The sun peeked through the window, casting warm golden rays into the living room where I sat on the couch, the remnants of last night's laughter still echoing in my mind. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt a sense of rejuvenation coursing through me. I stretched my limbs, shaking off the remnants of sleep while Aladdin blinked lazily, his emerald eyes reflecting the morning light, as he stretched out on the carpet, fully embracing his feline royalty.
As I glanced at Mukund, cocooned on his makeshift bed, I chuckled softly, knowing he wouldn't appreciate early mornings as much as I did. "Hey, sleepyhead! Rise and shine!" I called out, brightening the atmosphere with my enthusiasm.
He groaned, rolling over and burying his face deeper into the pillow. "What time is it?" he mumbled, the words muffled and thick with sleep.
"Seven!" I replied, my voice brimming with energy. "Time to whip up a breakfast fit to fuel a duo like us!"
I quickly moved to the kitchen, my heart lightened by the prospect of making us a simple breakfast. Sizzling eggs, crisp toast, and beans simmering on the hot plate filled the small space with inviting aromas. Meanwhile, I placed a little cat food into a bowl for Aladdin, who quickly wandered over once the smell of food wafted through the air.
"Dude, can't we go back to bed for like... an hour?" Mukund croaked from the living room, his reluctance radiating through the words as he finally sat up, hair tousled and eyes still heavy.
"No way! Today is going to be great, and we can't let sleep hold us back! Besides, last night was just the beginning—today is a fresh start!" I called, determined to infuse him with the same enthusiasm bubbling within me.
As I cooked, I could hear the sounds of Mukund moving about, stretching and grumbling as he joined me in the kitchen. He slumped against the counter, leaning heavily as if gravity were more powerful today. "Fine, but if this breakfast doesn't taste good, I'm holding you responsible," he muttered, glancing at the pan skeptically.
I laughed, tossing him a playful glance. "Come on, once in a while, we need to fill up on good protein. And don't worry; the simple things can often be the most satisfying!" I served generous portions onto two plates, the vibrant colors bringing life to the otherwise bland meal.
"What? No fancy toppings or sides? Just this?" he persisted, his tone dripping with mock disappointment, as if I had committed culinary sacrilege.
I chuckled, shaking my head as I poured us each a glass of water. "Just wait until you taste it! You'll see."
With breakfast dished out and Aladdin already nibbling eagerly on his own meal, we settled at the dining table. I couldn't help but steal glances at my new companion, who munched away, reveling in his new life as if he had always belonged.
Mukund turned his head towards me, and even in his lazy demeanor, a semblance of curiosity sparked in his eyes. "Okay, I'll bite. Let's see if this bland breakfast can impress my refined palate," he conceded, spearing a forkful of eggs as a theatrical air overcame him.
As he took a bite, the corners of my mouth lifted in anticipation. "Well?" I pressed, eyes wide with feigned seriousness.
He chewed deliberately, then raised an eyebrow. "Not bad, actually, but I still wouldn't mind a little something sweeter."
I couldn't help but laugh, appreciating how even his complaints were sprinkled with humor. "Next time, I promise, we'll have pancakes covered in syrup—or maybe just some snacks later," I assured him, lightheartedly.
As we finished, I felt invigorated—more so than I had in ages, with the goal of school and what lay ahead fueling my spirit. I gathered the dishes, glancing at Aladdin who had settled down for a quick post-breakfast nap, a king among commoners. I got near Aladdin and slowly stroked him and watched him sleep.
"Alright, buddy—time to hit the road! We still have to show up at school or we'll attach suspicion!" I called to Mukund, who was now slowly making his way to the door, lazily tying his shoes as he sulked.
"Do we have to?" he groaned, despite the playful twinkle in his eye. "I mean, can't we just change today's attendance by hacking it."
I laughed, tossing a supportive arm around his shoulder. "No way! even though i hacked it it is until no one investigates it, if a teacher checked it and found we are not present we will be in trouble." I declared with a mock-serious tone.
