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misalpav · 11 months

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ram being in love with the daughter of temple priest and even though he isn't very religious he still went there for sandhya aarti once he saw her one jhumke had fallen and finally able to gather some courage he decided to approach her and they had a talk or something.

also one more request don't use y/n can you pls use the name vaidehi ?

anon!!!! I love this prompt and I hope I did justice to your vision <3 (I'm on a writing high rn so I can actually write fast for once would you look at that?)

yemito ee maya

Two years after Governor Scott's death

Ram slowly walked away from his house, lost in thought. He could feel the wind in his face, rearranging his carefully styled hair and ruffling the shirt he just finished ironing. The sun, shining brightly in his eyes, slowly began its journey back to the horizon as kids laughed and ran back home from school. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in, letting himself relax. There was a time when he didn’t know what the word relax meant, how it felt to feel his heart rate slowing and have time for himself. Now that he did, he never quite knew what to do with it. Sometimes, he would make a beeline to Bheem or Sita’s house to talk to them or have dinner together, other times, when he didn’t feel like socializing, he would sit at home and read a book. On days like today, when he just couldn’t get himself to pay attention to the words on a page, he’d huff and put down his book to go for a walk, thinking about how much his life and his India has changed.

“Ram anna, chai thaaguthara?” (tl. Do you want to drink chai?)

He turned his head and saw a group of kids at a street food stall looking at him eagerly and quickly recognized all of them from his colony. His mouth curved into a smile as he forgot about his earlier thoughts and started walking towards them, his hands checking his pockets to find his wallet.

“Aa thaguthanu. Anna, okka chai isthava?” (tl. Yes, I’ll drink some. Can you give me one chai?)

As the seller made his chai, he pretended to look in his wallet for money while secretly watching the kids, and smiled with a glint in his eyes as the kids’ faces fell, realizing he didn’t get them anything. He pulled out a 100 rupee note from his wallet and handed it to the vendor, who looked at him confused.

“Migilina paisalu tho pillalu ki vallaku ishtam ainadhi edhaina ivvandi, inka mitha meeru pettukondi.” (Give the kids whatever they want with the remaining money, and if there’s anything left you can keep it for yourself.)

The kids’ eyes widened at him in disbelief, and they quickly ran to the vendor before Ram could have second thoughts and asked for bajjis, dosas, lassis, and whatever else they could think of. Ram chuckled and shook his head, taking a seat at one of the tables and enjoying the warm taste of chai. He was completely aware the colony moms would make their displeasure very well known to him when he went home, but he figured he’d take it if it meant upholding his role as every kid’s favorite person.

The kids sat around him and became engrossed in conversations about their classes, the math teacher they despised, the cricket game they played last night, and a few other things and Ram sat back and listened attentively to their stories while tending to his chai, zoning out only once in a while when the conversation was directed away from him.

At one of these moments, he heard a laugh and the jingling of bangles coming towards them, and he turned his head subconsciously. His jaw dropped as his eyes rested on the source of the laughter: a woman, busy in conversation with a younger girl, walking towards them wearing a beautiful black and yellow saree, her hair tied back in a neat braid, with a book in her hands. As they walked up to her, he suddenly stood up, catching the woman’s attention. When she turned to face him, he held his breath and examined her eyes, bordered with kohl, and the bright red bindi above the bridge of her nose. Silver jhumkas adorned her ears glowing in the sun and the smell of the jasmines in her hair radiated off her, and he was lucky one of the kids pulled on his hand to get his attention. The woman’s face softened as she smiled, turned away from him, and walked away, and he quickly reoriented himself, telling the kids he had other work to do tonight and started in the direction the woman had left towards, promising the kids they’d play cricket together another night.

Ram speedwalked for a few minutes and finally caught up to them, trailing only a few meters behind, but he couldn’t bring himself to approach her. Internally, he was cursing himself out for making this seem easy to Bheem all those years ago, when he himself was such a mess at it. He wished Bheem, Sita, Jenny, the kids, or literally anyone was with him right now to tell him what to do and how not to embarrass himself. His shoe stepped on something and he tripped over, clasping his mouth to make sure no sound came out. When he turned to see what caused it, he found one of her silver jhumkas lying in the dirt. Ram couldn’t believe his luck and he picked up the jhumka, taking it as a sign from the universe to meet her. He then followed her, his faith in himself somehow reinstated simply by the fact he had something of hers in his pocket.

The women approached a Shiva temple, removed their shoes, and entered, and Ram stopped outside. He hadn’t been inside a temple since his father was killed by the British. Everyone close to him had tried to reinstate his faith in god, but he always shut down the idea by stating that if god was real, his father wouldn’t be dead, and if god is real and let his father be killed, then he had every reason to be extremely angry at that god. Ram almost turned around and left, but then he saw the woman returning outside, and froze, realizing she was staring at him.

“Intha dhooram vachi lopadiki raara?” (tl. You came this far, won’t you come in?) she asked. Realizing he was stuck, he slowly took off his shoes and stepped into the temple.

