Entwined

Chapter15

"Tariq bhai, Astrid," Sanvika said the next day as they were prepping food for the restaurant before opening for the day. "I am thinking of hiring one more employee. For serving and counter."

"Huh? What happened? You always said hiring one more employee for this tiny place is a waste of money." Tariq asked surprised.

"Well, money is for spending and we are earning enough now. And if there is one more person I can take a break once in a while. And it is rude to ask Mr Flower to help out all the time."

Astrid and Tariq were looking at her suspiciously though. "What?" She asked.

"Why do I feel this has something to do with Vivaan being here?" Astrid asked.

"What? No. I was thinking about this for a while." She said appalled, trying to hide her embarrassed face. It did not help her that Vivaan came in through the open door just then.

"Good Morning...Coffee Delivery." He said with his brightest smile while holding up four take-out cups. "What happened?" He asked seeing everybody's expression.

"Nothing," Sanvika got up to go to him.

"Here," He handed her a cup. "Café latte. With extra cream. Just the way you like it." Sanvika took the cup from his hands, looking into his eyes with a smile. Tariq nudged Astrid to show her the way Sanvika and Vivaan were looking at each other.

"I did not know what to get you guys. So I just gt café latte itself. Is that okay?" Vivaan turned to the staff.

"Personally, I prefer espresso, but this is fine..." Astrid said as she took the coffee.

"I also personally prefer masala chai, but can drink this once time...." Tariq took the cup.

Vivaan followed Sanvika out through the back door of the restaurant. She was sipping her coffee with a thoughtful face. She sat down on the fallen coconut tree. "You okay there?" Vivaan asked examining her expression.

She looked up and nodded. "Just that I missed this taste."

"Oh! Can't you just buy it?"

"It comes in ₹150 – ₹200 a cup, Vivaan. I cannot afford it. And I can't just buy for myself. If I am buying, I have to buy for my employees as well. I am the owner after all." Vivaan nodded understanding.

"I can buy for you every day from today," He smiled.

"Don't do that," She said. "I accept this costly coffee today because you bought it already. But I don't want to support capitalism by promoting these kinds of international chains that sell overpriced things. I can make instant coffee at home."

"Instant coffee tastes like crap," Vivaan said, but he saw Sanvika's stern eyes. "Okay, okay... I won't buy you coffee anymore. But what the hell, Vicky! Can't I even buy a cup of coffee for my girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't we agree to date each other?"

She finished her coffee. "I don't want to put labels."

"Why?"

"Just..."

"Tell me..."

"I told you, no reason..."

"Vicky,"

"Vivaan?"

"Forget it," He shook his head.

She got up. "Plus, I don't want you to spend a lot of money on any date. As I said, I want to date like normal couples. Not exceptionally rich couples. I am not rich."