“Hey, where the heck is your aunt’s place, man? We’ve been driving around Bangalore for an hour, and all I’ve seen are white houses – except for your aunt’s,” complained Vinod.

“Pratima aunt’s house is like a mansion, all big and white, tucked away on the outskirts of the city,” replied Prem. “And let me tell you, she’s not one to invite just anyone over. This is only my second time visiting.”

Vinod’s eyes widened in disbelief. “She must be loaded then, huh?”

“Oh, you have no idea, buddy. I promised her we’d only stay for a day to catch a rock concert,” Prem said with a smirk.

As our car glided into the grand, pristine building, a stern security guard instructed us to pause. He pressed the intercom and muttered something under his breath. “Ok chalo,” he finally said, motioning for us to proceed.

We lingered by the entrance, anticipation building. Suddenly, an attendant swung open the door and fixed us with a piercing gaze. 

Vinod tentatively stepped forward, only to be met with a deafening scream from the garage. Startled, he stumbled back, narrowly avoiding a fall. A servant rushed over with a doormat, swiftly placing it at our feet.

The unflinching attendant then motioned for us to enter and take a seat in the expansive living room. Welcome to the drama-filled world of mansion living!

I grasped Vinod’s trembling hands and we settled onto the luxurious Victorian leather sofa. Vinod attempted a smile at the attendant, but received no response.

The attendant continued to stare at us from a distance of ten feet. Vinod leaned in and whispered, “Prem, this chap is as stiff as a board. I think he could use a good wash.” “Hush and be quiet,” Prem retorted.

The attendant strutted away, leaving us both grinning with relief. But lo and behold, he returned in a flash, this time accompanied by a massive dog.

He whispered something in the dog’s ear, and it immediately began sniffing our bags, letting out a loud moan. The attendant swiftly whisked the dog away, leaving us bewildered.

“What in the world,” exclaimed Vinod. “Are we checking into a hotel or a zoo? Your aunt must be off her rocker.” Prem, ever the peacemaker, gently patted Vinod on the shoulder, urging him to hush.

Just then, two stunning maids glided in with glasses of water, offering them to us. “Looks like your aunt only hires the best eye candy,” Vinod remarked. Prem shot him a look and accepted a glass, taking a sip. Vinod declined, causing the maids to exchange puzzled glances.

They persisted, offering the water to Vinod once more. “No thanks, not thirsty,” Vinod insisted. The maids seemed uneasy, and Prem couldn’t help but wonder what was amiss.

As Vinod excused himself to use the restroom, he followed the maids’ directions to the guest room. Upon exiting, he was met with a surprising sight – the maids standing there with glasses of water in hand. “I really don’t want any, please understand,” Vinod pleaded. “Sir, please drink. It’s Mem Saab’s orders,” the maids insisted.

Vinod’s patience wore thin. “Where is this Mem Saab of yours? All I see are servants, dogs, and doormats. Tell her to show herself!”

Upon hearing the ruckus, Prem hurried to the room to calm down his friend Vinod, who was fuming. “I’m outta here, let’s bounce. I’d rather chill on the platform in front of the concert venue than deal with this nonsense,” Vinod declared.

Prem was feeling the same way, but his curiosity got the best of him.

As they strolled outside, Prem couldn’t resist asking a gardener about the maids chasing them with water glasses.

After a dramatic pause and a full 360-degree head turn, the gardener finally spilled the beans. “Sir, Mem Saab instructed us to offer water to every guest as they enter the house. It’s to ward off the evil eye, you know, Drishti. Get it?”

Vinod and Prem burst into laughter. “Prem, your aunt is a riot,” Vinod chuckled. The gardener, sensing the jovial atmosphere, rushed over. “Are you leaving, Sir?” he inquired. Prem winked and replied, “Tell Mem Saab I’ll catch up with her later.” They exchanged knowing glances and erupted into laughter once more.