Once he was standing next to her, she asked him what his name was and he replied saying his name is Ram. She introduced herself as Vaidehi, and he said the name back to her, appreciating the way it rolled on his tongue. They sat in the back of the temple, and Vaidehi opened her book and started reading while he examined her features, and noticed she had removed the other jhumka. Ram hated being interrupted while reading, but he also needed to close this silence somehow, so he craned his neck to see what book she was reading.

“Avunu, gudiki vachi em pustakam chaduvuthunnavu? Adhi intlo guda cheyyachu kadha?” (tl. What book are you reading in the temple that you can’t read at home?)

That beautiful laughter that first got him to turn his head towards her escaped her mouth again and she told him his father was the head priest and she enjoyed attending the sandhya aarti whenever she could. She told him about the book she was reading, History of Dharmashastra, and they both fell into an animated conversation about the development of Indian ancient societies and their dreams for a modern and independent India. She said India needed more men like Alluri Ramaraju and he smiled and agreed, hiding the joy in his heart from hearing her say that. He never bothered mentioning that he was Ramaraju because he found it refreshing to talk to people normally without being treated like a savior everywhere he went.

Suddenly, a man, who he assumed was Vaidehi’s father, stood in front of the garbhagriha and everyone in the temple stood up. They recited bhajans, and while Ramaraju knew all of them from memory from his childhood and his mother, he quietly listened to Vaidehi’s voice. At the end, he took the prasadam from one of the other priests and walked back outside with Vaidehi. She asked him if he didn’t know the bhajans, and he replied saying he did, but he enjoyed listening to them much more than singing them, opting to leave out the truth about his father. They talked more about their interests, exchanged addresses, and talked about meeting again. As the sun finally set, she told him she needed to leave, and that they’d definitely meet again. Ram watched her walk away and put his hand in his pocket, touching the jhumka he never returned, whispering, “I promise we will.”

---

(a/n) should I make this a series lmao I have so many ideas for where this could go. also, I haven't been to india in like 6yrs now (curse the pandemic and then school/work) so idr if 100 rupees is acc a reasonable amount for the chai scene 🗿

open tag list: @obsessedtoafault @rambheem-is-real @lil-stark @manwalaage @contemporarykafka @sinistergooseberries @budugu @the-gayest-tree-you-ever-did-see @hufhkbgg @eremin0109 @eenadu-varthalu @hissterical-nyaan @how-is-it-in-london @gauri-vishalakshi @sada-siva-sanyaasi @bromance-minus-the-b @darlingletshurttonight @voidsteffy @itsfookingloosah @mad-who-ra @fadedscarlets @justmeand-myinsight @rasnak2 @ghungru @irisesforyoureyes @vijayasena

I copied a rrr tag list I literally haven't used in a year and tried to remember as many old urls as I could. if you want to be added/removed from the list pls lmk <3

#rrr #rrr fics #rrr movie #ram charan #ss rajamouli #alluri sitarama raju #ntr jr #jr ntr #komaram bheem #desiblr #rrr fanfic #yemito ee maya #shri writes #shri's fics #shri's posts

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sallyastral · 1 year

Text

SOME MORE CHAIFLOWER HEADCANONS BABY

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Pavitr deeply hates "indian restaurants" in Brooklyn, because he claims their food is not even near to actual indian food

He never tried said restaurants, he simply and outright refused to even step foot in one

He loves Brooklyn's pizza though and could eat it everyday

Nothing tops indian food though

Miles adores Indian cuisine and is extremely excited whenever Pavitr invites him to his universe, because he gets to taste Auntie Maya's delicacies

Pavitr can say the same about Rio's cooking

About Rio, she loves Pavitr like he's her second son

Sometimes, Miles invites Pavitr home and spends time with him for barely five minutes, because for the rest of the day his boyfriend is busy gossipping with Rio about the neighbors or whoever crosses her mind

Despite everyone headcanoning Pavitr as a cute femboy Deku 2.0, I think he's actually pretty manly

Pav tried bringing Miles to exercise with him at the gym or at home

It ended up with Miles' muscles aching for two days and Pavitr helping with massages

Whenever Miles says something wrong, Pavitr uses a terrifying death glare

"Hey Pav, can I have some chai t-" *gets the death glare*

When they fight it's a mess

Miles tends to give the silent treatment and is the silent rage type, Pavitr insists until he gets a reasonable answer and doesn't hesitate to show his anger if needed

They could go on for days if they wanted, but they get sick of staying apart after a few hours

Pavitr is quite the touchy guy, so he rarely apologies first

Miles' phone wallpaper is a picture of him and Pavitr kissing in Pavitr's house balcony, in India

Pavitr's instead is a selfie of him and Miles in bed with Miles laying on top of him

They often spend their afternoons doing creative activities and talking

Gossipping about everyone and everything as Miles draws and Pavitr knits

Yes, Pavitr can knit and he's a pro

Their sleeping positions are... Weird

They're both that kind of people that moves a lot when sleeping so they're like, doing acrobatics or something

The funny thing is that in the morning, they always end up one on top of each other somehow

"How did you-" "I don't know bro I was sleeping"

Miles unironically enjoys Bollywood's movies

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I missed writing something about them

#chaiflower headcanons #chaiflower #pavitr x miles #miles x pavitr #paviles #spiderman atsv #spiderman across the spiderverse #atsv #spiderman headcanon #spiderman headcanons #atsv headcanons #headcanons request

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cicidarkarts · 10 days

Text

Joonam - Chapter 2: Noon Chai

< Chapter 1 | Chapter List | Chapter 3 (coming soon!) >

He picked up the phone and held the receiver in his slick hand. The dial tone bleated at him. Part of him wanted to take it as a warning, telling him not to call, telling him not to drag her down into his mess. But she'd only be around for a couple of months. Anything that he dragged her into would be left in India after she was gone. At least, he hoped that would be the case as his quivering fingers input her hotel number.

