THE LOCKDOWN TRAP
The next morning, Neha received an unexpected announcement from her company.
"All employees must work from home until further notice."
Then came the government announcement.
A nationwide lockdown.
The four friends had planned to stay for one night.
Now they were stranded in the apartment.
Their families lived in other cities. Travel was impossible. Their offices had closed, and nobody knew how long the restrictions would last.
The apartment became their temporary world.
Neha looked at Prem.
Prem looked at Neha.
Both understood the problem.
Priya could no longer be a one-evening secret.
The friends were going to see the household routine every day.
Neha gathered everyone in the living room.
"Since we're all working from home, let's divide the responsibilities."
Ananya handled groceries.
Divya organized the kitchen.
Meera managed the entertainment.
Ritu handled the household schedule.
And Priya?
"Priya will help with cooking and household work."
Prem stared at Neha.
"Excuse me?"
Neha whispered:
"You agreed to the role-play."
"One evening!"
She smiled.
"We'll discuss it."
That night, Prem and Neha sat together in their bedroom.
"This is becoming a serious situation," Prem said.
Neha took his hand.
"We can stop whenever you want."
Prem thought about their friends, the lockdown, and the strange adventure unfolding around them.
He finally smiled.
"Let's continue. But we do it together."
Neha hugged him tightly.
The next morning, Priya prepared breakfast for five people.
The apartment filled with the smell of fresh dosa, chutney, and coffee.
The women gathered around the dining table.
Meera tasted the food.
"Priya, you're officially the best cook in this apartment!"
Prem smiled.
For the first time, the arrangement felt less like a secret and more like a strange adventure.
But the lockdown was only beginning.
And the biggest twist was still waiting.
Discussion (0)