Chapter 15: Filling the Gaps
As the weeks went by, Raitha and Shyam found themselves growing closer, albeit in small, almost imperceptible ways. It wasn't an abrupt change but rather a series of subtle moments—a shared smile here, a casual laugh there—that began to bridge the quiet gap between them.
One Thursday afternoon, the café was busier than usual. The sound of clinking cups, chairs scraping the floor, and muffled conversations filled the air. Shyam moved efficiently behind the counter, carefully balancing two trays of drinks. Meanwhile, Raitha worked the tables, her cheerful demeanor charming the customers.
As Shyam returned to the counter, he noticed Raitha struggling to lift a tray stacked with plates. Without a word, he walked over and steadied the tray.
"Careful," he said softly. "You'll drop it if you don't balance it right."
Raitha blinked, startled by his sudden action, but then smiled. "Thanks, Shyam. I've got it now."
He nodded, stepping back. But as he watched her walk away, he felt a faint warmth in his chest, one he quickly dismissed.
---
Later that evening, after the last customer left, Patel locked the doors while Raitha and Shyam cleaned up. Raitha was wiping down the tables when she noticed Shyam sweeping the floor near her.
"You've been quiet today," she said, glancing at him.
Shyam paused mid-sweep, surprised by her observation. "I didn't realize I was being any different."
Raitha chuckled softly. "You always are, but today you seemed... distracted. Something on your mind?"
He hesitated before shaking his head. "Not really. Just... thinking."
"About?" she pressed gently.
He didn't answer right away, focusing instead on the broom in his hands. Finally, he said, "About how things have been changing."
Raitha tilted her head. "Changing how?"
"Here. Between us," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Her heart skipped a beat, but she managed to keep her tone light. "Is that a bad thing?"
Shyam looked up at her, meeting her gaze for a brief moment before looking away. "No. It's not bad."
---
The next day, Raitha arrived at the café earlier than usual. She found Shyam already there, setting up chairs.
"You're early," he said without looking up.
"So are you," she replied, placing her bag on the counter.
He shrugged. "I like to get a head start."
"Me too," she said with a small smile.
They worked in comfortable silence for a while, the early morning sun streaming through the windows. As Raitha arranged the napkins, she glanced at Shyam, who was focused on setting the tables.
"Hey, Shyam?"
"Yeah?"
"I was thinking... maybe we should do something outside of work. You know, like go somewhere. Just to unwind."
Shyam froze for a moment, the suggestion catching him off guard. "You mean... together?"
"Well, yeah," she said, trying to sound casual. "Why not? We've been working hard. Don't you think we deserve a break?"
He considered her words before nodding slowly. "I guess that makes sense. Where do you want to go?"
Raitha's face lit up. "I don't know yet, but I'll figure it out. Maybe somewhere quiet, where we can relax."
Shyam gave her a small smile. "Alright. Let me know."
---
Over the next few days, Raitha noticed a subtle but meaningful shift in Shyam's demeanor. He seemed more at ease around her, more willing to engage in conversation. It wasn't a complete transformation—he was still the reserved, introspective person she'd always known—but it was enough to make her heart feel lighter.
One evening, as they closed up the café, Raitha turned to Shyam. "Hey, thanks for agreeing to go out with me."
"It's no big deal," he said, though his ears turned slightly red.
She laughed softly, finding his shyness endearing. "You're really bad at taking compliments, you know that?"
"Maybe," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "But I'm trying."
Raitha smiled warmly. "I know you are, Shyam. And I appreciate it."
As they parted ways for the night, Raitha couldn't help but feel a growing sense of hope. The gap between them was slowly but surely closing, and she knew that, in time, they would find their way to each other.