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
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