15. “People Say This Place Is Cursed”

The bustling energy of FC Road was undeniable, with the street buzzing as evening crept in. Shops were lit up, their displays inviting a steady stream of customers. Street vendors called out, motorbikes weaved through the lanes, and the scent of street food filled the air. Yet, amidst all the chaos, we stood in front of a large, closed shop—the shutter pulled down tight. What was strange wasn't just that the shop was empty, but that in the middle of this high-demand area, it seemed as though no one even noticed it. People walked past without a glance, as if the place didn't exist.

Vishal's voice broke the quiet moment of observation. "Well, that's surprising... In a place like FC Road, you'd think a shop this big would be snatched up immediately." His tone was puzzled, and I could feel the same question bubbling up in the others.

Lavanya nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings, then looking back at the vacant space. "But why? Why is this place empty? Why does it seem like everyone is ignoring it?"

A sense of unease washed over the group, and Nandini looked up at me, her brow creased in worry. "Madhav," she said softly, "are we really going for this place?"

Hearing this, I smiled, trying to diffuse the tension. "Isn't it the best spot for our café? A big space right in the heart of all this activity," I said, gesturing toward the crowd flowing by.

Sidharth chimed in, his enthusiasm matching mine. "Yeah, Madhav, it looks good! But why do you two look so worried?" His gaze shifted between Parth and Nandini, sensing their apprehension.

Nandini bit her lip, glancing around as if the shadows might hold the answer. "Don't you know?" she replied, her voice low.

When they shook their heads, Parth stepped in. "We're worried because people say this place is cursed," he said, his tone serious.

A heavy silence fell over us as everyone processed this revelation. "Wait, what? What do you mean?" came a chorus of questions, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

I waved my hand dismissively, trying to shake off the tension. "Don't worry, guys, it's just rumors. There's nothing like a curse here."

But Lavanya wasn't convinced. "Wait, wait! Can anyone explain what you're talking about? What curse? What do you mean?" Her eyes darted between Parth and Nandini, clearly unsettled.

Hearing their concerns, I leaned in. "Eight years ago, this place burned down in a fire. The owner renovated it and tried renting it out, but every business that came here faced losses. That's when people started calling it cursed. The last business that tried here was a little hotel, and they shut down after just a few months."

Sidharth frowned, skepticism etched across his face. "If this place is really cursed, then why are we even here?"

I waved my hand dismissively, a smile still playing on my lips. "It's nothing like that! Just take a chill pill, bro." I turned to Parth, my expression shifting to seriousness. "Parth, call the owner and tell him we want to rent this place."

With a reluctant sigh, Parth nodded and took out his phone, typing the number displayed on the shop's shutter. We watched as he spoke, the air thick with anticipation.

After a few moments, he hung up and looked at us, a mix of relief and nervousness in his eyes. "The owner is coming," he said, and we all nodded, ready to take the next step.

As we stood there, the bustling street continued around us, laughter and chatter filling the air, while our little group felt like a world apart, caught between the echoes of the past and the promise of the future. The shadows of the shop loomed larger, and I could sense my friends' unease; their eyes darted toward the entrance, waiting for the owner to arrive.

As we waited, I noticed an old man slowly making his way toward us. His weathered face and cautious steps spoke of years of experience. As he got closer, his eyes locked onto Parth, and he called out in a raspy voice, "Parth?"

Parth's face lit up with recognition, and he stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Yes, that's me," he replied, extending his hand.

The old man took it, his grip firm despite his age, and they shook hands. "So, you're the one interested in renting this place," the man said, his voice carrying a trace of curiosity, maybe even a hint of warning.

Everyone turned to look at me, The old man followed their gaze, his eyes landing on me with a silent question. I met his gaze and smiled. "Yes, that's why we asked you to come here," I said.

The owner's eyes scanned the group again, lingering on each of us, as if measuring our resolve. Finally, he spoke again, his voice low and deliberate. "Just to confirm… you're aware of what they say about this place, right? The rumors and all. I don't want anyone getting into trouble because of it."

