I find myself looking at the woman in the lift with me. I haven’t come across her or her doggo before this. Maybe they are new in the building. People move apartments in the downtown area much faster than one might assume. Let me tell you about the apartment opposite mine. Every three months, there is someone new living in it. Either the girlfriend changes, or the boyfriend changes, or the couple changes, and with that, even the pets who live in the apartment change. In India, on the other hand, people are used to living in the same house all their lives. In fact, there are often many generations living in the same house. Sometimes, the houses fall apart but the families living in them don’t. They’ll keep quarrelling over the property for as long as possible. But here, families fall apart a million times before real houses do.

I’m still thinking about starting a conversation with the dog in the lift when a notification on the AILENA app pops up on my phone screen and saves me the trouble.

Neer: Good morning! Back to routine life?

Me: Good evening. Yes, am back to the grind. What about you? Is the New Year hangover finally gone?

Neer: Oh yes! I’m back to scheduling business meetings for the week. It was a good weekend though. I had a great time partying without having to constantly worry about pleasing a partner. I could be myself and enjoy my time with my guy gang.

Me: I know! I know! You’ve told me about this many times. I’m happy for you.

Neer: So, what’s your next big agenda?

Me: Nothing. I have this meeting lined up with my boss today. I’m on my way to work right now. I’ll message you in the evening?

Neer: Okay, I’ll wake up early.

Me: Good night! Take care.

Neer: Talk soon! I miss you. And you still haven’t told me about your weirdest fantasy!

Me: Wait, my lover boy, please wait a bit!

Neer: Yeah, yeah. Bye!