Storm in a Cup

Riya Mumbai traffic is death to me. I stared at the whole path of cars and bikes which was blocking my way. I checked the time which shows 9 o'clock. I sighed heavily and increased the heating on the heater as the rain was pouring without any break. I groaned in annoyance. I badly need coffee. My head is throbbing hard which makes me lose my calmness. “You have to calm down Riya” I mumbled to myself looking at myself through the rear view mirror. As you are thinking that i have a meeting which i have to attend but no I’m a freebird as for now my only goal is to become a singer which i dreamed since childhood but i need some time to achieve that, till then i explore myself because only 2 months back i got completed my graduation. My phone rang pulling me from my thoughts as i stared at my screen it is my twin Diya calling me i lifted the call “hello’ i said drily “hey girl, did you took my car” she said i smiled sheepishly “my car was in repair” i said i can imagine her rolling her eyes in anger “so you took mine, you workless women do you think i am also like you, i have a bloody meeting” she shouted on phone. Ouch that hurts! “I don't care, I need my morning coffee,” I said ignoring her curse words “whatever, you are dead in my hands once you came back” she said and disconnected the call. I can deal with her later but right now I want my coffee. Unlike me, Diya choose to take over our family business after dad’s retirement as he wanted his children to look after his businesses. That's why me and dad have not talked since my 3rd year. He wanted me to join in business and take over his business along with Diya but I am more interested in singing. I turn on the Fm station “there has been flooding all over Mumbai. Rain is pouring Non-stopping, everyone is suggesting that. Stay back in houses as some of the roads are blocked with rainy water.” I don’t care about anything, I just want my coffee, nothing else. After feeling like hours I parked my car at my favourite coffee shop I got down from the car taking my umbrella and went inside. Due to the rain there aren't many customers today. “Hey, darling” I greeted Mary, my 60 year old darling who is the owner of this coffee shop and her coffee was the best. She gave me the best smile which made me forget about all my worries, she is like a grandmother to me which I never have. “My coffee” i said she smiled “i will bring it in a few minutes but before that i have to go home to check peter as his health is not in good condition till then watch the counter, today no one came due to rain” she said i saw only she is handling the shop. “Okay, no need to rush, take your time and bring the coffee.” I told her she shook her head, chuckled and went inside till then I watched the counter. Her home was in the next street so she wouldn't take a long time. I was busy watching TV news about the floods in Mumbai, “one coffee please” I heard someone's voice which made me look at my front, a man of 25 I think is standing looking at his phone. Does he think I am a service girl here! I cleared my throat which successfully gained his attention “what?” He asked me but I lost in his black orbs, which made me hypnotic but I composed myself “I am no—“ he didn’t even let me complete “I don’t want any unnecessary discussion, bring my coffee” he said rudely which made me angry. How dare he? “Excuse me” I called him and he turned with a bored expression “what?” He asked irritatedly. I opened my mouth to argue but before that the landline rang so i picked it up “Riya, look after customers till I come” Mary said i rolled my eyes. She called at the right time or else I would argue with this man, “fine come fast” I groaned. I turned towards Mr. Attitude who was watching me without blinking his eyes which made me shy all of sudden. “Please take a seat sir, i will bring it” i told him clearing my throat he averted his gaze and nodded his head and went and sat near the glass window. I went inside the kitchen to make coffee. After I prepared his coffee I walked out. Now he is looking outside lost in his thoughts “sir, your coffee” i said placing a coffee cup on table he looked at me and smiled, Why does this smile make my knees weak! I went to a small bookshelf and picked one of the books and sat on the counter reading it. Suddenly loud thunder came which made me jump in my place “what the hell” i said i was scared of thunders since childhood, mom will always beside me to look after me but now. I saw he was watching me with a smirk. I rolled my eyes and again started reading. I heard a landline ringing. I lifted it up without taking my eyes off from the book because it is more interesting “Riya, i can’t come as flood water blocks the road you also don’t go anywhere close the doors and stay inside” she ranted “wait! What do you mean by staying inside? I have to go home, on the way I will give you the keys” i said try to make a plan. “Are you out of your mind, have you seen the outside condition, don’t. Go anywhere, just stay in the bloody shop. If you do anything stupid i will chop your head into pieces” she warned me and disconnected the call i stared at the phone for a good few seconds not understanding anything. “Excuse me bill please” Mr. Attitude voice brought me back. I told him the bill and he paid me. Everyone left the shop and he was the last customer. “Thank you sir” I said as he nodded and walked towards the door. I stared sadly at my phone. I wanted to go home and talk with dad about my singing but I know I will fail miserably. “What the hell?” I heard his voice and I frowned and walked towards him and saw him looking outside from the glass door “what happened?” i asked him “look” he said to my horror the outside road was blocked with water “this door was strong enough to hold the water” he mumbled “on no'' i mumbled holding my head. “Does that mean I really can’t go home?” I asked myself “what?” He asked me back