Monday, November 5, 2012

HOMEQUEST Chapter 1


DEN OF A DRUG PEDDLER

It was Sunday morning. We received a call from one of the agents in Goregaon. He talked about a fully furnished, well appointed apartment that would meet our needs and was well within budget.

Wasting no time, we headed towards agent’s office. Our excitement kicked up further on knowing the offered price. It did sound bit low for comfort but before we could nurse any doubts the agent started singing paeans of the property. Now, I am not one of those ‘lucky’ guys who get rewarded without any efforts. But, today I felt different. Avarice had set in my mind. Soon, we were on way to our utopian dream. Short drive to the apartment was spent listening agent’s discourse on merits of the apartment. Going by his recitations, it was a ‘jackpot’ waiting only to be picked up.

The building appeared new and had impressive façade. A well manicured garden with meandering walkway greeted us as we eased our car into a vacant parking slot. Backside had fairly large children’s play area with rides. Entrance lobby was even more impressive with double height, a crystal chandelier hanging from the roof and a large mural of the side walls. Our ‘jackpot’ was on 1st floor and we did not have to wait for the elevator. Name plate outside the flat bore the name of a lady. Ringing of bell was greeted with a sweet sounding response. Soon, we came face to face with a pretty young lady in early thirties. She greeted us with a disarming smile, leading us to a spacious sitting room. By the time we sank into plush leather sofa, a servant appeared with soft drinks. Sipping coke, we peered around trying to take the tastefully done interiors in.

Meanwhile, the pretty woman was closeted with the agent. They seemed to be pretty ‘close’ and even occupied seats almost touching each other. Their unabashed flirting disturbed our concentration and soon we could not take it any longer. Quickly we finished the drink and demanded to be shown around the flat. The agent took it upon himself to lead us, pointing out every notable detail. Inspection over, we felt elated. It was a tempting proposition considering the price.

Back in our seats, we talked about details. I could not help inquire reasons for selling the flat. My quarry was anticipated and prompt came the reply that the lady needed funds. Next question was pre-empted by offering explanation that there was a certain amount of urgency and hence the property was being under-quoted. An expression of sadness punctuated this statement by the lady. As if on cue, the agent nodded his head in agreement. The pretty woman went on to narrate a story how she had to raise lot of money to fight legal battle. Continuing she said, her husband was falsely implicated in a case and she had to get him out on bail. Sensing the feeling of shock on our faces, she lamented how in this country innocents fall prey and poor wives like her had to bear the brunt.

Overcoming first tremors, we asked as to what kind of case it was. Instantly she responded, “Oh! It’s no big deal. The narcotics department has falsely alleged that my husband is involved in selling drugs. I can swear by God that he is ‘clean’ and I will certainly get him out of jail”. A pre-scripted drama was on and at this point the agent stepped in. He sprang to his feet and said, “Sir! Let me explain. I am not one of those agents who would close a deal by deceiving a client. I will reveal everything” I thanked him for his ethics and waited for his next move. He then called for previous day’s Times of India.

Those days, last page of TOI carried public announcement ads, mostly lawyers’ notices about proposed property deals, government tenders etc. Presently, the lady shoved a newspaper in my hand. It had, at the bottom of last page, a ‘Notice’ by a firm of solicitors. It informed public of High Court judgment by which it had released a particular apartment that was ‘attached’ by the police. Keeping my cool, I went on to read the notice carefully. It was clear that the flat belonged to the ‘pretty lady’ who happened to be wife of the alleged drug peddler, currently in custody. It further added that the said flat was wrongfully ‘attached’ and ordered the narcotics bureau to release it. In fact, the lady had taken possession of the flat two days before and had immediately put it on the block.

A perfect frame of deception, she shed more tears and pleaded with my wife to take a quick decision because this flat was her only source for money.  My wife was baffled and wondered why we had not walked out by then. Meanwhile, the agent brandished flat purchase documents to prove that she was the sole owner. He even showed society bills in her name. He assured us that this was once in a lifetime opportunity that we can ill afford to miss.

My mind went into a spin, unable to choose between common sense and greed. But, I was not ready to give up, as yet. I stayed put listening to a well orchestrated drama. I argued that as a housewife the lady had no income. It implied that the purchase was actually done by husband. It also meant that tomorrow he could come out of the jail and stake a claim to the flat. It would make us vulnerable to bullying by him.

Amidst fresh round of sobs, the lady offered that we speak to her husband on phone. Seeing our look of surprise the agent butted in saying that she talks to her husband every Sunday. He can avail of a facility of phone in one of the jail officer’s cabin. 

Finally, to remove all our misgivings, lady made us a fresh offer. She suggested, we accompany her to Nashik Jail to meet the husband in person. We could then seek his written consent on a stamp paper.

This was the last straw. My wife jumped, pulled my arm, screaming, “We are not going anywhere and I don’t want this flat.” 

We were out within seconds. Thereafter, we never ventured in that direction. 

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