Third person point of view
Once they landed, they took their luggage and went to their place of stay by a taxi. They initially planned on staying in the hostel but now that they were a couple, hostel would only be inconvenient and house would be cheaper. So they looked for a house near the campus and found one which was 25 minutes by walk.
It was a spacious house and the owner also didn't charge too much, so the both of them were happy about it. The owner was an elderly lady. She gave them the keys and talked to them before leaving. They put the luggage in the bedroom. They looked around the house and everything seemed fine.
They freshened up one after the other and slept for a while more. Their classes would start three days later, so they had time for unpacking. They talked to their parents and informed them about their situation and then went out. They had lunch in a place nearby and went back to unpack. They did till night and then went out for dinner again.
The next day, they went to get local phone numbers. They finished that as well. They unpacked a little more at home and went to a mart nearby to buy some groceries and snacks. Aravind was beat. He had no more energy. The time difference was also giving him a headache. Dev chuckled looking at Aravind who was sprawled on the bed like a starfish.
Aravind rolled to the side giving space to Dev. Dev sat down on the bed and picked up his phone. He sent their new phone number to their families and friends. He put it away and lied down, turning to Aravind. Aravind was already looking at him. " What is it ? " " I was wondering how it would be like to be in a class without you ". They picked different specifications.
Dev chuckled. He pulled Aravind closer. " We can keep meeting throughout the day when we have time. We will wait to go home together. We are even going to stay together. I only hope you don't get bored of me ". " Why would I get bored of you ? Did we not spend like 15 or some years together ? Another 50 more will not be a problem ". Dev smiled.
Aravind kissed Dev on his cheek. Dev felt helpless. " Let's sleep ". Aravind nodded. He turned the lights off and got in bed again. He cuddled up to Dev. They went to the campus together on their first day. They brought bicycles as it would be fine to go around on it. The both of them drove and turned to each other after parking them.
" Text me ". Aravind said and Dev nodded. They smiled at each other and walked away to their own classroom. Their classes went fine. It has been a week and everything seemed smooth. The next week, they even got the scholarship paper work done. They spoke to one of the deans who handled them. They heard a knock and a guy walked in.
" He is Rishi. He has been studying here for a while. He will be able to help you with knowing things around ". The both of them greeted Rishi. They then walked out together. " Actually, today some of the Indian students are going to meet up for lunch. You can join us if you are interested ". Rishi said and Dev turned to Aravind.
Aravind would obviously say no. But looking at their expressions he decided to give in and nodded. Rishi smiled. " This is my contact number ". Rishi gave his and took Dev's. " I will add you in the group chat. The location for lunch will be informed there. See you then ". He smiled and left.
The both of them also went to their own classes. Dev told Aravind the location and so they met for lunch. They all sat down at two tables which were side by side. Aravind and Dev sat down beside each other. Dev noticed Aravind didn't take much food. He was about to ask but Rishi spoke first and introduced the both of them to everyone.
They all greeted back. Aravind didn't speak much except answering what he was asked. Dev was more sociable than him, so he spoke with others. They all also had their lunch while chatting. " Why didn't you get more food ? " Dev asked leaning in and Aravind just shook his head. " You don't like it ? " Aravind scrunched his face.
Dev chuckled. " Fine. I will make something nice after going home. Just eat a little for now ". Dev opened the juice bottle and gave it to Aravind. Aravind took it and drank it. The people around noticed their interaction. " Are you both... ? " Rishi asked. Dev smiled. " We are together, childhood sweethearts ". Dev said without any hesitance.
In fact, he even sounded a bit proud. Aravind didn't expect him to say it that easily. He noticed from the corner of his eyes. He didn't remember the name of that girl, but her face changed immediately when she heard it. Aravind didn't directly look at her, but she was in his line of sight. So he saw it. No one else seemed to notice it.
They all were surprised from the news and looking at them. " I thought we could visit your house since it would be a bachelor's pad, but I don't think it is possible now. We wouldn't want to intrude on a couple's privacy ". Rishi said and all of them laughed. " It is fine. You can visit once in a while ". Aravind said and everyone cheered.
" You never asked for my permission ". Dev complained and Aravind raised an eyebrow. " Do you dare to say no ? " He asked back. All of them cleared their throats and coughed, looking away. Dev was stumped. He just nodded. " So now we know who has the power in the household ". Rishi said and they all laughed. They teased Dev a little more and then let it be.
-MG