TERI MERI YAARI

~37~ live together?!

HEYYYYY PEOPLE!!!

MY EXAMS ARE AROUND THE CORNER ONCE AGAIN! BUT STILL, I AM TRYING TO UPDATE ONCE A WEEK AS PLANNED. I DO NOT KNOW IF I WOULD BE ABLE TO UPDATE THE NEXT SUNDAY THO. BUT WE'LL SEE. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, I'LL TRY AND POST THE CHAPTER. I JUST DON'T WANT YOU PEOPLE TO KEEP YOUR HOPES HIGH HEHE. 

ALSOOOOOO! PLEASE DO COMMENT! YOUR COMMENTS REALLY MOTIVATE ME TO WRITE FASTER. 

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE, COMMENT AND FOLLOW! 

LOVE Y'ALL!

HAPPIEE READING!!
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KABIR'S POV:

I have the hand of the girl who's also the love of my life, in my hand, and trust me, it is the best feeling any guy could ever experience. I do not know how men these days claim that showing how much they simp over their women is considered to be not so manly. According to me, that makes you more of a man. Letting a woman know that you care for her, that you love her, that there's no way you would look at any other female when they're already present in your life, the words of assurance every now and then, a few chocolates here, a few flowers there, a few forehead kisses and that's more than enough to make a woman happy. And its just the bare minimum. If this hurts a man's ego? I do not know what to say. It just means that he doesn't deserve a woman who would love him unconditionally. 

The sad part? I am ready to do all of it and much more if needed, its just that the girl that I want doesn't want me anymore. And it hurts the most. But when she decided that she would come home with me tonight, it kindled up a little hope in me. If she's willing to go with me, it means that she still trusts me with herself. I might have a small part of her trust, but I might have to win the rest of it and everything else that's currently off limits for me. 

When I wasn't able to find her in the campus a few hours ago, I'd completely lost my mind. I searched for her in every possible nook and cranny but there was no trace of her. However, one thing that made me suspicious was the supply closet which was locked from the inside. Though I wasn't sure, I had a feeling that I would find her there. Of course there was a possibility that she'd left the campus but my heart felt otherwise. And I've learnt it the hard way that whatever your heart tells? Just follow it. Or else you'll end up in a situation in which I currently am. 

The most unexpected thing today was the new person who's arrival I was least expecting. The same guy upon whom I hold a grudge. Because no matter how strongly I know that the reason why Nandu left was all because of me, I still can't help but believe that he had a major role to play in it. Nevertheless, though I can't get to like him completely, I've at least grown up mentally to accept my part of the wrong and work upon them to make things right. And one of the many things I need to do to implement my plan is to stop picking fights with Sid and behave in a more civil manner. That's what I did back there as well. When he offered to help, I agreed like a sane person rather than going all caveman and macho. 

I don't know how that guy knew the surroundings of this place, but the first thing he did was that he took me to the science lab or whatever the lab it was, and got me and himself these crazy night vision lenses and though our eyes looked green and creepy enough to scare people off, they worked wonders while helping me see in the dark. Initially, we abstained from having any conversation but since I'd decided that I'd behave like a mature person, I initiated the conversation by asking how he ended up here. 

I was surprised to learn that he was the new student joining  besides me in the business and finance department and though no one was expecting him before a few more days, he had to be here today due to some pending paperwork and all the chaos while he was here made him stay back and eventually find me. I asked him about how he knew his way so well through this campus since I was one curious animal, but the disinterest he portrayed while he mentioned that it had something to do with his parents, I understood that I am officially on the border of the no-entry area and that I'd had enough casual conversation with him for the day. 

Though I was much more confident than I was several months ago, a small part of me still feared that now that he was back, what if Nandu would push me to the background and get comfortable with him. No matter how platonic they are, I still can't help but feel atleast a little bit insecure. At the end, he was the guy who picked her up when she was let down by me. But I am willing to make things right between us. And I won't stop until I make sure everything is right. 

