By: Asem Mustafa
A small kiosk has a world within. Favorite hotspot of multiple media outlets Billa Café offers unique ambiances and characters.
The place has frequent visitors mostly journalists and correspondents discussing defense, economy, foreign policy, city and whatnot but the thing that stays unmoved and unruffled is the male cat name Badshah (King) which sits in laps of the ones ‘he adores’ and this scribe happens to be one of those select few.
Badshah has been at the kiosk as a small kitten and this scribe has seen Badshah grow in to a handsome male with sizable muscle. Still a kitten Badshah has a nemesis in the form of another cat named ‘Don’ which terrorized Badshah as a baby and still lurks around when Badshah meets and greets his fans.
The kiosk is busy place and is surrounded by nearly a dozen media outlets which are at stone throwing distance and if one eavesdrops a number of ‘classified information’ mostly news can be heard.
The owners Kamran and Chunzeb also have another feather to their collection besides Badshah and his name is ‘Dragon’. A rooster which moves freely and approaches the ones who have some crumbs to share. Aloof and dignified the Dragon is shedding feathers at present and is not the usual long tail feathery game fowl but weighing nearly seven pounds he is all muscle and presents himself with a swagger.
The tea is tasty and barbeque with mild spices is an added feature of Billa Café. This scribe is a regular visitor and Badshah is there to make the day.
Billa Café the real news hub is place to watch for the news that are happening and curtain raisers for the news that will be happening. Friendships and bonding are nurtured at the place over ‘cups’ of tea besides ‘conspiracy theories’ that is also a popular feature of the discussions.
Many breaking news get developed over there and many storms in the tea cups are brewed at the same time. The place has an aura with Badshah and Dragon making it special.