(no title)

MAYA IN GOA

PANI PURI & HARMONY ~ Episode 16 ~ Sunday morning

The cafe is being restored after the successful Bhangra evening. Tables are put back in place .Chairs straightened.Rugs are rolled away.

AMAN works steadily in the kitchen.ANJALI balances the accounts.AUNTY rearranges flowers while regulars drift in for chai and conversation.

Outside – LUCAS waits patiently by his scooter.

VIKRAM Maya…

MAYA Yes?

VIKRAM Go and spend time with Lucas. We have enough people.

Then – CONOR strolls in wearing sunglasses.

CONOR Morning.Beautiful people. (he notices Lucas outside) Ah….you’re throwing your daughter out again.

VIKRAM Only for the afternoon.

CONOR Excellent parenting.

ANJALI She’s thirty.

CONOR Doesn’t matter .He’s still organising her social life.

MAYA Bye.

She kisses AUNTY on the cheek,nods to VIKRAM and heads outside. LUCAS hands her the spare helmet.She puts it on,climbs onto the back of the scooter and they ride away.

GOA BEACH – EARLY AFTERNOON –

LUCAS and MAYA sit together overlooking the sea.They watch the waves in comfortable silence.

LUCAS He was right. People came yesterday.

MAYA(smiling) He’ll remind me for weeks.

Later, they walk hand in hand along the beach to a cosy beach bar.

WAITER What can I get you?

LUCAS A Kingfisher please.

MAYA I’ll have one too.

LUCAS Really? Lucas smiles,pleasantly suprised. Then his phone rings…

WYATT(phone) Hey…Dad.

LUCAS Hi..what’s up Son? Is everything okay?

WYATT(phone) Yeah. All is fine. So..any idea when you’re coming back?

LUCAS Honestly…I’m not sure. Do you need me to come back?

WYATT(phone) No…I was just wondering. I mean…you may have decided to live on the beach.

LUCAS(laughing) I’m considering it.

WYATT(phone) Just let me know before you build yourself a hut.. you may need my help.

LUCAS I probably will.

WYATT(phone) Oh…and say hello to Maya. She sure is pretty.

LUCAS You saw a photo?

WYATT(phone) Dad…. You posted it on Instagram. It’s good to hear you laughing again.

LUCAS Thanks, Wyatt.

WYATT(phone) Anyway…I’ve got rehearsal. Love you, Dad.

LUCAS Love you too.

The call ends.

MAYA Is everything okay?

LUCAS It’s all good…he said to say hello.

Lucas glances at his watch.

LUCAS We better head back.

MAYA Already?

LUCAS Time flies when you’re teaching someone how to drink beer.

MAYA I had one.

LUCAS That’s how it starts. Maya laughs…Lucas pays the bill.

Then – They walk hand in hand back to the scooter,

Lucas looks at Maya and adds

<the waves keep time with every heartbeat>

MAYA Lovely.

LUCAS Just like you.

Lucas and Maya arrive back at the cafe.

CONOR Fancy a beer, Lucas?

LUCAS Better not.

CONOR Wise choice. You’ll never make it back on that scooter to wherever you are hiding these days.

LUCAS Bye, everyone.

MAYA Bye.

Lucas rides away.

CONOR(to Maya) Oops .He forgot to kiss you .

MAYA Conor!

CONOR Maybe he was worried. Daddy cool is watching.

ANJALI(to Conor) Forget music ,do acting…comedy roles!

Ripples of laughter fill the room.

CONOR(smiling) I may consider that ! Right..I’m off , see you tomorrow.

AMAN finishes in the kitchen. ANJALI and MAYA sort the accounts. AUNTY waters the plants. VIKRAM stops to chat with regulars.

Outside – evening settles over the streets of Goa.

MAYA IN GOA

PANI PURI & HARMONY ~ Episode 15 ~ Bhangra Event

Late morning and the cafe is comfortably busy.

A few regulars sit chatting and drinking tea.

Anjali is briefly helping Aman in the kitchen.

Maya is behind the counter sorting out the flyers.

Lucas and Conor enter. They approach the counter.

MAYA Morning.

LUCAS Morning. I see you have many flyers for us.

CONOR Excellent.The future of tonight’s entertainment.

Maya hands them the flyers.

MAYA What would you like to drink?

LUCAS A coffee and a kiss please.

CONOR I’ll just have a coffee.

MAYA Here’s your coffee.I have to find Dad.There is so much to do.

Then –

Lucas and Conor finish their coffee and walk out onto the busy streets.

