Don't Leave Me Again

24- New opportunity

As Zafrin prepared to leave for her first day at the job, her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She had meticulously draped her black shawl around her head as a scarf, ensuring every fold was in place. The final act of checking her appearance in the mirror was a ritual of self-assurance, and she couldn't help but smile at the reflection that radiated determination and resolve.

Descending the stairs, she was greeted by the comforting aroma of spices and freshly brewed tea wafting from the kitchen—a fragrant reminder of the home she was momentarily leaving behind. Her mother, Nazriya, waited for her in the warm kitchen, her presence as a steady beacon of support. Zafrin approached her mother, her eyes sparkling with a mix of anticipation and gratitude.

"Ammi, I'm going now. Assalamualaikum," she said, her voice a blend of reverence and eager excitement. She leaned in to kiss her mother’s forehead, the gesture rich with the warmth of their bond. Once frequently tested by conflicts, their relationship now stood strong, fortified by mutual respect and unwavering support.

"Wa alaikum Salaam," Nazriya replied, her voice soft with pride and a touch of concern. "Say Swalath while riding, everything will be fine."

Zafrin nodded, her mother’s words serving as a grounding force. She took one last look at her family home, its comforting familiarity giving way to the new horizons ahead. With a deep breath, she stepped outside, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that awaited her.

The restaurant’s interior greeted her with a harmonious blend of modern elegance and traditional charm. The marble floors gleamed under soft lighting that cast a warm, inviting glow. Zafrin paused to appreciate the ambiance before being greeted by Priya, the receptionist who had initially welcomed her with such friendliness.

“Good morning, Zafrin!” Priya’s smile was bright and genuine. “Ready for your first day?”

Zafrin returned the smile, her excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. “Good morning, Priya. Yes, I’m ready.”

“Great! I’ll take you to the office where you’ll finalize your paperwork and meet the head chef. If you have any questions or need anything, just let me know.”

Zafrin followed Priya to a small office just off the main floor. The room was cluttered with paperwork, including the bond she had signed earlier. Chef Rajesh, a distinguished man in his mid-forties with a commanding presence, was reviewing documents as they entered.

“Ah, Zafrin,” he said, looking up with a welcoming smile. “I’m Chef Rajesh. It’s good to see you. Please, have a seat.”

Zafrin sat down, her hands slightly trembling as she attempted to steady her nerves. Chef Rajesh began to outline the details of her role.

“First, let’s review the bond you’ve signed,” Chef Rajesh said, sliding a copy of the document towards her. “This outlines your commitment to us for the next year, including adherence to our kitchen protocols and performance standards.”

He paused, ensuring she was following. “You’re expected to maintain punctuality, dress according to our uniform code, and adhere to our hygiene standards. We also conduct regular performance reviews to ensure everyone is meeting their potential.”

Zafrin absorbed the information with a nod. “Understood. Are there any specific expectations or additional requirements I should be aware of?”

Chef Rajesh smiled, clearly pleased with her eagerness. “Yes, we value continuous learning here. There will be opportunities for additional training and workshops. We encourage you to take full advantage of these to enhance your skills.”

“That sounds fantastic,” Zafrin responded with genuine enthusiasm. “I’m eager to learn and grow in this role.”

“Excellent,” Chef Rajesh said. “If you’re ready, we’ll give you a quick tour of the kitchen and introduce you to the team. They’re a talented group, and I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”

As they walked through the kitchen, Zafrin was struck by the state-of-the-art equipment and the orchestrated chaos of a bustling culinary environment. The team members greeted her with nods and smiles, and she felt a sense of belonging begin to take root.

By the end of the tour, Zafrin’s confidence surged. She was prepared to dive into her new role and contribute to the restaurant’s success. With the paperwork completed and introductions made, she was officially part of the team.

As Zafrin walked towards the restaurant’s exit, her thoughts were preoccupied with the potential of her new job and the excitement of starting fresh. Just as she reached for the door, a tall figure emerged from the lobby, and their paths collided. She stumbled slightly, her gaze lifting in surprise.

For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she had misjudged the figure. But as their eyes met, a sharp jolt of recognition struck her. The man before her was unmistakably Dhanish. Time had altered his appearance—
, his features had grown more chiseled, and the youthful charm she remembered had evolved into a rugged, sophisticated demeanor. His once-boyish visage had been replaced by a commanding presence that exuded authority.

"Dhanish," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

Instinctively, she took a step back, her mind racing to reconcile the man she had once known with the polished, impeccably dressed figure now before her. She had hoped never to encounter him again, and yet here he was, intersecting with her new beginning in the most unexpected way.

“Sorry, Mr. I didn’t see you there,” she said, her tone carefully neutral. Her heart pounded as she fought to maintain her composure. “Are you okay?”

Dhanish’s eyes widened in recognition, but she made no move to engage further. Instead, she adjusted her shawl and offered a polite, if distant, smile. Her effort to act as though she had not seen him was a desperate attempt to conceal the flood of emotions surging within her.

Dhanish, momentarily stunned by her response, managed to regain his composure. “Zafrin,” he began, his voice tinged with a touch of familiarity. But she had already turned her attention back to the door.

As she stepped outside the restaurant, she felt his gaze lingering on her, a weight that unsettled her. The encounter had thrown her off balance, but she was resolute in putting it behind her. The past was behind her, and she needed to focus on making the most of this new opportunity.