Chapter 12: Messages and More

         My phone beeped around six in the evening. It was Mallu.

      "I desperately need a coffee break."

       I made a cup of coffee and took it across to his room. I handed it to him with a smile.

       "Where is yours?" he asked.

       I had not made for myself so I just shrugged my shoulders and shook my head as a reply. He got up to fetch a cup from his peg table, divided the coffee into two and handed me a cup.

        "Won't I be disturbing you while you are studying if I sit here?"

       I was hesitant.

       "No ways!!! sit on the bean bag. I could do with some good company for a refreshing break."

       My ears pricked up but I pretended not to have heard it and took a sip of my coffee.

       "You really make amazing coffee."

       "Thanks. I am glad you like it."

       "So...what do you do in your free time??"

       "Me??? Well....I read books, pen down my thoughts, doodle....I have way too many hobbies."

       "That's nice."

     "Well then...I guess I should get going or else you won't be able to study."

       I had barely reached my room when my phone beeped.

       "You have beautiful hair."

       "Thanks."

       "And get a cup of coffee for yourself the next time. I hate sharing mine."

       I smiled.

       Two days later I went around by ten in the night distributing coffee and keeping the last two cups for Mallu and me. I saw Mallu bent over his book fast asleep.

       "Sir!!! your coffee."

       He woke up and gave me a dazed look. 

       "Coffee," I repeated.

       Grinning sheepishly, he took his cup. 

       "Thanks. This is what happens when I try studying so late."

       "How will you study then?"

       "I really don't know. I am not used to studying alone."

       "Should I sit here with my books to keep you company?" 

        "No no, don't bother. Its ok. Besides it will be a hassle for you."

       "I am an owl and I sleep late."

       "Ok, fine. As long as you are not uncomfortable."

       I had never really expected Mallu to ask me to give him company. Though I was initially taken aback, I kept my cup on his table and went towards my room to get a book. When I came back, I found Mallu had propped a cushion on the chair opposite his bean bag. He motioned me to be seated.

       "I hope you are comfortable."

       I was really touched by his concern. I simply nodded my head. We both resumed looking into our respective books.

       This unexpected rendezvous made me see him with a different pair of eyes. During coffee breaks, he would invariably accompany me to my room or would land up five minutes after my departure. While I made coffee, he would read my write ups. Once he saw coffee was made, he would hurry back to his room and wait for me.

       During these short breaks we would discuss songs, movies, books, even orderly. Komol worked for both of us. I started looking forward to these discussions since I had realized that he was a very sensible and well read person. He really had brains. 

      Our camaraderie extended to working hours too whereby we would message each other about some  funny incident or the other. happening at our respective work places. And I really awaited for the next beep in my phone.