Trail to the horizon

  (1) 4.12.2024 T he metallic sound of the alarm was probably the most annoying thing one could imagine. Darshan waked up, squinting at his phone screen with one eye closed. It was 7:30. With a sleepy sigh, he sat up slowly, his head feeling heavy from staying up too late the night before. He checked Sayan's room but found it empty, he’d already left for the gym. October had arrived with the cold breeze hinting the coming winter. Darshan stepped out onto the balcony, toothbrush in his mouth, The sun had begun to pierce the morning fog, casting its rays onto the leaves of the creepers. Each droplet on the leaves caught the light, shining like tiny diamonds in the sun. After freshening up, he went straight to the kitchen. The typical bachelor’s kitchen with limited utensils scattered here and there, seemed even smaller than usual. He cleaned the stove and washed the dishes left in the sink from last night’s dinner. It had become a habit for both of them to leave the overnight dishes ...