Savita’s café, a quaint little cosy place nestled at the foothills of Kodaikanal. Savita, a former journalist, lost the interest of living in the city when she turned 50 and decided to move to the mountains in search of peace. When she was in her prime, all she wanted to do was climb the competitive ladder to fame and become wealthy. But as time and years passed by, she realised the true joy of a slow-paced life and relishing the small things in life. After investing all her savings to buy a small plot in Kodaikanal, she opened up a café to serve people with warmth and delicious delights. Almost after ten years, the beautiful life of hospitality and sharing smiles with happy customers gave the satisfaction she was longing for.

Though Savita loved the freedom of offline life, she had to install a Wi-Fi connection for customers sake. The panoramic vista of the lush green mountain range, the small stream of spring water that flowed in the back yard of the café, and the melodious chorus of the wild birds weren’t enough to keep the customers engaged. Fancy conditions like workations demanded high-speed internet connections.

On her 60th birthday, when Savita decided to offer free sweets and savouries to her upcoming customers, the radio crackled and announced alarming news.

Red alert!

Caution, red alert.

A heavy rain with a high magnitude is expected today.

Savita laughed and ignored the news. Until now, the weather forecast was never clear. Whenever she came across serious alerts, they never materialised. But the news disrupted her business. Often customers panic and cancel their booking. Since there won’t be any customers during rain, Savita placed all her sweets and savouries on a table at the front desk. She placed a board near the front desk that had a sign “free for all” and started reading a book.

A few who passed that way stopped, tasted her treats, smiled, and walked away. The silent interaction and the happy expressions on everyone's faces gave Savita some solace. After a while, when the snacks got over, emptiness filled the ambience, and Savita sank back into her book.

Gradually the bright natural light around Savita diminished. Curious and surprised, Savita witnessed dark clouds gradually enveloping the sky. Well, for once the radio was right, she said to herself. Savita placed her book aside and tried to feel the surroundings with her senses.

Roaring thunder echoed throughout the mountain range. Heavy droplets of water pierced the air and fell in the mud, creating a sensational fragrance of freshness. As the intensity of the rain increased, water from small pathways gathered and transformed into heavy torrents. The dense rain covered the scenic vistas, leaving zero visibility. The exterior of the café was completely wet, and all she could hear was a continuous buzz like the noise from an old TV. Savita made herself a hot cup of coffee, settled down on a wooden chair, and continued to stare at the downpour.

Suddenly, a beautiful girl in her mid-twenties rushed inside the café, completely drenched from head to toe. Looking at the shivering girl, Savita felt bad and took her inside the café. She offered the girl a fresh towel, dry clothes, and a space to freshen up. After getting ready, the girl slowly looked around and admired the interiors of the café.

I love the way you have decorated your café, ma’am. The girl said.

Thank you. It took a long time to set this. Savita responded with a gentle smile.

So ma’am, are you Savita? Is this your café?

Yes. This is my den.

Are you managing this alone? Where is your family?

I am not alone. Every customer is a part of Savita’s family.

Savita’s response was surprising and a bit overwhelming for the girl. Emotions got the best of her, and she stood there in silence for a few seconds. Until now she has never met a lady like Savita.

What brings you to Kodaikanal? Asked Savita.

The question brought the girl back to her senses.

Pardon me, ma’am. My name is Kushi. I am a travel writer. I came to Kodaikanal in search of exotic destinations and to write stories about them. Said Kushi.

Travel writer. Sounds fascinating. Every day in your life must be like a vacation.

True, ma’am. It is fascinating.

Honestly, it was extremely daunting in the beginning. It was not easy to do this. It was very painful and hard. Especially being a girl. But I figured out how to move forward effectively and efficiently. I feel myself when I get closer to nature and write about it.

Yes, Kushi. Because we are nature ourselves. This brings back memories. If I had realised this in my twenties, I would have never pursued journalism. I would have become a travel writer like you.

Ma’am, what you have here is a true paradise. I believe this quaint café holds hundreds of heart-melting stories.

A day is not enough to share them, my dear.

I am all ears and yours, ma’am. Replied Kushi.

