I was in that kind of zone when a notification alert from the AILENA app popped up on my phone. My heart begins to race and my feet go cold. Chatting with Kiana has been the best thing to happen in the last week. I quickly open our chat window, and I notice that there’s a natural bounce in my body, like I’m a little rabbit hopping around in the grass.

Kiana: Hey, Neer! Message me if you’re free!

Me: Hey, you! I’m free! How are you doing? You’ve been pretty silent these last couple of days.

Kiana: Right back at ya! You haven’t messaged me either!

Me: Guilty as charged! I guess we’ve both been busy with things. Anyway, what’s up with you? How’ve you been?

Kiana: I’m good. In SFO at my uncle’s place, which is like my home away from home. I’ve just been chilling here, eating, sleeping, hanging out with my folks … what about you?

Me: Nice! I’m going apartment hunting today.

Kiana: Oh! You’re changing homes?

Me: I’m changing cities. I live with my parents in Delhi actually. But now I’m moving to Mumbai!

Kiana: Oh! Is it the first time that you’re moving out of your home?

Me: Not really. I’ve lived in a hostel before, in IIT Delhi, and then briefly in Bangalore. But that was with roommates.

Kiana: Living on your own is tough.

Me: Actually, I’m moving in with someone. Her name is Nia.

Kiana: You have a girlfriend? What????

Me: Umm, well, I used to think so too, but I was told recently that we’re in a ‘situationship’. There’s no ‘relationship’ really.

Kiana: Why are you changing cities and moving in with her then? And what are you doing here, looking for a partner on this app? Is this some kind of a joke?

Me: No, no! Let me explain! I’m not so sure about my current relationship. It isn’t going anywhere, you know!

Kiana: Why don’t you take a call? It’s either this or that.

Me: I don’t know. I’m really confused. I’m looking for a serious relationship, for love. But I’ve also invested a year in this relationship.

Kiana: Does she know that you’re chatting with me on this app? And that we’re potentially looking at starting a relationship?

Me: No.

Kiana: Do you think not being transparent is cool? Because I think it sucks!

Me: You’re correct. I should let her know.

Kiana: Whatever happened to old-school romances!

Me: God only knows!

Kiana: Do you love her?

Me: I’m not so sure.

Kiana: Then let her know about us or better still, break up with her.

Me: What? We’ve just met and you want me to dump her?

Kiana: She’s not even your girlfriend!