The café hummed with the usual morning buzz as Khushi's parents manned the front counter, their practiced hands working seamlessly together. The doorbell chimed, signaling a new customer, and both of them looked up to see Shubman walking in. His face instantly lit up, his familiar warmth filling the space.

"Good morning!" he greeted, his voice carrying a hopeful undertone as he scanned the café. "Is Khushi here today?"

Her mom, ever the mischievous one, glanced at her husband with a knowing smirk before turning back to Shubman. "Oh no, she's not here today," she said, feigning a sigh.

Shubman's face fell, his disappointment so visible it almost made her mom feel guilty. Almost.

"But—" her mom added, dragging out the pause for dramatic effect, "I might have just been kidding. She's inside."

Relief washed over Shubman's features, and he broke into a boyish grin that was so genuine it melted her parents' hearts. "You almost got me there," he said with a chuckle, already heading toward the back where Khushi usually worked.

Her mom and dad exchanged a look as he disappeared through the door, chuckling softly to themselves. "I like that one," her dad said. Her mom nodded, her expression affectionate. "Me too."

Khushi was inside, busy setting up a tray of freshly baked cookies, when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind. Startled at first, she relaxed instantly when she recognized the familiar scent and warmth of Shubman.

"You scared me!" she said, half-laughing, as she turned to face him.

"Sorry," he said, though his grin suggested he wasn't sorry at all. "Your mom almost gave me a heart attack out there. She said you weren't here."

Khushi rolled her eyes. "Sounds like her."

Shubman just smiled, pulling her into another hug. "Missed you," he murmured softly, his voice so low it was almost a whisper.

Khushi wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him. "You saw me, what, two days ago?"

"Two days too long," he quipped, his fingers lightly brushing against hers as they stood close.

"You're such a sap," she teased, her fingers playfully tugging at his shirt.

"And yet, you keep me around," he shot back, his eyes sparkling.

Khushi laughed, the sound warm and unrestrained, and rested her head against his chest for a moment. Their ease with each other was natural, like gravity pulling them together.

"Are you going to let me work today?" she teased, finally pulling away, though their hands lingered on each other's for just a moment longer.

"Maybe," Shubman said with a grin. "But only if you save me one of those cookies."

"Deal," she said, poking his chest lightly before turning back to her tray.

As Shubman leaned casually against the counter, watching her work with an affection he couldn't hide, he thought about how effortlessly she'd become his favorite part of the day. And from the way Khushi glanced over at him, smiling without realizing it, it was clear she felt the same.

As the café settled into a quiet lull, the doorbell chimed again. Khushi looked up from the counter to see Kunal strolling in, his usual laid-back demeanor in place. He waved at her parents up front before heading straight toward Khushi in the back, a sheepish grin already spreading across his face.

"Hey, Khush," he said, plopping onto one of the bar stools near her station.

"Hey, Kunal," she replied, sliding a glass of water his way. "What's up? You look... conflicted."

He groaned, leaning forward on the counter. "I need your help."

Khushi raised an eyebrow. "With what?"

Kunal glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers, then leaned in closer. "It's about Anjali."

Khushi smirked, already guessing where this was going. "Oh, do tell."

"I want to ask her out... to be my girlfriend," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "But I don't know how to do it. What if she doesn't feel the same way?"

Khushi crossed her arms, leaning forward to meet his gaze. "Kunal, she's *literally* been into you since forever. You'd have to be blind not to notice."

"Yeah, but what if I'm wrong?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine uncertainty. "I don't want to mess things up between us."

Khushi sighed, softening her tone. "You're not wrong. Trust me. She likes you. And honestly, she's probably just waiting for you to make a move."

Kunal looked slightly encouraged but still hesitant. "Okay, but how do I ask her? Like, what do I say?"

Khushi grinned, leaning back. "Simple. Keep it straightforward. You're an engineer, right? No need for theatrics—just tell her how you feel."

He considered her words for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I think I can do that. But... should I do something special? Like flowers or...?"

Khushi tilted her head. "You could, but Anjali's not really about big gestures. She'd probably appreciate something small and meaningful. Maybe take her to that park she loves or show up with her favorite dessert."

"That's a good idea," Kunal said, a small smile forming. "Thanks, Khush. You're the best."

"Don't mention it," she said, giving him a playful shove. "But you better tell me how it goes. And if you screw this up, I'm never letting you hear the end of it."

Kunal laughed, standing up from his seat. "Noted. I'll keep you updated."

As he headed toward the exit, Khushi called after him, "Oh, and Kunal?"

"Yeah?"

"Stop overthinking. She already likes you. You've got this."

He gave her a thumbs-up, and as the door closed behind him, Khushi couldn't help but smile. Love was definitely in the air.

The next day, the café was bustling with its usual morning crowd. Khushi was at the counter, handling orders with her characteristic warmth, while Anjali worked quietly at a nearby table, sketching ideas for her next art piece. She kept glancing at the door every few minutes, clearly distracted.

