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Pani Puri & Harmony ~ Episode 12 ~ New Arrivals

It’s late morning. Soft sunlight drifts through the entrance. Ceiling fans turn lazily overhead

A few local regulars sit with chai and newspapers.

AMAN works steadily in the kitchen.

VIKRAM reads quietly behind the counter.

CONOR sits near the entrance,drinking coffee he didn’t pay for.

MAYA arranges flowers in little vases .

Outside – a scooter rattles past.

Then –

Two women appear at the cafe entrance.

They are Luna and Zoe. American tourists.

Luna glides into the room ,absorbing the room like she’s stumbled into something magical.

LUNA

Okay…this place is amazing.

CONOR (quietly, to Aman ) That’s a mermaid.

Luna notices Rufus wandering in from the back door.

LUNA

Such a cute puppy

CONOR

Rufus likes beautiful women. We have that in common.

ANJALI

One of you is significantly less house-trained.

LUNA

Hello , tiny spiritual guardian and gives Rufus a little kiss.

MAYA

Sorry about Rufus.He thinks the cafe belongs to him.

ANJALI

I will put him outside in the garden.

CONOR (to Aman) She called the dog a spiritual guardian .Wow !!

MAYA

So, first time in Goa?

ZOE

Yes – First time in India

LUNA

We’re actually looking for a meditation retreat nearby.

Then Lucas appears through the open cafe entrance.

Maya looks at him instantly.

LUCAS

Busy afternoon?

MAYA

As always

ZOE

Wait – you’re Canadian.

LUCAS

That obvious – huh?

ZOE

Little bit – Toronto ?

LUCAS

Just outside. Small suburb nobody’s heard of.

LUNA

We just got here today.

Lucas pulls up a chair and chats to them with ease.

LUNA

I can sense you have a peaceful energy.

LUCAS

That’s a terrifyingly specific sentence.

CONOR (to Maya ,quietly)

Look at him. Five minutes and he’s already formed an international alliance.

MAYA

He’s being friendly.

CONOR

No,no. That’s advanced Canadian diplomacy.

Lucas glances over.

LUCAS

We’re literally discussing the weather.

LATER–

Aunty brings fresh pani puri

Beside them –

Luna’s ginger tea

Zoe’s iced coffee

Luna tastes her first pani puri.

Zoe cautiously follows.

LUNA

This is incredible .

CONOR

It’s an experience.

Luna notices a handwritten poster.

GUIDED MEDITATION WITH SWAMI RAJAN

WEDNESDAY EVENING

AT PANI PURI & HARMONY

LUNA Wait – you’re hosting a meditation event ?

MAYA

Apparently..

AUNTY

My friend Rajan is well respected . People come from all over Goa to hear him speak.

CONOR

Any chance he teaches normal breathing?

AUNTY

He stayed silent for 40 days once.

CONOR

I enjoy noise. So, we’ve cancelled music night for breathing?

LUNA

Meditation is more than breathing. We are definitely coming here tomorrow.

CONOR

So am I.

ANJALI

Of course you are.

LUCAS (to Luna and Zoe)

Nice meeting you both.

ZOE

You too, Canada.

Lucas smiles.

He walks over to the counter where Maya is checking receipts.

Then drops a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Maya freezes .

Across the cafe – Vikram notices immediately.

Maya looks at Lucas ,embarrased already,

LUCAS

What? That was extremely respectful.

MAYA

This is technically my workplace.

CONOR

Not anymore. This is now a romantic Bollywood style script.

Lucas smiles at Maya .

LUCAS

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Lucas heads out into the Goa rain.

Vikram walks over to Maya.

VIKRAM

Your mother would have liked him.

Maya’s eyes soften slightly.

VIKRAM

She would have been proud of you.

That line catches Maya off guard.

The cafe hums warmly around them all.

