That Girl by The Cafe

She was sitting under a big orange umbrella, matching the colour of her pullover. I could see her face clearly through the lights.

There was something special about her. I think it was her smile. The moment she took off her mask, there was a spark no one could miss. 

She had a strange calm on her face...something you hardly see in the middle of the hustle bustle of this city. She chose a seat right next to the entrance of the cafe, on the outside. Perfect choice for a day which is not very hot, and not so cold either. She was quick to order. She knew exactly what she wanted.

I was bored with the gentleman I was meeting and her presence instantly engaged me. Thankfully, we were at a table right next to her.

I had barely finished half my cup, when the waiter arrived with her order. A bowl of Maggie and a plate of French Fries with a unusually big serving of ketchup. I smiled. It was my kind of order. It was the perfect place and the perfect time to enjoy Maggie. I was sure someone would soon join her.

I was wrong.  

She started eating. The pattern very cyclical. A spoon of Maggie, followed by French Fries dipped in ketchup. Repeat. In no time, tea arrived. 

Her mobile phone was placed on the table, clipped on a stand, erect enough for her to look into it while she was eating. I could see her smiling occasionally. 'What is she watching', I was thinking.

I saw her giggle a couple of times. I had never seen someone enjoying a meal so much. Alone, yet so entertained. She continued to look at the mobile screen as she munched a couple of more fries, while the Maggie was over. I was so badly wanting for my meeting to get over. 

In a couple of minutes, the waiter arrived. 'Will she walk away after paying the bill?' I was wrong. I was hoping for her to stay around. 

I saw her checking the menu  and I assumed that she might get something packed to carry home. Maybe she lives alone. Or maybe she's carrying food for someone else who stays with her. My mind was wrapped around her.

I  started looking inside the cafe, trying to second-guess what the waiter would arrive with. And there came a fancy brownie, loaded with a big scoop of ice cream, placed carefully between a hot plate. Little drops of ice cream were falling on the hot plate, and I could hear them sizzle. 

Her face lit up. She switched off her phone, dipped her spoon in the heart of the oozing chocolate, and was enjoying her treat while looking around.

For a moment, I started wondering how long I have been thinking about celebrating myself alone.
Going out alone. Doing crazy things alone. Watch a movie alone. Traveling alone. But I'm not sure how much I would enjoy my own company. 

In that hour, she taught me how to be with oneself, stay calm and composed, and have fun. I decided to  start from here, and do exactly the same. Order a weird combo in this cozy cafe someday, and entertain myself. 

I just hope to keep smiling like she did. That girl by the cafe. 

The School Bus

I thought I heard the school bus
Accompanied by cheering from parents, ‘run fast, you can still catch it’
Did I also hear some cars honk, getting impatient as the bus waits?

I was making my morning tea.
I did not hear anything; my imagination just played.
Two years, no screeching brake sounds from school buses
None have gone to school
They have been waiting. Just like the kids.

Little Neph is waiting to play with friends,
Son keeps dribbling his football looking over the turf from our balcony
None can leave the house, let alone be in the playground.

‘God, please cure the world of Corona so that I can go out and play with friends’, prays the little one. I look up in hope.
Hope someone up there listens. Hope the kids get to play soon. Hope the buses start plying.
Hold on to what we have. Hope.