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Guys, there is a small story within this chapter just to enhance the situation. It won't significantly impact the plot. You'll understand where the main story picks up. So, don't worry, feel free to skip it if you prefer. Thank you, and enjoy!"
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Surya gradually settled into the working routine there, finding moments to call his family during breaks and occasionally exploring the areas near his house.
One Sunday night, feeling hungry, he set out in search of a restaurant for a late-night meal.
However, most places were closed at that hour. After a bit of wandering, he stumbled upon a Chinese restaurant named 'Dragon Palace' that appeared to be open.
Surya stepped into the restaurant and noticed its short-order style operation, reminiscent of many Japanese eateries where food is prepared quickly after orders are taken.
In the kitchen, he spotted three individuals: one with sharp eyes and silver earrings, another bulky figure with long hair, and the third appearing more disciplined.
The person with earrings greeted Surya, saying, "Welcome, sir."
Surya inquired, "Is the restaurant open?"
The person assured him, "Yes, sir. Please, come and have a seat here," guiding him to a nearby table.
The person introduced himself as Aarav and pointed out the other two individuals as Kabir (the one with long hair) and Yash (the disciplined one).
Handing the menu to Surya, Aarav said, "Here is the menu."
Surya greeted them with a friendly "Hello" and quickly decided on his order.
"I'll have the Chili Garlic noodles, please," he requested.
In just 10-20 minutes, Aarav, assisted by Kabir and Yash, swiftly prepared the dish in front of Surya and served it to him.
As Surya enjoyed his meal, Aarav approached him with a question, "Do you live alone, sir?"
Surya nodded in affirmation, explaining it was due to work.
"Would you like to hear a story, sir?" Aarav asked spontaneously.
Surprised, Surya responded, "What?"
Aarav continued, "You know, sir, I wanted to be a writer, but fate led me to become a short-order cook. So, sometimes, I share stories with people nearby."
Intrigued, Surya replied, "Is that so?"
From the kitchen, Kabir chimed in, "He tells great stories, sir. I'd be happy if you listen to them too."
However, Yash interjected, "Don't force our customers to listen to your worst stories."
Surya smiled, saying, "Sure, go ahead. I'd love to hear your story."
He removed his ear pods and stowed them away in his pocket.
"Before we begin, may I ask why you're wearing the cap even while eating?" inquired Aarav.
Surya chuckled, reaching for the cap and holding it in his hand.
"Ah, this cap," he began, "my sister gave it to me. I wear it whenever I'm out."
Aarav nodded in understanding. "So, you cherish your sister. Alright, I'll share a story about siblings."
With that, Aarav launched into his tale.
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In a tranquil village nestled amidst rolling hills, Aryan and Meera, siblings bound by love, resided with their mother, Nisha. Aryan, the older brother, possessed a generous heart, while Meera, his younger sister, exuded kindness in every action.
One bright morning, Aryan stumbled upon a luscious red apple while exploring the village orchard. Eager to share his discovery with Meera, he dashed home, clutching the fruit tightly in his hand.
Bounding into the house, Aryan proudly displayed the apple to Meera. "Look, Meera! I found this beautiful apple," he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Meera's face lit up with joy at the sight of the apple. "It's so lovely, Aryan!" she exclaimed, reaching out to touch it. But before she could even touch it, Aryan withdrew the apple, his possessive instincts kicking in. "No, Meera. This apple is mine," he declared firmly.
Meera's expression fell, her disappointment palpable. She had always believed in sharing with her brother, and his refusal to do so hurt her deeply. "But Aryan," she began softly, "we always share everything."
Just then, their mother, Nisha, entered the room, drawn by the commotion. Sensing the tension, she inquired about the situation. Meera explained tearfully how Aryan refused to share the apple with her.
Nisha's gentle eyes narrowed with disappointment as she turned to Aryan. "Aryan," she admonished, her voice firm but loving, "sharing is not just about dividing things equally. It's about caring for each other's happiness and needs."
Aryan hung his head in shame, realizing the error of his ways. He knew that his mother was right – true happiness comes from giving, not hoarding. With a sigh, he handed the apple to Meera, his heart heavy with regret.
Meera accepted the apple with a smile, her trust in her brother restored. As they sat together, enjoying the fruit, Aryan understood the profound lesson his mother had taught him – that sharing not only strengthens the bond between siblings but also nurtures empathy and understanding.
From that day forward, Aryan and Meera shared everything they had, knowing that their love for each other was greater than any possession. And as they grew older, their bond only grew stronger, rooted in the lessons of generosity and compassion taught by their mother.
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Hearing the story, a tear involuntarily escaped from Surya's eyes.
Observing this, Aarav remarked, "Did my story touch your heart?" Surya nodded, admitting, "Yes, it evoked a sense of nostalgia. My sister and I have shared similar experiences."
Kabir, chiming in from the background, added, "I know what you mean. Stories like these remind me of my sister, even though I don't have one," as he wiped away a tear.
Yash interjected with a serious tone, "How can you feel nostalgic if you don't have a sister?" to Kabir and then turning to Aarav and he questioned, "Where did you get this story from?"
Aarav defensively responded, "No, I didn't get it from anywhere. It's my original creation," though his tone hinted at a hint of uncertainty.
The scene unfolding before Surya brought a mixture of emotions, and he couldn't help but laugh. Aarav, sensing the shift in mood, approached Surya and gently asked, "Do you still live with your sister?"
Surya's expression turned serious as he replied, "No," his voice tinged with sadness.
He continued, "Both of them passed away in a recent train accident," tears welling up once more.
Aarav placed a comforting hand on Surya's shoulder and offered his condolences. "I'm sorry," he said softly.
Surya managed a small smile through his tears and responded, "It's okay. Even though they're gone, they're still with me."
Aarav handed him a tissue, and as Surya wiped his tears, Aarav continued, "Don't worry. Maybe you lost your family, but today you gained three new brothers."
Kabir chimed in, "Yes, indeed."
However, Yash interjected, "No, you only gained two brothers. I don't consider strangers as family. We simply have a customer-owner relationship."
Aarav's retorted, "How can you say something like that at a time like this? How cruel can you be!"
Surya simply shrugged it off, responding, "It's okay. I'm happy with two brothers."
As the conversation wound down, Surya finished his dinner and prepared to leave.
Before he could depart, Aarav called out, "Come again. I'll have more stories for you."
Surya nodded in agreement, grateful for the unexpected warmth and camaraderie he found in the small Chinese restaurant named 'Dragon Palace'.
As Surya stepped outside, he replaced his earphones and recalled Arjun's instructions to maintain his identity as Krishnan, a man who had lost his family in a recent train accident.
This was the reason he had fabricated the story about his family's demise to Aarav and his colleagues.
Despite the fabricated backstory, Surya found himself drawn to the warmth and camaraderie of Aarav, Kabir, and Yash.
He made it a habit to visit the restaurant regularly, eager to listen to the stories Aarav shared with him.