His words hung in the air like a shadow, and for a moment, the lightness of the conversation dimmed.

Hearing the owner's concerns, I chuckled softly and said with a grin, "Hahaha, don't worry about that. Even if this place was cursed, it won't be anymore. Let me tell you something—if God is everywhere, in you, in me, in all of us, then doesn't that mean He's here too? How can a place be cursed if God is present? This place should be spiritual, not haunted."

Everyone exchanged glances, absorbing my words. A sense of quiet understanding passed between us. Parth, standing beside me, smiled and nodded. "Madhav's right," he said with a warmth that eased the tension.

Seeing Parth's confidence, the others nodded in agreement, smiles spreading across their faces. Sidharth turned to the owner, his voice full of certainty, "We're going to rent this place."

The owner studied us for a moment before nodding slowly, a faint smile appearing on his lips. There was something in his eyes, perhaps relief or amusement, but he didn't say more. I stepped forward, still smiling, and asked, "Can we take a look inside?"

The old man's smile widened as he gestured toward the large shutter. "Of course," he said, his voice lighter now. With that, he began walking over to the door, reaching for the chain to pull the shutter open.

As the old man opened the shutter with a low, creaking sound, the dim interior of the shop gradually came into view. Dust particles floated in the air, illuminated by the last rays of the setting sun filtering through the small windows. Without a word, the owner stepped inside, and we all followed, our footsteps echoing softly in the emptiness.

Just as I reached the entrance, I suddenly stopped in my tracks, feeling something—an energy, a sensation that caused me to pause.

Nandini, walking just behind me, noticed and asked, "What's wrong, Madhav?"

I turned to her, a smile tugging at my lips, trying to put her at ease. "This place… it's going to be the start of something big for us."

As I spoke, I knelt down, touching the cold, dusty floor with my hand. The moment my fingers made contact with the ground, a faint glow radiated from the peacock feather locket I wore around my neck. It was subtle, but enough to catch my attention. The light shimmered softly, as if purifying the space, sending warmth through the room. I smiled to myself, feeling a calmness settle in my chest, knowing that whatever darkness lingered here was fading.

I stood up, brushing my hands off as I moved further inside. The others followed me, and soon I noticed the owner standing still, his eyes wide with surprise, as though something had changed. He was looking around, as if trying to make sense of it all.

Noticing his expression, I asked with a grin, "What's the matter?"

The old man blinked, shaking his head slightly, still bewildered. "It's strange… that unsettling feeling that used to hang around this place—it's gone. Just like that. Now, it feels… good. But how?"

Hearing the owner's words, everyone turned to look at me, their eyes curious and questioning—even the owner seemed to study me closely. I smiled, calm and unbothered by the attention. "Didn't I tell you?" I said softly. "This place isn't cursed. It's become spiritual now."

The others exchanged glances before nodding, accepting what I said, though the mystery still lingered in their minds. The owner, however, chuckled and shook his head. "You're a strange one, boy. But there's something about you—something peaceful. It feels like, because of you, this place... it's no longer cursed."

He paused, as if weighing his next words carefully. "I've decided. You can rent this place."

I smiled, relieved. "That's good to hear." Turning to Sidharth, I said, "Sidharth, can you talk to Kaka about the contract? We'll take a look around in the meantime."

Sidharth gave me a quick nod before following the owner outside to discuss the paperwork, leaving the rest of us to explore the space.

As we moved deeper inside, the atmosphere felt different—lighter, as if a weight had been lifted. The air smelled faintly of old wood and dust, and the light from the narrow windows was dim, casting long shadows across the worn floorboards. The walls, though faded with time, held a charm of their own. In one corner, there was an old wooden counter, perhaps once used as a reception desk, and further back, a large open area that could easily be transformed into something special.

"This place has potential," Nandini murmured, running her hand along the wall, her fingers tracing the texture. "With a little work, it could really shine."

