December 25th. It was a special day today. No, not just because it was Christmas, but because it was her favourite day. It was our favourite day.
Today was the only day I would begin my day with a sweet French Vanilla, rather than a bitter black coffee. It was the only time I wouldn't be awoken by nightmares, but rather, would be comforted by dreams.
I was standing in line at The Coffee Club to get myself a cup of their famous French Vanilla; it was the same place where she and I used to go for dates back then.
I smiled as the memories came back in my mind. Picking up my order, I went to our table. Placing the cup down, I looked around the cafe. Nothing much had changed since then. Not even the owner, I said to myself as I saw Mr. Shalvi approaching me with a smile.
"Randhir my boy! How are you?" he spoke out with joy radiating from his demeanour.
"I'm doing well uncle, how are you?" I replied.
"Good, good. That's good to hear," he then motioned one of the servers to give his tea as he joined me at the table. "I hope you don't mind me sitting here?" he asked me, to which I obviously refused. "Who can ever mind your company sir?" I smiled.
He was stirring his tea, more forcefully than needed. And that's when I realized what he was going to ask.
"No, I'm not seeing anyone." His eyes shot up to mine as he laughed nervously. "I wasn't going to ask you that."
"You don't need to lie to me. It's fine."
"Randhir beta, don't you think it's about time that you move on?"
How could I move on when even the thought of moving on made me flinch? "I really don't want to talk about it sir. If you don't mind..." I trailed off.
He got my point as he gulped down his tea and politely excused himself.
"It's always nice to see you son, take care of yourself!"
"Thank you, you too!"
He meant well, I knew that. But it bothered me whenever anyone told me to move on. I was perfectly okay alone. If not her, then no one else. And I meant no one.
—
I headed out of The Coffee Club and drove to my office. It was Christmas morning and so I didn't expect anyone to be there; but I was wrong...
"Vidushi?" I exclaimed in surprise, a small smile escaping before I could control myself.
"Hi Randhirrrrr," she replied as she took me in a hug. "It's sooo nice to see you again!!"
"The pleasure is all mine Vidushi. It's been awhile since you've last visited me!"
"I know, I've just been busy with things. Anyway, I brought something for you!"
Although I had an idea what it was, I still feigned a shocked look.
"Merry Christmas Randhirrr," Vidushi squealed as she gave me a gift wrapped box. I shook it a little to see if I was right; and lo-and-behold, I was.
I was never the one to cry, but Vidushi managed to hit the right nerves in me. I hugged her tight as my eyes teared a little, "Thank you so much Vidhushi!"
—
"Merry Christmas baby!" she woke me up with a kiss on my forehead. "Merry Christmas Farzi!" I said as I got up from bed.
She went to the kitchen as I entered the washroom to freshen up. After brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower, I was welcomed with the sweet scent of French Vanilla and chocolate chip cookies waiting for me.
"You really want me to spend more time in the gym, don't you?" I asked her as I walked into the kitchen. As usual, she smiled in response; "Happy one year Mr. Randhir Shekhawat!" she wished me as she wrapped her hands around me. I took in her petite frame and kissed her forehead, "Happy one year to you too Ms. Sanyukta Agarwal!"
—
To be honest, I always thought it was lame to celebrate anniversaries as such. Even Farzi agreed that it was a waste of time. But after falling in love, these little things excited the two of us. It still didn't mean a lot to me, but mostly, it was for her that I was willing to do this. She was unsure whether we would be able to work out our differences without breaking up. And so, this was a sign that we were meant to be.
It was to prove many people wrong. But mainly, it was to prove our love right.
She made me a better person, and (although I think she was already too good for me,) Sanyukta thinks I made her a better person. We pushed each other forward in our relationship, making sure neither one of us was held back.
—
"I love you so much Randhir!"
Cupping her cheeks with my hands, I kissed her. "I love you more than my life Sanyu," to which I could feel her smiling against my lips.
—
It was impossible to forget that moment. I had never felt that loved in my life before. She made me feel things I never imagined I would.
And that was when I had realized; I was undoubtedly and hopelessly in love with Sanyukta Agarwal.
YOU ARE READING
Espresso Love (SanDhir)
Hayran Kurgu| About This Story | Reconciliation between two people is never as easy as it seems; especially when it is after years of hurdles as Sanyukta has faced. This is a story of two intertwined characters as they come to face each other after years of se...
