Anad wasn't sure why he jumped to today. It was a day of note. Of importance even. Prof Miranze's assignment wasn't due any time soon, but Sashi had always been one to finish homework early. She liked having her time to herself without anything hanging over her head. And to do that, she liked finishing all of her responsibilities at the quickest. Anad wasn't of the same mind. He liked doing things slow, he preferred enjoying the process. But since Sashi and he were a team, and since he was so fond of her, he went along at her pace.
'A study of the cultural impact of a period on any particular aspect of people's life.' That was the title of the assignment. Sashi knew immediately exactly which aspect they would be studying. Food. Particularly, the biscuits and cakes of the east market. As research, they were off to the east market, feasting in the eateries. The bakers couldn't be happier recounting tales to the eager Sashi. She was their darling girl.
After a long day of eating, he invited her home. She had been on her feet all day. She was tired. And, more importantly, she needed a proper meal.
"Just sit," he told her, as he went to the kitchen.
She followed.
"I'll sit," she promised, lifting herself on to the counter.
"And watch," he said.
She nodded. And watched him work. It wasn't her first time watching someone cook. She had seen her mother work magic on the stove. She had seen the chefs of the street side stalls mould the flames to their will. But there was something about Anad in the kitchen. He was beautiful.
He prepared noodles with a lot of vegetables. And spicy cinnamon tea. She readily admitted to it being a proper meal. And tasty. She gobbled up the noodles on her plate as if afraid that someone was out to steal them. And then, stared wide eyed at his. He was unaffected. They were his noodles, and he was just as famished for a proper meal. The meal ended with a bottle of soda, which further perfected the already perfect meal.
That was the night they got drunk on soda for the first time. It was a night they would never forget.
Since she was drunk, she wouldn't go back to her hostel. He let her rest in the room that would become hers. She slept peacefully. And when she woke, she announced that the room was hers, and she would be staying in it very often. They smiled as if knowing the words were prophetic.
Anad opened his eyes to the evening. He was sitting at a table, drinking cold lemon tea. Sashi was recording the baker recounting an episode from his childhood, when his grandfather was teaching how to roll dough. The baker wasn't very good, earning many scoldings from his grandfather. He was a good talker, however, pleasing Sashi greatly.
As the baker finished, they were done. They had enough material for a proper and complete report that would earn them high praise from prof Miranze and great recognition from the entire department of history. Sashi would turn into a student of note.
One big change though. They weren't going home tonight.
"We need a proper meal," he announced as they left the east market. "A proper dinner. Proper chairs to sit in. We need a restaurant to have a lazy dinner at. I'm thinking Mevin's. You've been there?"
Sashi felt something amiss. At least the question wasn't difficult.
"I've never heard of Mevin's. Is that the name of the restaurant?"
Anad was confused. He thought long and hard before sighing.
"I don't think so. I know the restaurant is Mevin's. As for the name, I'm not really sure. It is quite popular, that I'm certain of. And the food is delectable. We can catch up on all those proteins and the rest that we missed through the day."
"Mevin's your friend? Sure you're not going over for free food?"
He was surprised. There was the time when they poked fun of each other so freely and enjoyed a good laugh. What happened to them, he wondered. Maybe it was that they grew closer. They understood each other so well, the teasing and the humour simply disappeared. It was refreshing, returning to when they were so full of laughs.
"Well, it is true that I won't pay. Mevin wouldn't dare ask for my money."
He wore an evil grin. This was a side of him she had never seen. She was extremely curious.
"Why wouldn't he? He runs a business. His sole aim should be stealing everyone's money."
"I'm not everyone," he replied without hesitation.
"What are you then?"
"I'm me."
That felt like the final word. She felt like she was looking at a whole other Anad. An Anad she liked just as much as the Anad she already knew. An Anad she was already just as fond of.
"I'm roaring to go now," she said, grinning too.
And that settled it. They hailed a taxi to Westside Heights, a seven star hotel in the west of the city. Mevin's restaurant was on the second floor of the hotel. It was called 'On the second'. It made sense that Anad couldn't remember the name.
"Your friend, Mevin, came up with the name?"
"I think so. The name doesn't really matter, does it? Not to us at least. I'm certain Mevin wouldn't remember either, if he didn't have to report the earnings every week. The poor guy was scammed into starting the restaurant. He's had a great life since."
She was filled with questions. But everything was happening too fast. Before she could voice one question, many more were born. She made a mental note of them all, as she followed Anad in.
The hostess recognised Anad, and led them to a table in the corner.
"I'll let Mevin know you're here, sir," she said.
Anad stopped her before she could turn away.
"Anya, this is Sashi. We've had a long day outside. Recommend a drink please. Tea. Soda. Anything. Also, we're here for a proper meal. We've been feeding on biscuits and cakes."
"I understand," Anya said, bowing with a smile.
Anya left. Sashi stared hard. Anad shrugged, like he couldn't feel her gaze. And he had questions.
"Why didn't we come here before?"
She looked flabbergasted.
"Are you serious?"
He returned her gaze with calm.
"You're right. That's my question. But I just don't know."
He was surprised that in all the time, even when they were in love, he had never brought her here. In fact, he had never invited her anywhere. It was as if he was creating a life of their own, that was just theirs, his and hers. And now that she was here, it was as if that whole relationship was gone. They could never go back. They could never be in love. Maybe that was good.
He was engrossed in himself. She was entertained from looking. She had questions, however. Before she could ask, Mevin joined them.
Mevin looked young, like he was the same age as them. And so it was surprising that he was running a business. He read the doubt on Sashi's face, and explained.
