I don’t leave my house very often yet, I do visit that coffee shop when I need a break. I read one of my favourite novels sitting there or penning down my random thoughts while sipping on my cup of mocha. Not only this relaxes me and help me tranquilize my everyday worries, but also sow the seeds of a new poem or a story to take shape.
It’s my favourite spot in the café, away from the crowds yet close enough to watch them with interest and wonder, allowing me to enter my “Cheshire mood.” In a Cheshire mood, when I am, I remember one of the words from a novel: “a good writer knows human nature.” As a result, I enjoy watching them from a calm corner, in the middle of the busy places such as coffee shops or shopping malls. I like to choose a few faces from the crowd, knitting my characters out of them, there itself, at that precise moment of their life, and build stories in my head.
Why do I choose a coffee shop? Well, I have my own simple reasons. Firstly it’s my affinity for the coffee, secondly, a short escape from the family and household chores. Every day, you meet new people. It allows you to dress attractively. You can have adventures on the way to the cafeteria and back to home.
I was about to begin reading it when something caught my eyes. A wiry girl sat a few tables over from me. She couldn’t have been older than 16, had long hair, was sipping her juice and eating a cookie, but most importantly, she was reading. The girl didn’t move her gaze away from the book, and when she went to grab the cookie or beverage, she was completely glazed over. That situation baffled me. You hardly see youngsters so engrossed in a book and enjoying the read these days.
Despite frequent visits to this Caffè, I had never seen this girl before. I was perplexed by the moment I saw that she appeared to be enjoying herself.
Despite this, as I saw the sight, my happiness didn’t last long. A guy sitting at another table with a buddy suddenly barged at the girl’s table without even asking her.
Before she could emerged out from her world, he almost blocked her with his lusty gaze.
– Do you like to read? - He asked looking directly into her eyes.
–Yes, a lot. - She answered in a low voice, looked ofended though.
–But a cute little girl like you shouldn't need books to do things, right?
-He chuckled.
I was disgusted.
-“Come on, sit with us, lets's have fun.”
He gave one more laugh.
At that very moment, I was mad with rage, and it appeared that she felt the same way. Before she could respond, the man continued his stream of inanity.
I’m not sure where the thought came from, but I was taken by it and decided to do something. I stood up and headed over to her table.
–I can't believe you're here! I was searching for you everywhere! - I told her, hoping she would understand.
–Ohh! Didn't I tell you that I would read a book in the cafeteria. - Luckily, she understood my gesture and replicated.
As soon as she spoke to me, I gave the jerk guy a nasty look and responded:
–And you?
–I… Nobody… I didn't know she is with her mom… Sorry, ma'am.
–First, I'm not her mother. Second, even if I were, you should not apologize to me for harassing a girl. Now... Before I call the cops, apologize to HER.
Everything I said was in a threatening tone.
The specks and some grey hair helped to increase the effect, despite the height being a factor that reduced it (Chuckles..).
He looked nervous, mummered something and left hurriedly to my relief.
I capped my coffee to go. She looked at me gratefully and said, “Thank you for this, have a nice day.” I assured her with a wink and smiled as we walked out the café.
What would you have done if you had witnessed such a thing?
Related post: Things to do before you turn 30
This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop
‘This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla and sponsored by BakezbyDaizy.‘
This was an apt move from your side. Often people are invading other’s privacy and you need to be strong enough to say NO.
Perfectly handled. I’d have done something similar.
So very cool. I love how the story was building up and the it all became a wonderful personal experience. Great presence of mind. 👍🏻
Brilliant …. will not be enough to describe the work I just read penned by you. You did the perfect utilization of prompt and penned it down beautifully. Loved it. Keep inking.
U certainly are a day saver, like seriously i hate someone butting in when ur busy doing ur stuff. I wish d cops caught these dumb heads 🤣🤣🤣
Wow! as stated by you, you did have an adventure! Lucky for the girl you were there to help her. Even I love coffee shops and reading books there. The smell of the coffee itself is a relief for me from my stress. If I were there I would have definitely gone to help the girl.