Cover picture by Manique

MAYA IN GOA

PANI PURI & HARMONY ~ EPISODE 11 ~ SATURDAY NIGHT

The cafe feels different tonight.

Busier. Warmer.

Strings of extra lights glow across the ceiling beams.

Outside,handwritten chalkboards lean against the entrance.

*SPECIAL SATURDAY MUSIC NIGHT*

Inside‐‐tables fill steadily with tourists,couples,regulars who know where to sit.

AMAN

Why are there so many people?

ANJALI

Because people enjoy music.

AMAN

Suspicious behaviour.

Behind the bar area —

Maya arranges glasses beside Vikram.

MAYA

We haven’t done a Saturday night in months.

VIKRAM

That’s why they all came.

Aunty walks past carrying trays full of samosas.

AUNTY

Also because my dear brother put “limited special menu” on the sign outside.

VIKRAM

People love artificial scarcity.

Maya laughs softly.

Near the stage—

Conor adjusts the microphone stand like he owns the place now.

CONOR

I expect complete artistic respect tonight.

Lucas steps inside carrying his guitar case.

Maya notices him instantly.

So does Aunty.

AUNTY

Lucas !

LUCAS

Good evening.

Lucas smiles at Aunty and approches the bar area .

Maya looks up at him.

MAYA

You made it.

LUCAS

Barely. There’s a scooter traffic apocalypso outside.

MAYA

That’s just Saturday night in Goa.

A small pause lingers naturally between them.

Conor watches the exchange with open curiosity.

CONOR

Right. Their chemistry is now visible from space.

LATER

The cafe hums with layered sound.

Laughter. Rain beginning to fall outside again.

A local band finishes a Bollywood cover to a loud applause.

Aman whistles loudly with his fingers.

ANJALI

You’re not at a football match .

AMAN

Art should be celebrated.

At a corner table —

Lucas sits with Maya during a break between performances.

LUCAS

This place changes in the night.

MAYA

I think people come here to escape being lonely.

Maya looks around the cafe .

Tourists dancing badly near the back.

Aunty feeding customers extra snacks they didn’t order.

Conor discussing passionately about Irish music to someone.

ANJALI

Lucas . You’re up.

ON STAGE

Lucas settles on the stool with his guitar.

LUCAS

This was supposed to be for Wednesday. But apparently the cafe changed the plan.

A ripple of laughter moves through the room

Then he begins to play.

The melody is slow and intimate.

Outside—

Rain taps lightly against the windows.

Inside—-

The cafe glows around the music.

Aunty smiles at everyone.

Mr.Vikram watches from the counter

Aman brings him a masala chai.

Mr. Vikram

Thank you Aman. I think the evening went well. Maya looks happy too

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Music and vocals by Dana Gaynor. Lyrics by Manique

Cover picture by Manique

Pani Puri & Harmony ~ Episode 10

The cafe is already alive.

Not crowded but just fuller than usual.

Temple lamps glow softly.

Low conversation.Glasses clinking.Movement.

Aman moves between tables,carrying plates.

Aunty arranges snacks near the counter.

Anjali checks the performance list.

Maya adjusts the mic stand on the stage.

A gentle breeze flows in.

Conor steps inside.

Banjo over his shoulder.

ANJALI

You came back.

CONOR

You sound suprised.

ANJALI

I like suprises.

CONOR

So this is the madness.

ANJALI

Organised madness.

Anjali hides a smile.

Maya notices him. Watches as he walks to the bar.

CONOR

Think I should have a pint first.

Anjali serves him.

CONOR

People actually sign up for this?

ANJALI

Some regret it almost immediately.

CONOR

Comforting. He looks at the list.

Writes.

Conor – Irish folk

LATER

The cafe hums with easy energy.

A local student sings nervously.

Aman has a turn.Holds a tune suprisingly well.

A few customers clap too enthusiastically.

ANJALI

Conor. You are next.

CONOR

Right.

Walks to the stage .

He sits on a stool.

