The whole restaurant buzzed with enthusiasm as lunchtime approached. Staff is very exhausted and the thought of having good food after serving to numerous customers made them pleased. By the time Afaf is done with folding her apron and keeping it in the drawer, the floor was empty.
"No extra chunks of any of your treat left today " Kajal pouted. Afaf shook her head negatively. Though Kajal is five years older than her but more childish than her or maybe the child inside her died down too early.
"I thought to enjoy it with my meal" She mourningly addded.
"Uhh...you can order it as a customer instead of whining over free stuff " She chuckled rolling her eyes on which Kajal glared.
"You got such a bitter tongue...damn. Can't you sugarcoat it a bit? " Kajal feigned to get hurt. Afaf shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly moving to the canteen making her more frustrated. However, Kajal's frustration vanished upon seeing the sight in the canteen.
"What's going on? " Afaf asked her, looking at all the employees present there.
"I guess it's about the report after the exhibition" She replied.
"Isn't the exhibition got wrapped up?" Afaf was confused.
"Yep, but it is consumers' report after the launch of those selected delicacies. The top-rated by customers will be presented to foreign delegates and get launched in Michelin-starred branch of Sugar 'N' crumbs in Spain" Kajal explained word by word. She can't believe that this girl is working here for the last two months and know nothing about the place. But then she never communicates besides work, how is she gonna know?
"Do this bakery has branches in foreign countries too?" Afaf inquired and Kajal groaned in disbelief.
"Girl, Do you live under the rock? Roshail studied baking in Spain and of course, he will set up his bakery there" She rolled her eyes.
"I told you to come out of your shell and now look you know nothing about the place where you worked. Have you never searched about it on the Internet? " She added making her offended.
"I came here to work and get my salary. Besides, I don't have a smartphone like you" She mumbled annoyedly.
"Haan meri hi galti hai jo deewar main sar maar rahi hoon" Kajal replied, bobbing her head.
"Good afternoon, everyone! Thank you for being present here. I want to share a good news with you all. All the newly launched dishes are well appreciated by the market and helped in growing the bakery's rating" Roshail's deep voice shifted their attention as he greeted the employees who wished him back.
"As you all know, we are here to announce the top-rated among launched dishes. And some of you might be aware of it. I appreciate all of you for your hard work but let's give a round of applause to Miss Afaf for her excellent contribution with her brownie which is most rated" He expanded with a subtle smile. He genuinely respects each of his staff but he admires her dedication. She is very personal to him and every achievement of hers is very dear to him.
Afaf got hyperventilated as soon all the eyes shifted on her. The loud echo of claps made her more sweaty. She was never comfortable being in the spotlight. She heard him telling her to come in front but her legs keep rooted to her place.
"Jao na" Kajal slightly nudged her.
[Go!]
"Main nahi jaungi" She mumbled breathlessly.
[I don't want to go]
"Have you gone crazy? You better go before I smack your head twice" Kajal tugged her hand to move forward.
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Sifar - A Collection Of Desi Short Stories
Historia Corta🍂 Sifar = Nothingness or Zero 🍂 "Mohabbat Sifar se shuru hoti aur ek Safar ban jaati hai"( Love starts from nothingness and becomes a journey later) "Sifar" is a compilation of some not-so-cliche and emotional short stories with the flavour of su...