He sat at his dining table, trying to keep his breathing steady as he waited through those shrill rings.

“Hello?”

It was her. His heart felt like it stopped working. His lungs stiffened like they were being crushed. He took a breath and everything worked once more. But now he'd waited too long to answer, hadn't he? His tongue flopped uselessly. He tried to force his words by first clearing his throat.

“Hey,” he said, heart jumping at how high pitched he sounded. So he opened up his throat and lowered his voice until he found his normal cadence. “Hey. It's Idrees.” “Oh, hey! My hero! Finished helping old ladies cross the street and rescuing kittens from trees just in time to check up on me.” He wanted so badly to match her energy, have a conversation light and playful, but his unpracticed voice was weak and made his stomach lurch. “I have a very busy schedule.”

Her responding giggle made his nerves relax yet again. That laugh. He would have to hear it more. It was like getting a relaxing massage, or eating those first few bites of a delicious meal, and the aftermath kept him floaty and light.

“I called because, uh,” he started, hoping and praying that he'd keep up with her. “I actually cleared my, er, good Samaritan schedule and was thinking, um…” The steam was running out and fast. His nerves out lasted his vocal chords and he trailed off. “You wanna go out sometime?” she asked. He shot up straight and bashed his knee into the table. He bit down the pain to avoid it coming through in his voice. “Yes. I'd really like that. Was hoping soon since you won't be here for too long.” “Yeah! Tomorrow?” Somehow, his knee didn't hurt at all. “That would be great. I get off at four. There's this really small tea shop I like to go to called Noon Chai. It's, um, authentic.” “Ooh, now you're talking. I'd love to go, Idrees.”

With the shock of getting her number gone, he took in how she pronounced his name. She didn’t have a roll to her R, the I was much gentler—her pronunciation was clumsy and cute. He wanted to hear it from her lips and accent again and again. And hopefully he would very soon. He gave her the location and they agreed to meet up at 4:30.

“Great,” he said, his nerves betraying him with an anxiety-laden chuckle. “I can't wait.” Oh, he was coming on too strong, wasn't he? “Sounds like fun! I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Idrees!” That smile in her voice as she said his name had his hands soaked with sweat. He pushed through his constricted throat. “Bye, Cece.”

She hung up and he tossed himself back against his chair. His landline fell to the floor as he gazed at the ceiling in disbelief that their conversation truly happened. Not even that throbbing pain in his knee would bring him down.

Idrees sat outside the tea shop on their crappy patio. Two chairs and what was basically a crate—“Al fresco” some tourist had called it. And when he found out what that meant, one of the employees, his friend Manu found it so hilarious that the nickname stuck.

But his memories and the warm breeze could only keep him occupied for so long. It was already almost 5:00 and they were supposed to meet at 3:30. Why hadn't she shown up yet? Had she forgotten? Even though they'd just spoken about it less than 24 hours ago…

His hands prickled. He couldn't blame her. Not just his unruly hair or unmanageable unibrow—his entire being radiated remnants of his past. He'd come to learn that women could sense that sort of thing. Cece was no different, surely. She felt his sins and decided it was best to never show back up in his life again.

Or worse, she was battered and broken on the ground, somehow, someway. His palms crept and his hands quivered. Some man hurt her; some man saw her—vulnerable and weak—and did horrible things, and he wasn’t there to stop it. He thought back to that creep at the bus stop. If he hadn’t been there—

His hand shot into his pocket and snatched his bottle of sanitizer. His palms tingled like bugs crawled through his flesh. He doused them in the sanitizer and scrubbed, getting all over his dry palms and between the stiff webs of his fingers. The strong odor of alcohol wafted about him, familiar, safe, furthering the ease of his mind. His skin calmed. He glanced through the window to the clock again. 5:00.

Idrees sighed. No, she had to be okay. He'd just set his sights too high, that was all. If he'd just kept his head down and his mouth shut, he wouldn't have had to face her rejection. But he’d forced her hand, and now… He shifted forward in his seat, preparing to stand—

“Idrees!” called Cece.

His gaze shot up. She jogged toward him from the street, waving and smiling. And bouncing. If only time slowed down like on television. Yet he was still able to take in so many of her features in those short moments. Her thick locks flying behind her, her eyes shining bright beyond her glasses, and a poorly fastened shawl that slipped down her shoulder.

“I'm so sorry I'm late!” she said, reaching him and trying to fix her shawl. “The bus broke down and they said they were sending a new one and ten minutes passed and— Anyway, I walked here, so sorry if I look like a mess.” “It's fine. I'm just glad you're okay.”

