Colliding Fates (On Hold)

Chapter 9: Unexpected Insights

Raza stood outside "Masala Grill," ready to interview for the new waiter position. Feeling confident, he walked in, looking and feeling assured. He scanned the restaurant for Dua. The restaurant wasn't very busy as it had just opened, so there were only a few customers scattered here and there.

Dua was behind the counter, arranging desserts in the showcase. She was dressed in a light blue kurta with white pants, her long hair neatly braided and adorned with small studs.

She looked up and was startled to see Raza. She glanced him up and down, trying to stifle a laugh because Raza was wearing a full black suit with a black tie and had a wide smile.

"What can I get you?" Dua asked, making an effort to hold back her laughter at his attire.

"I'm here for an interview," Raza said, placing his resume on the counter. Dua nodded as she looked at the resume, which seemed to list experiences related to photography and management jobs. She handed the resume back and said, "There is no management position here."

"No, no, I'm here for the waiter position," Raza clarified, handing the resume back.

"What?" Dua asked, clearly confused.

"Interviewing for the waiter?" Raza replied, enunciating each word.

"Why?" Dua asked, whispering.

"Because there is a job opening," Raza replied in a hushed tone. "Are you sure you run this place?" he added, pointing at the restaurant.

Dua laughed and continued, "You have a management and art history degree, and you're a photographer. Why are you interviewing for a waiter position?"

"I have some free time," Raza explained. Dua continued to look skeptical, and he added, "I wanted to learn a new trade," speaking in a quieter tone and pausing between his words to convince her.

"So, what I'm hearing is you don't have experience in waiting tables," Dua said, leaning on the counter.

Raza was about to respond, but he couldn't come up with a convincing answer. Dua shook her head, smiling, and then turned around to pick up a tray of glasses. She walked around the counter and began placing clean glasses on the empty tables.

Raza walked after her and said, "I'm a fast learner." As she placed the glasses on the tables after wiping them dry, he continued, "I usually learn on the job."

Dua glanced at Raza, considering his words as she continued to set the tables. She could see his determination, even if his background seemed mismatched for a waiter position.

"Well, you certainly have an interesting resume," she admitted, a hint of amusement in her voice. "

She walked around the counter to place the tray away and threw an apron to Raza, who caught it with a smile. She continued, "Let's do a trial day."

He looked around, wearing the apron, and whispered, "Looks easy enough," observing the few people scattered around the restaurant.

"Don't be fooled," Dua said, placing her hands on her hips. "The restaurant just opened about 15 minutes ago, and people are just starting to come in." She picked up a notepad and added, "You'll soon know why we need extra help."

The whole day, Raza didn't have a moment to sit, other than the allotted break time. It wasn't easy on Dua either. Since Raza didn't have experience, he kept getting orders wrong, spilled coffee on the customers, and even on himself. Dua found herself constantly picking up after him.

At the end of the shift, when the restaurant got less busy, Dua handed Raza a towel, saying, "Pro tip: don't wear a suit when you come to wait on tables."