The Earrings

FADE IN:

EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT

It’s raining hard, creating puddles along the corners of the sidewalks. People rush past, umbrellas bobbing, as some stores’ neon signs flicker on and off while others remain dark and closed.

YASHIKA, dressed in a yellow tunic with orange floral prints, a red scarf, jeans, and an off-white tote bag, runs through the rain, her footsteps splashing. She pulls her scarf tighter, shielding her face from the storm as she crosses the street, placing her hand on her head to keep the rain out of her eyes.

She stops in front of a cozy little coffee shop. Its sign glowing faintly through the rain: “COFFEE FOR YOU”. She takes a hesitant breath and steps inside.

INT. COFFEE FOR YOU - NIGHT

The shop is quiet, dimly lit, with a few empty tables. ARUN, neatly dressed in a white shirt and black pants, a blue apron with the shop’s name over it, stands behind the counter, adjusting the syrups.

ARUN

(without looking up)

We’re closed for today.

Yashika quickly pulls her phone out of her jeans pocket, types something, then stows it away, looking at Arun with a soft, hesitant expression.

YASHIKA

(softly)

Huh? I’m sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.

ARUN

(looking up)

We’re closed for today.

Yashika pauses, then softly pleads.

YASHIKA

Oh, uh… can I just stay inside for like ten minutes? I’m waiting for someone, and it’s really pouring out there…

Arun glances out the rain-streaked window, then back at her.

ARUN

Ten minutes only.

YASHIKA

Thanks!

Yashika moves to a small round table near the window. She looks down at her watch, tapping her foot nervously as the rain continues to pound outside.

Arun approaches her table and places a steaming hot cup on the table.

ARUN

Hot maple cinnamon latte. For you.

YASHIKA

Oh, I’m fine.

ARUN

I think you need it in this weather. And I’m not charging you.

YASHIKA

No, I must pay.

ARUN

No need. It’s on me.

Yashika sits on the chair, grateful.

YASHIKA

Thanks, and sorry for holding you back. I know you were about to close.

ARUN

It’s alright. I’m in no rush, especially today.

YASHIKA

Everything okay?

ARUN

Yeah, but I should ask you. Are you okay? You seem a bit nervous about something.

YASHIKA

No, it’s just… Well, can I really share something with you?

ARUN

Of course. Sometimes it’s better to share with a stranger who you probably won’t meet again.

YASHIKA

Then will you tell me what’s been bothering you today?

ARUN

Can you tell? I've been trying to hide it.

YASHIKA

(smiles)

Guess not from me.

ARUN

(smiles back)

Alright, you first.

(sits across from Yashika)

YASHIKA

Hmm…

(takes a sip of the latte, trying to compose herself)

Wow, it tastes good. Okay, so…

(She looks away, takes a long breath, fighting back emotions)

The person coming to pick me up is my dad. You know how some people think a father and daughter share a special bond—more love, like between a mother and son? Well, that hasn’t been the case between us. I’m sure many others feel the same.

(she struggles to hold back tears)

His and my mom’s relationship wasn’t full of love. Maybe at the start, but over the years, it slowly faded. They cared for each other, but love… barely. Me…

(a tear slides down her cheek, and she hastily wipes it away)

I grew up mostly hearing them argue, then patch things up like nothing happened. It affected me. He rarely dropped me at school, hardly took me anywhere, never complimented me or my achievements. He was there, but not really. I’ve always longed for a father’s love.

(her voice trembles slightly)

I was full of anxiety growing up. But in high school, I finally mustered the courage to participate in a dance. I told dad he had to come with mom. I wanted him there… like other kids’ parents, seeing their child do something they love, something they’re scared to do in front of others. But he…

(pauses, looks down at the latte, voice faltering)

Arun gently reaches out, moving his hand toward hers, then stops, pulling back slowly.

YASHIKA

He didn’t come. That night, I asked him does he even love me? Why did he bring me into this world if he didn’t want me to be part of his life? And he didn’t say a word.

Arun stands up, walks to the counter, and grabs a box of tissues. He returns and places it in front of Yashika.

YASHIKA (CONT’D)

(takes a tissue, wipe her tear and blows her nose)

Thanks. Twenty-six years later, he and I are going out to eat at a restaurant.

ARUN

He made you wait this long? How did that happen, though?

YASHIKA

Mom.

(with a small emotional smile)

She passed away last year.

ARUN

Wait, what? I’m so sorry…

YASHIKA

She was diagnosed with a chronic illness, and she had a feeling she wouldn’t make it. So, she told dad that her last wish was for him to be the best dad he could be for me.

(cries softly)

I’m sorry, I just…

ARUN

No, don’t be sorry.

YASHIKA

(taking more tissues and wiping her tears)

I can’t believe I’m crying in front of someone, sharing things I barely tell anyone. It’s weird, but also humbling at the same time.

ARUN

(smiles)

Honestly, I’m glad you’re letting it out. It’s been hard on you. Do you think he’s really trying to be a better father, or…?