She beamed and absently readjusted her scarf. Her unruly hair was a bit wild from her run but she fixed it after a couple of passes with her fingers. Thank goodness she hadn't stood him up or—he tried not to even think about it—gotten hurt. The date could've easily been him admiring her here in the street as she giggled and talked and ran her hands through her hair, but he figured that'd be a pretty lame date for her. So he motioned toward the cafe and followed her inside.

The small building wasn't the most remarkable, as the stone floors were a bit dusty and the monotone bronze furniture a little cramped, but it was as local and authentic as she could get. The smile never left her face so he hoped she was enjoying it and not just being nice.

“Hey, Idrees!” The cafe owner, Kalidasa, called to him in Hindi.

Idrees greeted him back as he pulled out a chair for Cece to take. He sat across from her. There were menus on the wooden table in a little cubby and he took it out to read the options to her. Just a few minutes later, Manu approached their table.

“Hey, Idrees,” Manu greeted in Hindi. “Getting the usual today?” “Yes, and my friend will be ordering, too.”

He motioned toward Cece. Manu gave him a funny look and glanced over as if this was a joke, only to do a double take when he saw her. He smirked at Idrees, then gave a little bow to Cece.

“Ah, sorry, my English… not very good,” said Manu. “I didn't realize Idrees has… friends.” “Yes, yes,” said Idrees in English, too. “I get it.”

Cece gave Idrees a most sympathetic sort of smile—the same kind of smile he’d gotten far too often at work. He avoided her eye and stuck his nose instead into the menu, despite knowing exactly what he was going to get. When Cece tried to give her order in supremely botched Hindi, Manu struggled to keep it together. Her face was red halfway through.

“I'm sorry,” she said in English. “I'm trying my best, I had to learn Hindi in less than a month.” “No, no,” said Manu. “Is not bad. Better than some tourists. You should hear some of the crazy—”

Kalidasa yelled at Manu to get back to work so Manu ensured their order was right and left to wait on another customer.

“Wow,” said Cece. “They all know you here.” “I come here now and again.” “It's been five years!” Manu called in English. Kalidasa snapped at him again. “Five years, huh?” asked Cece. “The tea here must be delicious.” “Well, when you don't have time to make your own tea, you end up coming to holes-in-the-wall. But I figured it's as authentic as it gets.” “Yeah, this is really cool! Going to a place that you know well is way more interesting than going to some shitty tourist trap.”

Their tea came out first and Manu teased Idrees in Hindi about his “unending smile”. Cece giggled behind her hand. Idrees gave him a dirty look and lightly kicked his shin, wanting to remind Manu that Cece did know some Hindi. But Manu already had an awkward expression and was scratching at his nose. He clearly got the uncomfortable message before heading back out to work. Occasionally

“Not very smiley?” she asked. He stirred a sugar packet into his Assam tea. “What makes you say that?” “Well, your coworker for one. She told me you rarely smile for anyone.” His face grew hot and his heart leapt. “Did she now…” “Oops, did I get her in trouble?”

Though he knew it was a simple joke, there was still a part of his brain that couldn't stand the notion of it. He tried to laugh it off, but he guessed his chuckle sounded forced or uncomfortable given the way her grin fell. They thankfully had no chance to discuss it as Manu returned with their food.

Cece looked too adorable with her overflowing excitement. He hadn't found much joy in the food and tea here lately, but his apathy slowly dissipated in the wake of her enthusiasm. That zest for trying new things would rub off on him, he feared. The way her eyes sparkled as she devoured her raj kachori—a far cry from his classic and rather boring dal chawal—wasn’t helping.

“This is so good!” she gushed, a cheek still stuffed. “So much better than takeout where I’m from. I’m so jealous; India seems way cooler than America.” “I wouldn’t know since I don’t know anything about America.” Which wasn’t exactly a lie. He hardly thought warring troops taught him anything substantial about American life. “Do you like living in India?” she asked between crunching bites of food. “Yeah,” he said with a shrug. “It's fine. Peaceful enough where I live. Is it peaceful where you live?” “Oh, it's gorgeous. Forest all around, off the main road, so I'm surrounded by nature. It's the only place I can stand living.”

It was so strange to him seeing someone revel in solitude. He couldn't think of anyone else who would willingly isolate themselves. Whenever he trapped himself alone in his apartment, his mind wandered far too much. Having someone beside him, to distract or even console him, sounded like too much of a blessing to throw away. Though even he had to admit the constant chattering and bike engines humming grated in his ears on some of his worst days.

“Besides,” she continued, “it’s best for me to live alone. No one wants to hear my terrible singing.” “I do!” called Manu as he passed. “Are you any good?” Idrees asked. Because if you're not—” “Hey, woah, woah, I'll have you know that I'm incredible. Here, listen to this, you nonbeliever.”

She proceeded to sing the worst rendition of a kid's song he'd heard, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Luckily, just the first few lines. Even though it sounded terrible and grated in his ears—and a customer that walked in during it walked right back out—and it made Manu slow clap in the silence that followed—there was something endearing about it. Idrees couldn't imagine singing so poorly and off-key on purpose without some mastery over his voice that he didn't possess. Still, he joined in Manu's mocking slow clap.