Maya looks up and thinks of Lucas .

CONOR

This one works well.

Light rhythm.Warm and unfamiliar.

The tune lifts the room without changing it completely.

A few claps and a whistle from the back.

ANJALI

Not terrible.

CONOR

I’ll take that.

Conor plays a few more songs .

As night falls,some customers leave.

Conor sits at the bar.Relaxed with a black coffee.

Lucas stands quietly at the cafe entrance .

A small travel bag over his shoulder .

No guitar this time.

His eyes move briefly toward the stage-

Then his eyes find Maya behind the counter.

She is busy sorting out receipts.

Unaware he is there.

Then-

Maya looks up.

She sees him.

MAYA

Lucas…you came back.

He walks a little closer.

LUCAS

I said we would be meeting again.

A familiar moment passes between them.

Vikram with a warm smile greets Lucas.

VIKRAM

Welcome back .

He shakes hands with Lucas.

LUCAS

Thank you.

AUNTY

We have missed you….especially Maya.

Conor is observing Lucas , then Maya and understands.

Night time has fallen and bhangra drums can be heard in the distance.

_______________

Irish jig by Dana Gaynor

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony – Episode 6 – Just passing through

The morning settles gently over the cafe holding a quiet warmth before the day begins.Soft music plays in the background , blending with the familiar clink of cups and the distant hum of the street outside.

Pierre bursts in, mid-sentence,full of energy ” We are going to Rouen , my hometown” Tobias sets his rucksack down and responds “looking forward to it “. From behind the counter Maya watches them with a small knowing look.She will miss seeing them and listening to their banter.

The warm air and Lucas enter quietly into the cafe.His guitar resting against his shoulder, like it belongs there.Maya meets his eyes looking at her briefly. Mr. Vikram polishing a glass in the bar area notices everything ,he always does. Lucas sits on a stool and orders a pint of Indian lager and Pierrre and Tobias join him.

Late afternoon as the cafe starts to get busy, Lucas turns to Maya and asks if he could play ,she nods her head with a smile which makes his heart stir a little.He turns to the crowd and says” before you all disappear ,I’d like to play something ,you already heard this one “. Tobias in a dry tone adds ” and yet we are to hear it again”. Lucas looks as though he may not play at all , then adds ” but I have a backing track to help me this time “.

The final chord lingers,fading slowly into silence. His eyes rest on Maya who holds his gaze a moment longer than usual. Mr.Vikram watches them quietly,he understands.

Pierre blinks and says” that was inconveniently beautiful ” and Tobias adds “that backing track deserves a pay rise “. Everyone in the intimate small cafe clap and Aunty comes over and gives Lucas a hug and wishes him and Pierre and Tobias safe travels.Pierre and Tobias thank Maya,her father,Aunty and wave to Aman and leave to find a cab.

The cafe resumes into a quiet rhythm but something has shifted.Lucas stands near the entrance with his bags and guitar. “I’m heading to Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal before going home to Toronto ” he tells them. Maya meets his eyes and says ” you will love the Taj Mahal”. Mr. Vikram walks over to Lucas and shakes his hand and wishes him well in his travels. Lucas turns to see Maya beside him with her hand stretched ,he holds it and drops a kiss on her forehead ,gives her a note to read when he’s gone.Maya holds back her tears,stands beside her father on the pavement and waves to Lucas.They watch in silence as the taxi rolls away ,the yellow light fading in the distance.

They walk quietly back to the cafe and for a moment, Maya felt the melody still lingering in the air.

” Lost In The World Tonight ” ~ Written and performed by Dana Gaynor

MAYA IN GOA

PANI PURI & HARMONY ~ Episode 9

Morning light filters in.

Maya lifts the shutters.Opens the door.Then the windows.

The cafe breathes in the day.

Aman is already working steadily in the kitchen.

Maya places small vases on the tables.Adjusts one then another.

The door opens.