CONOR (looking at his half empty stack of flyers) I think we’ve changed lives this afternoon.

LUCAS At the very least, we’ve advertised a dance event.

A JAPANESE COUPLE wave at them from the other side of the road,still carrying their flyers.

CONOR International marketing works every time.

LUCAS Of course.

As they step back inside the cafe, they both look in amazement.

Bright fabrics hang from the walls. Colourful lights weave across shelves and doorways.

AUNTY (directing operations) No,no. The flowers go over there.

CONOR This looks great.

Then –

BOOM.BOOM.BOOM.

Two dhol players and three dancers.

AUNTY Welcome! Welcome!

One of the dhol drummers taps a rhythm on his dhol. The room vibrates with sound.

ARUN ( Dhol drummer) Where would you like us to set up?

LUCAS I can help with the backing track mix.

PRIYA (Dancer) Thank you. So you’re a musician?

LUCAS Something like that.

The dancers disappear into the annexe to change into their outfits.

Regulars and tourists enter the cafe. Several sit on chairs and bar stools. The Japanese couple wave at Lucas and Conor and sit at a table.

ViKRAM Good evening everyone….and thank you for coming to our first Bhangra night at Pani Puri & Harmony. We hope you enjoy the music,the dancing…and of course,the food.

Aunty beams proudly.

The lead dhol drummer starts to play. Priya and two dancers enter in a lively circle formation.

The final Bhangra dance finishes.

The room erupts into applause. The dhol players and dancers take a bow.

AUNTY Nobody leaves hungry.

The dancers laugh…Guests begin chatting,eating and mingling.

PRIYA (to Lucas) Thank you for your help.

LUCAS My pleasure.

CONOR I also helped.

PRIYA Yes…with the cable.

Conor smiles and watches her rejoin the others.

LUCAS You’ll never see her again,you know.

CONOR I know…Still a beautiful distraction.

Across the room , Maya is closing the till.

She looks up.Lucas catches her eye.

Vikram walks slowly around the cafe,taking in the scene.

VIKRAM(to Aunty) I told you people would come.

Maya walks up to Lucas and holds his hand.

CONOR(sighs) I’m the only single musician.

ANJALI You’ve been single for about twenty four hours.

CONOR It’s been a difficult journey.

ANJALI (smiling) Poor you.

Warm lights glow around the cafe.

Outside – night time settles over the street.

Inside – Pani Puri & Harmony is full of music,laughter and friends.

MAYA IN GOA

PANI PURI & HARMONY ~ Episode 14 ~Friday

The cafe has returned to normal after Wednesday’s meditation evening.

Regulars sit with their chai and newspapers.

AMAN works steadily in the kitchen.

ANJALI updates accounts.

MAYA arrives carrying fresh bread.

AUNTY (with a twinkle)

Did you and Lucas have a lovely afternoon yesterday?

MAYA

Aunty ..it was nice.

ANJALI

Definitely something more.

MAYA

Nothing happened.

AUNTY

You walked in humming.

MAYA

I was not humming.

CONOR enters.

CONOR

Who’s humming?

ANJALI

Maya.

Then…

LUNA and ZOE arrive carrying backpacks.

AUNTY

You’re leaving already?

LUNA

Tomorrow morning. Rajastan first.Then we’ll see.

ZOE

Which means Luna has absolutely no plan.

LUNA

I have a spiritual plan.

Goodbyes begin…Aunty gives them food for the journey.

ZOE

We are taking a train.

AUNTY

You can still be hungry on a train.

Luna kneels beside Rufus.

LUNA

I’ll miss you the most.

Rufus ignores her completely.

CONOR

He is protecting himself emotionally.

LUCAS enters.

LUCAS

What’s going on?

LUNA

We’re leaving.

ZOE

You know…when we arrived Maya looked normal.

ZOE( to Lucas)

Now she is constantly smiling . You could be the reason

LUNA

She’s been waiting all day to say that.

LUCAS(to Zoe)

I hope I am.

Luna and Zoe wave and leave.

They disappear down the Goa streets.

VIKRAM

I’ve been thinking.

ANJALI

There it is.

VIKRAM

A Bhangra evening. Music. Dancers. A celebration.

AUNTY Wonderful.

MAYA

When?

VIKRAM

Tomorrow.

MAYA

Dad.. That’s very short notice.

VIKRAM

People will come. They always do.

ANJALI

We’ll need to organise flyers .

CONOR

Flyers are easy. I can help.

They all stare at him mildly sceptical.

CONOR(CON’T) Lucas and I can hand them out.