She bowed her head. “Thank you, thank you, you're a wonderful audience.” “You're scarin’ my customer off!” called Kalidasa in Hindi. “Sorry,” she apologized, holding down a giggle with her cheeks turning red.

But the customer peeked his head back in.

“That was… great,” said Idrees. “Thanks! Been honing my skills for a long time.” “What, like five minutes?” She laughed, and it gave his stomach butterflies to be the funny one for a change. “No, try twenty-some years. I've always loved to sing. Bet that made my mom real happy, given she named me Cecelia after the patron saint of music or some shit. Wanted me to sing in our church choir. She's lucky I love a captive audience.”

Maybe it was the way she cussed a lot, or that she was dressed in all-black despite the scorching weather, but Idrees couldn't imagine Cece at a church. The very thought of it made his palms creep and tingle.

“So you're religious?” He must've been on fire today because she laughed again. “No way, and it drives my mom insane. Nah, I've always been ambivalent to that sort of thing. That said, I can sing a mean Noel.” She rolled her eyes and grabbed hold of her straw. “It's a curse.”

There was a lull in the conversation as she drank. He didn't really know what ambivalent meant, but her not being religious sounded about right. She didn't seem the type to care. Weight that had crept up on his chest disappeared then, letting him breathe a bit easier, but that tingling was still there. He tried to will it away, tried to ignore it, but then…

“What about you?” she asked. “Figure we already went there. Are you religious?” “I…” His palms crept and the tingling traveled up his arms. He couldn't ignore it. It would overtake him if he tried. His hand dove into his pocket and he grabbed the hand sanitizer. He squeezed about half a palmful out. “I don't know.”

Her playful face fell to a frown and her eyes wandered as she took another sip off her straw. He couldn't blame her. Who would want to watch his shame? Who would want to observe that his only salvation, the only thing that kept his body and mind calm, was the sanitizer—its fumes, its feeling. But before he had a chance to put it away, Cece came back to him with a gentle smile.

“I completely get it. It's touchy, right? We can talk about something else. Something more interesting, like…” She assumed a cute thinking pose—finger under her chin, eyes gazing toward the ceiling, slightly squinted as though in deep thought. Only to then bust out, “What's your favorite animal?” “Oh. Umm…” Such a simple question caught him off guard. He'd never really thought about it. The longer he hesitated, the more his mind shriveled up, barren of all thoughts except how silly this must've looked. “Dogs, I guess.” “Dogs? Really?” “Hey, what's wrong with dogs?” “Nothing!” she said, giggling. “I love dogs but that's such a basic answer! Cats and dogs; so boring!” He side-eyed her, trying hard not to smile (and probably failing). “Okay, if you're so unique, then what's your favorite animal?” “Oh, that's easy. Hyenas!” “You know what, somehow that makes a lot of sense.” “And what's that supposed to mean?” “Hyenas are weird. You're weird.” He shrugged as though the logic was so obvious. “Of course you'd like them.” She leaned across the table with a playful smirk upon her now even cuter pink lips. “Oh, so you think you know me?” “I think I could make some educated guesses.” “What kind of music do I like?” Fuck, another hard question. “Uhhh… What's that one, where they all sing in those nasally voices…” “Emo!?” “Yes, that!”

She cackled so hard that she briefly was a hyena.

“I can't believe you!” she said, hand over her chest as though highly offended. “First of all, the answer is ‘all of it’, and second of all, I've never been emo in my entire life! Teenage me preferred metal.” “The screamy stuff?” “Yes, the screamy stuff.” “How can you sing to screamy stuff?” “Observe.” She took a deep breath. “No!” He put his hand up to shush her. “I believe you, please don't demonstrate!”

He'd never laughed like this in… Ever! His inexperienced ribs were sore, inexperienced lungs short of breath, and his inexperienced cheeks hurt. He hadn't realized how loud they had gotten until Manu—his brow upturned and his lips pursed into a smirk—cleared his throat at them as he passed. That's when Idrees noticed the two other customers had been looking at them: two lone men he'd seen frequent the shop before. One smiled, amused at least, but the other scowled as he held his book closer to his nose.

Cece and Idrees shushed each other, lowering their jubilance to soft giggles instead. Their conversation continued from there, much less loud but no less enjoyable. Idrees was sure his face would be hurting tomorrow but his entire body felt so light, like he was practically floating off his seat. It wasn't until there was a lull in the conversation and Cece glanced around the room did she suddenly say,

“Shit, what time is it?”

Idrees noticed then, too, that the sun no longer streamed through the windows. He checked the clock above the kitchen.

“It's after eight already,” he said. “I'm sorry, Cece, I didn't mean to keep you out so late.” “It's no big deal, just that I have to get up at the ass crack of dawn to go to a wedding rehearsal. So I need to get to sleep soon or I'm going to be cranky.” “Not a morning person?” he asked, motioning for Manu to come over with the check. “Not a people person, really.” “You've been nice to me, what are you saying? Am I not people?” She smiled. “You're one of the only tolerable people I've met.”