Just as Khushi handed a regular their latte, the doorbell chimed, and in walked Kunal, looking determined. His usual laid-back smile was replaced with a focused expression that immediately caught Khushi's attention.

"Kunal!" she called out, waving him over.

He smiled, but there was a nervous edge to it. "Hey, Khush."

Khushi raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," he said quickly. "Uh, where's Anjali?"

Khushi smirked knowingly and gestured toward the table where Anjali was sitting, pretending to be engrossed in her sketchbook.

"Thanks," Kunal said, taking a deep breath before heading over.

Anjali glanced up as he approached, trying to act nonchalant. "Oh, hey, Kunal. What's up?"

He stuffed his hands into his pockets, rocking back and forth on his heels. "Uh, can we talk for a second?"

"Sure," she said, setting her pencil down. Her heart was racing, but she kept her cool.

Kunal sat down across from her, clearing his throat. "Okay, so, um... we've been friends for a long time, right?"

Anjali nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Yeah...?"

"And, uh, you know I think you're amazing," he continued, his words stumbling over each other. "Like, you're talented and funny, and honestly, being around you just makes everything better."

Anjali blinked, caught off guard by the sudden confession. "Kunal, what are you—"

"Let me finish," he said, holding up a hand. "I've been overthinking this for weeks, and Khushi told me to just say it, so... here goes. Anjali, will you be my girlfriend?"

Anjali stared at him, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a slow smile spread across her face. "You're such an idiot."

Kunal's face fell. "Oh, okay. I mean—wait, what?"

Anjali laughed, reaching across the table to take his hand. "I've been waiting for you to ask me out forever. Of course, I'll be your girlfriend."

Kunal let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his face lighting up. "Really? You mean it?"

"Of course, I mean it," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. "Now stop looking so surprised and maybe ask me on a proper date."

"Deal," he said, grinning from ear to ear.

From behind the counter, Khushi watched the entire interaction unfold, a satisfied smile on her face. When Anjali caught her eye, she shot her a wink. Khushi gave her a thumbs-up in return.

As Kunal and Anjali continued talking, the café seemed to hum with an extra bit of warmth that day. Khushi couldn't help but think that her little café was quickly becoming the perfect setting for love stories—hers included.

The café was unusually packed that day, the line stretching almost to the door. Khushi was in her element, moving behind the counter with practiced ease, handing out drinks and taking orders with her usual warmth. Shubman had just stepped in, wearing his casual hoodie and cap, blending into the crowd.

He spotted Khushi immediately, her ponytail bouncing as she worked, and a small smile played on his lips. He joined the line, patiently waiting his turn as his eyes followed her every move.

When she glanced up and noticed him standing in the middle of the line, she didn't react immediately, not wanting to give anything away. Instead, she shifted her gaze toward Anjali and Kunal, who were seated at their usual corner table, their heads leaned close together. A sly smile crept across her face.

Shubman noticed the direction of her gaze, then followed it to Kunal and Anjali. He raised an eyebrow in silent question. "What's going on?"

Khushi raised both eyebrows slightly, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Something interesting."

Shubman tilted his head, his lips twitching into a half-smirk. "Are you meddling again?"

Khushi gave the faintest shrug, her expression playful. "Who, me?"

The line moved forward slowly, and by the time Shubman was next, her professional mask was firmly in place.

"Next!" she called out cheerfully, not looking up.

Shubman stepped up to the counter. "Hey, Khush."

"Hi, what can I get for you today?" she asked, her tone perfectly businesslike as if she didn't know his usual order by heart.

He chuckled softly, leaning on the counter. "Really? We're doing this?"

"We treat all our customers the same here," she said, feigning an air of professionalism, though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her amusement.

"Fine," he said, playing along. "One iced Americano, no sugar, extra ice."

"Coming right up," she said, punching in his order.

When she handed him his receipt, their fingers brushed briefly, and he flashed her a quick smile before stepping aside to wait.

A few minutes later, Khushi emerged from the coffee bar with his drink. She called out loudly, "Shubman!"

Heads turned at the mention of his name, but he didn't care. He walked up to the counter, his face lit with that easygoing smile she loved.

"Here's your coffee," she said, handing him the cup.

"Thanks, Khush," he said, his voice softer now.

As he took the drink, their eyes met for a fleeting moment. Her gaze flicked to Kunal and Anjali again, where the two were leaning closer than ever.

Shubman smirked. "Really playing cupid today, huh?"

Khushi's lips curved into a barely-there smile. "Always."

Shubman took a sip of his coffee and shook his head slightly, still smiling. 

Khushi gave him a quick wink before turning back to the line of customers. Shubman, still grinning, made his way to a seat near Kunal and Anjali, ready to watch the next chapter of their story unfold—and maybe his own.