Coffee & Conversations
The next evening,Minakshi finds herself back at Chapters & Coffee, this time intentionally choosing the same corner table by the window.
She tells herself it’s just because the spot is cozy—not because she secretly hopes to run into Abhay again.
She flips through her notebook, trying to work on her novel, but her mind keeps drifting to the stranger with the guitar and easy smile.
Minakshi Malhotra
I’m just sitting in my favorite spot - to sip my coffee, gather my thoughts
Just as she takes a sip of her cappuccino, a familiar voice breaks her thoughts.
Abhay Singhania
we meet again
She looks up to find Abhay standing there, a playful glint in his eyes. He’s holding a coffee cup in one hand and a book in the other—The Great Gatsby.
Minakshi Malhotra
(raises an eyebrow) So, do you always wander into bookstores hoping to rescue falling books and charm strangers?
Abhay Singhania
(chuckles) Only when the stranger is interesting enough to talk to again
Abhay slides into the seat across from her. What starts as small talk quickly turns into something deeper
Abhay Singhania
So, you’re a writer? (noticing her open notebook)
Minakshi Malhotra
(sighs) Trying to be. I’ve started about ten different stories and finished none
Abhay Singhania
Maybe you just haven’t found the right one yet
Minakshi Malhotra
(smiles) And you? What’s your story?
Abhay Singhania
(hesitates for a second before shrugging) I’m a musician. Or, at least, I’d like to be. I write songs, but I haven’t played anything in public for a while
Minakshi Malhotra
That’s amazing! Why not perform?
Abhay takes a slow sip of his coffee
Abhay Singhania
I guess… I’m still waiting for the right song
Minakshi Malhotra
(leans forward, resting her chin on her palm) What inspires you?
Abhay Singhania
(chuckles) Good books. Late-night walks. The sound of rain. And sometimes… interesting conversations in bookstores
Minakshi feels a slight warmth rise to her cheeks
Minakshi Malhotra
I think we’re going to be good friends, Abhay
Abhay Singhania
(grins) Oh? You’re already planning a friendship?
Minakshi Malhotra
Well, you haven’t given me a reason not to (teasing)
Abhay Singhania
(speaking softly looking at her) Then I better make sure I don’t
Their conversation drifts to their favorite books and music.
Minakshi Malhotra
Okay, be honest. What’s one book that changed your life?
Abhay Singhania
The Alchemist. It made me believe in dreams
Minakshi Malhotra
Cliché, but solid choice
Minakshi Malhotra
Anne of Green Gables. Because it made me believe in love
Abhay Singhania
(raises an eyebrow) Love, huh?
Minakshi Malhotra
(shrugs, stirring her coffee) Not just romantic love. The kind of love that makes life beautiful—friendship, dreams, little moments
Abhay watches her for a moment before nodding
Abhay Singhania
That’s the kind of love worth writing songs about
The café starts to close, and they reluctantly gather their things
Abhay Singhania
I have a feeling this won’t be our last coffee conversation (as they step outside)
Minakshi Malhotra
(smirks) That depends. Are you planning on rescuing more books?
Abhay Singhania
Only if you promise to keep dropping them
They share a lingering look before going their separate ways.
As Meenakshi walks home, she realizes she’s smiling for no reason. Or maybe, for one very specific reason
Somewhere in the city, Abhay pulls out his notebook and jots down a lyric
“””Some stories start with a hello, some with a falling book…”””
And so, their story continues
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