Date, Shopping and Basketball

Chapter 2

Shopping and Baseball.

Next Day

17th February 1992

Chandler's Apartment

I woke up in Chandler's other apartment with some freak singing so early in the morning and my head and back killing me.

"Morning's here. Morning is here"

His singing was really making my head hurt more. I took out the pillow from under my head and covered my ears. Even then, I couldn't block out his voice.

"Morning's here. Morning is here"

Moreover, why the hell is he singing on Sunday?

"Sunshine is here"

Today is Sunday, right?

"The sky is clear"

Yes, yes, I remember... Today is definitely Sunday!

"Morning's here. Morning is here"

When I couldn't ignore his singing anymore, I woke up. I looked in the direction from where the reason for the headache was coming, to see a black guy singing while getting ready.

I remember him now from my past memories. Now, I understand how Rachel felt. Still, I was more than a little surprised that he would have work on Sunday.

For some reason, I came under his eyes. Probably due to my sudden movement on his peripheral.

His eyes lit up and he stopped singing. I sighed in relief when he stopped torturing my ears.

"Good Morning, my friend. Never seen you before. Are you new, here?" he said and asked the question with so much cheer in his voice that I wanted to throttle him.

For a second, I thought of giving him some piece of my mind but decided against it. It was time to get up anyway and I didn't want to start my day with a fight, no matter how much I wanted to. I was so close to calling him out on his bad singing but I controlled myself with an inhumane will.

Instead, I gave him a smile and closed the window while giving him a finger. He was quite puzzled by that. It was good to fuck with people's minds in the morning by giving mixed signals.

I got up from the bed and rubbed my sleepy eyes. Little by little, the last night started coming back to my mind, the party, dancing, and all of the flirting that I did with Monica.

'Yowza! I really let myself go last night with the drinking' I mused.

Then again it was a unique occasion. Thankfully, I didn't hook up with her in my drunken state. That would have been bad. Not that I couldn't have. There were far too many chances for that to happen last night.

It doesn't mean that I didn't want to date her. It just meant that I wanted her to be in a sober state when we have sex. I have always hated doing the deed in a drunken state. Once was more than enough. I never got my favorite shirt back after she puked on it. And the sex was not even good. I never wanted to go through that torture again.

I checked to see that the time was half past 6 in the morning.

I gave the singing man, a stink eye through my window before dragging my lead-feet to the bathroom. My bladder felt like it would burst. After relieving myself, I went back to the room and got my toothbrush. Brushing my teeth would at least wouldn't make me smell the bad odor of beer from my own breath.

…

After doing my morning rituals, I wore my workout clothes.

At first, I thought of foregoing my workout but decided to do it anyway. I didn't do it yesterday and so I didn't want to skip today too. Even if I am in another country, it doesn't mean that I should shirk out on my workout. That road lays the sin of sloth.

I shook my head. The forced lessons of the church in this childhood definitely didn't do anything good for my psyche.

Anyway, the main thing was that I didn't want to become lazy and start skipping my workout routine. Once I start skipping, it would become a habit.

Still, I decided to take it easy for today. I will also not be able to do my jogging today as I don't know any park around here yet. I could go run around the block but I didn't have the keys to the apartment and I would have to knock on the door after my jogging which would wake up Chandler, so I decided to start my jogging from tomorrow.

Thankfully, the singing guy appeared to have left for his work.

Truthfully, I don't have any problem with his singing. In fact, I love music. It's with his singing at the godforsaken hour is what I have the problem with.

I took out my things from my bag and started the Hindi songs though I kept the volume low, after all, I didn't want to give a bad impression to Chandler. It was 7 in the morning, but I don't think he will be waking up any time soon.

The cassettes cost me a pretty penny considering that I had to order them from India but it was worth it. After all, there was no I-pod, or mobile phone from, which, I could listen to the songs. Cassettes were the most common form of saving an audio or video file, nowadays. I was really waiting for the days when I could carry 1000's of songs in a chip-sized device. Sometimes, my previous life really felt like an elaborate dream. I had quite a few episodes of an identity crisis when I came into this world due to this.