"I'm studying business management. I was scammed. This restaurant, my added responsibilities, all a result of it."
"Really? You're complaining?"
Mevin froze at Anad's questions, and glared at him. Sashi looked at Anad curiously. Anad returned both gazes with a smile.
Anya arrived just then, and stole all of the light.
"Excuse me, Mevin, sir and madam. Honey ginger tea with a hint of mint for madam. Felt she might enjoy sweet tea with a bite. Your favourite sir, with a touch of surprise. A pinch of sweetened cocoa. Tell me how you like it. Mevin, the regular for you."
Sashi smiled appreciatively. Mevin gave no response. Anad was the only one who spoke, thanking Anya. She beamed at him, smiled at Sashi and completely ignored Mevin.
"Would you like the menu?" Anya asked.
Mevin looked wide eyed at Anya, like he was looking at a fool. She didn't feel his gaze.
Anad thought for a second and nodded. Mevin's mouth hung open in disbelief. Anya smiled at Sashi before leaving.
Sashi had had enough.
"Okay," she said, grabbing the attention of the boys. "What's going on?"
Mevin spoke first.
"He never asks for the menu. She never asks if he needs it. He comes over. Sits at a table. She gets him tea and food and dessert and everything. He just eats. And leaves. Don't look at me. I'm just as confused."
Sashi wasn't sure how she felt about what she just heard. This didn't seem like the Anad she knew. But she did understand, a little.
"The menu is for me?" She asked.
She didn't need Anad's answer. She wore a thoughtful expression and continued.
"Making sure there's no doubt, I'm not paying. Of course not. Dear Anad would pay. But since he doesn't have to, it's a free meal. I feel like noodles. And I can feel the noodles getting tastier already. Mevin, do you think the free food extends to me as well? I'd like that."
Mevin looked at Anad, as if asking if Sashi was for real. Anad shrugged off all responsibility of the decision. Mevin hated that, but he just couldn't say no. Sashi was the first person Anad invited here. She was certainly a friend. And that by itself made her special.
"Alright," Mevin conceded. "But only for you. If you bring someone along, no special consideration will be extended."
"Anad brought me along. I'm being extended special consideration. Is it not like a chain?"
"No," Mevin answered resolutely. "Anad is incomparable."
He smiled sweetly. But Sashi felt like he was looking down at her. He looked like he meant it. Anad truly was incomparable.
Anya came over with the menu. She offered it to Sashi, as if knowing it was for her.
"I'm Sashi," she introduced herself.
Anya smiled, and bowed. But that was it. Sashi was confused.
"Don't bother," Mevin offered. "She'll never extend the consideration to anyone. You can ask for recommendations. She's very good at things like that."
Sashi realised the futility of trying to understand the situation and the people. It was like she was a guest in a world of their own. She didn't like not having Anad all to herself. Felt a pang in her chest, but couldn't understand it fully. But she was happy that Anad was bringing her along into his world. Didn't that mean she was special to him?
"I like noodles," Sashi said to Anya. "Vegetarian. I don't mind spicy."
"I understand," Anya said, and proceeded to recommend from the menu.
The girls discussed for a minute before reaching a decision.
"Would you be joining, Mevin?"
Mevin didn't answer right away. He would like to. It had been a while since Anad came over. But it wouldn't be them getting together, not truly. Anya was always serious when working. Anad was with Sashi. He himself was working when he was disturbed.
"No," he said, shaking his head. "I must return. Another night?"
"Another night," Anad agreed.
"Another night it is," Anya repeated.
"Nice meeting you Sashi. Look forward to the next time."
Shaking Sashi's hand, Mevin left.
Anad knew Sashi had a lot of questions. And also that she wouldn't ask any. He wasn't eager to answer either, but he did give a small and simple explanation.
"The three of us are close. Leave it at that."
Sashi nodded reluctantly. They discussed the biscuits and cakes of the east market, and the report they were to write. Dinner was long and relaxed with Anya serving them with care. It was late when they walked out. Sashi was worried about how the warden would scold.
"We'll sneak in," Anad said.
"How?"
"We'll figure it out. Don't worry."
"I'm really curious now."
They rode a taxi to the gate of the university, walked the remaining distance to the hostel. The method Anad came up with was simple. At the hostel, he distracted the warden by asking permission for calling out his teammate about the assignment they were due. The warden wasn't pleased. Firstly, boys weren't allowed inside the girls' hostel. Secondly, and more importantly, did he not see the time? It was the middle of the night. The warden was a middle aged woman whose temper wasn't the best. Any other boy would be crumbling under her harsh scoldings. She couldn't understand herself why she wasn't able to raise her voice at Anad. It was as if she was afraid. She laughed at her stupidity. In the end, she asked him to leave, and talk to his teammate in class tomorrow.
While the warden was distracted, Sashi snuck in successfully. She winked at Anad before running in. Today was truly memorable. A day she would remember.
Anad returned home alone. The quiet felt right. The house that should have been warming to Sashi, was cold. The affection that should have begun sprouting tonight, was nipped in the bud. The future was changed. Maybe for the best. It was all he could tell himself.
Up in his room, as he lay in bed, he felt the smile on his face. And it startled him. He searched long and hard within himself, but found no grief. There was no joy either. Only a deep cold. But unlike the other times he jumped, he didn't feel like he was suffering the aftereffects. In fact, he never felt more like him. Everything felt a little too correct. And that left him unsettled.
The smile remained unaffected though. Feeling calm in the uncertainty, he fell asleep.