After chatting, Bani takes her leave and walks down the street.
As Bani walked, a soft breeze brushed against her face, carrying the distant chatter of the street. The sky had begun to shift to a soft orange, the day slowly giving way to the evening. She inhaled deeply, allowing the calm to settle in her chest—until a sudden commotion ahead caught her attention.
She turned toward a small roadside tea shop, where a heated argument was unfolding. A man in his thirties stood with clenched fists, his voice sharp and cutting as he berated an elderly shopkeeper. The older man, though visibly weary, tried to stand his ground. His hands trembled as he attempted to speak, but before he could say much, the younger man's arm shot up in anger. He hesitated mid-motion before dropping it, his glare lingering for a moment before he stormed away.
The small crowd that had gathered watched in uneasy silence. No one stepped forward to help. Instead, hushed whispers spread through the group.
"That's his son," someone murmured.
"A family matter… we shouldn't interfere," another added.
Bani's gaze remained fixed on the elderly shopkeeper. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his expression a mix of exhaustion and resignation. With a heavy sigh, he turned his back to the shop, pulled down the shutters, and walked away. His steps were slow, shoulders hunched as if carrying an invisible weight.
Bani hesitated for a moment before following him at a distance. He walked for a short while before stopping by a large rock on the side of the road and sinking onto it. He let out a deep, shaky breath, rubbing his hands together as though trying to warm himself. Then, a violent cough wracked his frail frame.
Without thinking, Bani quickened her steps, reaching into her bag. She pulled out a bottle of water and stepped beside him.
"Uncle, have some water," she offered gently.
The old man looked up, surprise flickering in his tired eyes. He took the bottle with a nod of gratitude.
"Thank you, beta," he said, taking a slow sip. After a moment, his gaze lingered on her face. "I feel like I've seen you before… You're the girl who came with Jay and Tia, right?"
Bani smiled faintly. "Yes, Uncle. That was me."
The old man nodded as if confirming his own thoughts. His gaze drifted toward the street, where people continued their evening routines, completely unaffected by what had just transpired.
Bani hesitated for a moment before asking, "Uncle… what happened back there? That man… he didn't even consider your age before raising his hand against you."
The shopkeeper sighed heavily, as though the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. He rested his elbows on his knees, fingers interlocked, staring at the dusty road beneath his feet.
"There is no peace in my life," he muttered, his voice laced with a deep sadness. "It's just struggle after struggle. A struggle to keep my family together… a struggle to keep my business afloat… a struggle to be a father."
Bani remained silent, allowing him the space to speak.