Without the songs, I was going crazy in my first few years. So after my first earning that I got from doing some errands around the block like weeding the gardens, buying and transporting groceries, etc, I bought a Cassette speaker and cassettes of famous Hindi songs. I was just 13 at that time. For the last 9 years, it had become a routine to listen to songs while working out. Once, the cassette started, I started my workout.

First, I started stretching. Only after 10 minutes of stretching, I started the heavy workout.

'10 sets of each ought to do it' I thought. After which I started my routine. 25 spider man push-ups, 25 squats, 25 High jumps, 25 jumping jacks, and so on and so forth.

I let my mind wander while doing the exercises. I could do the exercises unconsciously after doing them for years so I could let my mind wander.

In my previous life, I became fat after halfway through my teenage years and got bullied due to it. So after having enough, I joined a fitness club where the instructor took me under his wing. He knew exercises for each muscle of the body. In just 3 months I was fit as a fiddle. I did those exercises daily and even after arriving in this world, I didn't stop. I have been doing those exercises daily for the last decade and I couldn't be happier with the results.

When I started this routine in this world, I was barely able to do a set of 10, each. But, after a decade of continuous routine, I could easily complete 10 sets of 30, each. If I try hard, I am sure, I could complete 3-4 sets more though I wouldn't be able to do anything for the next few days.

I don't think that my sets would increase anymore in the future. and even if they would increase the increment won't be substantial. I really think I have reached this body's limits.

Even with the routine in my previous life, I didn't have the same body that I have now. I am around the same age before I was taken from my previous world and displaced here. So, I could really compare.

I already told you about the height. But there are so many things which are better this time around. I could run more. I could eat more. I could fuck more. And that's not all. I could do so many things more that I can't even count.

It sometimes felt like I really changed the body when I arrived here. Though, I know its just my imagination. The difference is just the result of regular exercise.

It was Sunday today, but I am sure I won't be able to take it easy. I will not get any free time, considering I have to buy quite a few things. I already got the most of the minor things that one could need in his day to day life. Now, only the big stuff was left.

My savings were also getting low so I was thinking of just buying second-hand stuff. The problem is it will take time to sort out a good second-hand bed, fridge, and other things. I also don't know any market or shops which sell second-hand stuff around here.

Then I remembered Phoebe.

'Yeah, that could work' I mused. She most probably knew about those shops and market considering from the situation, she grew up from.

'Though would she waste her one more day in shopping with me…? Well… there's no hurt in asking. If she can't find the time today, I could always ask her for any other time' I thought and decided to ask about it later when I go to Monica's apartment.

Speaking of Monica, I would have loved to shop with her but I don't think I would be able to keep my attention on important matters if that happens. Then again, I would be able to spend some time to make her interested in me, not that she wasn't. But there is no harm in trying to get her more interested.

I was done with my sets in an hour. I always tried to do them as fast as possible. So, I was breathing quite heavily. I was also feeling the familiar pain in my body whenever someone pushes his limits.

Once my exercises were done, I switched off the player and started my stretching. I started feeling the familiar burn while doing that. Still, I knew it is important otherwise my muscles will get stiff. And I wouldn't want that.

10 minutes of stretches were more than enough. My body also cooled down in that time.

After cooling off, I went to the bathroom to scrub myself clean. To heal my muscles, I spent quite some time remaining in hot water.

Once I was done with the bath, I went back to the room and started getting ready.

….

When I got ready and exited the room, I found Chandler just outside the door looking like he was just about to knock.

"Gah!" I yelped and backed off.

I nearly fell down.

Thankfully, I didn't.

Once I controlled my fast-beating heart, I looked up to him just standing there. Chandler probably saw me opening the door so he wasn't surprised. Or he could have still hung-over and couldn't react. He definitely looked like he just got out of the bed.

