I work for 24*7 cafe, presently working in night shift along with my colleague neil who loves his sleep so technically I am all alone in the shift. I don't understand the logic of keeping a cafe open round the clock in the era of pubs & bars, who will bother to come here. The last customer I attend to is at 01.00 am at maximum with some exceptions for example Valentine's Day.
Anyways I like my night shifts, at least it's quiet here, better for me because my heart needs time to survive from breakup with my boyfriend. Saying goodbye had never been my cup of tea.
One hour at maximum and i will be done with my checklist and job roles. It's all done at 03.00 am. I hear a knock on the door, quite unusual because no one comes here at this point of time.
I welcomed him, got him seated and presented our cafe menu. I looked at him, he looked handsome but somewhat tired. His dark circles are screaming of sleepless nights, may be he also works at night.
He asked for a cappuccino, I served with a smile doodled on the coffee- we call it latte art. He smiled a little and had it silently and left. For next few days this process repeated and since he is little familiar now to me, I serve the coffee with a mini sandwitch from my side. He didn't said anything neither opposed, just silently had it along with the coffee.
I wonder if he is mute- poor soul.
He came again today, his face is pale today looks like work has taken a toll on him. Suddenly his phone started ringing and this is the first time I heard his voice while serving him coffee. There is a shiver in his voice, like his heart is at a edge of breaking.
I left the table but kept my focus on him, he looked disturb and slowly I could see a tear in his eyes.
I prepared my speciality -prerna special pasta and served him hot. I didn't order it, with that he started yelling at me, why are you always giving me free treats, what the hell you want?
I did nothing but to make things a little good for you sir, I am sorry for my behavior.
I left the table and went inside for a bit. The moment I came out, he called me to the table. I was scared but this is my job, I asked him with a smile if there is anything more he wants to order?
He gestured me to sit, I politely rejected. He again asked me to sit down and this time I did. I looked at him and he apologised. He said My name is souvik, I work at nearest MNC and there is something bothering my peace of mind and in a rage I just took out my frustration on you. I offered my help if that can make things better.
He laughed saying, I am gay and presently having a long distance troubled relationship with my boyfriend mir. He just shifted to USA now tell me what shall I do? He doesn't give me time. Today as well he just called and I couldn't hold it out. The pasta that you made reminded me of Mir who use to cook the same for me. He shown me his picture on his phone, two handsome man not available for girls, what a shame. Somehow he understood my inner voice may be by my reaction and laughed. Luckily he didn't said a word about it.
A tear rolled his eyes, I unconsciously wiped it away. I am sorry, it's just basic human nature is all I said.
Seeing someone in pain has always been my weakness moreover his struggle with his relationship portraits my version in a man.
I think all you need is a little time and patience, things will surely work out for you both. I could see a ray of hope in his eyes, somewhat convinced with my words.
He thanked me with a handshake and asked my name - nice meeting you sir, my name is prerna. Call me souvik, with that he left biding me a farewell.
It's been a week with no sign of sauvik. The best thing about neil is he sleep a lot and doesn't disturb me at all at work. I am almost done,Here comes sauvik again at his usual time, I served him coffee with mini sandwitch. I was leaving when he asked me to get another cup of coffee and sit down with him. I looked at him carefully. His face is pale again, eyes are all red and he have lost weight too.
I asked him what's wrong? I had a breakup prerna. Mir had called and told me that he have found someone else over there. It's over prerna, this time it's finally over with that he hugged me and cried. I almost did nothing and let him cry for a while, hugging him back.
The dam of tears broken down and had flooded his face. I sat down, took his hand and tried to comfort him. I wiped his tears and asked him to be strong. God always removes people that are not meant to be around us.
Now souvik visits have become regular and honestly I started falling for him. We have a lot of comman intrest and we keep doing things together. His smile, his fragrance, his touch, his eyes are slowly triggering my heart.
Today we decided to dance on our favorite song. While dancing we got little closer with swift and sudden moves. Suddenly our eyes met with only a inch of gap between us. He moved closer and kissed my cheek. We both were dumbstruck, trying to digest the fact that he just kissed me. In the next moment, he hurriedly left.
It's been almost a month now, looks like his kiss was only a mistake for him and a last gift for me. I told you prerna love is a trap moreover falling for a gay is absolutely insane. The pain inside me is killing me and with each passing day, my hopes are crushed again and again.
Today he came again at his regular time and before I could say anything he put his finger to my mouth with a smile. I was surprised,he holds my left hand while slipping a ring in my ring finger without asking me. But isn't he a gay? Then what had changed, I asked him- he said after that night I started analysing my feelings and came to a conclusion that I have a feeling for you and you are the first girl prerna with whom I feel connected. You are first girl I have ever touched and moreover I can surely live a life without you but that is like for survival only and I want to live my life with you.so I am in love with you prerna.
Ok, but how do you know whether I love you or not?
Well I came here after a week and seen you dancing again imagining me. I didn't had the courage to face you that day moreover I needed time to figure out things . So I know you love me too.
I do love you sauvik.
We both smiled looking at the journey we have travelled together so far. Rest things will slowly fall in place.
