☕ Cafe Delite | The Old Man | Part 1

Just bring me a glass of warm, sweetened milk and some cookies.

He said with a smile

The office hours were coming to a close and rush hour had just begun. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the traffic, in one corner of the busy street stood the Cafe Delite known for its relaxing interiors and friendly service. One could sit there as long as he pleased. The interiors had a very classy Victorian-era feel to it with a sumptuous amount of wood. The customer base was a mixed bag with regulars and travellers. Being in the city’s heart and having been going strong since the 1930s it was no surprise it stood the test of time. The cafe had many unique interesting touches to it. One of the most noted was the contraption attached to the old entrance door. When one opened the door it would pull a chain going into a box which housed a curious-looking mechanism like the inside of an olden era automaton. It would then play a very soothing, mild piece like the notes from a piano and out popped an old red metal plate with a welcome sign engraved into it; the door would then close and the music fades away, pulling the metal sign back in. Legend has it that this was not just a musical contraption but had a greater purpose. It is said that this had to do with the second world war when army officers frequented the coffee shop. They would hold meetings there, and this acted as a warning when a stranger entered. There are rumours of another passage called the ‘Door Way’, which is more of a myth, for no one has seen it or knows much about it. 

By now the sun was retiring and night moving in. Street sellers were packing up as incoming rains were in forecast. From inside the cafe, in the twilight, the waitress could see the leaves being blown around on the street. As she turned on the lights, she could see an old man crossing the road. A bunch of regulars sitting at table number 7 in the corner ordered their second set of decaf. There were sounds of faint distant thunder muffled through the glass. In the stillness of time amidst all these interwoven events, the music played, and out came the welcome sign. There stood in the doorway, the silhouette of an old man. All eyes gazed at the new guest as he stepped into the warm golden light in the passage. In the glow they saw an old man with meticulously maintained, long white hair and a beard that extended to his chest. He must have been six feet or more with an enigmatic demeanour that would grab anyone’s attention. The waitress, while escorting him to his table, asked him if he was expecting anyone? He gave a graceful smile and replied, “may be”. He sat at the two-seater table, number one, close to the counter. It was near the enormous windows facing the street, which was lit up by then. As she smiled and was about to bring him the menu, he said, “Just bring me a glass of warm, sweetened milk and some ginger cookies,”. Cafe Delite had the best ginger cookies in town. “The minor falls, the major lifts” As Cohen filled the room in a soft soothing embrace, the old man reached into his pocket, pulled out his watch and checked the time. The waitress brought the milk and cookies and as she placed the tray gently on the wooden table, the door played its music again. 

A man in his late 30s entered and took a seat at the table next to the old man’s. The young man looked rather athletic and prosperous. Maybe a business owner who was doing well. As he glanced through the menu, his attention shifted to the old man and the glass of milk; he smiled and the old man reciprocated. He motioned to the old man whether he could join him at his table, and he nodded in affirmation. The young man extended his hand and said “Mark”.The old man smiled and Mark took the seat opposite the old man. 

Night had fallen, and the room was lit in a warm golden light. The cafe was almost full by this time. A mild wisp of faint conversations filled the room. The Cafe was so well architectured that almost like magic; voices remained within the extremities of each table. Smell of bread that was freshly baked filled the room as supper was nearing. “May I order some bread for the two of us” said the old man and waved to the waiter. Mark asked the old man, “What is it you do?”  

Read Part 2 – Click Here