Zoey’s! We go on Sundays for brunch! We lounge on the bright orange cushions of antique furniture there and sip masala chai from a classic ceramic teapot that graces the table. Though it’s a small place, Zoey’s is breezy and sunny. Its people are urbane, Bangalorian. They sway and swing to music; click selfies around the corners of art. They, in their long Ts, short shorts and tube tops, with generous laughter, display the new age’s confidence.

On one such day, when my stomach was growling for Italian food, my mind was hovering over nearby places, and I visited Zoey’s. I visited Zoey’s along with my cat, Snowball. He is white as snow and round as a ball.

 He walked into the yellows and greens of Zoey’s on Sunday for the first time in his life. He saw the fountains and pebbles there with awe. He carried awe on his cheeks until the sizzlers came by. He tucked his head into his front limbs and chest soon. Afraid of watching the fumes that spiralled into my mouth, he fell asleep in his cozy bag, quietly, to shut himself off!

 I was the brave one! I knew it in the depths of my heart that I was always the brave one. Soon, I looked at the world with pity from up and above, down on those who couldn’t dare to order sizzlers. I flaunted my pride and let my shoulders dance to the beats of the Beatles.

My curious cat woke up soon. He blinked and stretched in his bag. He behaved like a cat! So much so that I felt like the wisest human around him. You know? A cat can behave like a mysterious woman, an adamant child and a soft toy all at the same time!

I brought him home and here to Zoey’s to submerge my insecurities and display my thinking prowess!

At Sunday brunch that day, sitting next to my cat, I saw my alter ego, hungry for food and hungry for Bangalore’s recognition.

After reaching home, I kissed Mr Snow Ball. I kissed him until he stopped me with a slap on my nose with his little paw. He, that day, gave me a chance to ponder upon myself.

I soon buried my injured nose and bloated pride into Nelson Mandela’s autobiography to think beyond sizzlers and later called it a day with a homemade soup in the moon light.