I finally managed to get rid of that boring Hotel Room. Cabir's place turned out to be perfect. Location and flat both, and I think he would be a good company to live with for now. We are together in the football team and the band too, so that's a plus. 

Turns out Cabir's father is an officer in the Indian Army, because of which he always keeps on getting transferred to different cities. Cabir did move from city to city all through his early school life until his mother finally put her foot down to get his studies stabilized as he got into High School. Ever since then his Mother takes turns living with him and his father from time to time, though that reduced fairly enough ever since he started college and became comfortable with living alone. I don't think I would mind his Mother dropping in once or twice every few months. And apart from that he seems like a fun person.

The previous day, we decided about me taking up his spare room. The day passed on well at college today after which Cabir helped me settle down at his place. 

Cabir: Okay... Now that's done! We can buy some more stuff if you wanna make the room more personalized though.

Manik: Let's see we can keep adding stuff as and when required. 
I replied to him, already planning to buy a proper stand for my guitar as soon as I get time.

Cabir: Okay then... Chinese fine for dinner?

Manik: Absolutely...

Cabir: Cool, you freshen up, I'll order.
Cabir said as he started moving out of my room. I moved towards inside the closet to get something comfortable to change into when I noticed the last door locked.

Manik: Hey Cabir, the last cupboard in the closet seems locked!
I told him 20 minutes later, as the two of us settled on the couch in the living room.

Cabir: Yeah!! I don't have the keys, we have some stuff in there... Will try to clear it up for you as soon as I find the keys.

Manik: Take your time. I think I have enough space for now!

We watched some random movie while having dinner and talked about our usual routines. And by the time we retired for the day, I was even more convinced that Cabir was gonna be a good friend, he seemed cool with almost everything and had this weird positive friendly vibe going on. 

The next few of days, I made a couple visits to the office, taking up a few projects and looking over the work. Dad seemed glad letting me take in and considering my opinion, but I tried to keep a low profile in the office not wanted anyone to have objection with my sudden interference.

It was Thursday evening when I crashed onto the sofa, glancing at Cabir who was raiding the fridge for some cake that he bought earlier that day.

Manik: We need some groceries, there is no way I can survive on take outs daily. I don't know how you do it.

Cabir laughed at this shaking his head as he took a seat next to me.
Cabir: It's not forever... Just this month! Mom has a lady coming in to cook for me usually, but aunty is on leave this month as she had to go somewhere.

Manik: Fine then I'll cook till she is back.

Cabir: You cook?

Manik: A little bit...
I replied with a shrug making cabir chuckle.

Cabir: Okay then, your wish! We can pick something up after football practice tomorrow.

Manik: Anyways, I have been practicing some English songs, you wanna jam tomorrow? I don't really know what kind of songs the band takes up usually.

Cabir: Sure, but not tomorrow night... It's a Friday, we have a party to attend tomorrow night.

Manik: Party?

Cabir: Yeah... Maddy is having one at his place this week! He hosts at least one party every month, mostly on Fridays, people don't really mind missing college on Saturdays. It will be fun!

Manik: Cool...
I replied as we faced the TV watching the re-run of some recent Football match that both of us missed.

It was quite late when the match ended and I called it a night, Cabir had disappeared half way through the match, his eyes already dropping. 

I was deep into my sleep later that night, when I heard someone moving inside my room. I focused on the dark figure, trying to make out if it was actually someone there or was it my imagination. By the time, I got somewhat in my senses, I could see that he had walked into my closet.

Thief!

I got down from my bed and picked up the first thing that I could reach as a weapon, which turned out to be the lamp on the side table, and walked towards the closet. Just as I was about to walk in, he walked out banging into me as he dropped the clothes he was holding in his hands.

Wait Clothes?

"What the Fuck!!"
I heard the person shout loudly, the girl's voice making me immediately drop the lamp on the floor.

"Who are you?"
We both shouted at each other. Only for her to groan as she side stepped me just as the two of us shouted again,
"What are you doing here?"

The lights of the room turned on, only for me to find that the person was none other than Nandini, wearing a hooded jacket, no wonder being the reason I mistook her for being a guy.

Cabir: Why the hell are you guys shouting the place down in the middle of the night?

Manik: What is She doing in my room?
Nandini: What is He doing in my room?

The two of us spoke up together again, only to turn towards each other as we snapped, "This is my room!!!"

