Rakshashi Curse #3

The sound of ocean waves crashing against the shore was the only thing that broke the silence as Kunal walked alone on the beach that morning. He had come early, needing time to reflect before starting his day. The sand felt cool beneath his feet, and the early sunlight shimmered across the water.

He was still riding the high of yesterday’s creative outburst, but something deeper stirred within him. Kunal stood still for a moment, staring at the horizon, wondering how his life had taken such an unexpected turn. It wasn’t just about the writing anymore, there was something more he couldn’t quite define.

After his walk, he returned home feeling more energized. His body still ached from hours spent hunched over his desk the night before, but the ocean and the quiet morning had done wonders for his mood. His notebook pages lay scattered, but for the first time in weeks, he felt a real sense of accomplishment.

He stepped into the small but spotless kitchen. Unlike his cluttered desk, the countertops were clear, the sink free of dishes, and every utensil perfectly arranged. This habit had been ingrained in him since childhood, his grandmother had always said she couldn’t sleep if the kitchen was left untidy. It seemed he had inherited the same compulsion.

In the corner hung an old sign, the letters now faded with time:
“NO UPMAS SHALL BE MADE IN THIS KITCHEN.”
He had bought the sign a decade ago, over the years, like the ink on the sign, that aversion had quietly faded. Funny how we take things for granted when they are easily available, only to long for them when it is no longer attainable.

Kunal stood by the stove, heating water and milk for his morning coffee. He measured the coffee grounds into his stainless steel filter, their rich aroma filling the air. Slowly, he poured the hot water over the grounds, watching the first few drops seep through and drip into the lower chamber, the golden brown liquid gathered below. The process was unhurried and when the coffee was ready, he added a touch of milk and two spoons of sugar.

There was something deeply comforting about making filter coffee, the familiarity of the routine, the simplicity of it. It was a ritual that engaged all the senses and soothed the soul. As he took his first sip, Kunal smiled, closing his eyes briefly and letting the warmth spread through him.

“Ah,” he said to no one, “Coffee, beach and peace is all that a man requires!”

Rashmi stood in the doorway, silently observing. She had let herself in. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she watched Kunal, so focused and calm in this simple process. There was something about the way he embraced these small moments, his quiet appreciation for life’s little pleasures, it intrigued her. She realized that this was the Kunal that fueled his words, the man behind the pages, the man behind the facade.

“”Ah!”, is it?” she finally let her presence be known. “Are you not going to make me a cup?”

Kunal jumped slightly at the sound of her voice, he was embarrassed that he had not noticed her approach. He fumbled for words, his mind scrambling to recover from the shock.
“No, I am not making you a cup,” he said, regaining his composure. He spied a small pout form on her face and added, “I am making you a tumbler, filter coffee is supposed to be enjoyed in a tumbler, after all”.

He took a breath, his initial surprise melting away into something else, “I was not expecting you,” Kunal laughed as he stepped aside to let her in. “But I am glad you are here.”

She walked into the kitchen and sat on the counter. “I was not sure if you would take my note seriously and actually focus on writing, so I thought I would come by and check on you. How is it going?”

Kunal handed her the coffee and gestured toward the scattered pages on the table. “Going great actually”

Seeing her struggle with the hot tumbler, he tried to take it from her hands. “I usually don’t drink anything hot,” she said, “but this, the great Kunal’s coffee, I have to try.” She took a sniff, letting the aroma fill her lungs, and then took a sip. “Ahhh!” she exclaimed.

They both started laughing, everything seemed natural in her presence.

They heard hurried footsteps on the stairs. Kunal frowned. “I am really not this popular in the mornings, or rather any time. Tell me it is not your dad with a hockey bat?”

Before Rashmi could answer, a storm burst through the room and yelled. “Guess what? I am your problem today.” A storm in a 25yr old female form and a destructive potential named Priya.

Her hair was wild and untamed and her eyes sparkled with a reckless enthusiasm. She was all bright colors, animated gestures, and boundless energy. She was like a gust of wind that could knock you off your feet before you even knew what hit you.

Priya’s eyes landed on Rashmi, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Oh!” was all she said, as if caught off guard for once in her life.

Kunal was used to this disaster and recovered quickly “Priya, this is Rashmi,” he said, “Rashmi, meet my overly excitable sister, Priya.”

Priya grinned as if she were a firework waiting for the fuse to be lit. They had dubbed her Wile E Coyote in her school.

