“Aditya’s mom was absolutely a cruel witch,” Mili mutters, shutting the café door behind her as the last customer leaves.
After the confrontation with Aditya, I came straight to the café, needing a distraction to keep my mind occupied. I could feel Mili’s eyes on me, her face filled with unspoken questions she hadn’t dared to ask.
Now, I see her, ready to lash out with all that she’s been holding back.
“This whole day has been awful,” I mumble, sinking into my chair at the counter.
My mind replays it all like a reel I can’t shut off…
Aditya’s mom throwing those cruel words at me.
Aditya trying to convince me to give him a chance, to believe in us.
Me wanting to say yes—wanting him more than I should—yet knowing I can’t be with him, no matter how much he’s come to mean to me.
“Are you okay?” Mili asks, taking a seat opposite me.
“Of course I am.”
“You are such a bad liar,” she says, shaking her head, calling me out on my bluff. “Talk to me.”
I run a hand through my hair and let out a tired sigh. “Aditya’s mom made it very clear that she doesn’t think I’m good enough for him. And Aditya… he still wants me to give him a chance. But I can’t. No matter how much I…” I stop myself, shaking my head. “It’s just a mess,” I say, glancing at her, knowing she’s ready with her usual advice, but I just don’t have it in me today to listen to it. “Can we save your two bits for another day? I’m not in the right mind for it right now.”
Mili studies me for a moment before nodding. “Another day.”
She doesn’t push, doesn’t probe—just gives me the space I need. And for that, I’m grateful.
Mili then grabs her bag and rises to her feet. “Shall we head home?”
I shake my head. “I need to stay a bit longer.”
She opens her mouth, probably to protest, but I cut in before she can. “The coffee machine needs checking.”
Her brows pull together in concern. “I can stay back and help…”
I shake my head again. “It’s fine, Mili. I just… I need to be alone for a bit.”
She hesitates but then exhales softly. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she gives me a small nod. “Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call me if you need me.”
I nod in return, watching as she makes her way to the door. But just as she opens it, I see Jai standing there.
Mili grins, throwing me a knowing look before turning to him. “Hey, perfect timing. I need to rush, but I think you can help my dear friend here.”
He blinks, his brows knitting together in confusion as he opens his mouth to ask something. But she cuts him off. “I need to go. You’ll figure it out.”
And just like that, she’s gone, leaving me standing there as Jai steps in, his eyes finding mine with a smile on his lips.
“So… what help do you need?”
I shake my head. “Don’t bother. I’ve got it.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Nice try, but I’m helping.”
I sigh, turning back to the coffee machine, pretending to busy myself with the buttons. “Do you even know how a coffee machine works?”
“Don’t underestimate me. I’m a man of many talents.” He steps next to me as he folds the sleeves of his white shirt up to his elbows. “Now, watch the master at work.”
I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips, but I quickly hide it. “Alright, master. Let’s see this so-called talent of yours.”
