Ritika lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling fan lazily spinning above her. The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the quiet room, wrapping her in a comfort that still felt a little too luxurious.
This PG… it was something else.
Only one girl per room, attached bathroom, AC, even daily cleaning service. The kind of place where rich, polished girls stayed—lawyer’s daughters, business tycoons’ nieces, the kind who wore satin nightwear and had weekly salon appointments. And then there was her. A small-town girl with a nursing dream and a past she had left behind without a backward glance.
But here, in this space, she had her own bed, her own mirror, her own little shelf where she kept her soaps and kajal. It felt almost like a hotel, not a PG. It had been nearly two months since she moved in, and the comfort hadn’t stopped surprising her.
And the best part? She didn’t have to worry about the expenses.
Anubhav took care of it all. Quietly, without drama. Rent, bills, even an extra cushion she once casually mentioned needing. She never asked. He just… arranged. As if she belonged in this life—even if she herself didn’t believe it fully yet.
Only one thing about the PG annoyed her a little—the food.
Breakfast was always something light: bread, banana, maybe some boiled eggs. Lunch was a bit heavier, served in the small common dining hall—rice, dal, a sabzi, and sometimes chicken if they got lucky. Dinner was almost negligible—khichdi, or upma, or a cold sandwich.
But it didn’t bother her much.
Breakfast was always at the PG. Lunch she managed in the hospital canteen between classes. And dinner? That was rarely here anymore.
Dinner had become… Anubhav.
He’d cook sometimes, or order in, but either way, he waited. It had become a rhythm. Her classes would end, she’d freshen up, and then head to his flat. Sundays especially—they were his.
Today was no different.
She looked at the wall clock. Almost 6:45 PM.
She’d have to leave in half an hour.
The thought made her lips curl into a quiet smile.
Ritika opened the door and was about to step out when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Neha coming down the corridor, dressed in a matching hot pants and top combo that left little to the imagination. Neha’s gaze was sharp, and she wasted no time with pleasantries.
“Busy or what?” Neha shot, her eyes scanning Ritika’s face with a knowing smirk.
“No, no. Come in,” Ritika replied, making way for her, her tone casual.
Neha didn’t wait for an invitation. She stepped right inside, her confidence filling the room. “I’m going shopping. You coming?”
Ritika shook her head, her lips curling into a smile. “Nah, I’m heading to Anubhav’s place.”
Neha laughed loudly, the sound echoing in the room. “I know. Don’t even have to ask. You’re with that 50+ guy, huh? Still fine, or is it getting old?”
Ritika didn’t flinch. She was used to Neha’s straightforwardness. “It’s fine, no drama,” she said calmly.
Neha leaned against the wall, crossing her arms, eyes scanning Ritika. “Yeah, I know everything, babe. You think I don’t see what's going on? You're living the life now. At least you're not stuck with some broke guy like Aman.”
Ritika raised an eyebrow, a little amused. “What do you mean?”
Neha rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. “Aman, that loser. His birthday today, right? What are you getting him, some cheap gift? At least I’m going shopping for something decent for myself. I can’t be bothered with someone like him.”
Ritika laughed, shaking her head. “You never hold back, do you?”
Neha grinned. “Why should I? At least I know how to pick up the slack when I need to. Aman’s not doing anything, and we both know it. He works at a crappy animation company, and I pay for everything. He can barely keep up. But hey, I’m the one who calls the shots.”
“Yeah, I know,” Ritika said with a shrug, “You’ve got him all figured out. He’s lucky to have you.”
“Lucky?” Neha snorted, “I’m lucky to have him for some company. That’s about it. Anyway, enjoy your ‘rich guy’ date. I’ll be out shopping for real stuff.”
Ritika smiled, “You’re something else, Neha.”
Neha winked, “You love it.” And with that, she turned on her heel, heading for the door. “Enjoy, and don’t get too cozy with your 50+ sugar daddy.”
Ritika noticed a beautiful nameplate chain hanging around Neha’s neck. It caught her eye instantly, the delicate design drawing her in.
“That’s pretty. How much was it?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Neha shrugged nonchalantly and mentioned the price, then smirked, “Tell your doctor to get you one. He’s good at spending money, right?”
Ritika laughed softly, shaking her head at Neha’s playful tease.
Neha raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t it annoy you? A man your father’s age, and you’re sticking around just for the money?”
Ritika's lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Well, even though he’s older, he’s still quite… impressive. He knows how to keep things… interesting. Makes my skin burn with desire,” she said with a knowing look.
Neha gave her a skeptical look. “Even so, he’s double your age. What if he asks you to marry him?”
Ritika chuckled. “No chance of that. We’ve got a clear deal. He takes care of everything—my rent, my bills, even my little luxuries. In return, I give him my time and company. No strings attached beyond that.”
Neha laughed out loud. “You’re really something, Ritika. At least you have everything sorted. Me? I’m the one spending on Aman, and what do I get in return? Nothing but his poor excuses. He’s not even that great in bed, if I’m being honest.”
Ritika raised an eyebrow and teased, “So why are you sticking around with him, then? You're paying for everything, your time, and your love... yet he doesn’t even meet your needs.”
Neha rolled her eyes but smiled. “Well, it’s not just about the physical stuff, Ritika. It’s love. I care about him, even if he doesn’t spoil me the way I want. I can’t even think about anyone else. I’m all in for him, no matter what.”
Ritika smiled, nodding in understanding. “I get it. Love’s complicated, isn’t it?”