LUCAS

Why am I involved?

CONOR

Because we are both handsome.

ANJALI

That’s your strategy?

CONOR

It’s a very strong strategy.One that will work.

AUNTY(to Lucas)

Can you play a tune for us.

LUCAS

Sure. Just have to get my guitar.It’s in Maya’s annexe.

Silence….

ANJALI

Interesting.

LUCAS

I left it there yesterday.

CONOR

Convenient location.

MAYA

He forgot it.

CONOR

Of course. People are always accidentally leaving musical instruments in the homes of women they are not interested in.

ANJALI

It’s a growing problem.

Aunty smiles into her tea.

CONOR

Maybe tomorrow we will learn the truth about the guitar.

VIKRAM

Tomorrow you will be handing out flyers.

CONOR

A burden I carry for the community.

LUCAS

Can I play now?

AUNTY

Please do.

Lucas begins to play.

Soft guitar music fills the cafe.

Maya watches Lucas.

Anjali watches Maya.

Conor watches Anjali.

Inside the cafe glows warmly.

Outside…evening settles over Goa…

~~~~•••••~~~~~

Music by Dana Gaynor

Cover picture by Manique

MAYA IN GOA

PANI PURI & HARMONY ~ EPISODE 13 ~ STILLNESS

The cafe feels strangely calm .

Morning sunlight drifts through the open terrace.

A few regulars sit quietly with chai and newspapers.

Aman works quietly in the kitchen.

Aunty arranges incense boxes near the counter.

ANJALI

Why are there so many candles everywhere?

AUNTY

Atmosphere.

ANJALI

Fire hazard.

Lucas appears at the entrance.

LUCAS (to Maya)

You look stressed.

MAYA

You arrived during active spiritual preparation.

LUCAS

Ahh… Cult energy.

AUNTY

It is meditation, not a cult.

Conor appears wearing dark glasses.

CONOR

Anjali..please tell me cold beer exists.

ANJALI

You are adding this to your tab.

CONOR

Great.I plan to make poor financial decisions later too.

He notices the cushions.

AUNTY

Tonight you will become peaceful.

CONOR

I’m Irish. This is already my peaceful form.

Lucas leans near Maya.

MAYA

You’re distracting me.

LUCAS

Good.

ANJALI

I’m watching this become a problem in real time.

Maya laughs and throws a napkin at her.

LATER…

The cafe closes for the afternoon.

Lucas waits outside with his scooter.

LUCAS

Come. Disappear for an hour before the event begins.

MAYA

One hour only.

Mr. Vikram watches Maya leave.

LATE AFTERNOON…

Lucas brings Maya back just before 4pm.

Inside –

AUNTY

Maya! The flowers are wrong.

MAYA

How can flowers be wrong?

AUNTY

Spritually wrong.

Aunty notices Lucas.

AUNTY

You’re back. Good. Come help.

She pushes incense sticks and holders into his hands.

AUNTY

These need arranging and placing here and there.

Aunty smiles at Lucas.

Candles flicker.

The music area is now covered with rugs and lanterns This is where Swami Rajan will sit.

Anjali is looking pretty in green. Maya and Lucas have gone for blue.

Sitar music drifts through the room.

Luna and Zoe arrive with Conor .

CONOR

Good evening, spiritually attractive people.

ANJALI

You changed clothes.

CONOR

This is meditation attire.

People settle onto scatter cushions.

Then –

A car pulls up outside.

AUNTY

He’s here.

Swami Rajan stops and smiles at the crowd outside.

He turns and enters the room.

AUNTY

Namaste, Swami Rajan.

SWAMI RAJAN

Namaste.

EVERYONE

Namaste.

He sits cross legged on the rug surrounded by cushions.

SWAMI RAJAN

People believe meditation means stopping thoughts.

A smile before he continues…

SWAMI RAJAN

If tbis were true…none of us would succeed

SWAMI RAJAN

Meditation is not removing the storm. It is learning you are not the storm.

Luna listens completely absorbed.

SWAMI RAJAN

Some people protect their hearts for so long.

He turns toward Maya…

SWAMI RAJAN

But you.. have recently begun letting your guard down.

Maya freezes slightly.

SWAMI RAJAN

That is not weakness. It is known as healing.

As night falls…

The event comes to a close.

Swami Rajan pauses by Maya before leaving.

SWAMI RAJAN

This place already had good energy.

MAYA

Thank you.Namaste.

EVERYONE

Namaste.

SWAMI RAJAN

Namaste.

Outside… the street glows under lanterns.

Lucas stands beside Maya at the entrance.

Then Maya rests her head lightly against his shoulder.

Inside the cafe –

Candles flicker…

Pani Puri & Harmony for once went  completely still...

Music ” Waiting for the Guru ” by Dana Gaynor ,Sitar played by Dana Gaynor.

Cover picture by Manique.

Pani Puri & Harmony ~ Episode 12 ~ New Arrivals

It’s late morning. Soft sunlight drifts through the entrance. Ceiling fans turn lazily overhead

A few local regulars sit with chai and newspapers.

AMAN works steadily in the kitchen.

