Our Little Routine

The next morning, Nila's alarm rang at seven. She opened her eyes, turned it off and immediately checked the time. They had less than an hour before college, so she quickly got out of bed and started getting ready. After finishing, she walked toward Arjun's room and knocked twice, but there was no response. “Arjun, wake up. We're going to be late.” When he still didn't answer, she slowly opened the door.

Arjun was still fast asleep, completely unaware of the time. His blanket had slipped down while he was sleeping, leaving his upper body exposed. Nila immediately looked away and cleared her throat. “Arjun!” she called louder. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at her sleepily. “Hmm?” Nila pointed toward him without looking directly at him. “At least cover yourself properly and get up!” Arjun looked down, realized what had happened and quickly pulled the blanket back up. “Oh.” Nila turned toward the door, trying not to laugh. “Get ready. We have college.” Arjun smiled sleepily. “Good morning to you too.” Nila shook her head. “Just get up!”

Nila walked away, but she could feel her face getting slightly warm. She didn't understand why she was suddenly feeling embarrassed. Arjun had been her best friend for eight years, and she had seen him in countless situations before. Still, something about that moment felt different. She quickly pushed the thought away and went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

A few minutes later, Arjun came into the kitchen after getting ready. Nila was already checking the ingredients they had at home. She handed him a bowl and said, “Wash these vegetables.” Arjun stared at the bowl. “Again?” Nila smiled. “You said you wanted to learn.” Arjun sighed before taking the bowl. “I said I wanted to learn slowly.” Nila laughed. “Then start slowly.”

While Arjun washed the vegetables, Nila began preparing breakfast. He watched her for a moment before asking, “What are you making?” Nila looked at him. “Upma.” Arjun immediately made a face. “Again?” Nila shook her head. “You complained about yesterday's food too.” He smiled innocently. “I wasn't complaining. I was giving feedback.” Nila laughed and continued cooking.

After a while, she handed him the knife. “You can cut these, but don't make them too big this time.” Arjun nodded confidently. “I learned from yesterday.” He carefully started cutting the vegetables while Nila watched him. After a few minutes, she smiled. “You're getting better.” Arjun looked at her proudly. “Really?” Nila nodded. “A little.” He smiled. “I'll take that.”

While they were cooking, a small strand of Nila's hair fell across her face. Before she could move it, Arjun reached out and gently moved it behind her ear. Nila looked at him in surprise. Arjun immediately realized what he had done and pulled his hand back. “It was bothering you.” Nila touched her hair and nodded. “Oh... okay.” For a moment, neither of them said anything. Nila turned back toward the stove while Arjun quietly continued cutting the vegetables.

Breakfast was finally ready, and they sat together at the dining table. Arjun took a bite and nodded approvingly. “This is good.” Nila smiled. “You sound surprised.” Arjun shook his head. “I'm just impressed.” Nila laughed. “You helped this time.” He smiled proudly. “Exactly. Maybe I'm becoming useful.” Nila looked at him and smiled. “Maybe.”

After breakfast, they quickly got ready and left for college together. On the way, Nila checked her phone and reminded Arjun about the assignment they had received the previous day. “We have to submit it tomorrow.” Arjun looked worried. “Tomorrow?” Nila nodded. “Yes.” He looked at her hopefully. “You'll help me, right?” Nila smiled. “Only if you actually do the work.” Arjun nodded immediately. “I promise.”

When they entered the classroom, Nila immediately took out her notebook while Arjun dropped his bag beside her. He looked at her and sighed. “You're studying again?” Nila looked at him. “We have an assignment.” Arjun shook his head. “You really don't waste any time.” Nila smiled. “Someone has to make sure we pass.” During the lecture, Arjun tried to follow the professor's explanation but soon became confused. He quietly leaned toward Nila and whispered that he didn't understand one of the concepts. Nila continued writing for a moment before promising to explain it to him later.

During the break, a few students approached Nila and asked for her notes. She politely shared them with them before returning to her seat. Arjun watched the interaction and smiled. “You know, you're already becoming popular.” Nila shook her head. “They're only asking for notes.” Arjun looked at her. “You should make some friends.” Nila was quiet for a moment before saying, “I don't really know how.” Arjun smiled. “You have me.” Nila looked at him and smiled. “That's enough.” Arjun smiled back, but for some reason, those words stayed in his mind.

