Page 6 of Since You Came Along

‘Rules for work, yes. But not for friends,’ he shrugged.

‘And all this just because he helped me?’ Meera asked, raising an eyebrow.

Raghav leaned in, his tone light but sincere. ‘No. He tipped the scales in your favour. I don’t have anyone feeding me info about you.’

‘Is that your concern? I’m lucky you haven’t met Siya yet. If she were in Abhay’s place, she’d have told you how many spoons of sugar I like in my coffee. Abhay’s nothing compared to her.’

‘So, how do you take your coffee?’

‘I’m more of achaiperson. I only drink coffee when I’m stressed or I’ve got papers to grade all night.’

‘See, that’s the kind of thing I’d already know about you if I’d met Siya.’

‘She wanted to be here yesterday, but she had a business event in Mumbai.’

‘No worries,’ he said. ‘I’ll collect info in bulk later.’

Her laughter still echoed in the air when the server approached to take their order. As she focused back on the menu, Raghav took the opportunity to study her. She looked relaxed and comfortable in her simple black top paired with a grey shrug and faded blue jeans.

Her hair was tied up in an effortless bun, and the kohl around her eyes made the brown in them stand out even more. A delicate diamond pendant hung from a rustic silver chain, and a platinum band adorned her forefinger. There was a natural beauty to her that mesmerised him.

Just as Meera was about to speak, someone called her name across the café. Meera recognised the voice. She had hoped Mahesh would be working this shift.

She turned around and waved enthusiastically. Mahesh Jha, even at fifty, was a strong, well-built man. His smile, though etched with years, held a warmth that drew people in. He made his way towards them with a slight limp.

When he reached their table, Meera gave him a warm hug. ‘It’s been so long, Uncle! How’s your leg now? Are you feeling better?’

‘Much better, thank you. Though your aunty won’t let me come here much.’

Meera couldn’t help but lecture him, ‘She’s right! If you’re here day and night, you’ll be on your feet the whole time. That won’t help you heal!’

She turned towards Raghav, who stood beside her. ‘Uncle, meet Raghav. He’s my friend. Raghav, this is Uncle Mahesh. He owns this café.’

Raghav extended his hand, smiling. ‘Nice to meet you, Uncle.’

‘Nice to meet you too, son,’ Mahesh replied, shaking his hand. ‘Have you placed your order, or can I get you anything?’

‘Oh, Meera took care of it,’ Raghav said. ‘She highly recommended your coffee.’

Mahesh laughed. ‘I’ll make it myself, then. Did you order the usual, Meera?’

‘You know it,’ Meera replied, before heading over to greet his wife, Sunita, who had just walked into the café.

Mahesh glanced at Raghav and asked, ‘What do you think of the art on that wall?’

‘I love it. It feels very personal and inviting,’ Raghav said.

Mahesh smiled proudly. ‘Meera designed the entire wall. She spent two weeks here working on it.’

Raghav now understood why the art had felt so familiar. He could recognise her distinctive artistic style. His gaze wandered to Meera, who was laughing at something Sunita had just said.

Two things about Meera were clear to him. She was incredibly talented, and she had a smile that could light up the entire room. In that moment, he realised he didn’t want to be the reason that smile ever faded. He decided to tell her everything just then.

Chapter 4

As Meera made her way back to the table, she noticed the change in Raghav’s mood. His relaxed demeanour was gone, replaced by something more serious. She sat down and couldn’t help but wonder if it was something she had said. Rather than guessing, she asked him.

‘Raghav, is everything alright? You seem tense.’

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