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