"What the hell Chandler? What were you doing outside the door?" I asked him in an even tone no matter how much I wanted to yell at him.

"I was going to wake you up," He said with a deadpan voice.

"And why would you do that?" I ask feeling a little weird out by this conversation.

"You told me to wake you up yesterday at the party" He answered with the same voice.

"I did?" I half asked, half answered.

"Yeah, you said something about doing the workout" he elaborated.

"I don't remember it but thanks mate," I said walking to the living room.

"So you are going to work out in these clothes," Chandler asked walking beside me.

I arched an eyebrow and showed him the clock which showed 9:15.

"No, I already did the workout" I answered slowly so that he understands. I don't think he is fully awake.

"Oh!"

"Hey Chandler, do you mind if I use some things from the fridge to make breakfast," I asked.

He shrugged "Usually, we go to Monica's but sure, suit yourself" And then he went to the bathroom not listening "Thanks mate".

I opened the fridge to find quite a few things which surprised me. I thought he wouldn't have anything in there. But I realized that most of them were expired after checking the expiry dates. After a while, I took out some milk, eggs, and bread. All I would need for making French toasts. Thankfully, they were not expired.

By the time Chandler exited the bathroom, I had already made breakfast for myself.

"What's this smell?" He asked as he got out of the bathroom.

"I made some French Toast. Wanna taste?" I ask while chewing on my own toast. I usually don't share food but seeing as he was helping me stay in his apartment, I didn't mind letting him eat.

"I sure do," He said and sat down.

"Don't take those ones. They are spicy. I don't think you will like them" I commented.

"These are good," He said after taking a bite from the different batch.

"Thanks, mate. I might not be a chef like Monica but I am not lesser than them any less" I bragged a little.

"Oh! I didn't know you were interested in cooking" He said more than a little surprised

"I am more than a little interested in cooking but I never saw myself becoming a chef" I answered at his questioning look.

"Why's that?" he asked in between chewing.

"Well, truthfully, I only like to make food for myself. Too much hassle in doing that for others for a living" I elaborated a little.

And so we continued to chat while eating. I also fished for information and got to know that he has been working for his company for a couple of years, right after he completed his education and arrived here. Ross also came around the same time and got the job in the museum. They even shared an apartment for a couple of months before Ross proposed to Carol, got married, and shifted in another apartment with his wife.

Chandler lived in that apartment for some months more before shifting here. I was surprised that he started living here only about a few months back. He only got to know about this apartment from Ross who got to know about it from Monica who in turn told him when the previous occupant left. I had a feeling that the previous occupant was mentioned in the canon, though, for the life of me, I couldn't remember him or her.

I asked him about the previous occupant but he didn't know. I put back the question at the back of my mind and decided to ask one of the girls about that, later.

He also asked about my plan for the day. I told him about my plan to shop with Phoebe.

After he ate his breakfast, he started walking back to the room.

"Going to sleep off, mate?" I asked with a smirk knowing the answer.

He just smiled back and shut his door. I was a little hungry as I made the toasts for myself and was just going to put spice on them when he came out. But it was not an immediate problem. I didn't want to make another batch of toast and decided to eat out.

As I had nothing more to do, I went to Phoebe's first.

Thankfully, she was the one who opened the door when I knocked on it.

"Good Morning Phoebe" I greeted her. She looked like she just got ready. I did not think anyone would willingly wake up after drinking like last night. Then again, she was not wasted like us, yesterday.

"Good Morning Hitesh" She greeted with a hug which I returned.

It was a little awkward though I didn't let it show on my face. Even after a decade of this type of familiarity makes me uncomfortable. I could count the hugs I received in my previous life on one hand and still leave some fingers free. In just a decade, I have gotten more hugs than I could count.

"C'mon, Come inside," She said as she disengaged the hug.