Cabir: Woah... Can you two stop saying the same things together? It's killing my head.

Nandini: Cabir!!!
Nandini sneered at him, making him hold up his hands in surrender as he stepped back.

Nandini: You! Wear a shirt, would you?
She said pointing at me, before turning towards Cabir again, "And you Explain!"

Cabir: Nothing much to explain... He is my new Flat-mate...

Manik: Right and how can this be her room?
I asked him joining the conversation as I pulled on a T-Shirt.

Cabir: This is the room she uses, every time she stays over.
He told me, before turning towards Nandini again.

Cabir: What are you doing here suddenly? You haven't stayed here in like months. The last time was when you-
I watched his eyes broaden a bit as he stopped speaking abruptly, as we noticed Nandini's irritated face turn blank within a fraction of seconds.

Cabir: Nandu are you-

Nandini picked up the clothes that had fallen on the ground and moved towards the washroom in my room.
Nandini: I will be taking the living room couch... You two can go back to sleep! 

It was the banging of the door, followed by Cabir's sigh that made me realize that something was seriously wrong.

Manik: What just happened?

Cabir: Nothing buddy! Sorry for the confusion. She has an extra key, I forgot to let her know that you moved in. Anyways, you go back to sleep, she will be out of the room soon.
He told me casually, trying to hide in the worry clear on his face.

Manik: I don't mind taking the couch outside.

A chuckle escaped his mouth as he shook his head before smiling at me.
Cabir: This is Nandini we are dealing with... Suggesting anything against her words right now would lead to another 30 minutes of argument, which she will win anyways. So I prefer to just let her do whatever she pleases. I'll just take out a pillow and duvet for her and keep it outside.

I gave him a soft smile with a nod as he walked out of the room. It was 10 minutes later, that Nandini walked out of the washroom. And to say that I was mesmerized would be an understatement. If anyone knew Nandini even remotely, they would know she signature look was the heavy and dark eye makeup that she always had on. Every time I had seen her, it was in a complete look, looking perfectly ready for the world. 

But right then, looking fresh from her bath, her hair tied up in a messy bun, face clear of every spec of makeup, she looked like an angel. Her slightly chubby little face, which I was noticing for the first time, was showing off an innocence that I could have never imagined her to have. She looked like any other normal girl would look, but still being the most different and most beautiful one out there. Dressed in a simple track and a plain T-shirt, which was too big of a size for her, wait was it mine?

It was when she walked out of the room closing the door behind her that I realized that I had been staring at her like a jerk. I could hear Cabir and her exchange a few words before Cabir's door too closed.

---------------------------

The next morning, I got ready for college a little earlier than usual, wanting to prepare some real breakfast after almost a week. I moved out of my room, and looked at Cabir's door which was still closed meaning he was sleeping.

I banged his door a couple times before calling out loud,
"Cabir... Wake up Man! Get ready, I am making some breakfast..."

I heard a groan from inside, letting me know that he at least heard me. Walking into the living room, I stopped in my steps having had forgotten that we were not the only people in the house last night. I looked around the room, trying to find Nandini but couldn't see her anywhere.

Did she leave already?

I glanced at the couch and saw a pillow and duvet sitting neatly on the side. The duvet still wrapped as new, clearly not having been used at all last night. The only thing that proved she was here, would be the 5-6 mugs kept on different place all around the room and the slightly messy carpet. 

I heard a door being opened behind me, as Cabir walked out stretching his arms wide and yawning.
"Morning!!"

Manik: You seem to have had a nice relaxing night.

He simply hummed in response as he rubbed his eyes while I set my bag on the sofa. I turned to walk into the kitchen, when I saw Cabir scanning the room, just like I had a minute back. 

Manik: You fine with eggs?

Cabir: Yeah sure!
He replied to me with a shrug as I picked up a mg from the floor, and the other from the TV table. Wow, someone had too much coffee last night. Just as I was about to picked up the third one, we heard a voice behind us.

Nandini: Don't even dare to. Just leave it as it was... I can pick up my own shit.

Both Cabir and I turned towards her, to see her entering the room from the balcony, no wonder I couldn't find her. She dropped a few papers that she was holding on the table and literally snatched her cups from me. 

Not wanting to start anything with her early morning, I simply walked into the kitchen, while she continued picking up the rest of the things from around the living room.

Cabir: Nandu, you good!

Nandini: Perfect...
I heard her reply as I started with the preparation, right as she walked in with all the mugs. Ignoring my presence, she moved to the sink to wash them all.

