UNITED AGAIN BY LOVE.

39

LOVE CAFÉ,

Amidst the clatter of cups and the murmur of half-heard conversations, the café buzzed with restless energy. Our Couples weaved through narrow paths, balancing steaming drinks and fresh pastries, while customers laughed quietly at corners and some walked in with determined strides, eyes lighting up at familiar faces. Warm light pooled over wooden tables; the scent of dark roast mingled with sugar and damp pavement. Laughter and soft music tangled in the air, punctuated by the hiss of the frother and the scrape of chair legs on floorboards. Through the glass windows, the dusk sky dimmed; inside, hearts fluttered in stolen glances and shy smiles. A place where urgency and calm danced together, and romance hid in the spaces between chaos.

Arjun, occupied the bill counter while Rocky, Durga and Shakti chose do serve the order to the customers. Shreya, darsh and Srinila decided to Bake the orders.

Shreya occupied a corner to bake the cookies in different aesthetic shapes as required. While Srinila kneaded the dough. Darsh joined her. He stood behind her and began pressing the dough, on her hand.

What are you doing, darsh? Srinila asked blushing.

Just helping my baby. Her fingers must be aching with pressure. He teased.

Is it. srinila asked.

Yeshhhh darling. He said and began kissing her cheeks.

The kitchen door flung open, however, our love birds bothered less.

Enna da nadakudhu inga, na vandhuta da. Rocky said in a funny way.

Why did you even come now? Darsh asked annoyed. Rocky huffed and tried to pull him away from.

Don't try. Darsh just shrugged his shoulders still kneading the dough. Shreya chuckled and said Darsh enough, if the dough had eyes, it would weep badly.

Next order is ready, darsh moved the plate. Rocky carried and walked out. Durga was walking opposite to reach the kitchen. He winked at her and blew a kiss. She blushed still moving.

Arjun was managing with bills.

Is Anu not coming today? Arjun asked Shakti.

She said she would come with an unnecessary baggage. He replied.

Baggage? Arjun was visibly confused. Shakti shrugged. Soon the door burst open revealing Anu and Roshini.

Roshini walked in like she owned the café. Her heals clicking on the floor. Fancy handbag slid on her right arm. Coolers on her face highlighted her features. Beside her walked Anu, sulking. It was quite evident with Roshini's presence.

Arjun was taken aback yet he didn't let his guard down.

Arjun anna, Shakti, this is my cousin sister, Roshini. I was talking about lately. Anu hinted.

Arjun nodded curtly. While shakti began.

Hi, welcome to LOVE CAFÉ. Shakti smiled.

Where are others? Anu asked before Arjun could asnwer, she moved to kitchen. When the door opened, darsh and srinila were giggling while darsh hugged her from behind. Roshini stood there burning in jealousy. She removed her sunglass and burned them through eyes. Roshini looked at Arjun and sat on a table with legs crossed.

Anu pulled all of them from kitchen.

Guys, this is my cousin sister, Roshini I have been talking about. Anu said with fake excitement.

All looked at each other except for Shakthi and Anu, who had no clue about the happenings.

Roshini, smirked at them.

I never knew all of you will end up with each other. Look at you, Darsh, at the café serving people. You belong to me, Darsh. Just come to me I will show you the life you have never dreamt about. Roshini gave a mocking smile.

Roshini, what the hell are you talking? Anu hissed. It's my fault I didn't introduce to them. This is darsh and Srinila. They're the best couple anyone would ever want.... Hey ! I remember talking to you about them. Anu asked dubiously.

Its absolutely fine, Anu ma. We will introduce ourselves to your cousin.

Hello miss. Roshini. This is My nila. My love, life, Jaan, my only world. The sole purpose of my birth. Darsh kissed her forehead. This is my brother, Rocky and that's durga. My sister- in- law, soon to be. Then buddy and cousin since brith, Arjun and that sister – friend Shreya. And comes my little brother in law, Shakthi, who is also like my child. And last but not the least Anu ma, my sister and another child to me and Nila.

They all stood together, stronger. Darsh and Srinila stood in middle towards darsh stood Arjun and Shreya. Next to srinila, stood durga and rocky. In the middle, Shakti stood. they looked like a family of Shiva and Parvati, unshaken.

Roshini was taken aback by the aura radiating from the family. She stood up due to the unbearable change in the atmosphere.

Srinila walked slowly and slapped Roshini, hardly. Roshini was shocked with the guts.

Enna di? I have been tolerating a lot lately, yet you wont stop, would you? can't you understand a simple thing that we are meant to be together, nothing I mean nothing can stop us from being together. NOT EVEN YOU. Srinila's sudden outburst caught everyone off – guard.

Hey, stop it. destiny my foot. I separated you both even before I knew my potential. Now I'm much more capable of everything. I can ruin you all in minutes. Roshini said boastfully.

Not even in your dreams. Roshini. We have been together after years. In every birth we will be together. We are destined, for every birth. Try as much as you want, Roshini, you can't win over true love. Back then it was your time, we were silly and naïve. Now we are stronger together. You will fail tremendously. Darsh Warned her.

I will ruin, each one of you. Roshini said.

Shut up and get out, you idiotic women. Durga and Shreya pushed her out.

I'm sorry, Anna I didn't know she caused so much chaos in your life. Anu apologised.

You're at no fault, sweetie. Srinila hugged her.

I need to leave now. She will for sure create a rucks, at home. I need to be there. I'm sorry I will be back soon. She left in a hurry.

All sighed and continued with there work.

******************************

Roshini reached a cave like temple in outskirts, seething completely in anger.

Am old man, with long hair and wrapped in a cotton saree around him. opened his eyes and looked at the entrance.

"THE WORLD IS YET TO SEE THE FIERCE LOVE."

He smirked at Roshini, who walked in pure Frustration.

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The story is yet to unfold, the immortal LOVE.

~LILY

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