There was an uneasy silence in the Kapoor household. Their elder son Sharan had submitted his resignation.
Sharan’s father looked at Sharan with a blank expression while his mother looked at him with ‘about to cry at any moment’ expression like the world was coming to an end.
The only normal expression was on the face of Sharan’s younger brother Arin and he was the one who spoke first, “so, what are you going to do now?”
“A book café,” said Sharan, finally relieved to speak about his further plans.
Mr Kapoor looked towards his wife but didn’t say anything. The silence continued and then Sharan spoke, “You both need to let out what is going in your mind.”
Mr Kapoor adjusted his spectacles and said, “I hope you have given it a deep thought. If you need any help just ask.”
Mrs Kapoor did not say anything.
The book café was opened and Sharan named it ‘The Next Chapter’. It was on the first floor of an open shopping complex.
“Doesn’t it sound like someone offering marriage or adoption services?” asked Arin, the day before opening.
“Maybe. But its something grandpa used to say a lot.. so”
“Well, I hope this works and I get to leave my job,” said Arin
Sharan did not encourage him as he himself was not sure of the future, with all the savings gone into this venture along with some debts to be paid.
The place was a 30 minutes’ drive from home and was open from 11 am to 11 pm. Sharan had managed to convince one of his cousins still in college to work part time along with his girlfriend. He hired two more people to manage the kitchen and he himself made the beverages.
Although not in a big way, the café worked. Sometimes during the present time, we feel the charm of books is losing out on people, but that’s not true there is just a lot of loud crowds following nonsense and that gives us this feeling.
There was moderate rush during 12 pm to 2 pm, it is usually people seeking a brief escape or respite amidst or aside from their rather busy schedule. After 2 pm to 5 or 6 there are those seeking for a change of scenario while working. From 6 pm right to 9 pm the crowd is there to recharge with their favourite beverage, maybe a glance or two at the books or exchanging words with another. Things slowed down a bit after that, some people preferring some peaceful reading would come by, and one among them was Medha.
Medha had started coming recently to the café at around 9:30 pm, it had been thrice that she had stayed till the closing time. Typing her way into her laptop, and occasionally going through a few pages of a book she would carry.
Sharan usually did not interact with customers beyond what was required. But one day when his cousin left early, Sharan had to serve the ordered double shot espresso himself when he noticed Medha watching out of the café’s glass panes.
“Let me guess, freelance journalist,” said Sharan
Medha looked at him and smiled, “or perhaps a ghost who has developed liking for your café”
Sharan did not understand the words and he returned quietly to the kitchen. Seven months passed and Medha came there every day but Sharan never spoke to her again and one day as he stood at the counter Medha came to him and said.
“Today is the last day I am here. My work here is done,” said Medha
“It is a book, isn’t it?” asked Sharan
Medha smiled, “So you figured it out. Would mind making it an addition here?”
“Not at all, I am considering something to encourage more writers”
“Unlimited coffee?” asked Medha
Sharan laughed, “You will know if you come back to write here.”
“Do you want me to?”
“Who wants to lose a regular customer,” said Sharan
“Of course that’s true. I did think I would have to find another place after our first interaction, thinking if this becomes something regular then how will I write. Anyways goodbye..” Medha elongated the pause
“Sharan..” responded Sharan
“I am Medha,” smiled Medha and walked away but she did return one day after a couple of years, and the book she wrote did become an addition with the other books.
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Brief Interaction
Early Morning Memories 