YASHIKA

He’s trying. It gets a little awkward sometimes, but I feel like a small connection is starting to build between us.

ARUN

I’m sure that connection will grow into something bigger and better.

YASHIKA

I hope so.

(takes a sip of her latte)

We’re going out for the first time, and I didn’t even dress up properly. I thought I’d go home after work, get ready, but then I got caught up in something else, and then this unexpected rain. I didn’t even get to do my hair nicely or wear something special, maybe some jewelry.

ARUN

It’s alright. You’re looking great. And remember, this is a heart-to-heart moment between you and your dad. No need to worry about anything else.

YASHIKA

Hmm. Right. I think I’ve said a lot, now the spotlight’s on you. Go ahead, let it out.

ARUN

Um, I think it’s been ten minutes. I also need to leave.

YASHIKA

Well, dad hasn’t reached yet, and besides no excuses. You said you weren’t in a rush. All ears now.

ARUN

(taps his fingers on the table)

Fine.

(pauses)

A couple of years ago, I met someone through mutual friends, and I found her quite interesting. Turns out, our moms know each other, they've been to some of the same workshops. We met again and again, not like dates or anything, just casually at family functions or with friends. I started developing feelings for her, and I don’t know why I assumed she might feel the same. Today, I thought about telling her how I feel. I figured, meeting her empty-handed wouldn’t look good, so I started looking for a gift. It was a struggle, I tell you, until I found a pair of earrings that caught my eye immediately. Without a second thought, I ordered them. Then I asked Amaya if we could meet this afternoon, and she agreed. And when we met, she…

YASHIKA

She?

ARUN

She mentioned she likes one of my cousins and asked if I could help patch things up.

YASHIKA

Ouch.

ARUN

Yeah.

YASHIKA

So, are you going to help her?

They look at each other and burst into laughter.

ARUN

Actually, I’ll tell her my cousin likes someone else. You’re putting salt on my wounds.

YASHIKA

I’m sorry. I just wanted to lighten the mood a bit. But I know it hurts, and it will take time to heal. I don’t know what’s meant to be or not, but I’m sure there’s someone out there who’ll hold your hand and never let go.

ARUN

And I won’t either.

Yashika’s phone beeps. She pulls out her phone and looks at the screen.

YASHIKA

(to Arun)

It’s dad. He said he’s five minutes away.

ARUN

I’ll be right back.

Arun walks into the kitchen.

Yashika takes some more sips of her latte.

YASHIKA

This really tastes good. Why didn’t I come here before?

Arun returns, holding a small paper bag.

Yashika watches him.

Arun takes out a small box from the bag and offers it to Yashika.

ARUN

(forwarding the box)

You can wear them.

YASHIKA

Huh?

ARUN

It’s the earrings.

YASHIKA

But how can I…?

ARUN

Just think that they were meant for you.

Yashika holds the box, surprised. She opens it and sees a pair of earrings in a beautiful mix of green and yellow.

YASHIKA

These earrings…

ARUN

I got these from a shop called Made by Yashika. Aren’t they pretty?

YASHIKA

Yeah, they are. Thank you.

(a second later)

First, you made a latte for me for free, and now these earrings.

ARUN

Oh, I wonder if today’s your birthday.

They both laugh.

YASHIKA

You should keep these earrings.

ARUN

These earrings perfectly complement your outfit. If that isn’t a sign they were meant for you, then I wonder what else is. Oh, of course—you're here, and I shared the story—they were meant to be yours. Plus, they’re unique. The person who makes them usually crafts each pair just once.

YASHIKA

Looks like you did some research.

ARUN

Um, no, but I think so.

YASHIKA

You might be right.

Yashika’s phone rings. She picks up.

YASHIKA (CONT’D)

(on the call)

Okay, I’m coming.

(disconnects)

ARUN

He’s here?

YASHIKA

Yes.

(wears the earrings)

How do they look?

ARUN

Perfect.

YASHIKA

It was great meeting you.

(extends her hand)

ARUN

Same here.

(shakes her hand)

We didn’t even get to properly introduce ourselves. I’m Arun, a coffeeholic who owns this coffee shop.

YASHIKA

Glad you run this coffee shop. I will stop by again.

ARUN

Surely do. And your name?

YASHIKA

Yashika.

ARUN

Oh, same as the jewelry shop owner.

YASHIKA

Who knows? I might be a jewelry maker myself.

(moves her hand away)

ARUN

Are you…?

Yashika smiles, turns away, takes a few steps toward the door. She holds the knob, pauses, then looks back at Arun.

YASHIKA

Yes, most of the time, I make single pieces. Rarely, I do multiple pieces in the same design. Reach home safely, Arun.

They both smile at each other.

Yashika walks out of the coffee shop.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Yashika runs to the black car standing in front of the coffee shop.

She opens the passenger door of the car and sits inside.

INT. CAR - NIGHT

She looks toward the coffee shop and waves goodbye.

INT. COFFEE FOR YOU - NIGHT

Arun waves back. He looks at the paper bag with Yashika’s shop name and smiles.

FADE OUT.