknown to the naïve Gauri, Kanika had deliberately been lending her the money and refrained from asking her to repay, as she wanted her to be neck-deep in debt! That was when she would demand her ‘pound of flesh’ knowing fully well that Gauri would be unable to repay!
“Well, there is a way by which you can repay me the money instantly!” said Kanika, glancing at her slyly.
“What is it? Please tell me at once!”said Gauri eagerly anxious to do anything to please her ‘so-called’ friend.
To be continued...
This story was published in Woman's Era magazine in its second issue of August 2012.
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