Manik and Nandini.
They meet at a cafe.
What happens next?
Cover credits : My favourite @StarsAndFireflies_ HEER❤️
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I entered the cafe at 6:00 pm, straight from my office and was sitting at my regular spot reading my favorite "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.
I used to come almost daily, because this place was very peaceful on normal days. But the cafe was pretty busy today. Usually it used to be a silent atmosphere.
I ordered one Cafe Latte and went back to reading my book. I was almost reaching the end and I had it planned that at any cost I have to finish reading it by 7 pm.
Suddenly I heard a low screeching sound, that of pulling of a chair. I raised my eyes from my book, and there I saw a guy. Oh sorry, an unknown guy.
The moment our eyes locked, I raised my eyebrows asking "Excuse me, do I know you?" to which he nervously smiled and said, "umm No, I am sorry but there wasn't any other seat available". Then he looked down.
Honestly I wasn't the type of person who would feel annoyed or irritated while meeting someone, instead I felt glad meeting new people and loved being involved in conversations.
I cleared my throat, which caused him to look up. I forwarded my hand and said, "Hey! I am Nandini. Nice to meet you" and smiled. He was taken aback and he kept on glancing at my hand and to my face to see any kind of annoyed expressions. When he found none his lips curved wider and he smilingly shook hands with me and said, "Hello! I am Manik! Nice to meet you too!!". I replied, "finally you shook hands or I thought I need to keep my hand hanging".
He laughed and I swear I felt happy that I was a reason for someone's smile.
Maa always taught me, that smile at unknown people and spread positivity not hate. Typical amazing Indian mom kinda advices.
And then he asked, "Hope you don't mind me sitting here." And I simply said, "If I had mind, I would have by now given you thousands of annoyed looks and since you got none, so you are safe".
He laughs slightly and smiles yet again. He time to time looks at his phone. I at first thought to ask what happened, but then I thought against it and went back to reading my book, and ended it in the next 15 minutes.
I looked at my watch and still there was 45 minutes to 7. I looked up and that guy Manik was still sitting glancing at his phone time to time with many frowns on his forehead and a sad look. He had already drank 2 lattes.
I kept staring at him, and apparently sensing a gaze on himself he looked up and our eyes locked yet again. This time it felt different.
No, it wasn't any love at first sight concept.
But there was something about him which made me want to initiate the conversations and talk to him again. Breaking the eyelock, he smiled weakly at me.
I asked, "If you don't mind, may I ask why are you so sad?". He said, "Nothing serious. Don't worry." I asked yet again and he asked me not to worry.
I looked at my watch, and there it was just 30 minutes to my favorite web series finale episode to be aired at 7 pm.
Though I would remain happy and not let people and their negative thoughts affect me, but this guy Manik, right in front of me is pissing me off.
Like this was the first show which I followed so intently. I simply gave an angry expression and said, "Either you open your mouth or leave, otherwise I would kill you right here without an ounce of guilt because I don't have time, I have to watch the last episode of my favorite web series."
The moment I say this, his eyes darted towards mine and asked "Which show?". I replied "Kota Factory." And the moment these words left my mouth, his eyes gleamed and he suddenly hugged me.
Okay this is getting awkward. That hug lasted for mere few seconds, and I sighed in relief.
I looked at him yet again and he nervously smiled and said, "This was my problem." I gestured him to elaborate by raising my eyebrows and he did by saying, "I was sad because in 20 minutes the episode would be aired and my internet for the day is already over."
I stared at him and then slapped his cheek slightly. He rubs it and acts as if it hurts a lot. I said, "Stop whining. I interpreted so many hypothetical situations. You scared me.
He sheepishly smiled. I asked him to come with me, he was about to refuse, but I showed my eyes and he did as I said.
We paid our bill and moved out. I saw a lonely bench nearby, and the weather was perfect too. Since it was summer going on, so there was light around. I asked him to join me, and he did. We sat adjacent to each other.
I held my phone from one side, and asked him to hold it from his side. I attached the earphones, gave one to him and used the other.
And then then clock struck 7, and the episode was available online. We looked at each other, shared a smile and started watching the last episode together.
Sometimes these simple little things indeed end up creating beautiful friendships. And unknowingly I got to know a lot about this known guy Manik sitting beside me.