Manu set the check down and Idrees really didn't want to see the numbers. They hadn't ordered much but still, his budget wasn't very big, she’d ordered something a bit more expensive, and double the usual bill made his bank account ache.

Cece pulled out her wallet. “I’ll pay for my half.” “No, I was the one to ask you out, so…” “I can pay for my own portion, Idrees, really. I was planning on it anyway.” “I would rather pay.” She eyed him up, face soured. “Are you sure?” “I’m very sure.” “Okay… I really don't mind splitting the bill, though.”

He could've let her help. He should've let her help (especially given that incredible eye roll she gave him). But the man always paid for dates. The man always provided. So, without looking too closely at the bill, Idrees let Manu swipe his card. He was going to be sorry later when he saw the dwindling numbers of his savings.

As they exited the restaurant, Idrees noticed how dark the sky had become. Knowing Cece was going to be alone on the bus, alone walking back to her hotel, made his stomach uneasy with acid.

“You want me to drive you?” he asked. “No, I'm going to take the bus.

The bus? His hand went in his pocket. Did he give off a weird feeling? He grasped his hand sanitizer. No, maybe she was just cautious… He squirted out a palmful of it, the bottle nearly empty from today. Maybe she thought he was a creep or something. He rubbed the sanitizer in and focused on the scent and the way it burned his dry skin.

“I don't mean to be pushy,” he said as the bus stop came into view. “Not at all,” she said. “It was generous of you to offer. Maybe next time I'll take it.”

His stomach fluttered. He'd never heard words as reassuring as “next time”.

“Want me to stay with you until the bus comes?” he asked when they reached the stop. “That would be great, actually. It's pretty dark out.”

There weren't others around, and businesses along the road had their lights on, but he didn't want to risk it. Even if nothing happened, his unrelenting thoughts would consume him. He didn't want their date to be over anyway. If she could spend several more hours talking to him, he would let her.

“You seem like you've got good friends,” she said. “Manu, Kanta. Even your boss, you said she was nice.” “Oh. I guess I do. I never really thought about it. I've only spent time with Manu. We go to the Temple together sometimes.” Her eyes lit up like he said something incredible. “That sounds so cool. I've never been inside a Temple before.” His invitation slipped out before he could hold it back. “Maybe that could be one of our dates, then.”

Once he said it, he got a jolt of embarrassment that made his heart jump. Presuming they would have not only one more next time, but multiple next times, had him looking ahead to avoid her eyes.

“Yeah,” she said. “Maybe it could! I was thinking I really wanted to go to the popular bazaar first, though. That one in the middle of the city.”

He tried to suppress his grin so he didn't look like an absolute simpleton. She already had plans for another date. His voice was completely gone. Luckily, he wasn't made to talk again as the headlights of the bus came up the road. Cece hailed it before turning to him.

“Thanks for such a great night. I had a lot of fun.” “Me, too. I don't want to overstep, but could you call me when you get back? I want to make sure you're okay.” “Yeah, I still have your number from last night. I'll give you a call.”

She opened her arms up and stepped a bit closer. He swallowed the lump that formed at the back of his throat. She just wanted a hug. Right? She didn’t want him to do anything more. Even though a desire to kiss her invitingly moonlit lips burned hot in his core…

Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and she leaned against him. He embraced her soft body. Time stood still in that moment. The bus never drew closer, the moon never moved from its position high above them; all that he noticed was her rhythmic breathing and the gentle smell of her hair up close. He wanted to hold onto her warmth for the rest of the night. That tingling on his palms had gone, banished by her presence and the promise they would see one another again.

It was this reassurance that allowed him to release her. They said their goodbyes as she boarded the bus. He watched it drive down the road, taking all the light away with it. It felt like the darkness crept around him like little paranoid tendrils that whispered in his ear. How he didn’t deserve someone to care for him. How he was going to be all alone. How, one day, his shitty life would tear Cece down.

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kulharchai · 5 months

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Understanding the Basics and Benefits for Entrepreneurs To Choose Kulhar Chai Franchise

In the bustling streets of India, amidst the aroma of spices and the cacophony of everyday life, there’s a timeless tradition that has stood the test of time the snacking culture. From roadside stalls to modern cafes, chai holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Now, imagine being part of this rich heritage while also building a successful business. Enter Kulhar Chai, a brand that’s not just about tea but about an experience, a journey, and an opportunity for entrepreneurs to thrive. Today, we delve into the basics and benefits of choosing a Kulhar Chai Franchise, unlocking the doors to a flavorful and fulfilling venture.

Embracing Tradition with a Twist : Kulhar Chai takes the age-old tradition of chai drinking and snack experience to new heights. The brand’s unique selling proposition lies in its use of kulhars traditional clay cups to serve piping hot chai. This simple yet innovative approach resonates with customers seeking an authentic and eco-friendly experience. By choosing a Kulhar Chai Franchise, entrepreneurs align themselves with a brand that not only respects tradition but also embraces innovation.

