By Aastha Johri
The Whites’ Bistro! (No, not that one!)
That spark. That “Eureka” bathroom moment. That changed the world’s attitude. That’s where it all began! That’s where Lyra realized the potential of a largely unused resource – Grannies and Gramps, aka, the Whites.
And since it’s a story, and everybody gets to hold onto their dreams as well as watch them come true, the idea bloomed into a full-fledged bistro very soon! Apart from this little intervention by a millennial, everything else was run by Greys and Whites, and lord were they happy!
You would think walking into “The Whites’ Bistro” would be all Tardis-styled time travel into lemonade, perfume, chamomile teas, bronze statues, dial-phones, lack of Wi-Fi (or in fact, mobile network), sun beaming through 4-foot windows, all painted white, a long counter on one side,and plastic 6 seaters on the other.
Let me tell you something, readers, interior designing was led by them too, and so you’re going to get exactly what you thought!
That morning. That blessed morning. That’s the day the adventure began! The first customer was here, and lord were they happy!
A lanky figure, ruffled hair, bag on one shoulder, the curse of being a human on another, round glasses, straight mouth, dangling arms and sticks-for-legs came walking in “hardly keeping his bag of bones together”, as Gran Lucy puts it.
“Well hello dear! You look like someone who could use a breakfast, maybe at least 4 at once too! Hee hee hee.” Classic Granny Joke. Of course, you saw it coming. The Bones (as the entire staff remembers him now) was quite amused and sat down, knowing well it was just breakfast, but the pit in his stomach asserted something more awaited.
“So what would it be, dear? And if you’re undecided, I suggest at least 6-8 pancakes and a bottle of maple syrup!”
“Miss Lucy, Ma’am, I think I’d like 1 fried rice and a lemon soda.”
“That won’t do you or your barely visible skin any good, but if you like!” Gran Lucy walked away more disappointed than an Indian father whose son didn’t become an engineer.
The Bones looked around, clicking photos, taking in the weirdly soothing air and laughing at Gran Neena throwing her slipper at the neighbouring restaurant owner who called her ‘Granny’. (Honestly, he shouldn’t have. He’s 55. But, that’s men!)
Time moved at a different pace there. It didn’t seem much. Was it slow? Or just full?
Anyway! The bones were still glimpsing around when from the corner of his eye saw a little green figure waddling forth with Gran Lucy on its side. She had a small bowl in one hand, and the creature’s palm in another. Now he could see clearly what it was. He pinched himself. He rubbed his eyes. He made binoculars out of his hands. But his vision hadn’t betrayed him that first time! He wasn’t seeing things, because they were there.
Gran Lucy thrust down the bowl and said,
“Oh dear Boy, your order had me in a tussle! This new generation and their needs! What is wrong with you boy? How is this going to help put skin on those bags of bones?! If it’s money issues, I have my grandkids’ stash to spare, it’ll buy you a few dinners at least! Anyhow, suit yourself. Here’s your order- Fried Ice and a Lemon Yoda. And let me tell you, getting Neena’s grandkid to dress like that- all green and a yellow hat-not easy! You better empty your lanky pockets, boy.”
Fried Ice and a Lemon Yoda. Fried Ice and a Lemon Yoda? Fried Ice and a Lemon Yoda!
How did they even get fried Ice?! What is fried ice?! Come on, Bones, how did the fried ice taste?!
He just smiles, just as he did that day. Move over yourself, narrator, what next on that day?! Well, he ate/drank/gulped/sipped the fried Ice (According to whatever delicacy it was), played with the lemon Yoda, clicked a few more photos, tipped graciously, hugged Gran Lucy, grinned wide, laptop bag was back on his shoulder, but the other one felt a little less heavy than when he had first walked in, promised a “The Bones Returns,” and waddled off.
*Pinggg* “Would you like to rate this place?”
“Uh, yeah, definitely! 5 stars!”
*Keypad ticks: Awesome experience! Perfect ambience! You must try this out!”
The first customer walked away happily. Oh! Almost forgot! He called his Granny and Gramps, and it’s a date with them at his new favourite Bistro!
“Aww! So cute! Tell us more, narrator! I can’t wait! What’s next?!”
Yeah, okay, I hear you – the imaginary readers’ voices in my head! There’s so much more to tell you. But all in good time! And you must’ve realized, time here moves differently, it’s historic, right? So, we should meet sooner than expected!
Till later!
Cognizant Trances 