Meetha sa Ruhani ISHQ

40. Mini's admirer

After some time,

Mini asked for another coffee and Neil was preparing coffee for Mini when he saw a foreigner coming to the restaurant.

The foreigner had his meal and was waiting for the waiter to give his bill when he saw Mini's photo on the board. He asked the waiter about her and went to her cabin. 

Foreigner went to Mini. Mini was walking to and fro, busy in her phone so didn't saw him.

Foreigner: Mini! How come you here?

He was about to hug Mini when Mini stopped him.

Mini: I don't accept hug from everyone. 

Foreigner: Ok... Sorry but... How come you here? There was your photo on the board also. I asked the waiter but it seems he didn't understand what I said so he directed me here.

Neil came with the coffee cup but stopped seeing a customer inside and thought it would be a professional meet.

Mini: This restaurant is owned by me. 

Foreigner: So you left your job?

Mini: Yeah... Due to some circumstances I could not continue it. 

Foreigner: You didn't say my name yet. Do you remember me?

Mini: (smiling) Yeah... Of course... Albert!

Albert: (sighed) Thank goodness. I thought you forgot. 

Mini: (excitedly) We had so much fun together yaar... Specially that last American trip was awesome.

Albert: You remember how we had a group dance at the beachside... 

Mini: Yeah.. It was cool breeze and lovely weather at that time... 

Albert: Hmm.. I know you love nature's beauty.

Mini: Yeah...

Neil entered with coffee cup on a tray because now he knew that he was just a friend and it was not any professional meet. 

He gave the cup to Mini and was going when he heard him saying and stopped near the door.

Albert: I wanted to meet you since then but didn't get your contact.

Mini: But why just me?

Albert: Actually I wanted to tell you something....

Mini: Yeah say...

Neil noticed something but remained quiet.

Albert: Not now... Let's meet somewhere else after the restaurant closes.. Plz..

Mini: But...

Albert: Pls don't deny... Just an evening coffee with me... Is it ok?... pls?

Mini: Ok.... But only 1 hour..... Fine?

Albert :(happily) I am Glad.

Mini: Just send me the location of there. 

Albert: Yeah sure.. Thanks..... I can pick you up too... Pls?

Mini: Ok.... But still send me the location once.

Albert: Sure.

He left from Mini's Cabin. 

Mini sat down to do her work and Neil decided to talk to her later.

.

.

.

At late evening, Mini came to the kitchen when almost all guests were leaving.

Mini: (busy in her phone) Neil! Main ek friend ke saath ja rahi hu... Tum Arya ko dekh lena... Naeem Bi hai vaise ghar pe phir bhi....

She turned to go.

Neil: Hmm... par suno to... Mini! 

Mini: (turned back while messaging someone) Hmm?

Neil: Ek baat kehni thi mujhe..... Aaj vo tumhara friend aaya tha na.... vo.... 

Mini: Bolo na... Me late ho rahi hu.. Vo?

Neil: (couldn't find the right words) Rehne do...

Mini: (looking at him) Are bolo na... 

Neil: Leave it... Main tumhe lene aa jau?....  Its already going to be dark soon na...

Mini: Ok.. I am forwarding the location to you... Ek ghante me aa jaana......

Neil: Ok fine...

Mini went.

They went to an open house cafe which was almost empty and there was a table decorated with different coloured roses.

Albert pulled the chair for her.

Mini: Yeh to ajeeb sa hi decoration lag raha hai..... 

Albert: (without understanding) What..... decoration.... what did you just meant?

Mini: I meant to say that it seems the decoration customised for someone..... Can we sit somewhere else?..... 

Albert: Sit here na... pls....

Mini: (in mind) Yeh isko achanak se kya ho gaya hai?.... Kahin kuch utla hi to nahi chal raha iske dimaag me...  

Albert: I wanted to tell you something today...

She shrugged off her thoughts thinking that she is just overthinking maybe and sat with him.

Mini: Yeah tell...

Albert: First let me get you a nice coffee and I have also ordered dinner.

Mini: (out of courtesy) Ok... 

Albert: Thanks 

They had coffee and dinner.

It was almost 1 hr.

Mini: So... What did you want to tell me... ?

Albert: I don't know how should I say this to you?...

Mini: Then why did you call me?

Albert: I am not able to tell it... 

Mini: See... We are just good friends and not so very close friends but as you insisted about something you had to tell then I came but now.. You are not able to tell... So I have no issue in it... But now 1 hr is almost over and my friend would be here to pick me up... So... See you soon again.... Bye.

She got up to go. She took steps when Albert came behind her to hold her hand and he stopped her.

Albert: Just a sec Mini.

Mini turned.

Albert had sat on his knee and said: I love you Mini... 

Neil had reached saw this from the gate of the cafe. 

Mini was shocked.