By the time evening rolled around, Chahat had finally shaken off the last bit of stress from the disaster that was her week.
And what better way to feel normal again than by helping out at Ramprasad Uncle's shop?
The little snacks shop had become special to her and her friends—not just because they had invested in it, but because it had a certain warmth to it. A place where laughter, chai, and the smell of hot snacks blended into comfort.
As she arrived, she saw Ramprasad Uncle setting up a fresh batch of Pahadi Momos, the steam curling into the cold evening air.
"Ah, Chahat beti!" he greeted with a smile. "You're here to work or eat?"
"Both," she admitted, rolling up her sleeves. "Let me help."*
The Rush Begins
The shop was busy, as always—students and locals lining up for their favorite snacks.
Mehendi and Tiya showed up soon after, ready to pitch in—or in Kiya's case, supervise dramatically while eating Bun Maska.
And then came Bella and Kiya.
The fashion queens entered like they were stepping onto a Paris runway, not a tiny snack shop near the college.
Bella adjusted her designer scarf. "Ugh, oil fumes. This place needs scented candles."*
Kiya, flipping her freshly blow-dried hair, pointed at the Corn & Cheese Balls. "Uncle, do we have a less greasy version? You know, air-fried or something?"
Ramprasad Uncle laughed. "Beta, this is not a five-star hotel. Grease is flavor."*
Bella gasped. "Flavor is one thing, clogged pores are another. My skin cannot handle this much exposure to fried air."*
Chahat rolled her eyes. "Then why are you here?"
"To supervise, obviously."* Kiya dramatically adjusted her sunglasses (yes, sunglasses at night). "And, more importantly, to make sure this place stays trendy. We need an aesthetic upgrade. Fairy lights. Rustic menu boards. Maybe a coffee bar?"
Tiya groaned. "Kiya, it's a snack shop, not a fashion café."*
"And that's the problem, darling!"* Kiya sighed, looking at the Masala Makhana in disappointment. "These could be in little handcrafted bowls, not plastic plates. Presentation matters!"*
Jay, sipping Masala Chai, smirked. "You should just start your own café."*
Bella gasped dramatically. "Oh my god, Kiya, should we?"
Kiya clapped her hands. "Imagine: a chic little spot with organic chai, matcha lattes, and gluten-free cookies!"*
Ramprasad Uncle chuckled. "You open that café, and I'll send all my dieting customers your way."*
Chahat, trying not to laugh, nudged Mehendi. "Are they serious?"
Mehendi shook her head. "I think they're one Instagram reel away from making it happen."*
Meanwhile, Kiya had now taken over customer service, giving customers unsolicited fashion advice with their orders.
"Masala Chai for Ankit? Sweetheart, that sweater is washing you out. Try deep maroon."*
"Grilled Cheese Sandwich for Riya? Babe, a little highlighter on your cheekbones would transform you."*
Chahat groaned. "Why do we let them exist?"
Tiya, munching on Chilli Garlic Toast, shrugged. "Entertainment value."*
The Comfort of Routine
Despite the chaos, the shop stayed alive with laughter, chatter, and the comforting clatter of plates and cups.
Chahat found herself smiling.
Because at the end of the day, nothing beat the warmth of good friends, good food, and a little bit of madness.
Even if that madness involved Kiya trying to turn a snacks shop into Vogue Café.