A man steps in.Pauses just inside.Takes in the space.

CONOR

Hello …this looks appealing .Somewhere I wasn’t planning to find.

MAYA

We’re open

CONOR

That’s good.I was hoping it wasn’t just for looking at.

MAYA

What can I get you ?

CONOR

Something you trust and a lager.

Maya hands him a menu

Conor sits with an Indian lager and looks at the menu.

He notices someone eating pani puri.

CONOR

What’s that then?

MAYA

Pani Puri

CONOR

Right…I’ll try one please

Maya takes the order to Aman.

CONOR

Is it spicy ?

Aman brings it over .

CONOR

So this is a one shot situation.

MAYA

Don’t wait.

He eats it.

CONOR

No one warned me it explodes.It’s like fire.

Maya laughs slightly, then turns away.

Vikram notices Maya’s reaction. Then returns to his work.

Early afternoon.

Anjali enters cafe.

Conor looks up.

CONOR

Two beauties…and another pani puri.

ANJALI

Was that an order?

CONOR

I’m trying to work it out

ANJALI

Let Maya know

Anjali moves toward the kitchen.

AUNTY

Hello sweetie

ANJALI

Ma,I need the keys to the house

Back in the bar area,Maya serves another beer to Conor.

CONOR

You have music here ?

MAYA

Sometimes.

CONOR

I play banjo

MAYA

What style

CONOR

Irish folk, sweetie

MAYA

We have music. Wednesdays .Six to nine.

CONOR

You let anyone play?

MAYA

Depends. If it fits.

CONOR

It’s a good room.

MAYA

It works.

Conor finishes his beer. He moves to the door.

CONOR

Wednesday, yeah?

MAYA

Six to Nine.

CONOR

I’ll be here.

He leaves.

Chairs shift .The cafe settles into the night.

Maya hears an Irish tune in her head.

This is Conor from Dublin,Ireland.

☆

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony ~ episode 8

Soft cafe sounds.Morning light filters in.

Maya lifts the shutters and opens the main doors.The cafe breathes in the day.

Aman is already in the kitchen,working steadily.Mr.Vikram sits quietly and checks the bookings. Aunty with a cup of tea in her hand goes to help Aman.

Customers start to trickle in.

CUSTOMER 1 Pani Puri

CUSTOMER 2 Mango Lassi

CUSTOMER 3 Coffee and Rasmalai

Maya moves between the counter and tables, taking orders in a calm and efficient manner.

The cafe settles into its rhythm. Maya briefly looks at the note from Lucas again.

Maya
Thank you for everything.I meant what I said about meeting again. 
I just don't know when or how.There is something about you that I will carry with me. 
-Lucas-

Maya quickly reads it again .Aunty steps beside her.

AUNTY Some people don’t stay long but they don’t leave empty.

Aunty moves away . Mr. Vikram looks at his daughter and sees the note.

VIKRAM He was carrying more than he showed.

Maya folds the note and puts it by the cash register.

CUSTOMER This came for you.

Maya thanks the customer and turns the postcard over and reads.

It's not Goa, I hope all is well..Tobias

Maya notices the French stamp on it.She hides a smile and places it beside the note from Lucas.

AMAN Order ready

Maya takes the food to the customer. The cafe continues into evening

The last customers leave,chairs are stacked.Plates are cleared.

Aman is busy following the kitchen shutdown procedure .He is methodical and focused.

Aunty enters to help. She begins covering food in their containers .Placing them in the main fridge.

At the front,Maya wipes the counter and stacks receipts.

She moves to the door locks it and pulls the shutters down. Bhangra drums can be heard in the distance.

Maya returns to the counter where Vikram is already seated with the register open.

VIKRAM Numbers were steady today

Maya nods.

Vikram glances at the note and postcard, then at Maya.

VIKRAM Some people come here when they need something. He found part of it.

Maya doesn’t respond but she listens.

