Chapter 6: The Art of Unlocking
Truth is, I could’ve popped that lock open in seconds. But if you’re too quick, customers feel cheated and haggle the fee. I learnt that the hard way.
One time, I opened a cross lock with just yarn and wire—took me moments. The aunty stared, then tossed me a hundred-rupee note, saying, "Arrey beta, you didn’t even sweat! Why should I pay so much?" My pride hurt more than my pocket that day.
Since then, I take my time. Grunt, sigh, wipe my brow, mutter, “Yeh lock toh imported hai na, bahut tricky hai.” Ten minutes minimum—let them feel it’s worth it.
Finally, I opened the door, swapped the lock cylinder (the old one still usable for someone else). Slid the shiny new key in, turned it with a flourish, showed her it worked. She smiled nervously, relief flooding her face.
Five hundred rupees—a fair price. She pressed the note into my hand, fingers cold, nodding before stepping inside. As the door swung shut, I glimpsed the warm yellow light of her living room, a family photo glinting on the wall.