Hot Coffee -coffee stories

Hot coffee - coffee stories

Traveling to a famous temple

A little family stopped along the way

Do I have to come? , she asked petulantly

There is a little coffee left in my flask

I can stay in the car, she said

Athai, it would be cold now

Do come to the restaurant with us

The children are hungry, cajoled her nephew

Tightening her sari pallo over her shoulders

She stepped in hesitantly

Taking in the large space,

Hustle ,bustle

With wonder

Would you like something to eat ?

I won't eat until after the darshan

You know that , she chided

Just coffee for me

Your sister has promised to have dinner ready

It is a good thing,she lives close to the temple

The waiter, a young man

Carried over the large order smartly

Set down her single cup of coffee

She stared at her cup

Reluctant to look up

A young widow

All her life, she had waited on others

First her father,uncles

Her brothers,cousins

Then nephews,nieces,grandnephews

Always having her coffee

After everyone was served

It was generally deflated, cold

Lukewarm if she was lucky

Having a strange man

Waiting on her

Was alarming

Uncomfortably luxurious

She slowly drank the piping hot coffee

Having satisfied herself

That it was a vegetarian restaurant

Back in the car

So much money,she lamented

If I had known,I would have made dosas

Before we left

You do more than enough, assured her nephew

I wanted you to have the experience

What did you like about your first trip to a restaurant?

Well, the coffee tastes different, she paused

Much better,when it is hot.

--shubha