Great story for the prompt. All the best for the blog hop.
It is sad that some people dont recognise personal boundaries. If i had the chance to jump to the rescue I would have done the same too.
Very well penned down. Some people are like that and we need to know how to deal with them.
I liked the build up of your story Anjali. I like spending time in coffee shops, just looking around and enjoying some alone time. And I would have done what u did… rescued the girl.
A great story and unfortunately this is a reality. A woman does not feel safe anywhere. I hope more people step up to teach these kinds of men a lesson.
Oh how I wish guys knew their place before approaching a random girl. Is this a true story? I guess I would’ve carried myself to her table and saved her the bitter experience too.
Have seen this happen way too many times. And been appalled by the mute spectators. Loved your take on the prompt.
Was this a true story? I’m glad you’ve stepped in despite living in a world where people mostly mind only their own business. Being compassionate to others at the right time is really something everyone should learn again nowadays.
Thanks, dear… Yes, this was a true story; I forgot to mention it.🤗
Congratulations on doing what you did! Also congratulations on articulating the whole account so beautifully 🙂
How nicely you have used the coffee shop theme to address a situation that is quite common.
Wow… Is it a true incident? It was so realistic. Often when girls are alone if cafes they face this sort of thing. I’ve been there, so I could relate to the girl.
Hey Anjali is this is reality or fiction? Whatever it is, it’s very nicely written, as if I was reading some short story book. I love coffee too but I am yet to see the day when I can visit one just to have my latte, away from the family and household chores.
So cool. I liked how the story progressed and culminated in a wonderful personal experience. Great presence of mind.
Common sight at public places these days. What a waste good people make of themselves when they don’t come forward and pose strict resistance to such hooliganism. It’s well written.
Wow!! I just loved the way the entire story moved, you have so beautifully penned it!! Keep sharing more such stories!!
I loved the stand. We are still a long way from understanding boundaries. Seriously it feels frustrating to think that anyone can do anything to have their things done.
I wanted to ask you if this is a true story, but then the comments above gave me the answer. What a lovely gesture by you, I am sure I would have whacked that person for trying to harass a girl doing what she wanted to. Love the narration, I felt as if this was happening in front of my own eyes.
This is really a sad incidence. being a mom of two teen girls, reading these kind of incidence make me feel anxious. but I love and admire your bravery . many times we feel hesitant to take action from our side but I am glad that you have helped the girl.
You did such a right thing buddy, loved your move and like you I too often sit in coffee houses to write and get my mojo back.
Great story ! I love and admire your bravery . Love the narration.Very well penned down. Some people are like that and we need to know how to deal with them.
Ohh, that’s such a nice gesture. I like how you act against that guy. It needs courage to stand beside a girl being harassed. Most of time we hesitate to support another girl but if this can be done all the time then guys will think twice to harass a girl.
Love the way the story started and moved throughout. Very interesting write up. Keep sharing such beautiful stories.
what a great story for the prompt. I like how you took a chance and stepped to help her out, that’s commendable buddy.
I would have done the same thing exactly Anjali, just because people are alone doesn’t mean they can be treated bad.
I would have waited how girl would respond then would interfere. One factor that went right in this episode you actes spontaneously and that works well most of the times.
Love the narration.Very well penned down. Some people are like that and we need to know how to deal with them.
Why don’t people live people and my their own business. You came as a great relief for her. A woman supporting the other, makes me feel so proud.. loved your article.
This was an excellent move. Instead of just sitting and waiting for others to take action if we all have the courage to stand up for girls being cornered by lustful men the girls would be safer.
What a story. Never wait too much to take any action towards those creepy guys. Let’s be stronger than ever.
Oh you’re such a bravo. I loved the way you tackled the situation. No idea why some men just make women uncomfortable like that.. hats off to you! If I was at your place, I would have definitely done the same. ❤️
This was so cool
Of you to help her like that
Hope you and that girl are fine
Keep sharing such uplifting stories
I’m confused … is this a work of fiction or it’s true? The guy sounds like a complete jerk!