Mehendi sighed, gazing at the dorm walls with a distant look. "Actually, I'm planning to move into an individual house—somewhere I can practice music without any restrictions. And safety is my top priority. But right now, the kind of place I want is too expensive for me."
Chahat, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up. "I know a house that meets all your criteria."
Mehendi blinked, caught off guard. "You do?"
"Yes. And the best part? You'll only have to pay the same rent as this dorm."
Mehendi frowned in disbelief. "Wait… a house at the same rent as this dorm? That's impossible."
Chahat smiled mysteriously. "You can believe it. Because the house belongs to me."
A stunned silence followed. "You own a house here? Then why are you staying in this dorm?"
Chahat hesitated for a moment before looking away. "It's nothing… Ahem… Even though I like peaceful places, I don't like being alone." She let out a small chuckle, as if amused by her own contradiction. "You must think I'm completely mad. But I can't help it."
Mehendi considered her words, then smiled. "If you don't mind my company, I don't mind either."
Chahat's expression softened. "Then it's settled."
"Settled," Mehendi echoed, excitement creeping into her voice.
Chahat straightened. "The house has been empty for years. It'll take some time to make it livable again—probably about a week."
"A week? That's fine with me."
"Come on then, I'll take you to the place we'll be living in," Chahat said, leading the way.
They arrived at a charming but slightly neglected house nestled in a quiet lane. It had an old-world charm, with arched windows and a spacious courtyard, though the years of abandonment had left their mark.
Mehendi's eyes swept across the house, taking in its structure and atmosphere. "How is it?" Chahat asked with a hint of nervousness in her voice. "My mother designed everything in this house."
Mehendi smiled, turning toward her friend. "It's perfect. But before we move in, we need to do something about the garden. It should be lively and beautiful."
Chahat nodded, relieved. "You're right. Let's get started right away. We'll need some plants—let's go buy some."
Without wasting any time, they headed to a local nursery, carefully selecting a mix of vibrant flowers, fresh green shrubs, and a few herbs to add a homely touch.
By the time they finished planting, the sun had begun to set, casting a golden glow over their work. The once neglected garden now had a new spark of life, and though there was still much to do, it already felt welcoming.
Chahat wiped her hands on her jeans and took a step back to admire their progress. "It's not perfect yet, but it's a start."
Mehendi, feeling a sense of satisfaction, nodded. "Yes, and it already looks so much better."
The two exchanged a smile. Their journey had only just begun, but standing there in front of their soon-to-be home, they felt something shift—like a new chapter was about to unfold.