I nodded and entered the apartment to see it was still wrecked from the last night party. This surprised me as I thought that Monica would have cleaned it up. Then again, she was even more wasted than me last night so maybe her plan is to do it in the afternoon.

Anyways, I shook my head and decided to ask Phoebe of my request "Hey Phoebe! Do you have any appointments for today"

"No, I don't have any appointments. Why?"

"Well, I was thinking of getting some things second-handed, and you are the best person who knows the market around here," I said a little shyly as I was asking for her to spend time with me for the second time in 2 days "Only if you have no prior arrangements" I added.

"Sure. It's been months since I went there. Let me change. If I went there in this" She said signaling her dress "We will be robbed blind. In fact, you should also wear something rough too" She suggested and walked to her room, probably to change.

"Thanks, Phoebe" I call out and walk back to the apartment to change in some rougher clothes. Well, as rough as it can get with my wardrobe which wasn't much. This made me realize that the clothes I was already wearing were the most rougher clothes I had. I wasted my time for no reason.

'Well, one more thing to buy with Phoebe' I thought and went back to the girl's apartment to wait.

Phoebe asked me about my clothes and agreed to stop by some second-hand store for clothes, before going to the market when I told her about it. Thankfully, she had already done her breakfast but she asked for some more time to get ready. I knew she won't be back anytime soon so I made myself comfortable on the table.

…

It had been 10 minutes already and I had already flipped through all the magazines, they had. I was getting pretty bored. So when Monica showed up, I was very happy even if I didn't show that to my face.

"Good Morning, Hitesh. When did you get here?" She asked taking me out of my thoughts. I didn't hear her footsteps so I was a little surprised. Just as I looked up to greet her back, my words got stuck in my throat.

She was drying her hair with a towel.

By god did she look sexy.

The drops of water on her skin was making her all the sexier.

"Good Morning Monica. I got here some 10 minutes ago" I checked my watch and answered when I got my voice back. If she noticed the pause she didn't comment on it.

She just went to her room. I was a little surprised at her. She looked to be in a hurry. I just shrugged and flipped the magazines again to see if I missed anything.

She came back 2 minutes later after getting dressed. I was a little surprised that she didn't get ready as women usually want to look perfect all the time. Then again, it was Sunday today.

"You ate anything?" She asked as she came closer.

"Well, I did eat something but like I said yesterday. I never say no to free food" I said with a chuckle which she responded with her own.

"Well then, there is some leftover from last night. I hope you don't mind" She asked.

"No, I don't mind at all" I answered truthfully.

"It's not meat, is it?" I asked after a second.

"No, it isn't. But don't tell me, you also don't eat meat?" She asked amusingly.

I smiled abashedly "Actually, other than eggs, I don't even like the smell of the meat" I answered truthfully.

"Did Phoebe got you even from across the sea?" She asked with a chuckle.

"Actually, I got to her. Before she met me, she used to eat meat" I answered offhandedly.

My answer made her miss a step. She also stopped whatever she was doing. I didn't know but her expression also changed from amusing to thunderous.

"You mean to tell me that you are the cause of the problem I have had with her in the last months," She turned around and asked in a dangerous tone.

I gulped a little at her dangerous tone though I would never admit it even under torture that it made me a little bit horny too.

"I am sorry" I guessed.

At her unimpressed look, I got an idea "How about I take you out as an apology. Will that make it better?" I asked

Hearing me, she smiled and blushed a little "Are you asking me on a date?" She asked a bit shyly.

Feeling a little bold, "If you are thinking of picking up that knife and running me through then I am not, but otherwise, yeah. So..."

"Sure," She said trying to be cool about it but I could see that she was excited.

"I don't know any place around here so I leave the place and time to you," I said

She nodded.

"Also, do you want to tell this to Phoebe and others?" I asked a little hesitantly as she could perceive its meaning differently.

"What do you mean?" She asked narrowing her eyes.

"It's just that if we tell them then they would expect from us some things. I don't know about the others but Phoebe definitely would. And I don't want that" I explained hurriedly not wanting to offend her.

