Paradise Tea Shoppe

‘You don’t believe me?’ asked Victor incredulously. Rhea shrugged her shoulders. Victor turned around and peered into the darkness, looking for answers. He found none. The fading daylight retreated into the background. The Paradise Tea Shoppe where Rhea and Victor sat was nestled at the edge of a busy street, one, which began at the new intersection located at the south end of a busy street of Lyallpur.

The Paradise Tea Shoppe was an old venture founded by Ali Juroowala. In Victor’s opinion it sold the best tea in the entire subcontinent. But Victor was perhaps slightly biased; for he was hooked and a tea addict. Rhea preferred coffee; strong, no sugar. The Paradise tea Shoppe catered for both types. After all Ali Juroowala did always have a keen business sense. A board hung behind the counter upon which a list of everything that The Paradise Tea Shoppe sold was carved.

Paradise Special Tea and Paradise Black Coffee were the two hot favourites. A new addition had been made recently: Priceless Paradise Juices---from fresh fruit.

Rhea concentrated on her coffee, dark black in colour. Very simple and understated, just how she liked it. A cup of milky tea lay in front of Victor; the frothy cream wobbled precariously near the edge as the thick layer of cream rose and fell. Victor looked at her marveling how much he could love yet hate the same person. Hate was perhaps too strong a word, but then again it appeared to originate from Love. After all you can only hate a person you love. Otherwise, why would you care?

The lyrics to Rhea’s favourite song ‘Iris’ floated through Victor’s mind.

‘You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be.’ Heaven and Paradise he mused, sitting inside the Paradise Tea Shoppe. A car drove by, windows rolled down, music turned up. ’'Cause sooner or later it’s over. I just don’t want to miss you tonight.’

Rhea looked up and smiled at Victor. Lips eased upwards as eyes twinkled.

A bright wooden board caught his attention. The words, ‘The Paradise Tea Shoppe - We bring you Paradise on Earth’ inscribed on it in colourful lettering fashioned with a swirl. A bit tacky perhaps but it captured the moment perfectly. Victor looked at her and smiled back. Paradise on Earth indeed.