"A Brief History of Two Killings" by Vikram Grewal
I have time to kill Feel guilty but can’t help it Checking the bill again ‘Café Frappe’ did I pronounce it rightly This time? The best I could do Also asked for a cocoa topping Not sure what it tastes like I am not hungry That streetside pav bhaaji was heavy The waiter’s getting my order It looks like ordinary cold coffee Sips It tastes like one too Frappé Hmm Sighs I am not hungry Frappé My official permission to kill time inside That expensive coffeehouse I’d heard time is money How does it feel to kill both simultaneously In cold blood? ‘Feel guilty but can’t help it’ I rest my case your honour The menu seemed to have life in it Its numbers mocked me The cheapest item suited me (With cocoa topping to avoid the attendant’s judging) The television’s working in here But the people around seem more watchable Glasses full Eyes empty Furnished tables Tarnished smiles Real money From fake pockets Slipping out