A New Beginning

The first day of college was nothing like Nila had imagined. By the time she and Arjun reached their classroom, most of the students had already settled into their seats. Some were talking with people they had met that morning, while others were quietly looking around the unfamiliar classroom. Nila observed everyone for a moment before choosing a seat near the window, with Arjun taking the seat beside her.

Arjun looked at the neatly arranged notebooks on her desk and raised an eyebrow. “You brought five notebooks?” Nila glanced at him. “Yes. I like being prepared.” He smiled. “You're going to be the topper, aren't you?” Nila simply shrugged. “Someone has to.” Arjun laughed softly. “I knew it.”

Their professor soon entered the classroom, and the first lecture began. Nila listened carefully, writing down the important points while Arjun tried his best to follow the lesson. After a few minutes, he leaned toward her and whispered, “What is he talking about?” Without looking at him, Nila replied, “Listen.” Arjun smiled. “I am listening. I just understand it better when you explain it.” Nila finally looked at him. “We're not even halfway through the first lecture.” He quietly turned back toward the professor.

A few minutes later, Nila noticed Arjun's eyes slowly closing. She nudged his elbow. “Don't sleep.” Arjun immediately opened his eyes. “I wasn't sleeping. I was thinking.” Nila raised an eyebrow. “With your eyes closed?” He smiled. “It's easier.” She shook her head and went back to her notes, already wondering how she was going to survive four years of college with him.

During the lunch break, most of the students gathered in small groups and started getting to know each other. Nila stayed at her seat and opened her lunch box. Since they were still settling into their apartment, Lakshmi had prepared food for both of them that morning. She had packed enough for the first few days because she knew they were not yet used to cooking for themselves.

Arjun opened his lunch box and immediately looked at Nila's. “What did your mother make?” he asked. “Lemon rice.” He looked down at his own vegetables and sighed. Nila noticed his expression and laughed. “You want some?” Arjun quickly shook his head. “I wasn't going to ask.” Nila pushed her lunch box toward him. “Take some.” He smiled. “You're the best.” Nila smiled back. “I know.”

After eating, Nila reminded him that the food would soon run out. “Once this is finished, we're going to have to cook for ourselves.” Arjun immediately looked worried. “Cook? You know I don't know how to cook.” Nila laughed. “I know. That's why I'll teach you.” Arjun stared at her. “You actually expect me to cook?” Nila nodded. “Yes.” He sighed dramatically. “I suddenly miss home.”

The afternoon classes passed quickly. By the end of the day, Nila had already written down every assignment and important date while Arjun had somehow managed to lose his timetable. As they walked out of the college building, he suddenly stopped. “Nila, where's our classroom tomorrow?” She stared at him. “Block B, second floor.” He nodded before asking, “What time?” Nila sighed. “Eight-thirty.” He thought for a moment. “What subject?” She looked at him suspiciously. “Did you lose the timetable?” Arjun gave her an innocent smile. “Maybe.” Nila took out her phone. “I'll send it to you.” He smiled. “You're a lifesaver.” She shook her head. “I know.”

They continued walking toward the apartment. The evening breeze blew Nila's hair across her face, and she tried to move it away. Before she could, Arjun gently reached out and moved a loose strand away from her eyes. Nila looked at him for a moment, slightly surprised. Arjun immediately pulled his hand back. “What?” he asked casually. Nila shook her head. “Nothing.” She continued walking beside him, while Arjun quietly wondered why that simple moment had suddenly made him feel strange.

When they reached the apartment, Nila changed into comfortable clothes and went into the kitchen to check what they had left. Arjun followed her and looked inside the refrigerator. “We still have food.” Nila nodded. “For a few more days.” Arjun smiled. “Good.” Nila closed the refrigerator and looked at him. “After that, we're cooking.” His smile disappeared. “You mean I have to cook?” Nila laughed. “Yes.” Arjun sighed. “I don't know how.” Nila smiled. “Then you'll learn.”

She took some vegetables from the refrigerator and placed them on the kitchen counter. “Come here. I'll show you.” Arjun walked over reluctantly. Nila handed him a knife and some vegetables. “Start cutting these.” Arjun looked at the knife suspiciously. “Like this?” Nila immediately stopped him. “No, hold it properly. You're going to cut your finger.” She showed him how to hold it and demonstrated the right way to cut the vegetables.

