Steve was startled. He still couldn't digest what happened. She just left? But he knew it wasn't out of anger or anything. Something in the story hit her nerves. Either it was too touching or it had something to do with her life.

He hadn't become interested in a woman for a long time. And he was clearly looking forward to more meetings with this lady. Sofia was too caught up with other customers, she didn't notice her two friends leaving the cafe. When she found the table was empty, she hurried up there and found the exact money kept below one of the cup. Clearly something had happened.

Meanwhile, I was walking aimlessly. I wanted to go to my apartment but couldn't bring up my mind to walk in defined directions. It was a very short walk to my place. And now all I wanted was to walk. Just burn calories, and memories alongside.
She hasn't thought about her family for a very long time. Theirs was a very busy business family. Mom, always engaged herself in social gatherings to arrange customers and investors for her husband,while Dad was busy maintaining the king-sized business he has. Usual story goes like, they didn't have time for children. But in my case, they always found time.

They always kept their evenings solely for me,our family. But they never were close enough to find where my interests lie. They never knew who my best friends were. All they cared about was education. They just wanted an MBA degree certificate from me. And I did everything what they wanted. Passed out from business school with flying colours, got placed in one of the richest textile company in India.
Williams & co. was too hectic for me. They made me work like a slave. I didn't eat or sleep for days, and most importantly I didn't love or preach my work. Finally I reached boiling point one day and told my dad, this is not what I want to do. I had always had a thing for painting. And teachers used to say I had a great future in it. I wanted to be an artist like Da Vinci. My dad loathed painting and other artistic skills. For a hobby, he approved them and liked my mom's singing. This resulted in a row between me and my dad. As usual, mom took his side. He told, it is either your art job or me. He actually made me choose between my dream and family. I was torn apart. I couldn't leave my family, but neither could I do a job I don't like.
Finally....

My family won. I chose my old job, threw my dreams in a garbage bin in Mumbai. But things never got better between us. He may be fine with me, but I wasn't. Inside, I blamed them for my job, my sadness, loneliness and above all my shattered dreams.
I managed to persuade my Dad to agree for my resignation from Williams,it was really too much for me. And I found an American advertising agency, well established and quite popular even in India. I had ensured I never work in India. And it has been three years since I visited home last. Every christmas, every diwali, I managed to come up with some excuses.

And I knew my parents won't mind. They were busy themselves. They won't miss me.
Everytime I sat on my chair, I remembered the day, when I told him what I wanted to do. The slap on my cheeks, the debate which ensued, mom's justifications and how I went and slammed my door. I remember falling down just after shutting the door, and crying. I remember crying myself to sleep. I remember waking up the other day, and making this life changing decision. Even after three long years, it still managed to hurt me.

My new job wasn't as draining but it was no better. I've got a few friends in the creative department who sometimes let me design sets. That is the only thing that keeps me alive.

I even planned to join an arts school, part time. But my dad disapproved it. I still was thinking of joining without them knowing. Within two three months, I have enough savings to pay the fees and I don't need my dad to pay. It will be tiring, 9 to 5 job and then 10 to 4 class on weekends. But it was worth it. I was thinking about it lately. And hearing the story, I suddenly realised, how similar my life was.

I felt like meeting him was destiny, to show me my path, shoo away my confusions. I felt startled then, but now, I feel better. Actually relieved.

Suddenly I felt a jolt in my head, unknown zeal. I took my phone, called up the arts school. I used to look at the contact for so long without calling.

"Pretzel's Art School. Who is this? "

" Umm. Hi I am Maitri. I...I would like to join your school. May I know more details about the curriculum and timings? "

" Sure ma'am. Are you currently going to school or college? "

" Actually I work. I am Business consultant at Rheo Ad Agency. Is there.. Wouldn't I be able to join?"

"Sure ma'am. We have special classes for people working also. No worries. We allot special teachers for a group of working students,who have almost the same work schedule. So that you don't even have to miss weekends to relax. I suggest you to come to our office by 2 in the afternoon. I will set up an appointment with one of our art advisors who will guide you throughout the process till you get a teacher. "

" That's great. I will drop by tomorrow afternoon. "

" Ok ma'am. Your name please. "

" Maitri. Maitri Mohan. "

" Indian? "

"Yes. "

" Oh! I am a half Indian. My mom is from Kolkata."

"Oh wow. We should surely meet then. "

The receptionist giggled.
" Yes ma' am. I mean haaanji. "

I couldn't control laughter. Her hindi was too cute.

She sighed,
" I know my hindi is ridiculous. But mom is the patriotic type and insist that I learn Hindi. Anyway, you can drop by tomorrow and ask for Catherine, that's me. Anything else, ma'am? "

" I know Indian mothers can be a little too patriotic. Nothing else. I will be there tomorrow. Thank you so much."

"My pleasure. Have a nice day. "

" You too. Bye. "

Clicking the disconnect button, I smiled to myself. I felt so happy, so light hearted.
I took my phone and dialled the familiar number.

" Hello, ma"

"Maitri!Is everything fine?"

" Maa. I am sorry. " I couldn't say anything more. I just burst out. I fall onto my knees to the pathway,and cry. My mom tells sweet nothings and tries to soothe me from the other side. After what seemed like forever, I am composed. I feel so relieved.

" It's ok beta. Know that we love you."

I still knew they won't approve of my decision. But atleast I won't hate them or blame them for the life I had. Finally I made a choice. And even if it turns out to be wrong, I won't regret it. I will feel responsible for the way life is taking me, and not blame my parents.

We talked for some fifteen minutes, the longest since I came to America and we hung up.

I starts to walk back home. And then I realise how I left 'Coffee loves me'. I feel so gulty for leaving him hanging. Gosh! I need to atleast thank the guy for setting my life right, even if unknowingly.
I run towards the cafe,hoping he hadn't left yet. It has been over an hour since I stormed off from there.
I reached the cafe and see Sofia busy with some customers at my usual table. His usual table. Our usual table.
He left. I felt a pang inside my heart.
Sofia sees me and comes over.

"Where did you guys disappear? Atleast could have mentioned something to me. Keeping money under the cup and just poof!!!! LIKE WHAT?? "

I just look at her,hug her and run back. I can hear her shouting but she will always be here. I can just gift her a bouquet and she will be alright.