VIKRAM reads quietly behind the counter.

CONOR sits near the entrance,drinking coffee he didn’t pay for.

MAYA arranges flowers in little vases .

Outside – a scooter rattles past.

Then –

Two women appear at the cafe entrance.

They are Luna and Zoe. American tourists.

Luna glides into the room ,absorbing the room like she’s stumbled into something magical.

LUNA

Okay…this place is amazing.

CONOR (quietly, to Aman ) That’s a mermaid.

Luna notices Rufus wandering in from the back door.

LUNA

Such a cute puppy

CONOR

Rufus likes beautiful women. We have that in common.

ANJALI

One of you is significantly less house-trained.

LUNA

Hello , tiny spiritual guardian and gives Rufus a little kiss.

MAYA

Sorry about Rufus.He thinks the cafe belongs to him.

ANJALI

I will put him outside in the garden.

CONOR (to Aman) She called the dog a spiritual guardian .Wow !!

MAYA

So, first time in Goa?

ZOE

Yes – First time in India

LUNA

We’re actually looking for a meditation retreat nearby.

Then Lucas appears through the open cafe entrance.

Maya looks at him instantly.

LUCAS

Busy afternoon?

MAYA

As always

ZOE

Wait – you’re Canadian.

LUCAS

That obvious – huh?

ZOE

Little bit – Toronto ?

LUCAS

Just outside. Small suburb nobody’s heard of.

LUNA

We just got here today.

Lucas pulls up a chair and chats to them with ease.

LUNA

I can sense you have a peaceful energy.

LUCAS

That’s a terrifyingly specific sentence.

CONOR (to Maya ,quietly)

Look at him. Five minutes and he’s already formed an international alliance.

MAYA

He’s being friendly.

CONOR

No,no. That’s advanced Canadian diplomacy.

Lucas glances over.

LUCAS

We’re literally discussing the weather.

LATER–

Aunty brings fresh pani puri

Beside them –

Luna’s ginger tea

Zoe’s iced coffee

Luna tastes her first pani puri.

Zoe cautiously follows.

LUNA

This is incredible .

CONOR

It’s an experience.

Luna notices a handwritten poster.

GUIDED MEDITATION WITH SWAMI RAJAN

WEDNESDAY EVENING

AT PANI PURI & HARMONY

LUNA Wait – you’re hosting a meditation event ?

MAYA

Apparently..

AUNTY

My friend Rajan is well respected . People come from all over Goa to hear him speak.

CONOR

Any chance he teaches normal breathing?

AUNTY

He stayed silent for 40 days once.

CONOR

I enjoy noise. So, we’ve cancelled music night for breathing?

LUNA

Meditation is more than breathing. We are definitely coming here tomorrow.

CONOR

So am I.

ANJALI

Of course you are.

LUCAS (to Luna and Zoe)

Nice meeting you both.

ZOE

You too, Canada.

Lucas smiles.

He walks over to the counter where Maya is checking receipts.

Then drops a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Maya freezes .

Across the cafe – Vikram notices immediately.

Maya looks at Lucas ,embarrased already,

LUCAS

What? That was extremely respectful.

MAYA

This is technically my workplace.

CONOR

Not anymore. This is now a romantic Bollywood style script.

Lucas smiles at Maya .

LUCAS

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Lucas heads out into the Goa rain.

Vikram walks over to Maya.

VIKRAM

Your mother would have liked him.

Maya’s eyes soften slightly.

VIKRAM

She would have been proud of you.

That line catches Maya off guard.

The cafe hums warmly around them all.

Cover picture by Manique

MAYA IN GOA

PANI PURI & HARMONY ~ EPISODE 11 ~ SATURDAY NIGHT

The cafe feels different tonight.

Busier. Warmer.

Strings of extra lights glow across the ceiling beams.

Outside,handwritten chalkboards lean against the entrance.

*SPECIAL SATURDAY MUSIC NIGHT*

Inside‐‐tables fill steadily with tourists,couples,regulars who know where to sit.

AMAN

Why are there so many people?

ANJALI

Because people enjoy music.

AMAN

Suspicious behaviour.

Behind the bar area —

Maya arranges glasses beside Vikram.

MAYA

We haven’t done a Saturday night in months.

VIKRAM

That’s why they all came.

Aunty walks past carrying trays full of samosas.

AUNTY

Also because my dear brother put “limited special menu” on the sign outside.

VIKRAM

People love artificial scarcity.

Maya laughs softly.

Near the stage—

Conor adjusts the microphone stand like he owns the place now.

CONOR

I expect complete artistic respect tonight.

Lucas steps inside carrying his guitar case.

Maya notices him instantly.

So does Aunty.

AUNTY

Lucas !

LUCAS

Good evening.

Lucas smiles at Aunty and approches the bar area .

Maya looks up at him.

MAYA

You made it.

LUCAS

Barely. There’s a scooter traffic apocalypso outside.

MAYA

That’s just Saturday night in Goa.

A small pause lingers naturally between them.

