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
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