Sweet Surrender

chapter 1

1| hearts awakening 

AVNI SINGH

I patted my forehead with a tissue, getting sweaty as weariness settled into my bones. I glanced around and, surprisingly, there were only two workers in the kitchen. As per my duty, I walked toward the counter and waited for further orders. I worked two jobs a day, not by choice but due to our circumstances. Tying my hair into a loose braid, I ran a hand down my uniform and looked at the mirror one last time. Before moving toward the counter, I called home using one of the worker's phones since I couldn't afford one for myself. Hearing the response from the other side, I conversed with my grandmother for a minute to update her. Hearing my call from the counter, I quickly declined the call and buckled up for my shift.

"Table four," I took the tray and nodded, walking towards table four and serving them their respective orders with a gentle smile, asking if they needed anything else. As the clock struck 4:30, the number of customers gradually began to increase, and I quickened my pace, having no time to spare for the exhaustion that was creeping in.

The doorbell chimed, indicating that more customers had entered. I glanced up to greet them but was slightly taken aback when I saw one of them dressed in crisp formal attire, exuding an air of authority and commanding everyone's attention. Despite the wave of silence and low whispers, the man remained focused and continued talking on a call, refusing to acknowledge the attention he was receiving. The other person, who appeared to be his assistant, followed him in and sat at the table.

'baray log' I thought but shrugged instantly and served the awaiting orders.

Big people

With only two people working now, I took a deep breath and made my way over to take their orders. "What would you like to have, sirs?" I pushed the menu forward, waiting for them to speak, but neither of them did, which made me slightly annoyed.

"What would you like to have?" I asked again, glaring at the man whose head was ducked down toward his phone.

'Is he deaf or something?' I thought to myself, giving his assistant, I supposed, a stink eye since he wasn't speaking either.

He looked up, and for a brief moment, I felt pinned under the intensity of his gaze, making me clear my throat. "What can I get for you?" I raised my eyebrows, ignoring the way my heart fluttered as he kept looking at me. It was different.

His expressions shifted back to a composed one.

"I'll have a black coffee," he said, his voice deep and commanding, which sent a shiver down my spine. I nodded and noted his order, then glanced at the other man, who immediately asked for a cappuccino. "It'll take a few minutes," I muttered, turning away to pass on their orders. As I moved behind the counter, I felt his continuous gaze on me, but I restrained myself from looking back at him.

'Itni bhi koi haseena nahi lag rahi jo dekhe ja raha hai'

I aint looking pretty to stare at

Taking their tray, I went to their table and set down their respective drinks. "Is there anything else you want?" I looked up and glanced between them. The assistant shook his head in denial while the man in formals gazed up at me again from his phone. "No, thank you," he replied.

The need to look back at him grew within me during my tasks. Sneakily, I caught glances at him as I found him quite attractive. I felt like a fool since my heartbeat amplified each time I looked at him. Time ticked by, and their cups were empty by now, which meant they would leave. I felt a hint of disappointment but walked toward the table to pick up their tray as both of them reached for the door.

II looked at the door, watching them leave. But the moment the man in formals glanced my way, I felt my heart start pounding once again. His gaze lingered for more than a minute, and our eyes locked. There was something unspoken between us, an acknowledgment that we would meet again. I felt my smile turning into a grin. Then he turned around, closed the door, and left.

"Itna mat bhago, bahar ana hai kiya" I patted my heart and took in a deep breath, the way his eyes crossed with mine made a feeling of warmth creep into my chest.

Don't beat too fast, do you want to come out

Aarav Malhotra

My assistant and I were returning from a meeting, and I felt my thirst growing. I asked the driver to stop near a cafe so I could regain some energy with coffee. As I stepped out of the car, my phone rang, and I picked up the call while walking inside the cafe. The scent of coffee hit my nostrils, and I felt my brain functioning again. The cafe became quiet, and the soft clinking of cups along with whispers could be easily heard. With a bored expression, I kept listening to my friend's yapping. Reaching the corner most table, I sat down, and finally, the call was declined from the other side. Breathing out, I scrolled through my pending emails.

I was too absorbed in my work; however, a soft voice interrupted me. Wanting to see the owner of the voice, I looked up, and my eyes collided with a pair of warm, brown eyes radiating innocence, and I felt... refreshing amidst the hectic routine.

"What can I get for you?" she asked once again, bringing me out of my trance. I regained my composure and replied to her. Her eyes flickered, and I felt attracted to her, not wanting to look away, which was quite rare for me. I sensed a hint of exhaustion in her tone, which she tried to cover up with a steady voice. My eyes refused to move away from her as I was drawn to the way she moved around and her gentle smile when greeting new customers.

"Sir? Do you know her?" I tore my gaze away from her and looked at my assistant, Ekansh.

"No," I replied in a monotonous tone and peeked at her, only to catch her looking at me. I felt my heart flutter as she looked away. After a while of waiting, she served our drinks and asked if we needed anything else. This time, I allowed myself to look at her properly since she was closer.

I watched her walk away once again. Ekansh started talking about the upcoming tasks that were meant to be fulfilled, and I participated in the conversation halfheartedly since I wanted to understand this unusual feeling that was making my heart beat.

It was time for us to leave. Reaching the door, I felt a tug at my heart, and I looked back only to find her gazing back at me with a longing expression. I silently watched her smile stretch into a grin, my lips twitching into a smile as well. Wow, that's rare. I gave a nod and turned back, walking out and promising myself another exchange with her.