She looks at the note and postcard. Leaves them where they are.

Vikram turns off another light .Smiles to himself as he hears his sister.

AUNTY Aman..wipe that again.This kitchen needs to be spotless.

AUNTY (CONT’D) When in doubt throw it out

The cafe settles into the night.

Maya on the left and Aunty & Anjali

Pierre & Tobias

From Goa to Rouen

Pierre and Tobias left for the airport early, before the day had properly begun.After checking in at Manohar International airport ,they sat in the departure lounge with their mango lassi and their thoughts about the cafe they had left behind.

Paris arrived in a grey misty light.Outside the airport,people moved with purpose .Pierre paused just for a moment before he saw his friend.Charlotte lifted her hand and waved.Pierre greeted her in a warm embrace and said ” this is Tobias”.She smiled just slightly and asked “first time in France?” Tobias noticed her pretty green eyes and said ” yes”.

The drive out of Paris was slow with constant traffic ,then gradually it opened to fields stretching on both sides and the wide open sky. ” How was Goa ?”asked Charlotte “too hot” replied Pierre.Tobias watched the landscape change and said “it already feels different”. Pierre responded with ” France changes quickly ,you just have to notice it”. The rest of the drive passed mostly in silence apart from the drum and bass grooves from the radio.

Rouen appeared before them ,a captivating medieval city on the River Seine defined by beautiful architecture and history around every corner.A fairytale destination with colourful half -timbered houses and narrow picturesque cobbled streets. Charlotte found spacious parking at l’Hotel de Ville right next to the pedestrian zone in Rouen.

Saint Abbey Quen stood in front of them without warning. Tobias looked at it in amazement.Pierre kept his eyes on the stunning Gothic church and said ” they started building it in 1318 and it took more than 200 years.Tobias lowered his gaze with ” no one who started it and others through the years ever saw it finished ?” Pierre nodded slightly and then added “time for coffee “.

They walked along cobbled streets and saw umbrellas hung overhead on a side street,blue and green catching the light. Charlotte took them to Prelude Cafe where they sat outside with their coffees. A few moments passed before Tobias told Pierre he needed to buy a postcard. Pierre asked ” to who ” Tobias calmly said “Maya”. ” you have her address?” Tobias answered Pierre with ” I’ll ask Google”.Pierre in a teasing way adds ” Google knows Maya?” Tobias picking up on the humour says ” Google knows everything “. Pierre considers this and says ” then ask where Lucas is ?”The line settled quietly between them.

Tobias found several cards he liked ,in the end Charlotte chose the one she thought would be perfect Tobias thanked her and turned the card over and wrote ” it’s not Goa hope all is well ” He read it once and didn’t change anything.The postcard stayed in his pocket without an address or a stamp.

As evening fell it brought a different kind of energy with it.They found a cosy restaurant with small tables and a warm light spilling onto the street.Pierre ordered a bottle of red wine for him and Charlotte and cider for Tobias . Around them,voices ,laughter and the rhythm of the night continued.

” We can explore more tomorrow ,time to go home ” said Charlotte already reaching for her bag.They walked back slowly through the streets to Charlotte’s home ,a small apartment with a bohemian style. They stepped inside ,Pierre familiar with its surroundings, Tobias paused before he stepped inside ,it felt different but welcoming.

Photos by Author

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony – Episode 5 ” Rome and light “

The cafe is calm in the morning light. Lucas walks in casually with his guitar slung over his shoulder. Maya is behind the counter and looks at him and says ” you disappeared” Lucas replies ” I went sightseeing”. There’s a small pause before Pierre chimes in with “”without informing the establishment “? Tobias adds ” he is not contracted “.

Lucas leans on the counter and says to Maya ” there’s a market near the beach bohemian vibe ,local crafts ,lanterns everywhere “. ” We were there ” Pierre tells Lucas and he replies ” I know “. Maya watches them and asks ” you saw them “? Lucas responds with “hard to miss “.

