Page 3 of Since You Came Along (Ever Since #1)
T he crisp morning air hinted at the end of winter. The sunlight painted golden patterns on the trees, casting warm reflections on the nearby buildings. The lakeside café was a welcome escape from the bustling city outside. Inside, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
Vibrant paintings of rainbow spirals, interwoven with intricate quotes and patterns, adorned the walls. They reminded him of Meera’s sketches, almost as if this space was an extension of her mind. He could see why she had chosen this spot.
Raghav had arrived half an hour early, picking a corner seat by the window for the beautiful view. The lake shimmered under the sunlight, a peaceful contrast to the nervous energy churning inside him.
Although yesterday had gone well, he had come here today with no expectations. Raghav didn’t want to mislead her or give her false hopes. Even if all he walked away with today was her friendship, it would still be enough.
He fiddled with a sugar packet, crumpling its edges between his fingers. The café door creaked open, but it wasn’t until a soft, familiar voice broke his thoughts that he noticed. It took him a moment to realise Meera was standing in front of him.
Meera noticed a distant look on his face and felt a knot form in her stomach. Maybe he had changed his mind about meeting her, or was figuring out how to let her down gently.
Her worry faded the moment their eyes met. His expression softened, and a smile lit up his face. He stood up, pushing his chair back.
‘Sorry, Meera. I was lost in my thoughts,’ Raghav said, his voice warm. ‘Please, sit.’
As she settled into the chair, she took a moment to look at him. Yesterday, he’d been in a crisp shirt, but today, he was dressed casually in blue jeans, a burgundy t-shirt, and a black leather jacket that seemed to fit him effortlessly.
It seemed he’d run his hand through his hair a few times, tousling it, and the hint of a beard on his jaw gave him a rugged look. He smiled at her, and for a moment, her heart skipped a beat.
‘This is a great place. I haven’t been here before, but I can see myself coming often,’ Raghav said, picking up the sugar packet he’d been playing with.
‘I’m glad you like it,’ Meera said, her voice light with relief. ‘My friends and I have been coming here since our college days. It’s our favourite spot.’
‘I can see why.’
‘You’ll love the coffee here. They do make hazelnut brew with almond milk and cinnamon sugar,’ she added, reaching for the menu, even though she knew it by heart.
She felt two light taps on her menu and looked up to find Raghav looking confused. ‘How did you know how I take my coffee?’
‘Oh, Abhay whispered it to me when you were leaving. He told me to find a place you could drink it so you wouldn’t be cranky.’
Raghav laughed, shaking his head. ‘I’ll deal with him later.’
‘Don’t hurt him! He did me a favour,’ Meera protested, her eyes twinkling.
‘I’ve got to teach him a lesson on bro code,’ he said, grinning.
‘Isn’t he your co-founder? Doesn’t your company have rules against harassing partners?’ she teased.
‘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 a chai person. 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.