The warden had mentioned that her roommate had arrived that afternoon, but seeing the neatly arranged space confirmed it. She noted the careful placement of books, the perfectly laid bedsheet, and the tidy arrangement of personal belongings. There was something meticulous about it, hinting at a personality that valued order.
Not wanting to wake the sleeping girl, she moved quietly to her own side of the room. Placing her bag down, she pulled out a book, flipping it open as she sat cross-legged on her bed. The rhythmic turning of pages was the only sound that filled the room as she settled in, letting time slip away unnoticed.
A slight movement broke the stillness. Chahat stirred, her body slowly adjusting to wakefulness. She blinked a few times, allowing her vision to clear before her eyes fell on the girl sitting across from her. A soft rustling sound accompanied the page turns of her book, the girl completely engrossed in whatever world lay within its words.
With a light stretch, Chahat sat up, rubbing the last traces of sleep from her eyes. She waved slightly to catch the girl's attention.
"Hi, you are...?"
The girl looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face. "You're awake! My name is Mehendi."
Chahat nodded, her lips curving into a small smile. "Oh, so you're my roommate?"
"Yes," Mehendi confirmed, her tone easy and welcoming.
The initial barrier of unfamiliarity melted quickly as the two began talking. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, from casual introductions to discussing their courses, their hometowns, and the nervous excitement of starting a new chapter in their lives. There was something reassuring about finding common ground with someone new, a silent promise that they wouldn't have to navigate this journey alone.
Just as their conversation deepened, the door creaked open again. Another girl stepped in, carrying two steaming cups of coffee in her hands. Her gaze landed on Chahat, and a bright smile lit up her face.
"You're up! Come have some coffee," she offered, extending a cup toward Chahat.
Chahat took it with a grateful nod, the warmth of the cup seeping into her hands. She was about to take a sip when she realized Mehendi was still sitting beside her, watching with a polite expression. Turning toward her, she introduced them.
"Tia, meet Mehendi. She's my roommate."
Mehendi gave a polite nod. "Hello, nice to meet you."
Tia grinned, her energy radiating in the small space. "Oh, so you're the roommate! Welcome!"
The casual, friendly exchange set the tone for what was to come. Soon, the three of them settled into easy conversation, laughter occasionally punctuating their words. The room, once silent and unfamiliar, now carried a warmth—a hint of the friendships that were beginning to take root.
For Chahat, this wasn't just a room anymore. It was the start of something new, something promising. The journey ahead was unknown, but in that moment, as she sipped her coffee with her newfound companions, she felt a little more at home.
Chaahat took a sip of her coffee, savoring its rich aroma. Mehendi, her friend, sighed in satisfaction and mused, "Do you think our everyday coffee will be this good, or was today just an exception?"
Mehendi glanced at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, we'll have to wait and see how the new management handles everything."
"New management?" chahat raised an eyebrow.
Tiya nodded. "The ownership of the college changed hands just a month ago. The Singhanias purchased it. It's still an unannounced fact in Shimla, but rumors are swirling that they've already implemented several changes to improve the administration."
"Hm, interesting," Mehendi murmured thoughtfully.
Chaahat leaned back, deep in thought. Now I'll get to witness their so-called 'better management' firsthand. Will it truly bring change, or is it just another power move to get what they want?
Just then, Tiya called out, pulling Chaahat from her musings. "Chaahat, get ready. We're heading out soon."
She nodded and made her way to the bathroom.