As I step into the bookstore, I'm instantly enveloped by the comforting scent of old pages and fresh flowers. The warm glow of soft lighting spills across the shelves, inviting me to lose myself in the books. The café area hums with the rich aroma of coffee, baked goods and agarbatti(incense) as if someone has done Puja in the store, and I can't help but smile as I take in the cozy atmosphere. Through a small doorway, the flower shop bursts with color, the air filled with the delicate fragrance of roses and wildflowers. It feels like a peaceful, hidden world where time slows down, and everything just feels right.
I thought....
Until I decided to engulf the amazing aroma of the store, my sister(Anika) pulled me to the nearest bookshelf and said, " Take any book you want"
"Really?" I jumped on her in excitement...
She nodded, "but I need time to choose" I said.
" Okay, you choose and I will sit in the cafe till then" she said and I nodded.
When she went away, I ran to my favourite section. ROM-COM.
"hehehehe, maza aayega, maza aayega" (Fun, fun)
I pulled out a few books from the shelf, my excitement bubbling over. The scent of the pages and the soft hum of the café in the background only made it more magical. I had just found a perfect rom-com when I heard footsteps behind me.
"Finding your next great read?" a voice asked.
I turned around to see a young man with a friendly smile, holding a steaming cup of coffee. He looked like someone who belonged in a bookstore, casual and comfortable in the space.
"Yep, just looking for something that will make me laugh and fall in love," I said, holding up the book I had chosen, "Something sweet and funny, you know?"
He laughed softly. "I know the feeling. Rom-coms are perfect for that."
"I'm kind of obsessed with them," I admitted with a grin. "There's just something about the awkwardness and the cuteness that makes me feel all warm inside."
"I get that," he replied, his smile widening. "The whole mess of it-the unexpected moments, the laughter. It's like life, but with a better ending."
I blinked, surprised by how deeply he seemed to understand. "Exactly!" I said, my voice was a little too excited. "It's like you can forget everything else and just dive into this world where everything works out."
He nodded. "Yeah, who wouldn't want that?"
I paused for a moment, then said, "Okay, I have to ask... do you actually like rom-coms or are you just being polite?"
He raised an eyebrow, pretending to think. "Honestly? I've seen my fair share. I'm a sucker for them too. You can't deny a good love story, even if it's a little cheesy."
"Ha! You're my kind of person," I laughed, feeling lighter.
He laughed too. "Well, looks like you're set for a good one."
Kabir's pov
I glanced up from my laptop, the soft chime of the doorbell barely registering in my mind. Two girls walked in, their laughter filling the space. Most people came and went, but there was something different about them. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
The younger one-she looked about 16-was bubbly and full of energy, her eyes wide with excitement as she took in the bookstore, the café, and the flowers. She seemed to glow with an infectious enthusiasm. But what caught my attention even more was what she was wearing-a fuzzy teddy bear suit. It looked both quirky and adorable, as if she'd stepped out of a children's storybook.
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The other girl, a bit older and quieter, followed her with a calm, protective air, glancing around with a soft smile.
The younger girl was drawn to the books almost immediately, pulling her toward the shelves. I watched as she picked up a rom-com, her face lighting up with the kind of joy that only a true book lover could understand. I couldn't help but smile at her energy-so carefree, so full of life. There was a refreshing innocence in her excitement, a reminder of simpler times.
I turned my attention back to my laptop, trying to get back to my work. But for some reason, I couldn't quite focus. It wasn't just the energy she exuded, it was the way she seemed so comfortable in her own skin, as if the world had slowed down just for her to enjoy the moment.
I returned to my screen, but that strange feeling lingered. Maybe it wasn't about her, but about something deeper I was missing. Something in the way she found joy in the little things.
But then when she took so much time then I went to take a coffee in order to check on her.
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