Later in the day, the cafe starts to get busy and Alessia walks in and sits near the bar area. Aunty and Anjali are already seated nearby.The conversation drifts toward travel and Aunty starts with “The Ponte Vecchio at sunset, even stubborn men become sentimental “. Tobias clears his throat before saying ” I have been to Rome “. Lucas adds he has been to Rome too.Tobias looks at him and asks “when”? Lucas replies ” a few years ago ” then Tobias says ” Colosseum”? Lucas responds with ” at dawn before the crowds ,the stone feels colder then ,you can hear your own footsteps “. Pierre adds “Trevi Fountain” ? Lucas tells him ” early evening ,the water catches the light like it ‘s holding something ,people throw coins like they’re negotiating with fate”. Pierre tilts his head “did you throw one “? Lucas shakes his head and says ” no, I didn’t want to come back”.

After a small silence Lucas turns to Maya and asks ” can I play something ” ? Maya smiles at him ” of course “.

The final note lingers ,Lucas glances at Maya.Aunty smiles and tells him ” you weren’t just passing through”. Pierre considers this ” he knew where he was going “. In a soft tone Maya says ” it was good “. Alessia checks her phone and wants to take a picture of them all before she leaves.They stand together and Mr. Vikram stands behind the counter. ” Don’t pose too much ” she says and takes the photo.

After everyone leaves ,the cafe slows and Maya pulls down the shutters and locks the door. Maya and her Father sit by the counter ,receipts spread between them. They check the till numbers,notes,small change in a comfortable silence.Aman brings the tea and Rufus sneaks in behind him.

Rufus is Maya’s dog and is hyper ,understands commands but chooses to ignore most of them unless treats are involved.

Maya turns to her Father and says “maybe one day ,I’d like to visit Rome with you Papa” he smiles at her and replies ” then we should go before I get too sensible “. Rufus lays down by Maya’s feet and decides to have a snooze while Mr. Vikram switches off the lamps leaving the cafe to glow softly in the evening . Outside the sound of bhangra drum beats can be heard.

Lucas’s song – music by Dana lyrics by Manique

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony Episode 4

As Maya opens the cafe ,bhangra beats can be heard from the street.

Pierre and Tobias enter talking to each other about Indian desserts and then sit on cushions and order masala chai and some boondi laddu.

“I believe today will be refined ” Pierre says casually and Tobias responds with “It is Thursday” Pierre answers quickly with ” it lacks identity “. After sipping his tea slowly Tobias replies “It is between two more confident days ” and Pierre after finishing his tea says ” that is unsettling for a cafe “.

Warm air drifts in from the street along with a stylish Italian girl with shoulder length hair and hooped earrings catching the light .She pauses and observes and then casually lifts her phone and takes a few pictures .Maya greets her with a smile and a warm hello.

This is Alessia.

” Hi ,just one mango lassi please ” she says to Maya and Pierre whispers to Tobias ” just” with raised eyebrows and adds ” it could be a strategy but a weak one”.Maya prepares the lassi and glances at the door ,no sign of Lucas.

The Italian girl who introduces herself as Alessia, starts to film cushions ,lamps ,the mango lassi and briefly pauses to look at Pierre who had started to adjust cushions. Tobias in a quiet voice says to Pierre “she reviews independant cafes “. Pierre straightens his posture and adjusts a cushion , then another and returns to the first one. ” You have already done that ” Tobias adds and Pierre responds with ” it shifted ” to which Tobias tells Pierre that it didn’t. Pierre in a sharp tone replies with ” it resists alignment ” Tobias answers back with ” it is a cushion “.

Alessia asks Maya if the cafe opened recently. Maya tells her that she had taken over from her Father and added a new vibe with the cushions , lamps , rugs and music. The blogger finishes her lassi, tells Maya it tasted great and says she will return and exits into the sunlight.