The Power of a Strong Brand Identity : In today’s competitive market, brand identity plays an essential role in attracting customers and building loyalty. Kulhar Chai’s distinctive branding distinguishes it from the throng, making it easily recognized and memorable. Entrepreneurs who choose a Kulhar Chai Franchise profit from the strong brand identification, as they gain access to a pre-existing reputation for quality and authenticity. This reduces the time and effort required to start a new business, giving Franchisees an advantage in their business journey

A Proven Business Model : Success in the business world often hinges on having a solid foundation and a clear roadmap to follow. Kulhar Chai offers exactly that with its proven business model, honed through years of experience and market research. Franchisees receive comprehensive support and guidance every step of the way, from site selection and setup to operations and marketing.

Tapping into a Lucrative Market : The demand for quality chai experiences is on the rise, fueled by a growing appreciation for artisanal beverages and cultural authenticity. Kulhar Chai taps into this lucrative market segment, offering customers an alternative to mass-produced tea chains. Entrepreneurs who invest in a Kulhar Chai Franchise position themselves at the forefront of this trend, capitalizing on the ever-increasing demand for unique and memorable dining experiences. It’s an opportunity to not only meet the needs of today’s consumers but also shape the future of the food and beverage industry.

Flexibility and Scalability : One of the key advantages of franchising is the flexibility it offers in terms of scalability and growth. Kulhar Chai Franchisees have the opportunity to expand their operations and explore new markets, either by opening additional outlets or diversifying their product offerings.

Whether it’s catering to different demographics, experimenting with new flavors, or exploring different formats such as kiosks or food trucks, entrepreneurs have the freedom to customize their Franchise according to their vision and goals. Conclusion : Choosing a Kulhar Chai Franchise is not just about serving tea, it’s about embarking on a flavorful journey filled with opportunities for growth, innovation, and success. From its strong brand identity to its proven business model and flexible growth prospects, Kulhar Chai offers entrepreneurs the perfect blend of tradition and entrepreneurship. Take the first sip towards your entrepreneurial dreams with a Kulhar Chai Franchise today. For more information, you can check our website

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franchisefoodcourtindia · 10 months

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Food Court India: The Best Kulhad Chai Franchise Provider

Introduction

In the diverse landscape of India's culinary scene, one beverage that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate the taste buds of millions is Kulhad Chai. The traditional clay cup, known as "Kulhad," adds a rustic charm to this beloved tea, making it a delightful and unique experience for tea enthusiasts. For entrepreneurs looking to tap into this rich market, Food Court India emerges as the go-to destination for the Best Kulhad Chai Franchise.

Finding the Best Kulhad Chai Franchise

Embarking on the journey of owning a Kulhad Chai franchise begins with finding the right partner, and Food Court India stands out as the beacon for those seeking excellence in the world of chai. The process of finding the best Kulhad Chai franchise is made seamless with Food Court India's commitment to delivering quality, authenticity, and a proven track record of success.

Why Food Court India?

Proven Success: Food Court India boasts a stellar reputation as the most successful Kulhad Chai franchise in India. With a proven business model and a string of successful franchises across the country, it has become synonymous with quality and customer satisfaction.

Authenticity in Every Sip: The hallmark of a great Kulhad Chai is its authenticity, and Food Court India ensures that each cup reflects the true essence of this traditional beverage. From the carefully selected tea leaves to the unique clay cups, every element is curated to deliver an authentic and memorable chai experience.

Comprehensive Support: Starting your own Kulhad Chai franchise is made easy with Food Court India's comprehensive support system. From initial setup and training to marketing strategies and ongoing assistance, the franchisees receive the guidance needed to thrive in the competitive food and beverage industry.

Innovative Menu Options: While staying true to the roots of Kulhad Chai, Food Court India also offers a range of innovative menu options to cater to diverse tastes. This ensures that the franchisee can attract a wide customer base, making it a lucrative investment.

Start Your Own Kulhad Chai Franchise Now

For aspiring entrepreneurs eager to dive into the world of chai and become part of a successful Kulhad Chai franchise, the time is now. Food Court India provides an unparalleled opportunity to own and operate a flourishing business that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of India through its iconic Kulhad Chai.

Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of the food and beverage industry, choosing the right franchise provider is crucial for success. Food Court India emerges as the undisputed leader in offering the Best Kulhad Chai Franchise, combining authenticity, innovation, and unwavering support for its franchisees. So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of flavor and entrepreneurship, look no further – start your own Kulhad Chai franchise with Food Court India today!

#Delicious Chai franchise #Chai business in India #Chai Franchise model #Chai Business online #Best franchise opportunities in India for Chai #Chai Business #Chai Franchise bussiness #Masala Chai in india

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delhichaicafe · 17 days

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Refresh yourself with the vibrant Mango Tango Juice at DELHI CHAI CAFE! This tropical delight is the perfect way to cool down while you enjoy the cozy ambiance of the best chai franchise in India. Made with the freshest mangoes, this juice offers a burst of tropical flavors that pair beautifully with our signature chai and snacks. Whether you're taking a break or catching up with friends, the Mango Tango Juice adds a sweet, fruity twist to your experience at one of the top chai cafes in the country. Come by and savor the taste of summer in every sip

#best chai franchise in india #cafe franchise #entrepreneur #franchise #tea franchise #chai cafe franchise #chai franchise #delhi chai cafe #franchise model #branding #best cafe franchise in india #tea cafe franchise #top 10 chai franchise in india #under 6.99lacs #franchise business #franchise business opportunity

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chaipanshala · 5 months

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Chai franchise Online in india

We came up with a great shop model franchise. In this franchise, our partner will take advantage of maximum sales of regular customers and you will get a huge amount of benefits by opening a shop model.