Together, we made our way to the parking lot. I opened the car door and watched as Mukund finally plopped himself into the passenger seat, slumping back against the leather with a groan. As I started the engine, I glanced over at him, stifling a laugh. "You're gonna become a permanent resident in that seat if you keep this up!"
"Shut it," he shot back lazily, but even he couldn't hide a small grin. I shifted the car into gear and pulled out onto the street, the morning sun illuminating the path ahead. (driving only in street's)
The drive was quick, with the city of Lohita awakening around us—vendors setting up their stalls, families heading out, and the world rapidly coming to life. The excitement in the air felt palpable, nourishing my spirits even more as we neared the school.
As we arrived, I cut the engine and turned to Mukund. "Alright, game face on! We're here to blend in and not attract any attention."
"Sure, sure," he muttered, feigning seriousness while rolling his eyes, clearly still not fully awake. "As long as I can grab a snack from the vending machine, I'll play along."
With a light laugh, we exited the car, making our way towards the school complex, the familiar building looming ahead.
"Hurry up, we can't be late!" I nudged Mukund, whose slow gait urged me to pick up the pace. His sleepy demeanor was almost infectious, but I pushed through.
As we entered, the crowded hallways buzzed with voices, countless students milling about as they shared snippets of their lives, laughter ringing in the air.
We navigated through the currents of students, Mukund's hand still clutching onto the snack money. "I'll be quick. Just won't take long to grab a snack," he muttered, slipping into the nearest vending machine corridor.
I also moved towards the student help desk, and asked for application for the permission to bring the pets, as some of senior's bought a scorpion and other a small snake, obviously they were non poisonous but still they kept regulation for pet. After filling the details of application and submitting the photo of Aladdin every thing was done, then i can bring Aladdin to school with me.
As the bell rang loudly, signaling the start of classes, I looked up to see Mukund sauntering back, munching on a snack with a satisfied look on his face.
"Alright, let's get to our class then before we end up late." I nudged, the playful energy between us growing stronger.
As i entered the class and placed the bag on my side i noticed a extra black object covering the zip of the bag it was Aladdin" Shit when did it got on my bag and why didn't i notice anything when placing and taking my bag from car" i started questioning myself and slowly kept Aladdin into my jacket and said" Don't make noice or we will get a fine placed on our head, Got It" said in hushed voice with a finger on my lips, to which Aladdin nodded, and he truly didn't make any noice during all the classes.
As the classes got finished and was time to go to home, i put my hand into jacket to hold Aladdin, but to my surprise he wasn't there, as all the students started to leave i started checking the bag searching for Aladdin, as i was in thought of reasoning where could Aladdin go to, Mukund got near me and said why is Aladdin on your head, Hearing him i got shocked and slowly touched the head, feeling the mushy touch and bought down Aladdin.
"How did it got there?" i said, Mukund also said" i also want to know, didn't we leave him in home why is he here?"
I explained every thing to him and we also started moving out as we had other things to do. As we were moving we heard the conversation between girls of our class."you don't believe me i saw a black cat near the teacher's legs, it had green emerald eyes".
"What? you also saw, but wasn't it in the corridor?" . Another girl said " You also saw the black cat, but i saw it in the lower desk of malvati's desk" numerous girls were discussing about the black cat with green eyes, but it mysteriously disappeared once they saw them, creating a rumor of black cat ghost in the school.
I looked at mukund, he was also looking at me " Let's talk in the car" Both said at the same time.
We reached the car and both looked at Aladdin, Mukund said " How did he do it without raising alarm in the class".
But Aladdin was silent looking at us curiously, as he didn't know anything. I checked Aladdin carefully but still i couldn't find anything,"Leave it for now, as i have a driving test to take For driving licence."( check in chapter 1)
A month passed by like this with Aladdin always coming to school with me.