An Accidental Friendship & Other Short Stories

Accidental Friendship (Part 2)

"I'm sorry, Swetha. We have some work that we have to complete by today. But don't worry. We will be done in an hour or so. Please don't get upset." Rohan texted.

Swetha sighed as she read the text from her brother. "Poor Rohan! His boss is really giving him a hard time. This is the 12th time this month that he had to work overtime."

Swetha proceeded to type a reply to her brother's text, assuring him that she would gladly wait for him as long as he would take her out for a meal that night.

She then walked out of her office building and directed her steps toward the familiar cafe where she had sought refuge every time her brother had to work overtime.

The barista greeted her warmly as he saw her walk into the cozy atmosphere. "So, Ms Swetha. What would you like to have today?"

"I'll have hot chocolate." She ordered.

She sat by the window looking out at the rain. She watched every single passerby walking out with their umbrellas. Some ran to their cars to avoid getting soaked in the rain as they do not possess an umbrella. She also noticed a little child, who sought shelter under a canopy, holding out her little hands to catch the little rain droplets.

She was so lost in her observations that she had not realized that two persons were standing by her table.

"Hi Swetha!" She was taken by surprise by the suddenness of the voice. She turned to see who it was and there stood before her a familiar face, accompanied by an unfamiliar one.

"Agastya?!" Swetha could not believe her eyes. She immediately stood up. "What a surprise! I didn't know you were coming here today." A huge grin adorned her face.

"It was a sudden plan. Remember the last time I was supposed to meet a friend? This is Sarah." Agastya introduced. "And Sarah, this is Swetha."

Sarah held out her hand which Swetha took. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sarah."

"Please, no formalities. You are the friend of my friend. You can just call me Sarah."

At that, all three sat down at the table. "I am glad that you finally have the opportunity to meet your old friend." Swetha said. "Have you ordered your drinks yet?"

"We haven't. As soon as we stepped into the cafe, I spotted you. So I thought of coming over and saying hello to you. I completely forgot about the drinks." Agastya told.

Swetha smiled and glanced at Sarah and Agastya back and forth. She noticed that Sarah seemed uncomfortable. Swetha reasoned that perhaps Sarah would like to have a private chat with Agastya and that her presence would not allow that to happen. Swetha then drank the remaining hot chocolate in one gulp and began packing her stuff.

"Agastya, Sarah. I am sorry I have to leave already. I hope you both could have a nice long chat. There is a lot for you to catch up on after all." Swetha bid them goodbye.

Swetha also noticed that a smile was etched on Sarah's face as she got up to leave. Agastya, who was not able to convince Swetha to stay, finally had to let her go. "Where are you heading anyway? Is your brother here yet?"

"Oh, he is not here yet. But I did want to make a pit stop at the bookstore down the street before he comes along." With that, she walked out of the cafe and headed toward the store.

The rain had subsided when she left the cafe, leaving its mark all over the roads and sidewalks. Swetha carefully navigated around the puddles on the sidewalk to avoid staining her long white skirt.

After passing several stores lining the sidewalk, she arrived at the bookstore. The atmosphere inside was inviting and warm. The cashier at the front desk greeted Swetha cheerfully as she walked by.