Fables of modern industrialization say that the last coffee from the coffee-maker machine is the best coffee that it makes. Well, some believe it whereas some prefer tea instead.
The night was cold beyond what was forecasted in the morning news. Apart from the chattering chill, drizzle of rain made the life miserable that night. I had my cubicle next to the window. That place was a great picnic spot. One can see the whole of the city lighted. The view from the sixth floor of the building was marvelous. I work for the courier company called GlobEx (Global Express). It was outside the city owning 100 acres of land, a major competitor in the business. I had to deliver the final report tomorrow to seal the deal with a Software giant to boost my company to 12% additional revenue.
I was stressed out by the report and finishing the last page I switched off the computer and went out. It was dark and there was a sudden urge to have coffee due to the chill in air. I crossed the long semi-light corridor (an initiative by my company to save power). At the end I stood in front of the machine having a poster dark chocolate colored with a beautiful girl smiling as she took the sip of the drink. I reached out for the paper cup. I pressed the button “Coffee - Large”. The machine made a few guzzling sound and the steaming nozzle poured the hot, sweet smelling coffee into the cup refreshing the brand of StarBucks (Largest coffee house).
As I moved towards the seat next to the window, I saw a beautiful girl enter the cafeteria. She was wearing a black suit and her sandals clicked all the way to the café. She was bright and there was an air of spring in her mood in such a freezing weather. But she too required the hot fluid into her veins. She went to the machine. Seeing her struggle with the lifeless element provoked me to strike out.
“Any problem...May I help you” I enquired. See seemed to be a customer.
She looked at me and smiled and gestured that the coffee-maker is out of coffee.
“Well I have enough. We can share it.” I suggested.
She gave a reluctant smile and tried to go away.
“It is cold out there; I have enough coffee for both. Do not feel awkward.” I said.
She stood near the entrance and pondered for a while and nodded and came to the place I was sitting. I poured the coffee and made a half for both. Breaking the silence again I said
“Why are we so silent…?”
I introduced myself and went along my life defining philosophies.
“What do you feel about life?” I questioned her.
“Life is like the last cup of coffee from that vending machine…It tastes great before it ends.” I felt the wafting breeze carry those words towards me...
The entire possible hypothesis that I had in my mind, disappeared. Before I could realize the meaning, she stood up and went out. I could hear her fast treading steps. She disappeared. I disposed the cup and was about to call her when I found she was nowhere to be seen. I ran out and searched for her but all in vain.
I stood on the doorway downcast when an old man appeared. I had seen him many a times stationed near the coffee dispenser vending coffee.
“Did you leave this on the table in the café, Sir?”
He handed me over a small packet. It was neatly covered with blue paper. It had my name over it.
“She might have had talking eyes…” the old man said and left. I was puzzled about what he said.
I opened and flipped it to see the cover page. The title read “Words for Dumb”. With a caption “Learn it to express”. I could still remember my hearing eyes watching her silent lips talking. Rain was over but the chill in atmosphere pushed me into the cab waiting for me. The coffee did taste nice.
