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.