Guests Unwelcome!

This is definitely one of the reasons why I blog. It is my personal venting space. I find extreme peace by doing so and I get so many; who shares similar experiences and cry with me.

I was(was/is conflict still continues) this bitchy, hot, independent successful career girl who lived alone stocked beer in the fridge, ate junk, and ordered a Pepperoni and double cheese pizza for dinner. Friends in stylish clothes, dirty car, and a “don’t mess with me” attitude! that was me in my rented house years back.

Kids were scared to walk past my home. Neighbours never dared to ring the bell.

The caretaker stayed up late to open the gate for me. Nobody would cross my way.

That’s what I thought every Chennai resident was like.

“Never bother, never get bothered.”

Till one fine day after I moved in to a home which I can call my own.

Well It was my new home and according to social norms I had to be a social animal, Approachable and helping. I had to atleast know my neighbours by name so that I could wave out to them and say “Good morning Mr. Sankarnarayan, The summer in Chennai has definitely set in”?

I was this super sweet lady who spoke well to her neighbours, security guards, caretaker. The woman who has her name put up on the block directory. She drives around all by herself, wears fancy clothes works odd hours and yet has time for cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and many more.

Well all what you give is not what you get all the time.

I have the most annoying unwelcomed guest/”s” ever!!

My Neighbour Mr. Boobalan and his wife ! I have never seen Mr. Boobalan at all. He is always over shadowed by the presence of his wife Mrs. Boobalan. I fondly call her Mrs. Boobs(in thought bubble) and yes Pun definitely intended.

She seemed helpful and projected herself to be this extra helpful neighbour but wait a minute helpful can be annoying too.

She rang the bell one fine Morning at 7.30am ..sounds fine to you ?

Not to me.

I mostly do the second shift for which I need to reach work at 1pm. I get back after a long day of work, cook a full course meal (dinner being my favourite meal) and have my late dinner , watch a movie on the laptop or read a bit and fall asleep. It is not a pleasant experience to wake up at that hour!

She would come in with neighbours from other blocks which to me sound like a neighbour from some “N’th” block who would want to see my home and furniture. These women force their way into the house to comment on everything from the brand of your refrigerator to even a spoon set.

She spots a folded yoga mat. Oh my god you exercise? You are so thin why do you need to exercise. Now am I going to give them the logical reason when the only thing on my mind is rush back and curl up under the fluffy soft comforter?

Here comes the next,

Girls should wake up early and do the household chores .Then it is brings in lot of grace. Well, woman!! Do you understand I’m a man stuck in woman’s body.

I’m not the island girl who waits for her husband to return with his catch!

Moving on……

Oh is that your new TV? We have a bigger one. And I’m sure better options too.

With the next one I blew my top!!!!!

They open the fridge. You don’t drink the fresh milk. Tetra pack is unhealthy and expensive. I’ll ask the milkman to drop off a few packets for you as well.

Is this real?(pinches herself)

Well I had to rephrase my sentences and give a trailer of my bitchy side to put an end to this!

Being around is appreciable but entering your personal space is a tricky affair. There is no need for your neighbour to know your personal day to day schedule, what do you eat, what are your monthly expenses!

They don’t decide your timings, chart out your guest list or tweak you lifestyle.

You have to be firm but kind enough and put across the message in the best possible manner. I told her I’m serious !don’t mess with me attitude that I do things my way and I like it done that way And interference of any sort shall not be entertained .

For that sake please understand that what I mean is that when you are unwelcome it is an understatement. Now I wait for a glimpse of Mrs. Boobs and she is not to be seen around! Do I miss her? Well no!