"Papa, did you talk to any PG owners yet?" I asked, a little sharper than I intended. "You know the university orientation is the day after tomorrow, and classes start right after that!"
"I know, I know," Papa replied, handing me a scribbled list. "Here, I got some numbers. Call them. Ask what they're offering."
After calling several places, I finally chose one. It was a newly built PG with just three rooms for tenants - quiet, simple, and exactly what I wanted. The ground floor was for the owner's family, and the first floor was for tenants. The best part? It was barely a 10-minute walk from the university. Ideal.
I like being alone. Having my own space, my own little world -a nest of my own, that's important to me. This PG felt like the right place.
(Next Day).....
The day arrived.
Beep-beep-beep. 5:00 AM.
I blinked at the ceiling, groggy but...numb. No excitement. No nervousness. No joy or dread. Just a blank slate.
Papa was helping me with moving. We left early, waving goodbye to Mummy - who stood at the door, trying not to show her tears. She gave me a warm hug and told me to take care.
The three-and-a-half-hour drive felt like a pause between two worlds - the one I was leaving and the one I was about to enter.
First, we went straight to the PG, since I had informed the owners I'd be arriving in the morning.
But the surprise that awaited us?
My room wasn't ready.
The bed wasn't there, and the electrical wiring wasn't complete. The fan and lights wouldn't even work if there was a power cut. I was so confused.
"Yesterday you said everything was ready," I told the owner.
"The wiring isn't connected to the inverter yet," the owner said, sheepishly. "If there's a power cut, there won't be any electricity.
"We just need some time," he replied. "By afternoon, everything will be done. Please wait till then."
"Wait till afternoon? Where am I supposed to stay till then?" I snapped, barely holding back frustration.
"Let's go to the office first," he said. "I'll explain everything there. Also, we need to discuss the payment."
Papa and I exchanged looks. Here we go.
(In Office)...
In the office, the owner tried to explain. "Actually, there was a misunderstanding," he said. "We had a single room available when we spoke. But the day before, another tenant showed up early and took it. She talked to my wife, and we both ended up giving the same room to two different people."
Thanks to some "miscommunication" with his wife. Now, only one room was left - a double occupancy one.
"You can have it," the owner said, "but since you'll be staying alone, we'll need you to pay three-fourths of the rent."
Papa's face changed. "So this is all just a business to you? You're just trying to make more money by sweet-talking people? We had agreed on everything -A single room, A fixed rent- before coming here. And now, not only is the room not ready, but you're also asking for more money."
The owner stayed calm. "Sir, I understand," the owner replied. "But we're not trying to cheat you. We made a mistake, yes. But this room is bigger. And we'd be at a loss if we rented it as a single for the same price." Please think about it. For now, have some tea and biscuits."
Then he left us alone.
The room fell silent after he left. Just me and Papa now.
Papa looked at me. "So, do you want to stay here? Do you like the place? Or should we search for another PG?"
I didn't answer it right away. I was thinking about the orientation. I didn't want to be late. But I also didn't want to ignore this problem.
I liked the PG. It was close to the university, peaceful, and had only a few people. But the rent was more than we planned. I knew it would be hard for Papa - my university fees, brothers school fees, house rent... everything was already a lot.
I looked at him. "What do you think? I'm okay with whatever you decide."
"But do you want to stay here?" he pressed.
"Yes," I whispered. "But I know it's expensive. It'll be hard for you to manage everything."
He saw right through me - the hesitation, the silent plea I was trying to bury.
He nodded slowly. "Let me talk to him again. We'll renegotiate. I'll ask them to have the room ready by afternoon. For now, go to your orientation. You shouldn't be late."
"Papa, are you sure?" I asked, worried. "We can find another PG. I'll be fine with any other PG too."
He smiled. "You don't need to worry about money. Just focus on your studies."
I returned his smile - half-relieved, half-guilty. "Okay... But promise me you won't leave before I come back. We'll have lunch together. Deal?"
He chuckled, "Alright, deal. And I'll help you unpack."
"No, no, I'll handle that. You just rest while I'm gone." I gave him a quick wave. "Bye-bye!"
As I stepped out and walked toward the university, I could feel the morning sun on my face. As I walked toward the gate, I looked around at the busy campus, the buzz of students around me, the big
buildings... and I took a deep breath towards a new beginning.
Finally, I'm here.