|
I have never gone for cold-coffee alone, but that day was a different day. I was tired and wanted something really cold and rejuvenating. AC room of the KR bakes really keeps one cool. I've been a regular to KR Bakes ever since they started. I enjoy the customer care I get from the place. Few years back, i went to the bakery and ate a lot of stuff. Only when the bill came, I realised that there is no cash in my wallet. I told the waiter that I'm in a state where I've to get money from a nearby ATM. Guess what the waiter said ? "Thats all right , sir . I'll pay the bill for you today . You can return the money when you come back tomo". Well , he just made sure that I will return to KR Bakes.
Ofcourse, that day was a different day. As I was tired, I went straight to AC room. Restaurant was empty when I entered and that made me feel a lot lonely in a big room. I gulped down the cold-coffee and ordered for the bill.
Thats when she entered.
She took the seat right opposite to where I was and got busy reading the menu. She is so pretty with sharp features and long wavvy hair. She was wearing a white shirt on top of a red Spaghetti Top. I just love the combination. "Ajnabi mujhko itna bata dil mera kyon pareshaan hai
Dekh ke tujhko aisa lage jaise barson ki pehchaan hai" The waiter got her attention when he came with the book to take order. I couldnt hear much of what she said , but I understood that she has a very soft sound.
As the waiter walked away , she suddenly looked towards my direction and our eyes met. I swear , our eyes met, even if its for a fraction of second. But she took her eyes away , while mine was still locked on the target.
Waiter came to me with my bill. Little does he know that , its not over yet. "Picture abhi bhi bhakki hey, mere dosth !"
I told the waiter, "You see that gal in the next table ? Add her bill also to mine. ".
He looked at me with curiousity and I gave a smile to re-assure him that what he heard is right. He walked away.
I started playing with the glass of water on my table , at times taking in a sip or two. Last thing I wanted to do was staring at her , but no matter where I turned my attention to , eyes slowly panned back to where she sat. "Ajnabi mujhko itna bata dil mera kyon pareshaan hai
Dekh ke tujhko aisa lage jaise barson ki pehchaan hai" I saw waiter bringing her orange juice and something to eat. She said, "Bill it" and waiter turned his head towards my direction with a nod. I understood that waiter was trying to convey that I'm taking care of her bill , without using any words. My heart started pounding faster.
She didnt react. Just gave a casual look in my direction and went back to sipping her juice. Perhaps, she didnt understand the waiter's gesture.
Waiter came to me with two bills stapled together. I quickly made the payment and gave unusually higher tip. As I walked towards the door, I looked at her for the last time. She was also looking at me , but with a dead face. Just when she saw my eyes looking at her , she moved her attention back to her plate.
As I straddled my bike , I couldnt help smiling. What have I done ? I paid the bill for some gal. A gal whose name I dont know . A gal whose whereabouts I dont know of. A gal whom I'll never ever meet again. I should be really crazy . As the thoughts flashed through my mind , the smile became too difficult to hide.
I switched on the ignition and turned my bike . Thats when I saw her again.
She is coming straight at me. I could see that her face has turned red and that has made her more beautiful than she was while in the AC room.
"Did you pay for my bill ? " , the question was smothered with anger
"Yes, I did . Did that offend you by any chance ? "
"Why did you pay my bill? " she was fuming.
"Just like that. I didnt mean to hurt you or even intrude into your space."
I was putting up a brave front with a soft smile on face. And she was looking ever so beautiful; red face, pink lips and big black eyes. Due to anger, she was finding it difficult to find words and I felt my presence is making her more irritated. I gave one last smile and turned the accelerator of bike.
I saw her in my rear view mirror, walking back to restaurant. That was the last time I saw her. "Ajnabi mujhko itna bata dil mera kyon pareshaan hai
Dekh ke tujhko aisa lage jaise barson ki pehchaan hai" I dont know her name , whereabouts or whether I'll see her again.
I dont know why I did all that I did.
I dont know whether its crazy.
All I know is that .. I did it and it made me happy.
|