A part of my insecurity was blurred a bit though, when I noticed the way he bickered with Bridget. Because even though I've never really been close to the guy or merely talked to him, even I had seen him maintaining distance with females. Nandu was an exception but now that I am back, there's no way I am letting anything cook in that direction. But there was this spark between him and Bridget. And I wish so badly that it would light up to be a flame because even though none of the obstacles would stop me from winning over Nandu, a little less trouble won't hurt at all.  

I would be lying if I say that a small part of me wasn't doing summersaults at the fact that she still trusted me enough to go home with me, and that she kinda looked for me when she was in trouble in there. After all, it was seventeen years of friendship we were speaking about. though one year after that was quite miserable. 

I am trying to hold back my grin as I hold her hand and guide her towards my apartment and since it is on a walking distance from the campus, I don't really have to use a vehicle. And I am so glad that my back is facing her, because the way I've been blushing, any person would mistake me for a walking human with a tomato in place of head and I wouldn't even be surprised. 
But what's waiting for her ahead, she can't even predict. 

It took us merely five minutes to reach my apartment. The guard gave me a gentle smile while I waved back at him. People in the neighborhood were friendly, as most of them were students. Initially, I was worried that even with my joyous and outgoing personality, I wouldn't be able to get along with my neighbors due to the difference in culture, but in the initial days itself, people made me feel so welcoming that I feel anything but uncomfortable here. Most of my neighbors live here because either they can't get themselves to align with the dormitory culture of the campus, or the fraternity and sorority systems were too much for them. Most of them were peace loving people and knew that trying to interfere in others' business wouldn't make anything good for them. So yeah, privacy is one of the major reasons why I love living here. 

And in the future, privacy is going to be the most important need. 

My lips curled as I imagined what would be Nandu's reaction to the news she was going to find out in just some more time. The elevator beeped as we'd reached the floor on which my apartment was located. The building wasn't too huge. Merely five floors with four apartments in each floor. Less chaotic and more private. Just perfect. 

Maybe I should thank dad once again for arranging this place for me. 

"we're here" 

I told her as I guided her towards the door of my apartment, her hand held in mine all this time. It seems that it never occurred to her to let go of my hand, and me? I would be a fool if I'd let go of her hand once again. So, like the gentleman that I was, I didn't let go of her hand and tried to open the door using my key, and tried to not to look like a fool. Thankfully, the door didn't give me much problem and we were inside my apartment in no time. 

I was a bit nervous as she was getting to see the place for the first time. Though I keep everything clean and make sure that the place looks homely, you can't help but be nervous when the woman of your dreams sees the place where you've been living. I took off my shoes at the entrance and she followed to do the same, leading to the loss of contact between our hands. How sad. 

I switched on the lights as I made my way further inside but since I didn't hear any footsteps following behind me, I turned around only to find her standing near the door, fumbling with her fingers, clearly showing how awkward and nervous she is. 

I hated it. 

We'd never been nervous around any of our places in the past. And I didn't want her to be nervous now as well. 

Kabir: Why are you still there? Come in. I am not going to eat you after all. 

She just gave me a slight nod as she made her way inside. 

Nandini: Nice house. 

Kabir: Thank you. It was all dad's choice. I am glad that he chose such a perfect place for me. 

She just hummed and roamed her eyes all over the apartment, as if absorbing every single detail in her brain. Her eyes were widened and her mouth was slightly parted. She looked as if she was astonished but was too prideful to admit. She looked so cute, I might actually want to eat her up. 

Oh, that reminds me that we haven't eaten anything the entire day. And as if on cue, I found her belly making a strange noise. I chuckled at her red, flustered face. 

Kabir: We should get something to eat. 

Nandini: I-Its not what you think. I am not hungry. 

My prideful little baby. 

Kabir: Never said that you might be hungry. I am hungry. And it would be sad to eat all by myself. 

Nandini: Its not like you had any company all these days. Or did you?

I smirked at her question, its time to irk her up a little. 

Kabir: Jealous much?

She scoffed at my question and crossed her hands over her chest and proceeded to squint her eyes on me. 

