Brew & Sip Café was more than just a coffee shop — it was a quiet place where moments happened between sips and silences. Zayn came almost every day, always taking the same seat by the window. Meher showed up now and then, enough to leave a mark. Their lives were tangled with things left unsaid, and in this calm corner of the city, the past had a way of catching up.
***
Later That Evening
The glass doors of Khan Corp shut behind him with a soft hiss, but the tension of the boardroom clung to Zayn like a second skin. He rolled his eyes, jaw tight, and strode toward the sleek black Porsche waiting at the curb. Without a word, he pulled the back door open and slid in, sinking into the leather seat like a man escaping a battlefield.
Faqair was only a step behind, taking his usual place up front. He barely had time to fasten his seatbelt before Zayn spoke—though he didn't get the chance.
"Yes, sir," Faqair said calmly, already anticipating the outburst. "I'm taking you straight to the café."
Zayn exhaled sharply, his head leaning back against the headrest. "Good. Please. That meeting felt like sitting in a pit of snakes."
Faqair's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, a grin tugging at his mouth. "Then relax a little. Maybe even smile?"
Zayn met his gaze in the mirror with a flat stare. No words—just a look that said everything.
Not a chance.
Scene: Brew & Sip Café – 15 Minutes Later
The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of a cozy, modern café nestled between a bookstore and a flower shop. Zayn stepped out without waiting, walking with purpose toward the glass door like he'd done a hundred times before.
Inside, the warm smell of roasted coffee mixed with the soft buzz of conversation. Zayn headed straight to the back — to his usual spot by the window, where he could watch the street. That seat was always left empty. The owner made sure of it.
Behind the counter, a young barista looked up and smiled wide.
"Oh! Zayn sir is here!"
Faqair, following behind, gave a small nod. "Yeah. Just make his usual."
"Give me two minutes," the barista said, already moving."The freshh batch is just finished."
Faqair glanced at his phone. "Take your time. "While the rich smell of coffee filled the air, Faqair leaned against the counter, casually scrolling through his messages. Every now and then, he glanced over at Zayn — who sat alone by the window, one leg crossed over the other, staring out as if lost in thoughts no one was meant to reach.
Behind the counter, the barista moved with quiet focus, knowing better than to rush. Zayn didn't come here just for coffee.
He came for the silence.
For a little peace.
Scene: One Hour Ago – After the Meeting
(Meher is on a call with Inaya)
"So, how was your meeting with Zayn Hashmi?" Inaya asked.
Meher groaned. "Don't even ask. He made a complete mess of the meeting room. Actually argued with me — can you believe it?"
Inaya laughed. "And you didn't fight back?"
"He started it!" Meher snapped. Then, after a pause, added, "And the worst part? He doesn't even remember what happened at the café."
Inaya sighed. "He never pays attention to anyone. Honestly, though? He might be the most loyal person out there."
"Loyal?" Meher scoffed. "I'm definitely going to make him remember everything."
inaya giggled. "Want me to get you a coffee? Calm your nerves?"
Meher. "Yes, and—"
Inaya."Iced Americano? Your usual?"
Meher giggled. "Yes."
---
Scene: Brew & Sip Café – Five Minutes Later
(Inaya walks in and heads to the counter)
"One regular for Meher," Inaya said, placing her phone in her pocket.
"Got it," the barista replied.
"Oh, and here's the money. She forgot to pay last time. Told me to settle it for her. She's been... really stressed lately."
The barista shook her head. "She shouldn't be paying at all. She helped me open this place — I can't take money from her."
"You know how she is," Inaya said with a small smile. "She'll never accept that."
"Yeah. Always helping everyone, but never talks about it. That's why people think she's cold."
Inaya nodded. "Hmm."
"Oh — and please tell her I'm sorry about last time," the barista added."I wanted to say something, but... you know how she doesn't like others stepping in."
"It's okay," Inaya said softly. "She didn't take it to heart."The barista glanced toward the back, then turned to Inaya. "Alright. We're out of beans — I'll need to grab more from the storeroom. Might take a few minutes."
Inaya gave a small smile. "No problem! I'll wait. Take your time.
To be continued.....
"The quiet hum of the café wrapped around them, but beneath the calm, tension simmered just out of sight. Words hovered on the edge, waiting to be said, while memories lingered like the last taste of bitter coffee. In this space between them, nothing was settled — and maybe that was exactly where they needed to be.
[Releasing date 18/08/2025]
Sometimes, the quiet moments between words hold the deepest meaning. Life nudges us toward healing, even when we're not ready. Remember, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." So stay happy, take care, and cherish the power of silence.
— Yours, Galaxy's Eyes