Savita and Kushi got comfortable in each other’s company. The noise from the rain, the wild weather, and time never bothered them. Like a catalyst, it triggered different emotions deep within their heart. Kushi shared all the adventures from her past, and Savita shared some nostalgic stories she heard from her customers. Together they travelled to different realms, consuming tantalising tales.

Amidst their discussion, the bell rang out of the blue, gaining their attention. Savita slowly got up and went out to check if it was a new customer. A handsome young man in his twenties stood near the door, completely wet. Without asking any questions, he took him inside her café. Surprisingly, Kushi welcomed him with a big smile on her face.

Do you two know each other? Asked Savita.

Yes, ma’am. This is Rishi. My fiancé. Responded Kushi with glee in her eyes and happiness in her tone.

This day is getting better and better. Said Savita.

Rishi swiftly dried off and got comfortable next to Kushi.

Ma’am, you did not even ask my name. The moment you saw me drenched and shivering, you welcomed me inside. Weren’t you even a little bit suspicious? Asked Rishi.

No. I don’t get questions in my mind. When I see someone at my doorstep, all I can think of is how to make them feel comfortable. All I have with me is my care for others.

Rishi, moved by her response, stared at her for a few seconds in admiration. Kushi snapped her fingers to bring him back to his senses.

Rishi, I am curious. I know Kushi is a travel writer. What do you do?

Ma’am, I cook for a living. From star hotels to street food stalls, I have worked everywhere. Just a few years back, I quit my job in search of inspiration. I have been travelling with Kushi to explore authentic dishes and learn them. Today, while Kushi went ahead to explore the meadows, I stayed back at a local stall to experience some spicy delicacies. We decided to meet here.

Amazing. You two are so unique, and meeting you both made my day. Said Savita with contentment in her tone.

Several hours passed. Savita, Rishi, and Kushi not just shared a lovely meal; they also shared some valuable time with music and games. After many years, Savita forgot about the world around her and got totally engrossed with the young couple. When the time struck 5 pm, she slowly stepped out. The relentless rain continued their heavy concert. Savita’s good mood transformed into mild concern. She quickly rushed in towards Rishi and Kushi.

What’s the plan?

I have never seen a rain like this in years.

Why don’t you two stay here for the night?

Asked Savita.

Listening to her, both Rishi and Kushi looked at each other with a smile. They stood up and started to undress. Savita, startled by their action, froze in shock. Not a single word could escape her mouth. After struggling for a few seconds, she yelled, Stop.

The young naked couple gently walked towards the front desk. Rishi reached out to the table and took a book that Savita was reading in the morning. He extended his right hand and offered it to Savita. Confused and scared at the same time, Savita received the book from his hand and stared at it with immense curiosity. The title on the cover said, The Wedding Tale of Two Foxes.

Ma’am, once upon a time a young male fox was playing near a silver stream of a mountain spring. When it was enjoying a carefree moment gazing through the falling leaves, a white feather drifting on the surface of the flowing water caught its attention. Intrigued by the feather, it started chasing it by the shore. After several twists and turns, the feather and the fox stopped at a sand settlement. In that very moment the male fox witnessed a female fox on the other side of the shore. Their eyes met, and time stood still for several minutes. The male fox, not able to control the excitement, started running towards the female fox. The female fox playfully ran away and hid behind trees. It was love at first chase. After a while they both caught up and embraced each other in silence. Dark clouds gathered as a witness to their true love and showered their blessing in the form of rain. This is the wedding tale of two foxes. Said Rishi.

Savita, in disbelief, was still like a statue. She forced herself and took a deep breath to calm her senses. The tale of the naked man gave her goosebumps. Her mind was commanding her to ask hundreds of questions, but her body was not responding. Before she could react, the couple walked into the rain and transformed into two little foxes.

They cuddled each other and sat next to Savita’s feet. With moist eyes, Savita caressed their forehead with care. After a few minutes, the foxes slowly walked out of the café and looked at Savita one last time. While she was waving her hand in joy, both the foxes and the rain gradually disappeared.

.    .    .