Nandini: Jealous? In your dreams. Its been a long time since I've felt a single thing for you. 

I would be lying if I say that what she admitted just now didn't send a pang to my heart, but that's fine, life without a little bit of venom would be too boring. 

Kabir: Sure, tigress. And yeah, you're right. I've been eating alone ever since I've been here, but since you're here today, it'd only be fair if you give me company. And though you can survive without eating anything, I am pretty sure its better for the humankind if you eat something and avoid getting sick. 

Nandini: Yeah whatever. 

I chuckled at her attempts to be nonchalant. Looks like my sweet, silent little best friend has pushed the toggle to switch on her feisty mode. 

Kabir: Lemme change into something comfortable first. 

She just nodded before turning her gaze away from me. As I made my way towards the bedroom and started looking through my wardrobe for something comfortable to wear, I realized that she might need something comfortable to change into as well. But somewhere, I was a bit scared to offer her any of my clothing. What if she misunderstood? But as I think back on what she's wearing, a cute little crop top with skinny jeans with a cropped jacket, though I would die to look at her in that outfit the entire day, I am sure as hell knew that she would be pretty uncomfortable in those clothes throughout the night. 

I looked through all of my clothes to find something decent and comfortable for her to wear, and when I found a loose t-shirt and three-fourth pants that I thought would be perfectly decent and comfortable for her, I changed into my night suit and jogged out into the living room, only to find her standing outside in the balcony. 

The slight wind was causing her hair to sway a little, providing me with a clear view to gaze at her side profile. She looked ethereal as always. I found a hint of the old Nandini in her, the calm, conceited one, a girl of few words. And as much as I appreciate the way she's learnt to take a stand for herself, I somewhat miss the older version of her. I miss the time we used to spend together. Just me and her, as the best friends who were ready to conquer the entire world for each other. 

I made my way towards her and stood at the empty spot beside her. My eyes were still glued to her face. Oh how lucky would I be if I get to spend my entire life here, standing beside her, staring at her face, while she stood here with an utterly calm composure. 

Nandini: Is there something on my face?

Her sudden interruption brought me back from my dreamland and I fumbled to respond to her. 

Kabir: huh? umm no..

Nandini: Then why do you keep staring at me?

It felt very wrong to pass any cheesy, cringe pick up line here. This moment felt like it was supposed to be calm, composed and everything that screamed silence. And I didn't want to ruin it. As much as I loved chaotic, funny and joyous moments, I feel that silence is under rated. Sometimes, it is silence that helps us find a missing part of ourselves. 

Kabir: I- umm.. I got something comfortable for you to change into. 

She looked at the clothes I had in my outstretched hand, the confusion visible on her face. She was confused whether or not to accept them. 

Kabir: I just thought that it might be difficult for you to sleep in the clothing that you've been wearing. So I got something comfortable for you. 

I started to retract my hand. 

Kabir: Its okay if you don't want to-

I was shocked when she held onto my hand and then grabbed the clothes from them. 

Nandini: Yeah you're right.. I won't be comfortable enough to sleep in the clothes that I've on me right now. Thank you. 

I tried to play it cool by shrugging my shoulders but if only she had the ability to look into my mind right now. She'd find me flying into the sky, sliding down the rainbows and racing with the unicorns or whatever the creatures little girls speak about. 

Kabir: There's a second room by the way, where you'll be spending the night. You can either change there or you could use my room to change as well. Wherever you feel comfortable. 

I was trying to make her comfortable, but how far I was exceeding in it? That only she could tell me. I tried to search her face, looking for even a slight sign of discomfort but I must say, she's mastered the skill of maintaining a stoic face. 

I might as well be staring a statue. 

Nandini: I-I'd like to use the other room. 

I nodded at her and showed her the way towards the room she'd be using for tonight, and hopefully, if things go right, then for the foreseeable future. 

She muttered a small thank you and locked the door behind her and I rushed towards the kitchen to look for something edible so that we both wouldn't have to sleep on an empty stomach tonight.