Oneshots ft. Slayy Point (On Hold)

6| Fiction To Reality

Gautami wiped her brow and sighed as she watched the rain trickle down the windows of her tiny, struggling café, "Café Serendipity."

Located on a quiet corner of the city, it was her dream come true---but recently, it felt more like a sinking ship. She ran a hand through her hair and looked around at the empty seats.

Gautami (mutters to herself): Why did I think opening a café was going to be easy? Oh yeah, because I like coffee and people. Well, that turned out great.

She rolled her eyes at her own sarcasm, just as the door creaked open, the bell chiming lightly. In walked Abhyudaya, drenched from the rain but grinning like a fool.

Abhyudaya (in a cheerful voice): Ah, nothing like a good downpour to inspire some writing!

Gautami smiled. Abhyudaya had become a regular over the past few months, taking up his usual seat by the window with his laptop.

He was a writer---or at least that is what he told her---and while he ordered only the cheapest black coffee, his enthusiasm was contagious.

Gautami: The usual?

Abhyudaya (smiles): You know me too well.

She moved to make his coffee as he settled in, typing furiously into his laptop. The sound of the keys clicking filled the empty room.

Abhyudaya: You seem a little down today. What's up?

Gautami hesitated. She did not want to unload her troubles on him but at the same time, she was running out of options.

Gautami (forces a smile): Oh you know. Just slow business.

Abhyudaya (teases to lighten her mood): Don't worry. My upcoming novel is going to be a bestseller and when it does, I will buy enough coffee to keep you afloat for a year.

She chuckled, setting his coffee down in front of him.

Gautami: I will hold you to that.

He flashed her a smile before diving back into his work. Gautami returned behind the counter but her mind was elsewhere.

She loved this café with every fiber of her being but with hardly any customers and mounting bills, she was not sure how much longer she could keep it open.

~~☕~~

A week later, Gautami was closing the café when Abhyudaya came in, his usual mischievous smile in place. But this time, there was something different---a spark of excitement that made her raise an eyebrow of hers.

Gautami: Well seems like you are late. I was just about to lock up.

Abhyudaya (leans on the counter): I know, I know. But listen, I have got a brilliant idea that I believe could help you save your café.

She crossed her arms, being intrigued.

Gautami: You have my attention.

Abhyudaya: So, I have been thinking. My novel---well, it is going to be a romantic comedy. And what better place to set it than right here in this café?

She blinked in surprise.

Gautami: Wait, you want to write a novel about my café?

Abhyudaya (nods excitedly): Yes! Think about it. If we set the story here, I can bring in a few friends from the writing community, maybe some influencers and get people talking. It is the perfect backdrop for a romcom, don't you think? All those cozy, rainy day vibes....

She could not deny that it indeed sounded interesting.

Gautami: Okay, but how would this save my café?