A Coffee Book - Story 1

"Ice cubes"

Once we come out of our comfort zone, everything in our surrounding seem so new to us. It might have happened earlier as well but still we observe it so intensively that we find that all new for us.

It's been 2 years now, she had moved to this new city of her dreams. Still she needs to get many more experiences, slowly she is coming out of the cocoon. Now she is acquainted with the harmony of this new city, actually now it is no more new to her.

This one was not so special but certainly different experience for her that changed her typical thinking about boys as community.

It was early days of summer, she went to the University to submit her exam form. As it was university annual exam, students from different colleges also came there. Moreover, it was the last day to submit the exam form, from the very next day the penalty charges will be applied along with actual fees.

She was standing in a queue since long and it was noon time. No shades were there for students, all were standing in queue, somehow dealing with scorching heat of sunny summer days.

She was with her three friends and they were called by their teacher as soon as possible, so all three girls went to the college again and gave their forms and fees to her.

Now when her turn came, she submitted everything and the person who was collecting, but he said there's 50 rupees less in money which was given for the fees according to four forms.

It was horrible by the time to stay there and she can't go and get extra money as well. Then, a boy who was standing behind her in queue came to her and gave 50 rupees.

She thanked him and asked his name, he simply said "why can't we help someone without disclosing our identity?"

For the first time she realized that she was living with certain prejudice for boys as community. She gave a smile and thanked him once again and walked away.

This little help by some unknown fellow seemed like ice cubes in chilled lemonade.

- Sneha Jani