The Secrets of the Elements

Convos with Coffee

Advika looked around the cafe at the other girls, all of them impeccably dressed, just like her friends Maya and Zarna. They wore clothes in perfect color combinations, their hair styled neatly, and their makeup flawless. Advika couldn't help but compare herself to them as she caught her reflection in the spoon on the table. She was wearing a simple black top and dark blue jeans, her hair pulled up into a messy bun, with only a hint of lip balm and kohl in her eyes.

Ray, on the other hand, looked dashing in his wine-red t-shirt, khaki pants, and brown shoes, his thick short hair styled into a textured crop cut. Maya rocked a red cropped V-neck sweatshirt paired with black jeans and block-heeled black boots. Zarna exuded elegance in her off-white round-neck full-sleeve top and turquoise blue flare pants with a tropical print, complemented by a rose gold watch and a neatly tied French roll.

Tej, as always, had his own unique style, donning a black t-shirt with black bottoms, topped off with a bomber jacket. Advika couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, realizing how different her appearance was from her friends'. But she shook off her insecurities, reminding herself that her individuality made her special, and she was proud to be true to herself, regardless of her outfit or makeup choices.

Maya looked at Tej and said, "I wonder why the book chose you." Advika was brought back from her train of thoughts, her curiosity piqued.

Tej ran his fingers through his hair, a playful smile on his lips. "And you going to that ancient library was a surprise," added Maya.

"Oh that," interrupted Ray, playfully punching Tej's arm. "He was following Sara." Zarna giggled and asked, "What? Seriously?"

Advika smiled, intrigued by the conversation. "Okay, I had a crush on her, but that's not important," said Tej. "Wait," said Advika, leaning in. "What was Sara doing there?"

"What do you mean? It's a library, people go there to read," said Maya.

Advika shook her head. "It's an ancient library. I've been there too. People interested in history or the occult go there. You only find historical or supernatural books there."

"Well, I didn't see which book she was reading," said Tej as the waiter arrived with a tray in his hands. It had four cups of hot coffee, one green tea, five cheese sandwiches, and a plate of French fries with ketchup. "Thank you," said Advika to the waiter as she picked up a cup of coffee, feeling the warmth seep through the cup.

Ray took a big bite of the sandwich, and Tej grabbed a handful of fries, munching on them eagerly.

The girls exchanged a knowing look, nodding their heads. "What? We're hungry," said Ray with a grin, his mouth full of sandwich.

"We could try practicing those things again," said Advika as she picked up the sandwich. "Yes, with full dedication this time," added Zarna.

"We'd be missing out on a lot of college though," commented Maya, taking a bite of the sandwich. "Who cares?" said Advika, sipping her coffee. "You hate college, don't you?" asked Ray, stuffing some fries in his mouth.

"There's nothing to like about it," Advika replied, dipping her fries in ketchup. "That's because you don't socialize," said Maya.

Advika frowned. She hated the misconception that she was introverted or anti-social. She was just selectively social, choosing to keep her views to herself due to the fear of being judged.

"What am I doing here?" she asked, taking a bite of her fries. "Credits to us," said Ray, playfully poking Tej's arm. "We had to coax her to join, you know."

"I can imagine," said Maya, nodding her head.

Advika felt irritated by the ongoing row between her and Maya. Tej, who had formed the group, couldn't understand why they didn't get along. There were many mysteries about everyone in the group, things he didn't know. He was determined to learn more about them as they proceeded with their mission.

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