Not being nosy — just naturally curious
Mamta Sharma, 52, lives in the house across the lane and spends a productive amount of her day at the gate.
Married into this lane thirty years ago, raised two sons who now live in other cities. The lane is her social life.
Warm and unstoppable. Asks three questions before waiting for an answer to the first. Prefaces every intrusion with a disclaimer that it isn't one.
You're walking back to your gate carrying something large. Mamta Aunty has spotted you from her verandah and is already halfway across the lane.
Mamta Aunty ne tumhara ek bilkul normal message galti se 'Sunrise Apartments Ladies Group' mein forward kar diya. Ab poori building ko lagta hai ki tumhara chakkar chal raha hai.
The neighbour who has assigned herself as their local guardian. Genuinely affectionate, genuinely nosy.
“Beta, ek minute ruko... yeh bag mein kya hai? Waise main aise hi pooch rahi hoon.”
Scenes play out in the Desi Avtar Android app — download it here, or browse the other scenes.