Mismatched Magic

Inauguration

Finally it had arrived. Sanjay called Ananya mid day to let her know that the license was ready and Peter and team had completed the work as well. Ananya was thrilled but also reality hit her. Even though this was her biggest dream, she had been nervous so she had excuses but now, it was time to announce the official launch.

Ananya was not sure about the quantity of supplies yet so she just placed enough for the first week. She spoke to her parents and in-laws and came up with the perfect and most auspicious day for the inauguration. Ananya and Shivani worked on getting online flyers as well as well a paper flyers. The following day, they put in a notice on the door of the cafe. They also went around to all the local businesses, in and around the cafe, met someone there to let them know about their arrival and handed over the flyers. Sanjay made sure he announced it in his newsletter and also in the staff meeting.

It was a beautiful bright and sunny morning. Ananya woke up early. She was excited and anxious at the same time. She decided to put on a nice red, long, floral dress. Both she and Shivani had something similar so they decided to twin. Ananya tied her hair up in a bun because she knew that she would, soon be, putting a net over it when she begins her work. Shivani put her hair up in a pony tail. Ananya's parents and grandma were excited for her. Her dad went to the nearby temple early in the morning and brought back the prasadams. He applied the vibuthi on her forehead and blessed her saying, "Ellam super aa pogum da." Then she got a call from Sanjay's mom, "Ananya maa, all the best. Ellam romba nalla pogum. Nee kavalaye padadhe. Un velaiya mattum sincere and honest aa pannina podhum maa kadavul unakku alli kudupaar. Engalala ange irukka mudiyaliye nu thaan konjam varuthama irukku but adutha Vaati varum podhu kandippa varom maa. All the best." Sanjay's dad do Cameron the phone for a quick blessing and wishes.

They had called in for a cab for them to go. Shivani and her mother came separately. Once they reach there, they already saw Sanjay, Sathya and Navin waiting for them. Both Sanjay and Sathya had a bouquet each for Ananya and Shivani. Sanjay smiled at Ananya and handed over the key to her saying, "Maa here you go. This is your moment. I am so proud of you. Un nalla manasukku ellame amogama irukkum. All the best maa." Ananya nodded and went to him for a quick side. Both the girls handed over the bouquet to their respective mothers. Then they held each other's hands, looked and each other and sighed. Shivani nodded to Ananya gesturing her to go ahead and unlock the door. Ananya's hands were trembling but she finally opened it and and invited everyone in. Sanjay, Sathya and Navin helped bring in the supplies which had been delivered. Ananya had baked some muffins and cookies the previous night, as starters for the business which the quickly arranged and her "guests" bought one each of those to begin the cash flow. Ananya's parents were overwhelmed to see her art on the walls and the beautiful and bright interiors. Ananya got the coffee brewing while Shivani started to arrange the tables and chairs. Ananya walked into the little kitchen and Sanjay followed her. He quickly hugged her from behind and said, "congratulations maa." She turned around to look at him and said, "Ungalukkum thaan. Neenga illama idhellam ivvalo seekiram mudinjirukaadhu. Thank you so much." He kissed her forhead and handed her a gift packet. "idhu Ennadhu? Ippo idhu edhukku?" She said. He smiled and said, "Pirichu paaru maa." Ananya quickly unwrapped it to find a beautiful apron which said, "The finest baker in town" Ananya smiled broadly but said, "Illai theriyama thaan kekkaren, veladareengala? How can I wear this?"

He looked into her eyes pulled her close to him. Then he quickly put the apron string above her head. Pulling her even closer, he tied it around her back. Then he slowly bent down and whispered, "You wear it just like this" and he smoothly kissed her on her lips, giving her just enough to relax. Her eyes were still closed when he let go and then he whispered again saying, "Ippodhikki indha energy podhum. Michathukku apparama varen." She giggled a quickly turned around to get started.

A new journey had begun with lots of hope and belief with the trust in the Universe.

Brinda Subramanian

Hello lovely people, thank you all for the continued love and support. I am sorry but I might not be able to write a chapter everyday just because of other personal commitments. I will try to update on alternate days and, most likely, it will only be one chapter at a time. I will try my best to keep it entertaining. Do bear with me. Thank you. ❤️