Arjun carefully followed her instructions. Nila stood beside him, watching every movement. “Slowly,” she reminded him. Arjun nodded. “I got it.” After a few attempts, Nila smiled. “Better.” Arjun immediately looked proud. “See? I'm a fast learner.” Nila laughed. “Don't get too confident.” A moment later, one of the vegetables slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. Nila burst out laughing. Arjun pointed at it. “It slipped!” She smiled. “Of course it did.”

Dinner took much longer than either of them expected, but they finally managed to prepare something edible. Arjun took the first bite and looked surprised. “This is actually good.” Nila smiled. “You sound surprised.” He shook his head. “I'm surprised because I helped.” Nila laughed. “You only cut vegetables.” Arjun nodded proudly. “That's still important.” She shook her head, smiling. “Fine. I'll give you credit.”

After dinner, Nila started washing the dishes, but Arjun immediately stood beside her. “You cooked. I'll wash.” Nila looked at him. “Are you sure?” He nodded confidently. “Yes.” Unfortunately, within a few seconds, water had splashed across the counter and onto the floor. Nila stared at the mess. “Arjun.” He looked at her innocently. “What?” She pointed toward the floor. “You're making a mess.” Arjun laughed. “I've never done this before.” Nila sighed and stepped closer. “Move. I'll show you.” He smiled. “Then help me.”

They stood beside each other at the sink, washing the dishes together. Their shoulders occasionally brushed against each other, and Nila didn't seem to notice. Arjun, however, suddenly became aware of how close she was. He quickly looked away and focused on the dishes, wondering why something so ordinary suddenly felt different.

Later that night, Nila sat at the dining table with her laptop open, already working on their first assignment. Arjun walked past her and stopped when he saw the amount of notes spread across the table. “You're studying already?” he asked. Nila looked at him. “We have to submit it next week.” Arjun pulled out the chair beside her. “Next week is far away.” Nila gave him an unimpressed look. “That's exactly why you think everything is easy.” He laughed before opening his notebook. “Fine. Teach me.”

Nila began explaining the topic to him. She was patient even when he didn't understand something the first time, explaining it again until he finally got it. Arjun listened carefully, occasionally asking questions. After a while, he leaned back and smiled. “You should become a teacher.” Nila laughed. “You should become a student first.” He looked offended. “I am a student.” She raised an eyebrow. “Barely.” Arjun laughed, and after another few minutes, he finally understood the lesson.

“Thanks,” he said quietly. Nila looked at him. “For what?” Arjun smiled. “For always helping me.” Nila closed her notebook and looked at him. “You've helped me plenty of times too.” Arjun raised an eyebrow. “When?” She thought for a moment before answering, “Every time I needed you.” His expression softened. “You know I'll always be there.” Nila smiled. “I know.”

It was almost midnight when Nila finally closed her laptop. She stood up from the chair, but suddenly felt slightly dizzy. Arjun immediately reached out and held her arm. “Hey, are you okay?” Nila steadied herself. “Yeah. I just stood up too quickly.” Arjun didn't let go immediately. “Sit down.” Nila shook her head. “I'm fine.” His expression became serious. “Nila, sit.” She listened.

Arjun quickly brought her a glass of water and handed it to her. “Drink.” Nila took a few sips before looking at him with a small smile. “You worry too much.” Arjun sat beside her. “Someone has to.” She looked at him quietly. He had always been like this. Whenever she needed him, he was there without asking too many questions. “Thank you,” she said softly. Arjun smiled. “Always.”

The next morning, Nila walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Most of the food her mother had prepared was already gone. She looked at Arjun, who was sitting at the dining table, still half asleep. “The food is almost finished.” Arjun looked inside the refrigerator and sighed. “Already?” Nila nodded. “We ate it.” He looked at her helplessly. “What do we do now?”

Nila crossed her arms and smiled. “We cook.” Arjun immediately shook his head. “I don't think I'm ready.” She laughed. “You wanted to learn yesterday.” He sighed. “I changed my mind.” Nila picked up a frying pan and placed it on the stove. “Too late.” Arjun watched her for a moment before smiling. “Can I help?” Nila handed him a bowl. “You can start by washing those vegetables.” Arjun took the bowl and smiled. “Yes, chef.” Nila rolled her eyes. “Don't call me that.” He grinned. “Yes, chef.”

Neither of them knew it yet, but that little kitchen would soon become one of their favorite places in the apartment. Between burnt food, stolen bites, late-night conversations and countless arguments over who should wash the dishes, they would slowly create memories that neither of them would ever forget.

For now, they were simply two childhood best friends learning how to live on their own.

Nothing more.

At least, that's what they both believed.

To be continued...

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