Introduction
In this short story, Vasu’s world was a chaotic blend of youth, friendship, and unrequited love. His life, much like the bitter coffee they shared in their college canteen, was a complex mix of flavors he was still learning to navigate. A casual meeting with his long-time friend, Sahana, was meant to be a respite from the monotony of campus life. But fate had other plans. A single text message shattered his carefully constructed hopes, plunging him into a whirlpool of emotions. As he grappled with the stinging reality of rejection, Sahana, with her unique blend of wit and empathy, became an unexpected anchor in his storm-tossed world.
I walked into the restaurant. It had been a while since I met Sahana. The noise of people and the clatter of trays around me barely registered; my mind was focused on why she had called me this time.
When I spotted Sahana sitting at our usual corner table, a smile immediately spread across her face. I slid into the chair across from her. Sahana started, “He called me for a movie.” I asked who, and she replied, “Prem, who else? I tried hard not to look like I was turning him down, but I said I’m busy and that we could meet another time.” “Didn’t Akanksha also try to do the same once? My shyness said no way would I go out with her”, I thought. I continued, saying I was hoping for a positive reply. Sahana added, “I’m hoping the same for you.” We knew what we were talking about and shared a cheeky smile for a moment.
We started chatting about everything under the sun— The bitter coffee in the canteen, campus gossip, and weekend plans. It turned out she figured out where Lakshman is which I don’t know, even though I was his best friend. It felt so normal and funny, like an amusement park amidst the chaos of college life..
The message
But then my phone buzzed, and I pulled it out, expecting something from Zomato or Instagram. The message from Akanksha flashed on the screen. My face must have shown a mix of curiosity and dread, like a kid waiting for exam results. I stared at the message: “I can’t see you as more than a friend. I feel I might end up hating myself and being hated by my family. I’m not interested in getting into a relationship right now. Sorry for causing all the misunderstandings.” The ground seemed to shift beneath me. My excitement evaporated, replaced by a crushing weight of disappointment and sadness.
I tried to steady myself, gripping the edge of the table to keep from trembling. My heart was pounding, and I could feel the tears welling up. Still, my heart questioned, “If she isn’t ready for a relationship, then why did she lead me on like this? Isn’t she the one who started it? This feeling stings like hell.” I know I sound ridiculous for being hurt over the little things she did, but she had an impact on me. She’s known for being kind with everyone, but she said I was different, right? What does it even mean when, in the end, she doesn’t see me as more than a friend? I almost forgot Sahana was still here. I could see her concerned expression, her eyes flicking between me and the message on my phone. She looked uncertain, like she didn’t know what to do.
Finally, she spoke, her voice was cautious. “Vasu, I know this must be really hard for you right now. It’s okay to feel upset. Just… try to control your emotions and stay calm. Sometimes, it’s the only thing we can do to get through a moment like this.”
Her words were meant to be reassuring, but they felt strangely inadequate. I nodded, forcing a small, shaky smile as I tried to rein in my emotions. The noise of the canteen faded into the background as I concentrated on keeping my composure.
The canteen’s coffee
She suddenly stood up and said, “If you ever don’t want me to cry like you, you better set me up with Lakshman.” This girl doesn’t stop mentioning his name. “You better not mention his name,” I yelled. She continued, “You know I’m in demand, right? So you better tell him that his Sahana is trying very hard to stay single for him.” Just then, her phone rang. It was from Prem. The overly active Sahana turned timid and answered the call. I could see her sigh after the call ended.
I don’t know why, but this made me laugh and also made me realize, isn’t he like me? Falling for the wrong people? Why do we keep investing our hearts where they aren’t valued? Was it hope or sheer stubbornness that kept us going? I looked at Sahana with a dry glare.
I think she understood what I was thinking. Sahana started quoting, “You know, life is like the coffee we get in the canteen. The sugar doesn’t mix well and they never give us an extra cup or a spoon. So we have to drink the bitter part first. All we can do is endure the bitterness and try to mix the rest slowly so the sugar melts. Sometimes it’s bitter, sometimes it’s sweet, but most of the time, it’s a bit of both. Right now, you’re just sipping on the bitter part. But soon enough, you’ll taste the sweetness too.”
She continued, “Remember this: treat these experiences as lessons. I was lucky because mine taught me how to avoid things I don’t want without hurting others. Your experiences might teach you to choose someone who gives you what you deserve. You deserve someone better, and until you find that someone, all you got to do is to learn from these moments and I’m sure, Once you find the right one, the feel of satisfaction of getting what you truly deserve—something better is immerse.” Maybe she is right. When I’m stuck on someone who doesn’t value me, won’t there be someone in future who needs my attention?
Conclusion
Later, she ends it by saying, “I would rather be friends with someone who has a ‘prince syndrome’ than someone who drowns in self-hate. So, don’t you dare keep your eyes filled with tears. She patted my head for the first time in a decade and continued, “damn! I suck at consoling people without touching.” I looked at her, I don’t know what she thought but she took her hand away and said, “I’m sorry”.
She added, while trying to suppress a bit of laughter, ‘But I’m still waiting for him, so don’t forget to tell him to take care of himself at Hebbal.’ I shouted, ‘You bitch!’ and continued to have my sip of coffee.
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