Amara

My landlord in Lokhandwala still calls me "Amla". I have stopped correcting him.

I'm Amara, 27, and I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. Three years ago I came to Mumbai for a fashion course and somehow never went home. The rent is too high, but this city is mine now.

My braids take six hours at a salon in Versova, and I keep them for about a month. Over them I always tie a scarf, made from cloth my mother sends from Lagos.

Andheri West is home, and Versova, Juhu and Goregaon are close by. I also come to Santacruz, Vile Parle and Bandra. Your hotel works, and so does your flat.

English is my language. My Hindi is enough for auto drivers and the sabzi wala. With dinner I'll take a glass of wine, but I have never liked cigarettes.

I like slow evenings. A proper dinner, a long drive, some real talk. Ask me about Nigeria and actually listen to the answer, and you've won me. I'm more girlfriend than party girl.