I stood at the counter placing my order for a blueberry cheesecake and a lemon tart. I could finally celebrate this. I held Aditya on my left arm while I made my payment with the other. “Can I please get it delivered to my table?” I asked, even though the car in front of me clearly mentioned ‘self service’. The man at the counter nodded with a small smile. 

“Anything to drink mam?” He asked, finalizing my order.

“No, that will be fine. Thank you.” I paid the bill and turned around to walk to a table when I found a man in his suit with coffee spilled on him. I gasped seeing him and found my son’s toy and his coffee cup on the floor.

“I am so sorry. So so sorry.” I turned around and fetched a few tissues and handed it to him and bent down to pick up the cup and the toy. 

“No, let me do it. Please.” I nodded and stood there awkwardly while my son let out a shriek of joy. I playfully glared at him and took the toy from the stranger. Aditya leaned ahead to reach for the toy but I hid it in my bag, making him whine.

“No, you have become a bad boy.” I tickled his tummy and kissed him, making him wiggle. Looking back to the stranger who had an amused expression on his face, I spoke again. “I am so sorry for this. Can I buy you anything? Another coffee?”

“Please don’t worry, I am fine. I just didn’t know that teasing him would cost me so much.” He said, playfully glaring at my son, who only giggled again.

“I am sorry, I didn’t get you.” I looked back at him and my baby.

“While I was waiting behind you, I thought I could play with this little guy here, but it seems that he didn’t like my face or my acts, I was rewarded by his toy on my face and coffee all over my hands.”

I chuckled hearing his tale. It was his turn to playfully glare at me now and I coughed trying to cover my smile. 

“I hope you didn’t get hurt.” I asked, composing myself.

“By a toy? You seem to underestimate me.” He retorted, rolling his eyes, a smile gracing his lips.

“Obviously not. I meant by the Coffee. I hope it was not very hot and you didn’t hurt yourself.” I asked, hearing his sarcasm.

“Oh no. It just spilled over my pants and shirt. I am not hurt.”

“Please let me buy you something, I am really sorry for this.”

“You are really persistent. Fine, one black coffee please.” He spoke and gave his order. I smiled in satisfaction and tickled my baby’s tummy, making both of us giggle. “Naughty fellow.” I muttered kissing his cheeks.

“How old is he?” The man asked, looking at Aditya playing with the chain on my neck.

“He shall be 6 months old in about 10 days.” I replied.

“Wow. Oh by the way, I am Aryan. Aryan Malhotra.” Aryan held his hand out and I shook it.

“I am Meera and this is Aditya.” I introduced us and he smiled. He left my hand and held Aditya’s little hand and kissed his little palm. Aditya squealed in my arms as he felt Aryan’s stubble poking his tiny palm. Both of us laughed at his little excitement while our order came.

“Sir, Ma'am your order.” The man at the counter and Aryan stepped forward to collect both of our orders. I let him as I knew Aditya would not let me pick that up in one piece. 

“Where do you want to sit?” Aryan asked, and I looked around before I pointed to the table by the window.

“How about there? The busy street shall keep him busy while I enjoy my treat.” Aryan nodded and we headed to the table.

“So what are you celebrating?” He asked, sipping on his coffee. My son was standing on my lap looking at the window trying to find something to grab on.

I smiled knowing that it wouldn't reach my eyes. “ A small victory. That’s all.” 

“Hmm. Why doesn’t it make you happy?” He asked, making me look up at him. “I am sorry for asking. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.” He quickly added, making me shake my head in a no.

“That’s fine. It’s difficult to speak about it sometimes.”

“I am sorry for bringing it up.” He spoke, his voice softer now. I gave him a smile before my attention shifted to my baby in my lap, who looked oblivious to all the happenings around him.

The rest of the meal was just in science with a few smiles at each other as our eyes met.  I finished my treat and left with Aditya and Aryan followed suit.