Conor watches the exchange with open curiosity.

CONOR

Right. Their chemistry is now visible from space.

LATER

The cafe hums with layered sound.

Laughter. Rain beginning to fall outside again.

A local band finishes a Bollywood cover to a loud applause.

Aman whistles loudly with his fingers.

ANJALI

You’re not at a football match .

AMAN

Art should be celebrated.

At a corner table —

Lucas sits with Maya during a break between performances.

LUCAS

This place changes in the night.

MAYA

I think people come here to escape being lonely.

Maya looks around the cafe .

Tourists dancing badly near the back.

Aunty feeding customers extra snacks they didn’t order.

Conor discussing passionately about Irish music to someone.

ANJALI

Lucas . You’re up.

ON STAGE

Lucas settles on the stool with his guitar.

LUCAS

This was supposed to be for Wednesday. But apparently the cafe changed the plan.

A ripple of laughter moves through the room

Then he begins to play.

The melody is slow and intimate.

Outside—

Rain taps lightly against the windows.

Inside—-

The cafe glows around the music.

Aunty smiles at everyone.

Mr.Vikram watches from the counter

Aman brings him a masala chai.

Mr. Vikram

Thank you Aman. I think the evening went well. Maya looks happy too

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Music and vocals by Dana Gaynor. Lyrics by Manique

Cover picture by Manique

Pani Puri & Harmony ~ Episode 10

The cafe is already alive.

Not crowded but just fuller than usual.

Temple lamps glow softly.

Low conversation.Glasses clinking.Movement.

Aman moves between tables,carrying plates.

Aunty arranges snacks near the counter.

Anjali checks the performance list.

Maya adjusts the mic stand on the stage.

A gentle breeze flows in.

Conor steps inside.

Banjo over his shoulder.

ANJALI

You came back.

CONOR

You sound suprised.

ANJALI

I like suprises.

CONOR

So this is the madness.

ANJALI

Organised madness.

Anjali hides a smile.

Maya notices him. Watches as he walks to the bar.

CONOR

Think I should have a pint first.

Anjali serves him.

CONOR

People actually sign up for this?

ANJALI

Some regret it almost immediately.

CONOR

Comforting. He looks at the list.

Writes.

Conor – Irish folk

LATER

The cafe hums with easy energy.

A local student sings nervously.

Aman has a turn.Holds a tune suprisingly well.

A few customers clap too enthusiastically.

ANJALI

Conor. You are next.

CONOR

Right.

Walks to the stage .

He sits on a stool.

Maya looks up and thinks of Lucas .

CONOR

This one works well.

Light rhythm.Warm and unfamiliar.

The tune lifts the room without changing it completely.

A few claps and a whistle from the back.

ANJALI

Not terrible.

CONOR

I’ll take that.

Conor plays a few more songs .

As night falls,some customers leave.

Conor sits at the bar.Relaxed with a black coffee.

Lucas stands quietly at the cafe entrance .

A small travel bag over his shoulder .

No guitar this time.

His eyes move briefly toward the stage-

Then his eyes find Maya behind the counter.

She is busy sorting out receipts.

Unaware he is there.

Then-

Maya looks up.

She sees him.

MAYA

Lucas…you came back.

He walks a little closer.

LUCAS

I said we would be meeting again.

A familiar moment passes between them.

Vikram with a warm smile greets Lucas.

VIKRAM

Welcome back .

He shakes hands with Lucas.

LUCAS

Thank you.

AUNTY

We have missed you….especially Maya.

Conor is observing Lucas , then Maya and understands.

Night time has fallen and bhangra drums can be heard in the distance.

_______________

Irish jig by Dana Gaynor

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony – Episode 6 – Just passing through

The morning settles gently over the cafe holding a quiet warmth before the day begins.Soft music plays in the background , blending with the familiar clink of cups and the distant hum of the street outside.

Pierre bursts in, mid-sentence,full of energy ” We are going to Rouen , my hometown” Tobias sets his rucksack down and responds “looking forward to it “. From behind the counter Maya watches them with a small knowing look.She will miss seeing them and listening to their banter.

The warm air and Lucas enter quietly into the cafe.His guitar resting against his shoulder, like it belongs there.Maya meets his eyes looking at her briefly. Mr. Vikram polishing a glass in the bar area notices everything ,he always does. Lucas sits on a stool and orders a pint of Indian lager and Pierrre and Tobias join him.

