It was usual afternoon for Rajeshwari at her cafe, during weekdays it would usually be less crowded. She noticed some unseen tension between Akash and Reena. They both study in the arts college nearby and would occasionally come to the cafe after their college for their assignments.

She was fond of people and would love to have conversation with them. In fact this fondness lead her to the idea for owning the cafe. When she shifted to this town after her retirement from Mumbai she would usually invite her neighbours and sometimes their guests to her place for conversations. She would cook delicious snacks and then they would sit for long conversations. During one such discussion one of her guest suggested her that she should convert half portion of her house into a cafe. She loved the idea and after a small discussion with her daughter Noah she started the Soul Cafe.

Anyway, more on this some other day, let us focus back to Akash and Reena. Apart from their usual coffee Rajeshwari also took some of her famous cookies to their table. She took a seat at the table, and said “itna sannata kyun hai bhai” to break the silence. Akash tried to stay calm and replied nothing like that Aunty, we are just thinking. But Reena started to speak. She said Aunty you already know that we both love each other to the core. But coming from a strict family I want to wait for the right time before I could let anyone know about our relationship. While Akash understands my fears and also want to support me, he would behave impatiently sometimes. This would leave me discomfortable and at the same time I understand his feelings as well. We are unable to handle the situation maturely which sometimes leave us in fear.

Rajeshwari asked her to calm down and in case both of them are comfortable share some instances to see if she can help them.

Reena said “Akash would want to hold my hand sometimes when we roam at the market, I don’t feel comfortable for this even when I know that none of our parents stay in this town. But still some of our friends could see it, can guess that we are a couple and can inform my parents. Similarly, he would call me when I am at my parents place at hometown. I hesitate to answer his phone like I would for any other normal friend. I don’t want my parents to know about him till it is the right time. Once we both have achieved our career goals and achieve a comfortable financial independence I will inform about us to my parents and then they would not have any problem. At the other hand, I understand his feelings and value his love for me; I don’t want to risk our future.”

Rajeshwari listened attentively to Reena's concerns and could sense the love and the maturity in both of them. She smiled and spoke, "Reena, my dear, you are right that you both love each other and want to wait for the right time. And Akash, my dear, you are right that you want to support and be patient with Reena. But this tension and fear between you both is not good for your relationship. You both are young and have your whole lives ahead of you. Let me give you some advice that will help you both handle this situation better."

She went on to explain that they should set boundaries and communicate with each other. They should discuss what they are comfortable with and what they are not. They should also be open to compromise and understanding each other's feelings. She also suggested that they try to find creative ways to express their love for each other that does not involve physical touch or public displays of affection.

She also advised them to focus on their individual goals and aspirations and support each other in achieving them. And as soon as they become financially independent, they can then discuss the matter with their parents with the assurance that they have built a future for themselves.

Reena and Akash listened carefully to Rajeshwari's words and felt a sense of relief. They thanked her for her advice and left the cafe with a clearer perspective on how to handle their relationship. From that day on, they found ways to express their love without risking their future. They both went on to achieve their career and financial goals and eventually, they both shared their love story with their families and got their blessings. Rajeshwari always kept an eye on them and would always have a warm smile whenever they came to visit the Soul Cafe.