The good life

She rummaged through her meagre wardrobe, wrinkling her nose in irritation. Today was going to be a cut above – and nothing here would do. She pondered for just that little moment – should it be Kavita or Rajni? Rajni, she decided. Rajni’s clothes were just that little bit classier, and she also bought designer. Kavita had a different variety, smart, sassy and happening – but not in that understated classiness that Rajni’s had. Rajni’s wardrobe was a mix of the bohemian and the sophisticated and hers would be the easier pick today.

The doorbell rang. Rajni, who was in the midst of giving her cat’s coat a good brushing, rose to answer it. Her heart sank when she saw who it was. She fixed a polite smile of her face and said, “Hey, what’s up?” But she already knew. It was her wardrobe that was the attraction, not her. Her wardrobe, her shopping life and her car were IT, not her.

She, of course, was completely focussed – the wardrobe, the wardrobe. Something black, something neat, something completely classy. There it was. Rajni was hovering behind and she turned around, completely happy that she had found it. Rajni looked, well… but her mind was already racing. She needed something for the neck to go with the outfit. The neckline was just too simple. “Hey Rajni,” she said, “Remember what your friend Rahul gifted you for your last birthday? I think that neckpiece would be just right with this dress. Where is it?”
Rajni reached out, took a box from out of her dresser and held it out.
She happily clasped it to her chest, took the hanger with the dress on it and cried, “This is great Rajni! See ya! Bye!” and walked back up the stairs to her own apartment.

It was late afternoon. Rajni was walking down the stairs, her jute shopping bag in hand(she hated plastic), anticipating the browsing and the buying. Kavita, who lived on the ground floor would be ready, and they were going to the City Centre mall together. They may even catch some chat at the food court there. Her mouth watered in anticipation. As she stepped on the first floor landing, the door to 1C opened and there she stood. Catching sight of Rajni, she asked, “Hey, where are you going?” “Shopping,” said Rajni with a smile. “Hey,” she said, “Hold on, I will join you.”
It seemed that she was prepared. She dashed in, came out with her handbag and shut the apartment door before Rajni could react. They trotted down the stairs and Kavita, who was waiting out by her car, raised her brows. Rajni waggled hers in reply, as they silently got into the car.

She had insisted that she would drive. She was happy. A free trip to the mall, and really, her friends wouldn’t mind. They were going there anyway weren’t they? Besides, she was saving them a chore – driving them there, though it was Kavita’s car. Never mind. She ticked off her shopping list in her mind. On the way they would stop at the supermarket as well…

Sitting in the backseat, Rajni put her head in her hands. She was a chump, she was. She wished she had been smarter and said, “I am going to the doc.” That was one place the freebooter would not come along. Yet, here she was once again, and she knew she would be picking up tab for perhaps, a kilo of atta… or would it be eggs this time? Giggling to herself, she looked up, only to see Kavita frowning at her. Her friend and neighbour definitely, was not happy.

She parked the car in the slot meant for it in the apartment block, completely happy and satisfied with the shopping trip. She looked at her friends – they looked a little weary and not too… er… what would be the word… satisfied? Never mind. She picked up her dozen eggs and the half a kilo of sugar(Rajni had paid for it but she knew her friend wouldn’t mind) and said, “See ya guys!” Suddenly remembering, she turned to Kavita and said, “Hey Kavi! Gotta come by this evening – need a stole from you for a lunch I am going to tomorrow.”
“Er… um…” Kavita seemed to be fumbling for words, “I will not be home. I am going out – er… and staying overnight at my cousin’s.”
“Oh ok,” she nodded, turning around to catch Rajni instead.

Rajni had vanished.

PS: For my friend V. It's your story. I am just telling it here.