Late afternoon as the cafe starts to get busy, Lucas turns to Maya and asks if he could play ,she nods her head with a smile which makes his heart stir a little.He turns to the crowd and says” before you all disappear ,I’d like to play something ,you already heard this one “. Tobias in a dry tone adds ” and yet we are to hear it again”. Lucas looks as though he may not play at all , then adds ” but I have a backing track to help me this time “.

The final chord lingers,fading slowly into silence. His eyes rest on Maya who holds his gaze a moment longer than usual. Mr.Vikram watches them quietly,he understands.

Pierre blinks and says” that was inconveniently beautiful ” and Tobias adds “that backing track deserves a pay rise “. Everyone in the intimate small cafe clap and Aunty comes over and gives Lucas a hug and wishes him and Pierre and Tobias safe travels.Pierre and Tobias thank Maya,her father,Aunty and wave to Aman and leave to find a cab.

The cafe resumes into a quiet rhythm but something has shifted.Lucas stands near the entrance with his bags and guitar. “I’m heading to Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal before going home to Toronto ” he tells them. Maya meets his eyes and says ” you will love the Taj Mahal”. Mr. Vikram walks over to Lucas and shakes his hand and wishes him well in his travels. Lucas turns to see Maya beside him with her hand stretched ,he holds it and drops a kiss on her forehead ,gives her a note to read when he’s gone.Maya holds back her tears,stands beside her father on the pavement and waves to Lucas.They watch in silence as the taxi rolls away ,the yellow light fading in the distance.

They walk quietly back to the cafe and for a moment, Maya felt the melody still lingering in the air.

” Lost In The World Tonight ” ~ Written and performed by Dana Gaynor

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony ~ episode 8

Soft cafe sounds.Morning light filters in.

Maya lifts the shutters and opens the main doors.The cafe breathes in the day.

Aman is already in the kitchen,working steadily.Mr.Vikram sits quietly and checks the bookings. Aunty with a cup of tea in her hand goes to help Aman.

Customers start to trickle in.

CUSTOMER 1 Pani Puri

CUSTOMER 2 Mango Lassi

CUSTOMER 3 Coffee and Rasmalai

Maya moves between the counter and tables, taking orders in a calm and efficient manner.

The cafe settles into its rhythm. Maya briefly looks at the note from Lucas again.

Maya
Thank you for everything.I meant what I said about meeting again. 
I just don't know when or how.There is something about you that I will carry with me. 
-Lucas-

Maya quickly reads it again .Aunty steps beside her.

AUNTY Some people don’t stay long but they don’t leave empty.

Aunty moves away . Mr. Vikram looks at his daughter and sees the note.

VIKRAM He was carrying more than he showed.

Maya folds the note and puts it by the cash register.

CUSTOMER This came for you.

Maya thanks the customer and turns the postcard over and reads.

It's not Goa, I hope all is well..Tobias

Maya notices the French stamp on it.She hides a smile and places it beside the note from Lucas.

AMAN Order ready

Maya takes the food to the customer. The cafe continues into evening

The last customers leave,chairs are stacked.Plates are cleared.

Aman is busy following the kitchen shutdown procedure .He is methodical and focused.

Aunty enters to help. She begins covering food in their containers .Placing them in the main fridge.

At the front,Maya wipes the counter and stacks receipts.

She moves to the door locks it and pulls the shutters down. Bhangra drums can be heard in the distance.

Maya returns to the counter where Vikram is already seated with the register open.

VIKRAM Numbers were steady today

Maya nods.

Vikram glances at the note and postcard, then at Maya.

VIKRAM Some people come here when they need something. He found part of it.

Maya doesn’t respond but she listens.

She looks at the note and postcard. Leaves them where they are.

Vikram turns off another light .Smiles to himself as he hears his sister.

AUNTY Aman..wipe that again.This kitchen needs to be spotless.

AUNTY (CONT’D) When in doubt throw it out

The cafe settles into the night.

Maya on the left and Aunty & Anjali

Pierre & Tobias

From Goa to Rouen

Pierre and Tobias left for the airport early, before the day had properly begun.After checking in at Manohar International airport ,they sat in the departure lounge with their mango lassi and their thoughts about the cafe they had left behind.