Pierre and Tobias also decide to leave , Pierre turns to Maya with ” we will return tomorrow “. Tobias to Pierre ” we are stepping outside ” Pierre to Tobias ” culture develops in motion” Tobias grins and says ” we are going to the pavement ” and Pierre laughs and answers back with ” the pavement has potential”. Tobias says ” it does not ” Pierre replies with ” we will attempt improvement “.

As the cafe remains slow , Maya tells her Father she will close early . Mr. Vikram nods his head and tells her “slow days are useful , they show you what matters “. Maya pulls down the blinds and then locks the door. Aman brings tea for Mr. Vikram and Maya as they start to check the takings for the day, ensuring the POS total matches payments received. Suddenly Rufus who is Maya’s little 3 yr old spaniel comes rushing in from the back door and jumps on Maya’s lap and grins at Mr. Vikram. Maya tells her Father that she would be so lonely without Rufus .Happy puppy listens to Maya talking about him.He jumps off Maya’s lap and decides to spin around and try and catch his tail.Maya picks him up and takes him out into the backyard ,says goodnight to her Father and Aman and closes the backdoor.

As she goes into her own flat she starts to wonder about Lucas and hopes he will come to the cafe tomorrow.

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony – Episode 3

Maya arranges the flowers in a vase on the table and puts her market bags on the floor . “I’ll be back before the afternoon rush ,no experimenting Daddy” she says ” I never do” replies Mr. Vikram with a twinkle in his eye. She leaves soon after and moments later Pierre and Tobias enter. Pierre sees Mr. Vikram and says ” Ahh…authority has taken over” Tobias adds ” Efficiency has taken over.” The cafe runs calmly under Mr. Vikram’s supervision. ” The cushions feel disciplined” Pierre says to which Mr. Vikram points out ” they are aligned” Maya returns and slips into the back extension with receipts in her hand.She hears Lucas playing softly outside the back door.She asks Lucas why he didnt go in and Lucas replies ” your Father has a presence”. Maya smiles and says ” that’s one word for it”.

Meanwhile back inside Pierre being curious says ” why are the chairs like this “?” They are arranged” replies Mr. Vikram calmly.

At 7pm lights dim and Temple lights glow.Bhangra fusion plays softly in the background.The rhythm has a light dhol beat mixed with electronic sounds giving a warm buzz to the cafe.Pierre nods along to the music as if he personally arranged it. Tobias looks at him and says ” is the cafe now a nightclub as well “? Pierre replies with “Culture Tobias,Atmosphere “.

” Welcome to Midweek Musical Madness” shouts Pierre Tobias adds ” it is karoake ” A college student starts by singing dramatically, Aman steps up and sings unexpectedly smooth and Tobias performs with perfect pitch and staying emotionally neutral. Laughter and applause before Maya checks her list and says ” Lucas ” He looks up and steps forward and plays a gentle acoustic melody.

Silence after the final note and then applause.Lucas looks at Maya slightly longer than usual.

At 9pm the tables are cleared,the cafe is calm again and she turns to Lucas and says ” good crowd” Lucas responds with ” it worked and so did you “. She smiles back and say ” I have to be good at this ” Lucas turns and says ” you are ” before leaving

Mr. Vikram watches them from the bar area .

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony ~ Episode 2

The cafe looks the same as yesterday but somehow it feels different.

Maya unlocks the door and pushes it open.A few customers follow and one of them asks if it’s the place mentioned on instagram. Before Maya can reply ,Pierre rushes in with his phone raised like breaking news and Tobias follows calmly. ” We have momentum ” Pierre says excitedly ” 400 followers overnight ” and throws his hands in the air and says ” we are ascending “. Tobias replies ” we are mildly increasing “.

Another customer steps inside curiously and orders pani puri saying she has never tried it before. Pierre steps forward like a guide and says ” ahh..pani puri an Indian street food delicious, spicy a journey into the unkown”

Maya waits for Pierre to finish his description and then takes the order to chef Aman.