#Low cost profitable chai paan franchises #Chai paan franchise opportunities in india #Chai paan cafe franchise opportunities #Most profitable chai paan franchises of all over india #Chai paan franchise business model in india #Free of cost chai paan franchise in india #Best chai paan Franchise Business In India #Zero Cost chai paan Franchise Opportunity #Food industry franchise model in India #Profitable chai paan business in india #Low cost chai paan franchise opportunities in india

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ranveer--singh · 2 years

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The nights are tasteless without you: Part 2 ~ Ari Levinson Fic

A/N - This is my first proper multiple chapter story which came to me while watching a Bollywood movie. It is set in Mumbai India where Ari is a professor at a university meets a person of colour - Marathi girl at the train station. There will be other Chris Evans characters as professors and Henry Cavill characters as professors

Warning: Please read this before reading the story. 18+, smut, sex… etc

Five days later, Ari started to settle into a routine. He bought a car and learned how to navigate Mumbai's streets with help from GPS. Classes were going well, and students taking a massive interest in Hebrew touched him.

He had finished work early today, and just as he was about to get into the car, his stomach rumbled. Ari hadn't eaten much for lunch as one student needed help. He remembered on his way home, there was a street vendor, and he decided to stop and grab some food.

The street vendor made him a vada pav right in front of him, handing it to him with some napkins. Ari said thank you, paid the man, and sat down on the bench, looking at the busy streets of Mumbai.

Ari suddenly felt the heat and started to cough, his eyes watering, trying to get the vendor to notice his hand asking for a drink. His actions got lost in translation as the vendor came and handed him some hot chai.

He didn't even think and took a few sips of the chai, and it didn't help cool his mouth. It made him swear and put the glass down; he saw a lady laugh at him and then talk to the vendor and bring a cold bottle of thumbs up.

"Here you go, Chai and Vada pav is a great combination but not when your tongue is numb from the spice," she said, looking at his face getting all red and sweaty.

"Well, thanks, I guess," he said, frowning at her, taking a few swigs of the drink. She felt offended; why was he being rude to her?

"Look, I'm sorry for the other day. Mumbai is a big city, and there are a lot of robbers and thieves, and we have to be careful and not trust everyone. My friend lost her watch while helping a guy with directions," she said, her head looking down at the ground.

"Oh no, I didn't know about that. I am new to Mumbai and don't know what's the protocol. I was only trying to be friendly and helpful. I didn't mean to scare you in any way," he said, looking at her soft eyes.

"I was looking for you at the station the last few days and couldn't find you," she said, feeling deflective.

"Oh, about that, I bought a car and am now using that as my transport," he said, seeing her walk away, and it suddenly started to rain, and she was getting soaked. Ari ran over to her and put his jacket over her

"Let me take you home; it's my way of apologising. Look, I don't want you to catch a cold," he said, walking to the car, hoping she would follow behind.

"It'll ruin your new seats with my wet clothes," she said, looking at her phone to see if it would take her 25 minutes to get home if she started walking now.

"Nonsense, I still have the plastic covers on the seats. The car dealer told me to keep them on so it doesn't ruin the seats. I get it now, you can sit, and I'll take you home," he said, and a small smile appeared on her face. She skipped towards the passenger seat of the car and, buckling up, rubbed her hands as Ari asked for her address and punched it in the GPS.

It was silent for 5 minutes, both awkwardly looking at the road ahead. All you could hear was their breathing and the car engine. She moved her hand to put on the radio, blushing as she felt Ari's hand touch hers thinking the same thing.

"Umm, sorry, you go," she said as her hand slipped away from the radio.

"No, no, it's ok, you chose a radio station," Ari said and watched as she pressed a few buttons to find the right radio station. A song came on, which made her smile, To Chand Rati. It made her hum the tune, making Ari smile and look at her with fascination.

Halfway through the song, Ari decided it was time to find each other's names. He lowered the volume and looked at her while sitting in traffic.

"We haven't exchanged names; my name is Ari Levinson; you can call me Ari. What is your name," he said, looking at her smile and biting her lip at how hot his voice sounded.

"Nice to meet you, Ari; my name is Maddy Deshpande, but you can call me Maddy," she said, turning up the radio a little more.

"What a lovely name Maddy, so what do you do," he asked, and for the rest of the journey to get to her house, they spoke about their lives, their profession, and what they loved to eat. When they arrived at her apartment, before leaving, they exchanged numbers, and she offered to be his tour guide.

#chris evans #ari levinson #ari levinson x poc #ari levinson imagine #ari levinson x reader #chris evans x indian reader #chris evans x poc!reader #chris evans x female reader #chris evans x woc #chris evans x woc!reader #chris evans x reader #chris evans x y/n

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