She hmmed and then turned to me "So what do you suggest?" She asked.

"Maybe we can tell them after a few dates. That way they won't meddle" I suggested

"There will be more dates?" She asked archly.

"I am hoping to" I answered "So..."

"Hm-mm. Sure" She said and turned back.

Even then, I didn't miss the smile that came on her face.

Soon, she warmed the food and served me. She also took the seat beside me and dig in. I could tell she was really interested in me seeing as she took the seat beside me and scooted over to get the seat really close. If she was only a little bit interested, she wouldn't have scooted the chair closer.

"You really are a great chef, you know that, right" I complimented her while eating.

"Thanks," She said happily.

While eating, we made some small talk. It was a good way to pass the time.

"So what are your plans for today?" She asked.

"Well, I don't want to be a burden on Chandler. And I can't be sure if this Kip guy would wait for a week. So I was thinking of buying all of the things that I would need like a fridge, a bed or at least a mattress, etc. It was why I asked Phoebe to accompany me. She probably knows this city inside-out considering she has been living here for quite some time." I answered "Do you want to join us"

"I would have loved but I have to clean this apartment," She said in an apologetic tone. I just nodded in return.

"Hey Hitesh, I never asked but how do you and Phoebe even know each other? How did you meet?" She asked after a few seconds.

I chuckled at her questions "I have been waiting for someone to ask me that question. Well, it is not my first time in New York. I have already lived here for 3 years before"

"Really, when?" She asked curiously.

"Back when I was 15-16 years old. I was an exchange student at the New York University" I replied.

"But, Isn't that a 'university'? You would have been a High School student at that time" She asked or more like accuses.

I chuckled at her tone "You are a sharp one. Aren't you? Well, you are not wrong. I would have been in a high school but….. Now I don't wanna brag but I am quite intelligent. I completed high school at the age of 12. By the time I came here, I had already completed my graduation and gotten a degree. It was my 2nd time. I recently did the 3rd and possibly the last one" I answered.

For some moments, she was shell shocked. I had to shake her up to get her back in her sense.

"Are you saying you are some kind of child genius? Because that would be really cool" She asked breathily.

"No, definitely no. I hate that term. It's just after my accident. I could remember a lot easier so I could easily remember the stuff I read from the books. And thus, I aced the examinations" I explained.

"What accident?" She asked curiously.

"Well, it's a bit personal. But, since you are Phoebe's best friend I could tell you. But, you have to promise, you won't tell anybody else" I said. It was not that personal, but, I wanted to see if she could keep a promise or not.

"Sure… Wait a minute, best friend. Did Phoebe tell you that?" She said happily.

"Yeah, she didn't have many female friends growing up. Carol lives with Ross so she doesn't interact with her that much. But she lives with you day and night so you are her best friend. In fact, she told me so before I came here" I explained.

"Oh my god, I didn't know that," She said on verge of freaking out.

"Well, now you do," I said with a deadpan "Is it really that big news? I thought you knew" I asked

"No, We have been living for only a few months so I didn't know but thank you for telling me," She said gratefully.

"No problem. Anyways where was I?" I asked.

"You were going to tell me about the accident" She reminded me.

"Oh! Yeah, well the thing is I woke up one day in a park with no memory of my life. Thankfully, I did remember how to speak, read, write, and do some basic stuff. I walked aimlessly for a whole day. Thankfully some people were concerned and approached me before I had to spend my night outside. When they learned my situation, they took me to the police to see if someone had filed a report of a missing child. It was really good that they did. I would have died if they hadn't directed me to the police station"

I continued after taking a big breath "Anyway, there was none. So I was sent to an orphanage. I lived there hoping every day that today I would meet my parents and they would take me home. But no one ever came. I made excuses that probably they are in some trouble and so they couldn't find me. But after 2 months I slowly realized, that either they were dead or they left me behind." I told her about the harrowing experience I had at that time. I still shiver sometimes just thinking about it.