Cabir: You didn't sleep...
He stated rather than asking as he walked in behind her.

Nandini: Yeah, couldn't sleep, wasn't really tired.

Cabir: Right... Leave the mugs, will you? The help will be here once we leave for college. And for god's sake, just take a seat. I know you were walking around the house the entire night.
Cabir muttered, pulling her away from the sink.

Nandini: What do you want Cabir?

Cabir: Why were you here last night?
Cabir asked cutting to the chase.

Nandini: Okay tell me one thing, suppose something happened, which it didn't... But if something did, and I just felt like spending the night here, am I not welcomed anymore?

Cabir: What? Are you crazy? You can walk through that door anytime you feel like, and you damn well know that.

Nandini: It's no longer just your decision Cabira!!
She spoke up softly, making Cabir frown as he didn't understand her words.

Nandini: Okay, now you are just gonna ignore the fact that he is standing right here, listening to our conversation.

I chuckled softly at this, as I pulled out a couple plates from the shelf and tossed the omelet that I just made onto the plate,
Manik: I thought you were the one ignoring that.

Cabir raised his eyes at me, with a warning look while Nandini's face stayed blank. I garnished the omelet a bit, just as we heard the bread pop out of the toaster. I poured some orange juice into a glass, and placed two bread slices onto the plate, before turning towards her and forwarding the plate.

Manik: I don't think I should have any say in who Cabir wants to invite in here, but if you really wanna know Princess. I don't mind it at all.... Wait, I actually do mind, not you being here, but you being on the couch while the two of us stay comfortable on the beds. If we can sort that out, then there would be no problem at all.... Breakfast?

She narrowed her eyes at me, reminding me of the day when I first talked to her. That day she was staring at me, trying to figure out if I had intentionally targeted her with the ball. God knows what she is trying to read in now. 

Manik: I think you would like it better, while it's still hot. 
I said glancing at the plate still in my hands.

Nandini: You didn't have to make me anything. But Thank you!
She muttered taking the plate and glass from me.

Manik: I did... It wouldn't be polite now if I just cooked for the two of us and left you out , would it Princess? Do enjoy the juice though, I am sure it will help negate the amount of caffeine that you took in last night.

I smiled at the glare that she passed me, while taking a seat on the counter.

Manik: I am not giving you anything till the time you brush. Your breath stink's man!
I said turning towards Cabir, trying to lighten up the mood, which he caught on almost instantly.

Cabir: No it doesn't... And who are you? My Mom!

Manik: I would rather be your Dad... But then I don't think your Dad would be too much worried about your breath, would he?
I asked him with a smirk as I prepared another omelet.

Cabir: It doesn't Stink!!!

Nandini: I hate to agree, but he is right Cabira...
Nandini spoke up smirking at Cabir making me smile broad.

Cabir glared at her, before walking out of the kitchen, towards his room.

"I did not agree to you two ganging up on me!!"

I continued with my work, as nandini ate in silence. I flipped the omelet on the pan before glancing up at her,
Manik: Would you like some more princess?

Nandini: No Thanks... But can you stop with that name now?

Manik: Come on, not that again... We already had that argument, I like it!
I replied to her preparing Cabir's plate.

Nandini: I don't!

Manik: Well that's your problem now, you'll have to learn to live with it Princess.

Nandini: I will not and you will stop calling me that. This is the last time we are talking about it.
She snapped at me suddenly.

Manik: Calm down Princess, relax!

Nandini: You-

Cabir: I leave for two minutes and you two are back at each other's necks. Chill guys!
Cabir said interrupting her as he walked into the kitchen and picked up his plate from my side.

Nandini: Whatever I am going to take a shower. I also have to clear my stuff from his room.
Nandini said as she got up keeping her plate in the sink.

Cabir: Let it be there for now, I will clear up some space in my closet for you to move it.

Manik: Yeah, it's better if you get ready in my room, Cabir can get ready in his. I am anyways ready!

Nandini: You sure?
She asked me again. 

Manik: Positive... Go ahead Princess...
I replied, as I turned off the stove after making my omelet.

Nandini: And just for that comment... I am taking over your room every time I come here. I hope you enjoy the couch.
She spoke up before walking away as Cabir and I laughed.

Cabir: This tastes good by the way! Thanks..

Manik: I hope you are not planning to thank me every time I cook for us...

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