Rashmi got down from the counter, offering her hand with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise!” Priya grinned, shaking her hand. “I hope I am not interrupting anything?”

“Not at all,” Rashmi said, glancing at Kunal. “We were just talking about his writing.”

“Are you his new editor?” Priya asked.

“No, I am his…” The pause was brief, but Priya caught on to it. “…friend,” Rashmi said.

“Is that coffee? Can I have some?” Priya asked and then took the tumbler from Rashmi’s hand before she could answer. She downed it in one go; the heat didn’t seem to bother her.

Rashmi blinked in surprise, amused, stunned at Priya, while Kunal shook his head completely unsurprised. “Ever heard of manners?” he said

“Manners are for people who are not family” Priya retorted back.

Kunal watched as Rashmi and Priya began chatting easily, their conversation flowing as if they had known each other forever. Priya, with her confident attitude was a complete contrast to Rashmi’s calm and composed demeanor. Somehow they seemed to click instantly. Having his sister around always added a bit of chaos to his life, but it was a good kind of chaos.

As they talked, Kunal’s phone rang on the table. It was his publisher. He stared at the screen, the looming deadline weighing on him. He knew he could not afford any distractions today. Before he could answer, Priya snatched the phone.

“No,” she said with a mischievous grin. “I could use a break, and so you are taking a break.. We are going out for a bit.”

Kunal hesitated, glancing at Rashmi, who nodded in agreement. “She is right. I can see the tiredness in your eyes.”

Reluctantly, Kunal agreed. The three of them set out into the city and found a cozy bookstore where they browsed for a while. Priya, ever the social storm, struck up conversations with strangers, while Rashmi quietly wandered the shelves, occasionally picking up a book and examining them.

Kunal noticed how Rashmi seemed more at ease outside the party atmosphere they had first met in. She was not the center of attention here, she didn’t need to be, her presence was enough.

After a few hours of exploring, Priya insisted they grab lunch at a nearby cafe. It was a small, quiet place, perfect for unwinding after the days activities.

Priya, not one for long silences, dove right into conversation, jumping from topic to topic with her usual energy. “So, what is the deal with you and Rashmi?” she finally asked

Kunal nearly choked on his food. “What are you talking about?”

“Come on,” Priya teased.

Rashmi laughed softly, shaking her head. “We are just friends, Priya.”

Priya’s grin widening. “Sure.”

Kunal shot his sister a look.

The afternoon continued with Priya leading them on, with no destination or an end in sight, through a string of cafes, designer shops and games.

By the time the sun had set, they were all tired, even Priya seemed calmer, like the storm had passed. She suddenly stopped and declared “I am heading back home!”

“Priya, It is late” Rashmi said, in a concerned voice.

“I can handle myself. You two enjoy the evening.” saying that, she spun on her heel and dashed away. She disappeared like she had come.

Rashmi turned to him “She is something, isn’t she?” she remarked.

Kunal chuckled “Sometimes she can be a bit much.”

“Just a bit?” Rashmi teased, animating her hands, trying to imitate Priya.

They strolled side by side, the moonlight casting a silver glow on the path ahead, till her cab pulled over. She gave him a quick hug and got on.

As Rashmi stepped into the cab, Kunal watched her go, the warmth of her hug lingering on his skin. He was grateful for her easy going nature that seemed to balance out Priya’s whirlwind energy.

His phone chimed, breaking him from his thoughts. It was a message from Rashmi. “I hope you enjoyed the break today.”.

“Break? With Priya around? I feel more broken honestly!” he replied back.

“Don’t let her teasing get to you. I will come for my coffee tomorrow.”

Kunal smiled as he read the message. “You can come anytime. Even now actually.”

Rashmi replied, “I wonder what Priya would say if I screenshot this message to her!”

Kunal’s heart raced at Rashmi’s playful response. He quickly typed back, “I would suggest you don’t. Priya would definitely use it against me.”

A few moments later, his phone pinged again. “No promises! 😉”

As the night progressed, Kunal settled back into his writing, but the words flowed differently now. He found himself scribbling about connections, friendships, and the tiny moments that make life beautiful. Rashmi’s laughter, the warmth of coffee, and even Priya’s playful antics became part of his inspiration.

He lost track of time until he felt his phone vibrate again. It was a message from Rashmi. “So, what is this chapter about?”

He took a moment to think. The story was still taking shape in his mind, but he felt a need to share a little. “It is about rediscovery, finding joy in the small things and the people around us.”