Paris arrived in a grey misty light.Outside the airport,people moved with purpose .Pierre paused just for a moment before he saw his friend.Charlotte lifted her hand and waved.Pierre greeted her in a warm embrace and said ” this is Tobias”.She smiled just slightly and asked “first time in France?” Tobias noticed her pretty green eyes and said ” yes”.

The drive out of Paris was slow with constant traffic ,then gradually it opened to fields stretching on both sides and the wide open sky. ” How was Goa ?”asked Charlotte “too hot” replied Pierre.Tobias watched the landscape change and said “it already feels different”. Pierre responded with ” France changes quickly ,you just have to notice it”. The rest of the drive passed mostly in silence apart from the drum and bass grooves from the radio.

Rouen appeared before them ,a captivating medieval city on the River Seine defined by beautiful architecture and history around every corner.A fairytale destination with colourful half -timbered houses and narrow picturesque cobbled streets. Charlotte found spacious parking at l’Hotel de Ville right next to the pedestrian zone in Rouen.

Saint Abbey Quen stood in front of them without warning. Tobias looked at it in amazement.Pierre kept his eyes on the stunning Gothic church and said ” they started building it in 1318 and it took more than 200 years.Tobias lowered his gaze with ” no one who started it and others through the years ever saw it finished ?” Pierre nodded slightly and then added “time for coffee “.

They walked along cobbled streets and saw umbrellas hung overhead on a side street,blue and green catching the light. Charlotte took them to Prelude Cafe where they sat outside with their coffees. A few moments passed before Tobias told Pierre he needed to buy a postcard. Pierre asked ” to who ” Tobias calmly said “Maya”. ” you have her address?” Tobias answered Pierre with ” I’ll ask Google”.Pierre in a teasing way adds ” Google knows Maya?” Tobias picking up on the humour says ” Google knows everything “. Pierre considers this and says ” then ask where Lucas is ?”The line settled quietly between them.

Tobias found several cards he liked ,in the end Charlotte chose the one she thought would be perfect Tobias thanked her and turned the card over and wrote ” it’s not Goa hope all is well ” He read it once and didn’t change anything.The postcard stayed in his pocket without an address or a stamp.

As evening fell it brought a different kind of energy with it.They found a cosy restaurant with small tables and a warm light spilling onto the street.Pierre ordered a bottle of red wine for him and Charlotte and cider for Tobias . Around them,voices ,laughter and the rhythm of the night continued.

” We can explore more tomorrow ,time to go home ” said Charlotte already reaching for her bag.They walked back slowly through the streets to Charlotte’s home ,a small apartment with a bohemian style. They stepped inside ,Pierre familiar with its surroundings, Tobias paused before he stepped inside ,it felt different but welcoming.

Photos by Author

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony – Episode 5 ” Rome and light “

The cafe is calm in the morning light. Lucas walks in casually with his guitar slung over his shoulder. Maya is behind the counter and looks at him and says ” you disappeared” Lucas replies ” I went sightseeing”. There’s a small pause before Pierre chimes in with “”without informing the establishment “? Tobias adds ” he is not contracted “.

Lucas leans on the counter and says to Maya ” there’s a market near the beach bohemian vibe ,local crafts ,lanterns everywhere “. ” We were there ” Pierre tells Lucas and he replies ” I know “. Maya watches them and asks ” you saw them “? Lucas responds with “hard to miss “.

Later in the day, the cafe starts to get busy and Alessia walks in and sits near the bar area. Aunty and Anjali are already seated nearby.The conversation drifts toward travel and Aunty starts with “The Ponte Vecchio at sunset, even stubborn men become sentimental “. Tobias clears his throat before saying ” I have been to Rome “. Lucas adds he has been to Rome too.Tobias looks at him and asks “when”? Lucas replies ” a few years ago ” then Tobias says ” Colosseum”? Lucas responds with ” at dawn before the crowds ,the stone feels colder then ,you can hear your own footsteps “. Pierre adds “Trevi Fountain” ? Lucas tells him ” early evening ,the water catches the light like it ‘s holding something ,people throw coins like they’re negotiating with fate”. Pierre tilts his head “did you throw one “? Lucas shakes his head and says ” no, I didn’t want to come back”.

