I checked the clock and headed to the kitchen to start making the coffee, and the dish.
I added my special touch, hoping it would impress them.
Suddenly, I heard deep, rumbling laughter coming from the living room—the kind of laughter that only comes from men who are truly enjoying themselves.
My nerves kicked in.
They had arrived.
If they enjoy my coffee and dish, it could be my ticket to a contract and a chance to leave my past behind for good and make a name for myself too.
I took a deep breath to muster up some courage.
Akash entered the kitchen, his eyes shining with excitement. "The mugs are in that cupboard; serve them in those," he said, then sniffed the air, his eyes widening with inquisitiveness.
"It smells like heaven! Did you add something special to it?"
I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. "A secret ingredient. I hope they'll love it."
His eyes sparkled with more curiosity. "A secret ingredient, like the Krabby Patty secret formula?" he asked, his tone playful and teasing.
I couldn't help but laugh at the Krabby Patty reference, but I nodded solemnly, playing along with the secrecy. "Yes, just like the Krabby Patty secret formula."
He grinned, seeming to enjoy the mystery. "Well, in that case, I'll go join the others. Get the coffee ready and bring it out. We're eleven."
I nodded, and with a final glance, he exited the kitchen, leaving me to my task.
I took another deep breath, feeling a combination of excitement and nervousness as I carefully poured the coffee into the mugs, making sure everything was perfect.
I took the tray and went out to the living room, where I found him surrounded by ten others, just as he had said.
They were all chatting and laughing together, like old friends.
What amazed me was how he seamlessly fit in with the group—no one would have guessed he was a driver.
They all looked like brothers, dressed in their suits.
I think that explains where he gets all his money because I doubt his salary could suffice him and even let him spend on others, like he's doing to me.
"Good evening." I smiled, putting the tray down.
"Evening." They chimed in, their voices filled with playful teasing. "So, she's the friend, huh?" They asked in unison, their eyes gleaming with amusement, as if sharing an inside joke.
My eyes met Akash's with confusion, and I saw a slight embarrassment in his expression.
"Yes, the friend," he confirmed, with defensiveness in his tone.
"She came to Mumbai looking for a job but hadn't found any yet. However, her skills are exceptional. Taste the coffee and experience it for yourself."
He picked up a cup, and the others followed, taking a bite of my creation and then a sip of the coffee. They hummed in unison.
I, on the other hand, was burning with nervousness and tension, eager to hear their feedback.
"Akash, remember our trip to London last week? We had a similar experience at Moonside Cafe before it closed," one of them said.
However, he choked on his coffee, coughing out, "Have I ever been to London?"
Another man suddenly spoke up, "Are you the only Akash here? He's referring to me."
I saw him let out a visible sigh of relief, and I found the moment strange.
"I'm buying this, hands down. It's going to make us a fortune," one of the men said, and I grinned from ear to ear.
"No way, I'm buying it!" another exclaimed. "Seriously, I've never tasted coffee as amazing as this anywhere in India. I'm definitely going to buy it."
"It's impossible; my mind is made up," another replied. "As soon as Akash told us about this coffee, I knew I had to open a coffee shop and make a killing from it."
"No way!" they exclaimed, their voices rising as they began to argue among themselves.
Meanwhile, Akash got up and quietly came to stand beside me.
"Look at the commotion your coffee is causing," he said with a chuckle, and I smiled, feeling delighted.
"Thank you," I said to him with sincere gratitude.
"How can I repay you? I may not have anything now, but I'll do my best to compensate you."
He let out a low, husky chuckle. "I want nothing," he said, his voice gruff but kind.
I smiled. "But didn't it feel strange to share this idea with your boss's friends? I mean, you could have used it to your own advantage, but instead, you were honest."
He looked at me with an amused expression. "You still don't get it, do you? I genuinely want nothing from you. No reward, no favour, no debt. Just nothing."
"Fine, guys!" he then exclaimed, his voice rising to grab their attention.
"It's not just about the coffee. You made the dish too, didn't you?" He asked me, and I nodded in response.
"So, we've got coffee and a dish. That means one of you can open a coffee shop, and the other can open a restaurant. It's settled then!" he declared.
"Wait, what?" I said, my mind going blank as I struggled to process the conversation.
They were throwing around huge sums of money like it was nothing.
"Let's try the dish first," they said, snapping me back to reality.
I took a deep breath, gathered my composure, and headed to the kitchen to load the tray with my various creations.
Then, I returned to the living room with the tray in my hand.
I set the tray down on the table, and like vultures, they came down upon the plates, trying out each dish with enthusiasm.
"Where on earth did you even find this woman, Akash?" one of them asked, his eyes widening in delight as he savoured each bite, his lips blazing with satisfaction.
The room became filled with the sounds of their happy chatter and clinking utensils as they devoured my creations.
"I think we've reached a decision," they said finally.
I crossed my fingers nervously as the man continued,
"We can't discuss the details here, so Akash, please accompany her to the company. We'll all sit down together and finalise the details. We might as well form a partnership with her altogether. In the meeting, we'll go over every aspect and determine the way forward."
My face broke into a wide grin, tears of joy welling up in my eyes as I turned to Akash.
"I'm afraid I'm tied up this week. I mean, the boss has assigned me some tasks, but next week," he replied.
My smile was still shining brightly.
"No problem at all," the person replied with a warm smile.
"None of us are in a rush. As they say, delayed doesn't mean denied. Sometimes, good things take time, and the wait can bring even more blessings."
I chuckled through happy tears, my heart overflowing with gratitude.
"I knew God wouldn't leave my prayers unanswered," I thought to myself. "It took a while, but He's finally granting my wishes."
••••
I was tidying up the bed when I heard Akash's voice while he entered the room.
"So you went upstairs? Thanks for tidying it up," he said.
I smiled, not bothering to turn around. "No problem," I replied.
"Well, are you excited?" He started to say, but I cut in,
"My happiness knows no bounds. If I make it in life, you'll be right there with me every step of the way. You're part of the package now, along with my mom and sisters."
I finished tidying up and turned to face him, catching the amused smile on his lips.
"I'm curious; what exactly will I get out of this?" he asked.
"If I do become rich, I promise you'll never have to drive for anyone else again. We'll be wealthy together. I mean, I know your boss pays you well, but I don't want you to be tied to a salary. I want you to..." I started it, unsure of how to phrase it.
"I understand," he chuckled.
"We'll discuss the details when you're rich, I guess."
I nodded, feeling grateful.
"You're so kind, Akash. No one has ever been as kind to me as you have. You didn't even mention my dark skin or my ugliness."
"What are you talking about?" he asked, his brows furrowed.
"Who told you that you're dark and ugly? I actually find you strikingly beautiful, and about your complexion, if you were to see yourself from my perspective," He paused, his eyes locked on mine, and I held my breath, eager to hear his next words— how he views me. But instead, he suddenly changed the subject.
"Go to sleep. It's late." He quickly exited the room.
"Why did he leave so abruptly?" I wondered, my soft smile still hanging back on my lips.
I shrugged, but his kind words has warmed my heart.
Write a comment ...