A brew of coincidence

Chapter 1: The New Machine

SNR had always prided himself on his ability to learn new things. Whether it was a new technology during his days at BHEL or the latest gadget that caught his eye, he loved the challenge of mastering it. So, when he purchased a sleek, modern coffee maker, he was excited. He imagined himself brewing the perfect cup of cappuccino, the rich aroma filling the kitchen, and the frothy milk creating that perfect balance of bitterness and creaminess.

But the reality was far from his expectations. The first few attempts were a disaster. The espresso was either too weak or too bitter, the milk barely frothed, and the result was a sad, lukewarm imitation of what he had hoped for. Frustrated but undeterred, SNR decided to approach the problem like any other—by analyzing it.

He soon discovered that the secret to a good espresso lay in the coffee's grind. The finer the grind, the more intense the flavor. After experimenting with different types of beans and adjusting the grinder, SNR finally managed to pull a shot that was dark, aromatic, and strong. But there was still the matter of the milk. Whole milk, he learned, was the key to getting that rich, velvety froth. Fat-free milk just wouldn’t cut it.

After several trials and errors, he finally managed to create a cup that was close to what he wanted. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start. Satisfied with his progress, SNR decided to take a break and indulge in another of his passions—reading.

Chapter 2: A Parallel Struggle

SNR had been engrossed in Fredrik Backman’s *Us Against You*, the second book in the Beartown series. The small town’s struggles, its characters’ intertwined fates, and the emotional depth of the story had captivated him from the start. He admired the way Backman portrayed human relationships, with all their complexities and imperfections.

As he read, SNR came across a passage that made him pause. Peter, one of the central characters, was struggling with a new coffee maker, a gift from his daughter, Maya. Peter’s experience mirrored SNR’s own—fumbling with the unfamiliar machine, the frustration of not getting it right, and the small victories when he finally managed to brew a decent cup.

SNR chuckled to himself, marveling at the coincidence. He could almost picture Peter in his kitchen, muttering to himself as he tried to figure out the machine’s settings. It was as if Backman had been observing Roy’s own struggles and decided to write them into the story.

As he continued reading, SNR found himself increasingly drawn to Peter’s character. Peter’s determination to get the coffee right, despite his initial failures, resonated with him. It wasn’t just about the coffee—it was about the small, everyday challenges that we all face, and the sense of satisfaction that comes from overcoming them.

Chapter 3: The Connection

Later that evening, SNR sat down with his newly brewed cappuccino, savoring the rich taste and the perfectly frothed milk. He thought about the journey that had led him to this moment—the trials, the errors, the learning, and finally, the success. It wasn’t just about making coffee; it was about the process of learning and adapting, something he had done all his life.

He picked up *Us Against You* again, his thoughts lingering on Peter. SNR realized that, like Peter, he too was navigating the complexities of life, albeit in different ways. Whether it was mastering a new coffee maker or managing the challenges of aging, the key was to keep going, to keep learning, and to find joy in the small victories.

SNR smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the fictional character. It was as if Peter had become a friend, someone who understood the struggles and triumphs of life. And in that moment, the line between fiction and reality blurred, leaving SNR with the comforting thought that, in the end, we’re all just trying to brew the perfect cup—one day at a time.