Now, I told her only half-truths. I was in this body for only a day, before I went to sleep. After that, I 'woke' up after 2 months from that day. The experience of the child carried over to me so it really feels like mine.

Monica's hand covered mine to show her support. I shook my head and cleared up the tears that appeared in the corner of my eyes from the other hand.

"I am sorry for letting you see me in this condition. You must think me weird and soft" I said bitterly. I knew I had a chance with her and I completely wasted it by doing this. I really shouldn't have tried to explain my situation. I should have given some excuse. I don't why but that incident always makes me a little emotional. I really suspect it is because of the experience of the child carried over to me when I woke up for the second time.

"Nah! I think you are a brave person" She said softly. I look at her if she was making fun of me. She appeared serious so I gave her a small genuine smile which she returned with her own.

"Thank you," I said and I meant it.

We were quite close and we had a moment. I didn't want to waste it and kissed her, damn the consequences. She also thought so as she came closer and closed her eyes. It was a soft kiss without any tongue or anything else. I took my other hand and put it behind her neck and deepened the kiss. We only kissed for a few seconds before breaking it. Still, it was like a dream come true for any 'Friends' fan.

As we broke it, I saw Monica open her eyes and smile. I gave her a smile in return and took out my hand from behind her neck though I kept one of my hands, holding hers.

"Tell me more," She said after a second.

"There isn't much to tell. It was not all bad. Some good came out of it. I personally think that due to my blank state, I could retain most of the information. The teachers at the school soon noticed my learning speed. After some tests, they promoted me to the next class. This happened a few times and thus I was the youngest high school graduate. This news spilled in the media who made the people know about it. Soon, I started getting offers from good Universities. With a great recommendation letter and a scholarship that covered all my expenses, I started my college life" I said and took a sip of the water before continuing again.

"I completed my degree from Cambridge at the age of 15 years and some months. I was quite young back then. There was very little chance, that I would get a good job, so I applied for my second degree. That year the University sent me here for the Students Exchange Program. I personally think that they wanted to get rid of my freeloading arse" I joked a little bit, to clear away the serious atmosphere. I was successful as a smile appeared on Monica's face.

I continued again "I was in New York for 3 years and in that time, I met Phoebe. We hit it off after some misunderstanding. After completing my degree here, I went back to England. But we exchanged contact details before that. Since then we had been in contact with each other for the last 3 years" I said finishing the tale. I didn't tell her how we met as I don't think Phoebe has mentioned it yet.

"Wow" is all she said.

"I know," I said stealing her line.

"Hey Guys, what are you discussing?" Phoebe said coming out of her room.

We quickly untangled our hands from each other and looked in her direction.

"Nothing" we replied simultaneously.

Phoebe looked at us weirdly but didn't say anything.

"Okay, then we should go. I am ready" She said and walked out.

"Yeah, Okay bye Monica," I said getting up getting a goodbye from Monica in return.

After I walk out the door, I found Phoebe staring at me.

"What?" I asked her.

"You both are cute together" She answered loudly.

"Shush!" I shushed her and took her a little far from the door feeling a little embarrassed.

"So you saw, huh!" I half said half asked.

"That you both were holding hands. I sure did. So what is going on between you two? You sure work fast. It's been only a day. Then again, both of you were flirting last night" She replied smugly.

"Look there was nothing going on between me and Monica. I was telling her the story of my accident and I got a little emotional. She was just supporting me" I explained not wanting to know about the date.

"Oh!" was all she said. "Still, you are both cute" She continued. I just slapped my head in frustration. Phoebe has always been like this. She won't shut up until she had said the piece of her mind.

A few hours later:

Oh my god, if I had to go shopping one more time, I am gonna kill someone. We had been doing the shopping since we exited the building. We only took a break when we ate lunch outside.

