MAYA IN GOA

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.

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Irish jig by Dana Gaynor