After college, they walked home together. Nila noticed that Arjun was unusually quiet and looked at him. “What's wrong?” He shook his head. “Nothing. I'm just tired.” Nila didn't ask again. Instead, she quietly took his bag from his shoulder. Arjun looked at her in surprise. “What are you doing?” She continued walking. “You said you're tired.” He reached for the bag. “I can carry it.” Nila shook her head. “Just let me.” Arjun smiled and followed her. He knew Nila didn't usually express her feelings through words. She showed them through small things like this.

When they reached the apartment, Nila placed his bag on the sofa. Arjun smiled. “Thanks.” Nila shrugged. “Don't mention it.” Later that evening, Nila sat at the dining table with her books open and continued working on her assignment. She had been studying for a while when she suddenly stopped and rubbed her forehead.

Arjun noticed her from the kitchen and walked toward her. “What happened?” Nila shook her head. “Nothing.” He looked at her tired expression. “You've been studying since we came home.” Nila sighed. “I just want to finish this.” Arjun quietly took the book from her and placed it on the table. “Then take a break.” Nila looked at him. “Arjun.” He smiled. “Five minutes.” After a moment, she gave in. “Fine.”

Arjun went to the kitchen and brought her a glass of water. He placed it beside her and said, “Drink.” Nila took the glass and looked at him with a small smile. “Since when did you become so responsible?” Arjun smiled. “Since I started living with you.” Nila laughed softly. “Maybe I'm having a good influence on you.” Arjun nodded. “Maybe.”

After taking a short break, Nila returned to her assignment. This time, Arjun sat beside her and helped organize the information. He wasn't as good at the subject as she was, but he genuinely tried to make things easier for her. Nila looked at him and smiled. “You actually helped.” Arjun looked offended. “Why are you surprised?” Nila laughed. “Because usually I'm the one helping you.” He smiled. “We're even now.” Nila nodded. “Okay. We're even.”

That evening, they went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Nila started cooking while Arjun stood beside her, ready to help. She handed him some vegetables to cut, and he confidently took the knife. “I know what I'm doing now.” Nila smiled. “Let's see.” Arjun started cutting carefully while Nila stirred the food.

For a few minutes, everything went smoothly until one of the vegetables slipped from Arjun's hand and fell onto the floor. Nila looked at him, then at the vegetable, and finally back at him. Arjun immediately said, “Don't say anything.” Nila burst out laughing. “I didn't say anything!” He smiled. “You were about to.” Nila continued laughing while he picked it up. “One day, I'll cook something without making a mistake.” Nila smiled. “I'll be waiting for that day.”

After dinner, they cleaned the kitchen together. This time, Arjun was much more careful while washing the dishes. Nila watched him for a moment and smiled. “You're improving.” Arjun looked at her proudly. “Because I have a good teacher.” Nila laughed. “Maybe.” He smiled. “Definitely.”

Later that night, they sat together on the balcony. The apartment was quiet, and the cool night air made them both feel relaxed after a long day. Nila leaned against the railing and looked at the lights outside. “College is actually not that bad.” Arjun smiled. “You were nervous yesterday.” Nila nodded. “I still am.”

Arjun looked at her. “Why?” Nila was quiet for a moment before answering, “Because I don't have anyone else here.” Arjun looked at her seriously. “You have me.” Nila smiled softly. “I know.” She slowly rested her head on his shoulder. Arjun became still for a moment but didn't move away.

“I'm tired,” Nila murmured. Arjun smiled. “Then rest.” She closed her eyes for a few minutes while Arjun quietly stayed beside her. For him, the moment felt different from all the other times she had leaned on him. He didn't know why, but he found himself wishing that the moment would last a little longer.

After a few minutes, Nila lifted her head. “Good night.” Arjun smiled. “Good night.” She stood up and walked toward her room, but before entering, she turned around. “Arjun?” He looked at her. “Hmm?” She smiled softly. “Thanks for today.” Arjun smiled back. “Always.”

Nila disappeared into her room, leaving Arjun alone on the balcony. He sat there for a while, thinking about everything that had happened that day. He had known Nila for eight years. He had laughed with her, argued with her, studied with her and been there whenever she needed him.

But lately, something felt different.

He couldn't understand when it had started or why he was noticing every little thing about her now. Maybe it was just because they were growing up.

Or maybe...

his feelings for his best friend were slowly becoming something more.

To be continued...

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