Even my strength failed when I was carrying all the stuff (not a bed and other heavy stuff) back to my apartment. Phoebe helped a bit but I felt a little guilty trying to make her carry stuff. Fortunately, I wouldn't have to go for more shopping. I got everything, I would need. I got my bed, sofa, sofa cushions, mattresses, buckets, soap, and all the other things.

Still, I will have to stay with Chandler for a bit. After all, I would have to set up my apartment. Once, we dropped the stuff, we went to the bar as Phoebe told me that they spend this time of the day there.

We went there to find everyone already there, even Ross and Carol.

"Hey guys," I said as I came closer.

They greeted back.

"So, did you completed your shopping?" Carol asked

"Yeah, though, there is some stuff that the transport guys will bring in an hour" I answered "Hey, do any of you guys want Beer? I am gonna order one"

"Are you paying?" Ross asked

"Not on your life" I answered back instantly. I suppressed the wince. It was a reflex.

"Sure, I would like one" He answered after a pause. Chandler also asked for one.

I ordered 3 warm beers and went back after getting them.

"Hey guys, I couldn't ask yesterday. But is there any park around here?" I asked the group as I gave the beers to them.

"Yeah, there is one, 3 blocks from here. Why?" Chandler answered

"It is good to jog in a park surrounded by trees instead of jogging around the block. It helps in waking you fresh" I explained.

"Yeah, I read that in an article that if the air is pure in the morning and i-"

"Speaking of Park, how about we go there in the evening. We could even play baseball" Monica suggested cutting one of Ross's nerdy rants.

"Sure" "Okay" "Perfect" We agreed though the face of Ross looked hilarious when he realized that he was cut off.

"Do you even know how to play?" Ross asked snootily.

I narrowed my eyes at him. I don't know what his problem is? He has been trying to pick a fight since yesterday. I replayed back the conversations, I had with him. He could be angry over the joke I said after I talked with Chandler but I don't think that is. But other than that, I don't think I have done anything to make him angry.

'Well I did flirt with her wife a little' I thought but I don't think it would be. I shook my head and decided to ask Chandler about it later as he could probably tell me about his best friend Ross's thought process.

"We will see" I replied in a non-committal manner.

He doesn't know but I spent quite a bit of my time playing baseball when I was here for 3 years. I wouldn't say I was pro or anything. Hell, I am sure some high school kids would be better than me but I am sure I would still be good enough, considering it has been more than 3 years since I last played.

After a few more talks, I went to call the transporting agency. Once, they delivered the furniture to my room, I paid them and went back to the bar.

While going there, I met the group who were coming back. Seeing as we had nothing to do, we started walking to the park while Ross and Chandler went to pick the baseball kit that Ross had at his place.

A few hours later

I knew Monica was competitive. But, watching Monica be competitive on screen is one thing, and seeing in a real-life is totally another thing. Even I was scared for my life when I dropped that ball. Thankfully, she wasn't mad at me... much.

Still, I have to admit if she wasn't competitive, we wouldn't have won, even with me on the team. We both really picked up the pace that all the other dropped. While I was not as competitive as Monica, I still wanted to win. Nobody wants to be on the losing side lest of all me.

"We sure showed those guys a thing or two about baseball," Chandler said as we climbed up the stairs to our apartment.

"Yeah" "We sure did" Chandler and Phoebe agreed.

I wanted to correct them that it was I and Monica that showed them their place while they didn't do much. But I was more than a bit tired to even speak. Morning's workout, Afternoon's shopping, and Evening game really came close to test my stamina. I just wanted to lie down after a long and hot shower.

"If it weren't for you all, we would have won by a large margin" Monica complained.

"Even me," I asked a little flabbergasted.

"Yes, you did drop that ball," She said.

'Why that little... Tiredness be damned' I thought angrily.

"What about the one that you dropped?" I asked back with more than a bite.

"It was because of the bird" She exclaimed.

"Excuses! Excuses!" I replied shaking my head knowing it will drive her mad.

