Red Rose at Page No.15

Day-3

The room was filled with the soft glow of morning sunlight as Malang, the early riser, savored the quiet moments with his cup of morning tea. His fingers delicately traced the pages of the book, creating a scene that would make anyone pause and appreciate the serenity of the morning. The sun kissed his face, enhancing the allure that seemed to emanate from him as he delved into the pages of his book.

"Morning, Bookworm," Neel whispered with half-opened eyes from the bed.

Malang looked up, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "You're not going to let me finish my book, are you?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Neel, sitting on the bed, chuckled. "Nope, I don't want that boring, nerdy company. Keep your toy aside." He adjusted his posture, a casual grace about him.

"I've barely read five and a half pages so far. You go and take a shower," Malang suggested with a warm smile.

Neel crawled onto the bed and smoothly took the book from Malang's hands. It seemed as if Neel wanted Malang's attention solely for himself, a silent plea to forget about the world and be present with him in that moment. Malang leaned back, playfully tossing a towel onto Neel's face. "Go and take a shower; I'll make coffee for you."

"Wait, Malang, will you help me?" Neel's voice held a note of vulnerability.

"Help?" Malang inquired.

"Actually, because of the workout, my hand is a bit painful..."

"I'm not going to rub your shoulders and back," Malang quipped.

Neel laughed. "Haha, no, I meant I need some salt to add to hot water."

"Oh, okay. Let me bring it for you," Malang offered, a silent understanding passing between them.

Neel embarked on his workout routine, gracefully easing into a series of warm-up exercises. Malang, an observer with a container of salt in hand, watched Neel's movements.

"If your hand begins to ache, it might be wise to call it a day," suggested Malang with a caring undertone.

In response, Neel calmly explained, "It's normal; one cannot afford to take a break from the workout due to a little pain."

Malang's gaze lingered on Neel, appreciating the dedication and effort he invested in each exercise. After a while, curiosity prompted him to ask, "Why do you choose to wear a T-shirt while working out?"

Neel, teasingly playful, responded, "Why? Would you prefer to see me without a shirt? Hmm, hmm?"

With a playful banter, Malang retorted, "It's all sweaty. Plus, your clothes never find their way properly into the cupboard. I wonder how you manage to launder them!"

Amused, Neel, still sporting a smile, retorted, "Malangggg, I just woke up, not prepared for these teacher-student talks. And I do have a washing machine at my place. I know how to press a button."

"Whatever," Malang said, handing over the salt as Neel headed to the bathroom.

Later, in their shared space, Malang brewed a cup of coffee for Neel, and a melodious ring announced a video call from Veer. Malang answered, revealing a backdrop of camaraderie with Ishan, Netra, Rihanna, and Veer on the call.

Laughter ensued as Ishan pointed out, "Look, look again! Someone answered a call, but it's not someone's phone."

Acknowledging the humor, Malang greeted them, subtly expressing, "And good morning to you too, Ishan, and others. Neel is taking a shower," through his expressive eyes.

Netra, intrigued, inquired, "How's your live-in together thing going on?"

With a hint of playful complaint, Malang replied, "It's very bad... I am stuck with an adult guy with an unorganized cupboard," casting a glance towards the bathroom door.