Aunty and Maya’s cousin Anjali pop in early afternoon , Aunty says after giving a hug to Maya ” we need tea ” then walks straight toward the kitchen to greet her brother Vikram.

Anjali remains near the counter looking around the cafe and says to Pierre ” it’s beautiful here ” to which Pierre replies ” a sanctuary of edible architecture ” and Tobias intervenes with ” it has cushions “.

Early evening the cafe has slowed to a relaxed rhythm and Lucas enters carrying his guitar Anjali ” ooh live music ” and clasps her hands ” only when tolerated ” says Lucas. Pierre leans toward Anjali and whispers “he undersells himself, it’s tragic “.

Maya prepares coffee for Lucas while Aunty gathers her things by the entrance ” we’ll see you tomorrow ” and Anjali waves to everyone and says “looking forward to Midweek Musical Madness “.

Pierre watches thoughtfully ” inspiration requires sacrifice ” and turns toward Tobias ” I felt electricty between me and Anjali “Tobias replies ” static”. Pierre continues ” if destiny wishes it ..it will reunite us ” Tobias answers “Destiny has Wi Fi and her number.

Here are Aunty and Anjali ..

The cafe settles as evening falls .A few cups stay empty on the tables.Lucas finishes his coffee and after a moment , takes his guitar and plays a soft wandering melody ,the notes drift gently through the room .

Maya pauses while clearing a table, Pierre listens with interest and Tobias looks up briefly. Lucas finishes playing and Pierre always ready with something to say, tilts his head with “ahh..melancholy with excellent timing”.

Maya looks across the room at Lucas , from the kitchen doorway ,Mr. Vikram and chef Aman watch quietly.They say nothing but Mr. Vikram hides the smallest smile.

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony

The soft morning light fills the cosy cafe on a side street in Goa ,India .

Maya a pretty lady in her late 20’s is back in Goa as part owner with her Father Vikram at the Pani Puri dessert cafe and music bar.

Today is her first day and she adjusts cushions once again and inhales, walks to the main door and unlocks it and the warm air rushes in along with a dramatic French tourist called Pierre who in excited tones says “we are first “. Following Pierre in a calm way is Tobias ,a German backpacker who replies ” we are early”.Maya smiles at them and gives them menus and then turns to see the expresso machine spluttering loudly.Aman taps it a few times and the coffee machine is back in action.Pierre responds with ” he has mechanical empathy “

Pierre and Tobias both happy with their coffees start reading the menu.Pani Puri,Indian desserts,mango lassi ,iced coffee,cold brews and other snacks.Another tourist enters and says ” What is a pani puri “?Pierre gasps theatrically ” it is not what ..it is an experience.A hollow crispy sphere of destiny filled with spiced potatoes and chick peas.”Tobias adds “and tangy spiced water “Pierre still in drama mode replies “you place the entire universe in your mouth”

The afternoon weaves slowly into evening ,the temple lights glow at the entrance as a tall handsome man with sea blue eyes and a guitar looks at Maya and says “I heard there was music ” Maya laughs and answers with “there was chaos” and Lucas with the sea blue eyes adds ” chaos has rhythm “. He shakes Maya’s hand and introduces himself as Lucas a Canadian singer/songwriter visiting Goa chasing dreams and healing.

He begins to play a warm simple acoustic melody. The atmospere in the room softens and even Pierre is quiet.This is my unfinished song Lucas adds after the final note to which Maya replies with “you don’t sound unfinished” Lucas turns around and smiles “I’m working on it ” Maya glances at her Father ,he is watching quietly and saying nothing.

Customers drift out into the night Pierre,Tobias and Lucas leave together.

Here they are all together as this story unfolds From left to right are Pierre ,Tobias,Mr.Vikram Maya,Aman and Rufus .We do also have Lucas sitting with his guitar