Their first stop was a small furniture shop tucked between a bakery and a general store. The moment they stepped inside, the scent of varnished wood filled their senses. The store had wooden tables, heavy chairs, and rustic benches, all handcrafted.
"These are nice," Chahat murmured, running her hand along a sturdy wooden table. "But they look heavy."
"Too heavy," Prachi agreed. "Imagine moving them in and out every day. We'd have sore arms in no time."
The shopkeeper, an elderly man with glasses perched on his nose, walked over with a kind smile. "Looking for something in particular?"
"Foldable tables and chairs," Tiya explained. "Lightweight but sturdy, and something that can handle the weather here."
The man thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I mostly make custom wooden furniture. Foldable ones, especially lightweight ones, won't be found here."
They thanked him and moved on.
Their next stop was a modern furniture outlet near the main market. It was a contrast to the previous store—bright, polished, and filled with trendy pieces. They wandered through the aisles, checking out different options.
"Look at this one," Tiya said, pointing at a sleek black metal table with matching chairs. "It folds easily, and it's not too bulky."
Jai sat down, testing the chair. "Not bad. Comfortable but not too comfortable."
"That's actually what we need," Prachi said thoughtfully. "If it's too cozy, people might sit for hours even after they're done eating. We don't have that much space."
The shop assistant approached them. "This set is weather-resistant and lightweight. It won't rust easily, and it's easy to clean."
"That's a plus," Chahat said. "What about the price?"
The assistant checked the catalog and told them. It was a bit above their budget.
"We should see if we can find something similar but cheaper," Prachi suggested.
They visited another store, then another. Some had stylish but expensive options, others had practical but unattractive designs.
Finally, at their last stop, they returned to a different wooden furniture shop, one that specialized in handcrafted but more practical designs. The owner, a middle-aged craftsman, showed them a set of foldable wooden tables and chairs—sturdy yet not as heavy as the ones they had seen earlier. The wood had a warm, natural finish that gave it a cozy charm.
"This is it," Chahat said with a smile, testing the chair. "It looks good, it's functional, and it's not overly bulky."
"And it's within our budget," Prachi added, checking the price tag.
Jai ran his fingers over the wood. "This actually has a nice feel to it. Not too modern, not too rustic. Just right."
Jai clapped his hands together. "Perfect. Can we buy it and go eat now? I'm starving."
They placed the order and arranged for delivery. As they stepped out of the shop, the sun was beginning to lower, casting a golden glow over the town.