"Before this turn into a murder fest, I would like to ask what's the plan for dinner" Chandler interjected before Monica could say anything back.

"I wouldn't be able to cook anything. My hands are killing me for saving your asses in the game" Monica replied.

I wanted to pitch a comment but decided against it. I was already tired. I didn't have any mental energy to waste on that. I knew it wouldn't be enough. Moreover, I didn't want her to back out from the date if this escalates.

"I was thinking of ordering Pizza today," I commented when Chandler turned back to me. I didn't want him to blab about my cooking hobby. I don't want Monica to get one more reason to be competitive with me.

"I would eat Pizza" "Yeah, I could do that" They both replied.

"Then, I would order them. I already know the preference of Monica and Phoebe. What would you like?" Chandler asked me in the end.

"I am fine with any Non-veg Pizza," I said "though would you order it in large size" I added as an afterthought.

Chandler stopped opening the door and turned back to me "Are you sure?"

I nodded "Trust me, I would easily eat that. I am absolutely famished"

"If you say so" He shrugged and walked in after opening the door. I also walked in and went to my room. I took out new clothes and my towel before going to the bathroom.

Once I had cleaned myself thoroughly, I came out.

"Hey did you buy the groceries?" I heard Chandler say when I entered the room.

"Yeah… It's the least I could do after you let me stay here. Would you mind if I stayed for a couple more days? My apartment is all, hotch-potch. It would take some time to set it up" I said apologetically.

"Yeah sure. No problem" He said offhandedly.

"So, when is your roommate coming," I asked.

"Well, he was saying about shifting here on Saturday so probably… Saturday" He said jokingly

"Ha-ha very funny," I said sarcastically though there was a smile on my face.

Suddenly Phoebe opened the door and walked in.

"Hey guys, Pizza's come," She said though she definitely paused to look at me shirtless. I ignored her ogling with ease.

"I will be there in 2 minutes," I said and quickly went to my room.

By the time, I went there, all of them had already started. I quickly joined in. I opened a pouch of chili flakes and pour it all over the pizza. I did this 3 more times. Feeling eyes on me, I looked up to see everyone was staring at me.

"What...?" I asked.

"Dude! You just pour down 4 chili flakes. Are you all right?" Ross asked in a shock.

"Yeah!" I replied with confusion coloring my tone.

"Here, you can have mine too if you want more" Chandler said giving me one more chili flakes pouch. I graciously accepted it.

"I love spicy food" I explained to them before I started devouring the pizza.

An hour later

Chandler already left after he ate his share. He looked dead on his feet. Phoebe also went to her room. She wasn't much better than Chandler seeing as she helped me in Shopping and then played with us.

Now, Only me and Monica were in the room.

I just finished Pizza and started walking to the door after dumping the pizza box in the dustbin.

"Good Night Monica," I said.

"Good night" She replied.

I was just going to open the door when she called me "Hitesh"

I stopped and turned back "Yeah" I answered.

"Are we still going on a date?" She asked coming a bit closer.

"Sorry Monica but I am really tired," I said making her face fall "Can't we go tomorrow?" I asked.

I was a little freaked out by her doing a 180. A smile came to her face and I realized she was asking a totally different question.

"Oh! You meant..." I asked.

"Yeah..." She smiled abashedly.

"I am so tired, I didn't understand" I explained

"I thought so" Monica said graciously.

"Why wouldn't I go out with you?" I asked curiously.

"Well, you did see me during the baseball game" She replied a little shyly.

"Oh! you poor little thing. Come here" I said and when she came, I hugged her "You are not backing off on our date that easily," I said while hugging her

Once I put out Monica's fears, I went back to Chandler's room and went to sleep. I was asleep moments after hitting the mattress which I thankfully brought to Chandler's apartment instead of mine when the transport guys came.

….

I opened a pat-re-on account recently. If anyone would like to donate, they could go there and donate. The donation would never be a factor in updating any of my stories. The ID is the same: Hit1903.