Amma's Cafe | Short Story ✓

chapter 6

I stayed a little behind as Aarush started setting the banners neatly around. My gaze roamed around but none seemed to pay any attention to us.

"It won't be easy," he said and gave me an assuring smile before speaking further, "But it will be alright. So no worries."

I smiled and nodded. His gaze stayed on me for a few moments before he spoke further, "You look more beautiful in saree."

I smiled while looking down a little. "Thank you," I said in a low voice, awkwardly and looked away. He chuckled and took a deep breath before looking around.

"Alright, should we start?" He asked. I nodded while moving at the bags. He went ahead and started getting people.

I kept watching his efforts to convince people to drink my coffee. I felt sort of sad that he had to go through this but more than that I was grateful.

Until a few days back he was a mere stranger and now he was doing everything and more than people who are close to me.

He rushed back to me and I adjusted my expressions. "I got a few people," he said while smiling widely and gesturing at people behind him.

I nodded and pressed a smile at them before asking for their choice. I handed them their preferences and until then Aarush got me more customers. I smiled happily further before taking their orders and serving them.

The afternoon came in a rush before we knew and I felt it when my stomach churned but my pastries and coffees finished while making me happiest. I could have stayed till night but I didn't prepare much in fear that no one will come.

"Let's eat something. I'm damn hungry," He said while coming towards me. I nodded while taking my empty bags in contentment. "It will be my treat else I won't come," I said.

He sighed and looked at me hopelessly. "Dude, you have already fed me without taking charges," He said. I chuckled and shrugged.

"You have done much more for me," I said truthfully and showed a wide smile. He smiled and nodded.

"Alright, but I came here just a couple of months back and didn't even get to roam much. The work was piling too," He said while making a face and added ahead, "So it would be better if you give me a company and show me around a little."

I shrugged. "I don't mind. But don't you have a better company? Like friends or someone with whom you could enjoy?" I asked.

He chuckled lightly while still looking at me. "Why do you think that I get bored with you?" He asked. I shook my head awkwardly.

"In fact, I like your company a lot," He said while making me a bit surprised. I couldn't say anything over that I got a bit conscious.

"Or is it an indirect remark?" He asked again. I looked at him again with confusion. "Sorry?" I asked.

He shrugged. "You can tell if you don't like my company or if I irritate you with my constant talking," he said. I shook my head.

"That's not what I meant," I said and started explaining further, "All I wanted to say was that you might enjoy better with them... That you might... I mean..."

He started laughing hysterically before I can get my words straight. I frowned while watching him laugh but I guess this was my first time seeing this way with me. All of sudden, it felt good as my lips curled into a smile.

"Don't be so serious," he said while containing his smile and looking at me now.

"But I want your company as I like it better," he said further and added as soon, "I get to eat free food."