The day started as usual with morning giddiness and expected Monday blues.
But for Radha something was off.
Very off.
Her heart felt heavy, as if a hole has been punched in her chest. She tried to ponder over her dream but she remembered nothing. She could feel a nasty headache building up.
After a quick shower, a strong cup of coffee and a couple of disprins, Radha started feeling a bit better.
As the clock ticked towards 8, Radha grabbed her sandwich and headed out, towards the door.
Just before she left her attic apartment, Radha gave a glance to her only friend, Madhav, the deity. There he stood, in His eternal glory. He had always been a source of joy to her. But today she wanted to smash that diety. He was so charming and so unreal. So misfit in her ugly real world. She felt irritated looking at him.
No good reasons, yet, she wanted to cry and blame him for everything and nothing.
In a whim she threw a dupatta on his face and covered him from her view.
I HATE YOU, YOU DIETY....she muttered angrily and checked the clock, 8 a.m.
She huffed and ran.
Busy week ahead.
*************************************
Radha was organising the counter when the first customer arrived.
She didn't even look up.
Mr. Sahni was always the first customer of the day and she chirped with fake happiness, as always...
"Morning Sahni Sir, five minutes to your usual. The pot is simmering.... I am almost done...
So, how is Kush do---"
And she stopped mid trail.
A strong masculine aroma hit her senses and she looked up to meet a pair of deep grey eyes.
She was knocked off balance.
The man in her front was no human.
HE WAS A GOD.
Set jaws, over 6 feet in height, strong built.
And he was smirking with an amused expression.
MUCH BETTER THAN THE OLD MAN SAHNI.
"Well dear, if you want to ask about Labh, I can answer that... for Kush... I am not that sure you know..... I just came back yesterday.
But I really didn't know my brother is that popular amongst the beauties...
Seems I need to catch up with lots of things..."
Reality hit her.
This was Labh Sahni. The prodigal elder son of Mr. Sahni who was studying business abroad.
And he was masculinity personified.
Wow.... Some creation of the Almighty, she thought.
"AHEM"
Someone cleared his throat right then to interrupt her beautiful moment.
She peeked behind Labh to catch a glimpse of the second customer of the day.
No. The second good looking customer of the day.
Suddenly the masculine scent of Labh was replaced by a sweet sandalwood aroma as the man stepped forward breaking the queue.
"Coffee. Infusion.Medium."
And then he turned towards Labh and flashed a brilliant smile.
"Long time no see Labh. I heard you are back. I hope you remember me?"
Even before anyone could respond to the man, Radha saw a credit card sliding towards her.
She was in a fix.
There stood her boss's unbelievably handsome son without placing his order while the rude devil merrily placed his order in the meanest possible way.
What the hell does he think of himself?
Fuming, Radha composed herself mentally before speaking polite yet sternly,
"I am sorry Sir, I was at the middle of taking Mr. Labh's order. Will you please give us a minute before I punch your card Sir?"
The rude man glared at her.
Perhaps she would have received the first Customer Complaint in her career but Labh was a lifesaver,
"Please help yourself Mr. Rathore, we always serve the guests first. I understand, focussing solely on work makes successful businessmen like you, but, I am in no mood for ignoring the company of this beauty on a Monday morning. Mom says , good smiles extend our lifespan and the Lady here has the most beautiful smile that I have ever seen. "
Radha blushed both at the compliment and the looks in his eyes. He made her feel so special.
The arrogant prick curtly nodded, punched his card, turned back and walked to the furthest corner to disappear behind the morning paper.
What a.....
She checked her temper and muttered, "Rude ... Very rude. What an asshole... "
"OH MY..... you can swear?
Someone so beautiful, delicate and elegant can swear.... kill me."
Radha felt heat rising her cheeks.
No doubt Labh was having a gala time teasing her. Not that she didn't enjoy it, but she knew better not to mess with her boss's son.
Suddenly she was mentality thrown back four years as she remembered a certain man from her past.
KIRITI SEN, her ex boss's brother.
She huffed mentally... she will never get over that man. The depth of her crush on Sen Junior was insane. Perhaps he was the only other so called FRIEND Radha had besides the deaf and dumb deity she had in her attic. Kiriti was her mental refuge in stormy nights and everytime she felt broken, she replayed one stupid scene mentally, over and again, a scene from a stupid office game where he gave Radha a rose. The moment was so surreal and so fulfilling, it made her believe that EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE and thus, even after four years Kiriti remained her muse.
"Earth to dearie.....I have an order to give", Labh drew her back to the present.
It was embarrassing. Even with Labh Sahni standing right in front of her, she was mentally drooling over a man who probably never knew Radha exists.
Stupid... stupid... She slapped herself mentally.
" Surely Sir, your order please " Radha tried to put her best professional face forward.
"Radha, right?", Labh peeked at her badge.
All she could do was to nod. The man was such a glib crush instiller.
"You know, I am Labh.... not Sir. Understood?"
She nodded again.
" So, tell me, what is the speciality here. I am hungry and thirsty and Lady, I am a voracious eater." He winked.
Labh knew how to flirt graciously.
Radha smiled and customized the order but her eyes kept on drifting to that obnoxious stranger over and again.
Perhaps it was the bad day itself ,but, even the charming Labh Shani couldn't stop her from zoning out amidst work. There was something out of place about the cold silent man. She definitely knew him. Just that she couldn't place where she saw him before. But the man was special and she knew he meant something to her. But what!!!!
She absolutely had no clue.
Interestingly, for no good reasons , she wanted to smack that man and distort that awesome face. She wanted to strangle him and curse him and then cry like a baby. And when everything thing was over, she simply wanted to hug him and cry on his chest.
Wait. What!!!
What even was she thinking!!!!
She frowned and concentrated on coffee making while taking order after order.
Radha could not stop pondering over her own reactions unmindfully.
There was nothing abnormal with the behavior of this customer, he was just like any other rich man, rude and courtesy less. But something about this man made her angry, curious and overwhelmed simultaneously.
Or was it she was overstressed and needed a break ?
She was indeed perplexed by her sudden mood swing. Eventually the morning rush replaced her emotions with motion and she lost herself in the work.