When Ryaan picked up the packet of instant noodles, Ivan took it from him and said, "Let me make it."
The aroma of Maggi ( Noodles ) slowly spread through the small apartment, warm and comforting, filling every corner of the cramped space. It mixed with the faint smell of old furniture and detergent, turning the place if only for a while into something that felt like home.
Ivan stood in front of the cooking stove, his sleeves rolled up, eyes focused on the pot as the water bubbled gently. Ryaan stood beside him, leaning slightly against the counter, watching every movement with interest.
In a few minutes, Ivan added the Maggi masala ( ingredients ) to the boiling water. The familiar orange swirl dissolved instantly, releasing that unmistakable smell. Once it was cooked, Ivan turned off the stove and poured the noodles carefully.
There was only one plate.
Ivan picked it up without hesitation and handed it slightly toward himself. Ryaan didn't complain. He simply sat down near the stove and started eating directly from the pot with his fork, blowing on the noodles before taking each bite.
"Wow…" Ryaan said after the first mouthful, eyes widening. "This is so tasty, Ivan. Where did you learn to make Maggi?"
Ivan took one spoonful from the plate and shrugged lightly. "My dad used to make it," he said, his voice casual but softer than usual.
Ryaan smiled. "Actually, I make it differently every time," he said between bites. "The last one I made I've never been able to make it the same again. My Maggi never tastes exactly the same."
Ivan swallowed his bite slowly. "It's all about recipes then," he said.
"Recipes?" Ryaan asked, instantly curious. "What's in your ingredients?"
Ivan paused for a second, then began explaining, as if it was something serious. "First, I boil the water."
Ryaan frowned. "Ohh… I just put the Maggi straight in. Without boiling."
Ivan looked at him, unimpressed. "That makes it too soggy. The water goes inside the Maggi, and it gets overcooked."
Ryaan hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm… you're a good Maggi maker."
"Don't run your mouth," Ivan said sharply, though there was no real anger in it. "Just eat."
Ryaan laughed and continued eating. "Okay, okay. And after boiling? What do you add?"
"I add a bit of oil to the boiling water," Ivan said. "Then I put the Maggi in without breaking it. I like the long strands. After that, a pinch of salt and some chili powder."
Ryaan stopped eating for a moment. "That's it?"
"Yes," Ivan said simply. "Done."
Ryaan leaned back slightly, staring at Ivan with a teasing smile. "You're becoming a chef… I wonder what would've happened if we'd met earlier."
Ivan didn't smile this time. He took another bite, chewed slowly, then said, "If you'd met me a year ago… we probably wouldn't have become friends."
Ryaan blinked. "What? You'd reject my friendship? Why?"
Ivan hesitated. The steam from the noodles rose between them.
"My dad…" he said quietly. "He didn't like it. I mean he wanted me to make friends with someone who could connect me to the world."
Ryaan tilted his head. "And I'm disconnecting you?" he asked, half-joking, half-suspicious.
[ Maggi is a famous instant noodle in India, cherished for its tasty, comforting flavor ]