I nodded in agreement. "It feels like it's waiting for us to bring it back to life."

In another corner, there was an old staircase leading to an upper level. Curious, I climbed up, the stairs creaking beneath my weight. The second floor was smaller, but it had a cozy, secluded feel to it.

After taking a look around the upstairs, I descended the creaky staircase. "The upper floor is small," I said as I rejoined the others, "We could use it for storage."

They nodded in agreement, and I walked toward the window, looking out at the street beyond. The faint buzz of the city outside mixed with the silence of the empty space around us. "Now, let's talk about the interior and decoration," I continued, turning back to face them.

Everyone nodded again, eager to hear the next steps. I glanced at Parth with a smile. "Parth, I'm putting you in charge of finding someone to renovate this place. We need someone who gets our vision."

Parth gave me a firm nod. "Understood. I'll take care of it."

Satisfied, I began to share the vision that had been brewing in my mind. "I want to go for a warm, earthy palette," I said, letting the excitement seep into my voice. "Terracotta, burnt orange, deep browns—something that feels cozy and grounded. Then we can add peacock blue and gold as accent colors to give it that regal, Indian-inspired touch."

As I spoke, I could see the others imagining it, their eyes lighting up with excitement. The place was beginning to come to life in their minds, just as it had in mine.

"For the walls," I continued, "let's keep them neutral—soft beige or light cream. It'll keep the space feeling open and inviting, and the colors we choose will really pop against it." I paused, feeling the energy in the room lift as we all began to envision what this space could become. "And we have to bring in Indian culture. I'm thinking a modern, abstract peacock mural somewhere to connect with our logo. And let's mix traditional Indian paintings—Madhubani or Warli—with modern graphic art prints."

Nandini smiled, already lost in thought. "A fusion of tradition and modern style," she murmured. "I love it."

"Exactly," I said, nodding. "We could also hang black-and-white photographs of cultural icons from around the world—the Taj Mahal, European cafés—symbolizing the cultural blend we want this place to represent."

I could see the excitement growing in the group, the vision becoming clearer. "As for the lighting," I said, imagining the warm glow of the café, "we'll use traditional Indian lanterns or chandeliers with intricate metalwork designs. And maybe we could hang lamps with subtle peacock feather patterns to tie everything together. We want warm LED lights to create a soft, cozy atmosphere—nothing too harsh."

"And over the tables and the counter?" Parth asked, clearly already thinking ahead.

"Minimalistic industrial pendant lights," I answered, smiling. "That'll give the place a modern, café-style vibe while keeping everything simple and elegant."

I continued, the vision becoming clearer with each word. "As for the furniture, let's go with solid wood tables that have a rustic finish. They'll give us that earthy, traditional feel we're after. We should choose tables that seat anywhere from two to six people, accommodating both solo visitors and larger groups."

Nandini nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with ideas. "And what about the chairs?"

"Comfortable chairs, of course," I replied, picturing them in my mind. "Let's go for cushions covered in colorful fabrics that showcase traditional Indian patterns—things like ikat, paisley, or block prints. They'll add warmth and vibrancy to the space."

Vishal chimed in, "And the coffee counter?"

I smiled, feeling the excitement in the room. "The counter should be sleek and modern, made of polished wood or stone. It needs to have enough space to display our baked goods and desserts—something to draw people in and make their mouths water."

Sidharth grinned. "I can already see it!"

"Now, for the seating arrangement," I continued, pacing slightly as I spoke. "We should incorporate a mix of styles. Sofas with low coffee tables in one area for lounging, creating a relaxed vibe, and higher tables with chairs for dining. This way, we can cater to different moods and preferences."

Lavanya looked thoughtful. "I love the idea of creating little nooks. What about window seating?"

"Exactly!" I replied, feeling a rush of enthusiasm. "Let's create small window seating areas with cushions and low tables. It'll give customers a cozy, reflective spot to enjoy their drinks and watch the world go by."

