Epilogue
One Year Later
Smoothing out the surface before her, Manisha took a step back to survey her work. Her ears pricked up at the familiar footsteps padding up the stairs to her office. She turned her head just in time to catch a quick kiss from Rohit.
“They’re here, babe,” he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
She relaxed back into him, hands coming to rest over his by her collarbone.
“Mm, so what do you think?” she asked, sneaking a glance at his face, then back to the wall in front of them.
Coupled photographs covered nearly every inch of the space, and at the top, in bold lettering, was a banner that read “Wall of Fame.” Manisha had just added the photos of Vikas, Paul, and their respective partners.
The two men hadn’t been right for her, but they were now both successfully matched and happily engaged, courtesy of Manisha.
For the past year, she had made her focus helping people discover love.
Soon, her passion for sharing the joy she had been lucky enough to find in her own life had transformed into a thriving matchmaking business.
“I think I love it almost as much as I love you. But I’ve got to say, you’re one hot matchmaking auntie,” Rohit said with a grin.
“Please never call me an auntie as long as you live.” She turned in his arms to face him, brushing his jawline with her lips.
“No Baskin auntie is a match for my queen matchmaker,” Rohit responded affectionately as he caught her mouth with his, lowering his hands to her waist.
“Oh god, so cheesy!”
“Oh, come on. Let me have it,” Rohit coaxed, giving her sides a playful squeeze.
“Fine.” She conceded with a smile. “Have all the cheese you want as long as it’s—”
“—not blue cheese.” Rohit kissed her again. “Come on, before you get me in trouble.”
Hand in hand, they made their way downstairs to the café. He led them behind the counter, automatically going into server mode and putting together a trayful of chai. Manisha leaned back against the bar, surveying the bustling space.
Chai Time now hosted a vibrant community of artists, each immersed in their creative pursuits—reading, writing, drawing.
In the back theatre, actors, singers, and dancers rehearsed for an upcoming production.
The revamped establishment was the realization of Rohit’s lifelong dream, a testament to his dedication and hard work.
He’d successfully realized his mother’s vision by creating a thriving studio catering to the needs of Indian creatives and artists in Baskin.
It served as a sanctuary, a haven where individuals could freely express themselves without any inhibitions.
Manisha knew he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially whenever he saw Meena Auntie’s booth outside the theatre.
She had set up a charming display of her lotions, potions, and seeds, adding an extra touch of magic to the already enchanting ambience of Chai Time.
“I can’t believe you accomplished all this in just a year, babe,” Manisha said.
“We, Manisha. We made all of this happen,” Rohit replied with a warm smile, his voice full of gratitude. “It’s more than my mom ever could have dreamed of.”
Manisha reached out and squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with pride. “I know she sees all of this, and she’s proud of you.”
“You wanted to make a difference just as much as I did,” he said, his voice filled with admiration as he glanced at her.
“And now look at you—California’s top matchmaker.
” With a tender smile, he leaned in to kiss her forehead.
Her gaze shifted to the cover of California Business magazine hanging beside the register, where Manisha’s radiant image took centre stage.
Again, her heart grew with pride, this time for herself.
Rohit expertly swooped up the brimming tray in one hand and led them to the front.
“Ah, good man, beta,” Manisha’s mother said, cupping the side of Rohit’s face as he served her a cup of chai.
“Is there a charge for the tea? I will not pay seven dollars for something I can make at home,” Manisha’s father warned.
“Don’t worry about it, Dad. It’s complimentary,” Rohit replied.
“Va, va,” Manisha’s mom replied. “Free for the in-laws. I like that we get our own stab.”
“Tab, honey.”
“How about something sweet and savoury, too?” said the third of their party.
“Come on, Maaji, I can make all of this at home,” Manisha’s dad joked from beside her grandmother.
“And always better, Ashok,” she added, with a sincere smile.
It was a sight Manisha thought she’d never see.
Last year, her dad and her grandmother had seemed locked in a permanent standoff.
But after the day Manisha had found herself on her grandmother’s doorstep, and with a gentle push from her mom, Manisha’s dad surprised them all by setting aside his Patel stubbornness and opening up his heart to the possibility of reconciliation.
Now, they made quite the pair, Nani finding every chance to compliment and defend Manisha’s dad, much to his delight.
“I’m losing business because of you,” they heard a voice say from the café entrance.
“Manny!” Manisha exclaimed. Her sister-in-law stood there with hands on hips, flanked by Sammy and Deena. She hurried over to hug them, feeling a mix of joy and warmth from the familiar faces. Rohit signalled to Adam at the counter for more drinks.
“Wow, this place…it’s unrecognizable,” Sammy said, looking around with wide eyes. “You two have truly outdone yourselves. People in town can’t stop talking about it.”
“Now that’s the kind of gossip we love to hear!” Manisha replied with a satisfied smile.
“And spread,” Manny chimed in, nodding with approval. “So, what’s your secret, Ish? How did you manage to attract so many clients?” she asked, leaning in.
“Well, it’s a funny story,” Manisha began, her eyes twinkling. “But I’ll save it for another time.” Her gaze slid significantly over to her parents and grandmother.
“Please don’t tell me they’re all your exes,” Sammy teased, glancing at Rohit with mock suspicion.
“You could say something like that,” Rohit replied, his grin mischievous.
“You know, I’m still waiting to hear how you two got together,” Manny said, pointing between Manisha and Rohit with an eager look.
“That’s another long story,” Manisha said.
“I can tell you all about that,” Deena put in with a wink. “But as for the café, I still think something is missing.”
Everyone looked up as Deena leaned down and pulled something from the tote bag she’d brought. “Ta-da!” she exclaimed, revealing a small, vibrant plant.
“Lucky lemons,” Manisha and Rohit said simultaneously, both grinning at the gift.
“I think it’s perfect. All of this is just perfect,” she added, as the two of them shared a knowing look.
The five of them collectively moved to join the others at the table, Deena setting the mini-tree carefully in the centre.
Greetings and hugs were exchanged, followed by much laughter and easy-flowing conversation as they all settled in.
Manisha looked around at the people who had become her world—her community, her family, and the love of her life, Rohit.
It all felt like the perfect culmination of everything she’d ever hoped for.
She rested her hand gently on her barely visible baby bump, a quiet symbol of the new chapter unfolding before her.
There had been missteps, lessons learned, and moments of uncertainty, but they had all led her here.
To this café. To this life. To Rohit. And now, a little one who would join their story, adding another layer of love to an already full heart.
Rohit placed his hand over hers. Looking into his eyes, she could see the same hope, the same joy reflected in his smile. Their journey together had been anything but ordinary, but it had brought them to a place of peace, of contentment, of belonging.
And as she looked around at the people she loved, Manisha knew one thing for certain: This was the real Patel Blessing.