After a small silence Lucas turns to Maya and asks ” can I play something ” ? Maya smiles at him ” of course “.

The final note lingers ,Lucas glances at Maya.Aunty smiles and tells him ” you weren’t just passing through”. Pierre considers this ” he knew where he was going “. In a soft tone Maya says ” it was good “. Alessia checks her phone and wants to take a picture of them all before she leaves.They stand together and Mr. Vikram stands behind the counter. ” Don’t pose too much ” she says and takes the photo.

After everyone leaves ,the cafe slows and Maya pulls down the shutters and locks the door. Maya and her Father sit by the counter ,receipts spread between them. They check the till numbers,notes,small change in a comfortable silence.Aman brings the tea and Rufus sneaks in behind him.

Rufus is Maya’s dog and is hyper ,understands commands but chooses to ignore most of them unless treats are involved.

Maya turns to her Father and says “maybe one day ,I’d like to visit Rome with you Papa” he smiles at her and replies ” then we should go before I get too sensible “. Rufus lays down by Maya’s feet and decides to have a snooze while Mr. Vikram switches off the lamps leaving the cafe to glow softly in the evening . Outside the sound of bhangra drum beats can be heard.

Lucas’s song – music by Dana lyrics by Manique

Maya in Goa

Pani Puri & Harmony Episode 4

As Maya opens the cafe ,bhangra beats can be heard from the street.

Pierre and Tobias enter talking to each other about Indian desserts and then sit on cushions and order masala chai and some boondi laddu.

“I believe today will be refined ” Pierre says casually and Tobias responds with “It is Thursday” Pierre answers quickly with ” it lacks identity “. After sipping his tea slowly Tobias replies “It is between two more confident days ” and Pierre after finishing his tea says ” that is unsettling for a cafe “.

Warm air drifts in from the street along with a stylish Italian girl with shoulder length hair and hooped earrings catching the light .She pauses and observes and then casually lifts her phone and takes a few pictures .Maya greets her with a smile and a warm hello.

This is Alessia.

” Hi ,just one mango lassi please ” she says to Maya and Pierre whispers to Tobias ” just” with raised eyebrows and adds ” it could be a strategy but a weak one”.Maya prepares the lassi and glances at the door ,no sign of Lucas.

The Italian girl who introduces herself as Alessia, starts to film cushions ,lamps ,the mango lassi and briefly pauses to look at Pierre who had started to adjust cushions. Tobias in a quiet voice says to Pierre “she reviews independant cafes “. Pierre straightens his posture and adjusts a cushion , then another and returns to the first one. ” You have already done that ” Tobias adds and Pierre responds with ” it shifted ” to which Tobias tells Pierre that it didn’t. Pierre in a sharp tone replies with ” it resists alignment ” Tobias answers back with ” it is a cushion “.

Alessia asks Maya if the cafe opened recently. Maya tells her that she had taken over from her Father and added a new vibe with the cushions , lamps , rugs and music. The blogger finishes her lassi, tells Maya it tasted great and says she will return and exits into the sunlight.

Pierre and Tobias also decide to leave , Pierre turns to Maya with ” we will return tomorrow “. Tobias to Pierre ” we are stepping outside ” Pierre to Tobias ” culture develops in motion” Tobias grins and says ” we are going to the pavement ” and Pierre laughs and answers back with ” the pavement has potential”. Tobias says ” it does not ” Pierre replies with ” we will attempt improvement “.

As the cafe remains slow , Maya tells her Father she will close early . Mr. Vikram nods his head and tells her “slow days are useful , they show you what matters “. Maya pulls down the blinds and then locks the door. Aman brings tea for Mr. Vikram and Maya as they start to check the takings for the day, ensuring the POS total matches payments received. Suddenly Rufus who is Maya’s little 3 yr old spaniel comes rushing in from the back door and jumps on Maya’s lap and grins at Mr. Vikram. Maya tells her Father that she would be so lonely without Rufus .Happy puppy listens to Maya talking about him.He jumps off Maya’s lap and decides to spin around and try and catch his tail.Maya picks him up and takes him out into the backyard ,says goodnight to her Father and Aman and closes the backdoor.

As she goes into her own flat she starts to wonder about Lucas and hopes he will come to the cafe tomorrow.