The group shared smiles, the idea of these inviting spaces sparking a collective daydream of the café bustling with life. "As for décor elements," I began. "since our logo is a peacock feather, let's incorporate this motif subtly throughout the shop. We could use it on cushion covers, stenciled patterns on the walls, or even as small framed art prints. It'll tie everything together beautifully."

The group nodded, envisioning the colors and textures that would create a harmonious atmosphere. Nandini chimed in, "That would add such a personal touch."

I smiled, encouraged by her enthusiasm. "We should also place brass pots, small statues of traditional Indian figurines, and hand-painted earthen pots on the shelves. These details will add a layer of cultural charm, making the space feel inviting and rich in history."

Sidharth already imagining the vibrant accents. "And what about plants?"

"Absolutely," I said, nodding. "Let's use large potted plants, like rubber plants or palms, to bring freshness and nature indoors. Hanging plants near the windows will add a whimsical touch, and smaller plants on tables will soften the overall look."

As I spoke, I could almost see the greenery bringing life into the space, the vibrant colors contrasting beautifully against the warm tones we had chosen. "It'll create an oasis, a comforting escape from the outside world," I added, my voice filled with hope.

"And for the menu boards?" Vishal asked, leaning forward in interest.

"Good question," I replied, eager to share my thoughts. "Let's use chalkboard menus with handwritten descriptions to give that personal, artisanal touch. We can place them behind the counter, enhancing the old-school café vibe."

Lavanya nodded, already picturing it. "That would feel so welcoming."

"And to balance that," I continued, "we could also use a digital screen menu for a modern contrast, highlighting daily specials or seasonal offerings. It's the perfect blend of tradition and innovation."

As we discussed these details, I felt the energy in the room shift—a shared vision igniting our creativity. The café was evolving into something more than just a business; it was becoming a community space, a place where people could gather, share stories, and create memories.

I continued with enthusiasm, painting a vivid picture of our café. "For the flooring, let's add a splash of color using traditional patterned tiles in small sections—maybe around the counter area or the entryway. They'll draw people in and create a welcoming atmosphere. For the rest of the space, we should stick with wood or stone flooring to maintain that rustic, natural feel. It balances perfectly with our fusion of modern and traditional décor."

The others nodded, captivated by the vision unfolding. I paused for a moment, allowing the image to settle in before moving on. "And let's not forget the tableware. We could use custom ceramic cups and plates featuring the Flute & Foam logo or peacock feather designs—either hand-painted or printed. They'll add a personal touch that customers will love. For takeout, we can create custom-made paper cups with our logo. They'll stand out and keep our branding consistent."

I could see Nandini jotting down notes, her brow furrowed in concentration. "And what about the entrance?" she asked, looking up.

I smiled, pleased with her involvement. "At the entrance, we need a stylish signboard that features the Flute & Foam name alongside the peacock feather logo. It should blend rustic wood with sleek, modern typography to catch the eye of passersby."

Parth, clearly getting into the spirit of things, chimed in. "What about outdoor seating?"

"Great point!" I replied, my excitement bubbling over. "We could use wooden or wrought-iron furniture outside, complete with umbrellas in matching colors for shade. And to create a warm ambiance in the evenings, let's install hanging lanterns or fairy lights. It'll transform the space into a cozy retreat."

After a moment of silence, I looked around at my friends, gauging their reactions. "Did you all get that?" I asked.

Parth nodded, a bright smile on his face. "Yes, we get it."

"Good," I said, returning his smile. "And Nandini, could you calculate the costs for everything we've discussed?"

"Of course, Madhav," she replied, her determination evident.

I took a deep breath, letting the reality of our plans settle in. "We also need to look into getting the machines. There's still a lot of work to do."

With that, I left out a sigh, a mixture of excitement and trepidation filling the air. This was just the beginning, and while the journey ahead seemed daunting, the prospect of bringing our vision to life felt invigorating.

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