Page 71 - You Only Live Once [BooksLD]

Yesterday, I felt so tempted to enquire about mom but the moment Aarav
told me about what Ricky feels about her, I held back from asking anything
in particular. Last night was magical. I’ve got to write and perform a new

song this week. I need to win over Ricky if I want him to tell me more
about my mom.
As I am lost in thought, the reception guy calls me. ‘Parvathi is here to
see you. You can come down to the reception,’ he says.

‘What’s up?’
‘All good.’

‘Ready to go for house hunting?’
‘Yeah!’

‘By the way, I think I know the best place for you. You will like it there.
We’re visiting three PGs in the neighbourhood, but I’m sure you will
finalize the first one.’

‘Let’s see!’
We walk by the Palolem Beach Road for about a kilometer to reach a 2
storey Portuguese construction on top of a rock formation. It is slightly

secluded from the more commercial places around.
‘I like it already,’ I assure Parvathi.

We reach the building that feels at least thirty years old. An old lady sits
at the porch basking in the sun. A young lady, probably the old lady’s nurse,
walks up to us. ‘Are you here to check out the room?’ A white Pomeranian
dog accompanies her. ‘Lucky, keep sitting,’ she instructs. Lucky jumps and
licks us in joy, ignoring her commands.

‘Yes, I am Parvathi. And she is Alara. She is the tenant.’
‘Namaste, I am Madhuri,’ she greets and leads us to the top floor. She

introduces the old lady as Maria, the owner of the PG. I shake hands with
her. They are as soft as freshly churned butter from the centrifuge. She
seems paralyzed waist down as Madhuri helps her with the wheelchair.
Maria seems to be of Portuguese descent for sure. I can tell from her face.

The room is a tiny refuge constructed of grey stones. It has a small
terrace attached to it. It overlooks the Arabian Sea. Although it is not very
big, it is just perfect to accommodate me. And Parvathi was quite right
when she presumed that I would take this place.

‘How much will it be?’