Dear Karan

Chapter Twelve

(Recap: in the year 1998, Sakshi struggles with her relationship with Parth and Karan who was always in love with her finds the strength to talk to her. Months later she finally sees the true colours of her boyfriend and Karan offers her comfort. Weeks later, Karan confesses his feelings to Sakshi on her birthday and she says yes!

In the year 2010, Karan is assigned on a case in Vizag where mysterious murders take place. He takes a plane to Kolkata to talk to the victim's parents and on his way back to Vizag, he spots Sakshi in the airport)

PAST
24th January, 2010

Kolkata

Sakshi Roy, live in front of me. He couldn't believe his eyes anymore. Sometimes, people failed to understand the games of god.

Seeing her there, fighting with the barista guy reminded him of his college days.

"Bhayya, what is this? You know I love coffee, especially from your shop. How can you remove the coffee machine?"

"I'm sorry, beta. There are strict orders not to sell coffee in college canteen."

"Fine. Now don't expect me to come here again. Let's go, Karan, I know a place where the best coffee of Vizag is available- Punjabi Dhaba"

"Wait...THE Punjabi Dhaba?"

"Karan, there is only one Punjabi Dhaba here."

"Sakshi, you know I don't like it there."

"Oh c'mon now, I know the owner very well, Masood Bhai, trust me you'll love it there."

"Ugh!"

I still remember that day, as vividly as I remember every moment I spent with her. My first visit to Masood Bhai's Punjabi Dhaba with her. I remember how she scratched off the 'PS' on the wall and changed it to 'KS'.

"Are you seriously going to make me sit near the 'PS' craving?! So thoughtful of you, Sakshi!"

"Don't make a fuss about it. Now, see what I'm going to do."

"Now, I can't see 'PS' anymore. But that doesn't make it any better."

"Arey baba! What am I going to do with this dork?! Can't you see the letters beside that?!"

"I can and damn, this is a nice place for couples."

"Karan!"

"Okay, okay! Hey...is that a 'KS' that I see?!"

"Finally!"

"Aww.. I love you!"

Sakshi smiled victoriously after she got the change from the barista guy. He apologised, but she brushed it off as if she didn't have an argument with him a few minutes ago. She took the long styrofoam cup between her hands and took it towards her mouth, her lips slightly parted as she sipped the coffee. She closed her eyes and sighed in relief as the coffee started to work it's magic on her.