Chapter 6: A Week Away (pt.1)
The café bustled with activity as Shyam and Raitha helped Mr. Patel prepare for the temporary closure. Chairs were stacked, equipment was unplugged, and the familiar hum of the coffee grinder came to an abrupt stop.
"Feels weird seeing the place like this," Raitha said, wiping her hands on a rag.
Shyam nodded. "Yeah. It's been a while since we closed for anything other than holidays."
"Well, a renovation is worth it," Mr. Patel chimed in, stepping into the room. "And it gives you both a break. Speaking of which…" He turned to Raitha, his tone casual. "I was thinking—you've been working hard lately. How would you feel about coming along to my parents' house with Shyam?"
Raitha blinked, caught off guard. "Me? Are you sure? I wouldn't want to intrude."
"Nonsense," Mr. Patel said with a wave of his hand. "They'd love the company. And you'll get to see a different side of Shyam."
Her gaze flicked to Shyam, who seemed just as surprised by the suggestion.
"Well… I'll have to ask my parents first," she said hesitantly.
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The Unexpected Yes
Later that evening, Raitha sat on the edge of her bed, phone in hand. She explained the situation to her parents, expecting them to politely decline. To her astonishment, they agreed without hesitation.
"It'll be good for you," her father said. "You've been working nonstop. A change of scenery will do you good."
Raitha smiled, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling in her chest.
The next morning, she relayed the news to Shyam and Mr. Patel, her cheeks tinged pink. "Looks like I'm coming with you."
"Great!" Mr. Patel said, clapping his hands together. "We leave tomorrow morning. Pack light."
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The Journey Begins
The train ride to Shyam's grandparents' house was longer than Raitha expected, but it gave her a chance to relax. She watched the scenery change from the bustling city to the quiet, rolling countryside.
"This is so different from what I'm used to," she said, leaning against the window.
Shyam glanced up from the book he was reading. "You'll like it. It's peaceful."
When they arrived at the small station, they were greeted by Shyam's grandparents, who enveloped him in warm hugs.
"And you must be Raitha," his grandmother said, her eyes twinkling. "Shyam told us about you. Welcome!"
Raitha smiled, touched by their kindness. "Thank you for having me."
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Childhood Memories
Shyam led Raitha through the village, pointing out landmarks that held special meaning to him.
"That's the old banyan tree where I used to climb and hide from my cousins," he said, gesturing to a massive tree with sprawling branches.
Raitha laughed. "You? Climbing trees? I can't picture it."
"I wasn't always this boring," he said with a faint smile.
They walked further, stopping by a small stream. Shyam crouched down, picking up a smooth pebble. "I used to skip stones here. Spent hours trying to beat my own record."
"Did you ever get good at it?" she asked, crouching beside him.
He shrugged. "Decent, I guess. Want to try?"
Raitha nodded, and Shyam showed her the technique. Her first few attempts were clumsy, but eventually, she managed to make the stone skip twice before it sank.
"Not bad," he said, clearly impressed.
"Beginner's luck," she replied with a grin.
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An Evening to Remember
That evening, the family gathered for dinner, the table laden with home-cooked dishes that made Raitha's mouth water. Shyam's grandfather told stories from his youth, his animated gestures making everyone laugh.
After dinner, Shyam and Raitha sat on the porch, the air filled with the sound of crickets.
"This place is incredible," Raitha said, gazing at the star-filled sky.
"It's always felt like a second home to me," Shyam admitted. "It's where I come when I need to clear my head."
Raitha glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. "Thanks for letting me be a part of it."
He met her gaze, something unspoken passing between them. "I'm glad you came."