The morning sun filtered softly through the window, casting a warm, golden glow across Ishika's face. Yet, she remained blissfully unaware, curled up in the comforting embrace of her bed. The warmth of the blankets cocooned her, shielding her from the outside world.
Outside, the city had already come alive—cars honked impatiently, street vendors called out their morning specials, and schoolchildren chattered excitedly as they hurried past. But within the walls of Ishika's room, time moved at its own leisurely pace.
She was a woman who loved her sleep, and today, she had fully embraced that love. The world could wait. The responsibilities, the expectations—none of it mattered in this moment.
That was, until the sharp blare of her alarm shattered the peace.
A groggy groan escaped her lips as she reached out blindly, her fingers fumbling across the nightstand. After a few failed attempts, she finally found her phone and silenced the offending noise.
Relief.
Blissful silence.
She sighed contentedly, turning onto her side and pulling the blanket over her head. Just five more minutes. Maybe ten. Surely, she deserved that much.
But as luck would have it, those 'five more minutes' turned into something far longer.
When Ishika finally stirred again, blinking against the sunlight, a sudden wave of unease prickled at her senses. Something felt... off.
She turned her head lazily toward the clock—and froze.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
Late.
In an instant, her peaceful morning shattered. She shot up in bed, the panic hitting her like a bucket of cold water. "Oh no, oh no, oh no—" she mumbled as she scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over the tangled sheets in her haste.
Rushing into the bathroom, she brushed her teeth in record time, barely glancing at her reflection as she yanked a comb through her hair. She threw on the first outfit she could find, buttoning her shirt with one hand while shoving her essentials into her bag with the other.
A glance at the clock made her heart stutter. Wait... what?
She squinted, double-checking the time.
Her breath left her in a slow exhale. She wasn't late after all.
The realization sank in, and she let out a half-laugh, half-sigh, shaking her head at her own overreaction. The panic had been unnecessary, but the rush of adrenaline still buzzed through her veins.
With a deep breath, she ran a hand through her hair, trying to calm herself. Well, now that she was up, there was no point in going back to bed.
Dragging herself to the kitchen, Ishika was instantly greeted by the rich, mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food. The scent wrapped around her like a warm embrace, melting away the remnants of her morning panic. Maybe the day wouldn't be so bad after all.
But as she stepped into the kitchen, she came to an abrupt halt.
Standing in the middle of the room, lost in their own little world, were her bhai, Ishan, and her bhabhi, Siya. Ishan's arms were wrapped around Siya's waist, their foreheads almost touching as they shared a soft, intimate moment—completely oblivious to her presence.
Ishika's lips twitched. Oh, this is too good to ignore.
Smirking, she leaned against the doorframe and cleared her throat—loudly.
"Ahem. Well, well, what do we have here?" she teased, folding her arms. "Lovebirds in the kitchen? First thing in the morning? Should I be worried?"
The sudden interruption made them jump apart as if they'd been caught committing a crime. Siya's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink, and she quickly busied herself adjusting her dupatta, while Ishan groaned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Ishika," he sighed, casting her an unimpressed look. "Do you always have to make an entrance?"
Ishika shrugged, feigning innocence. "Hey, don't blame me. It's not my fault you two forgot there's a third person living in this house." She dramatically placed a hand over her heart. "Honestly, the disrespect."
Siya, still blushing, attempted to change the subject. "You're up earlier than usual," she pointed out, her voice soft with amusement.
"Yep," Ishika said, stretching lazily. "And lucky me, I get a live screening of the 'Perfect Couple' romance special. Seriously, you guys should warn me next time." She smirked. "Maybe I'll charge for the entertainment."
Ishan rolled his eyes, finally breaking into a smile. "Alright, troublemaker. Go make your coffee and stop annoying us."
Ishika gasped, placing a hand on her chest in mock offense. "Annoying? Me?" She huffed dramatically before making her way to the counter. "Fine, I'll let you two off the hook—for now."
As she poured herself a cup of coffee, Ishika couldn't help but smile. Despite all her teasing, she loved seeing them happy. And maybe, just maybe, this morning wasn't so bad after all.
Leaning against the counter, she took a slow sip, letting the warmth seep through her. Then, with a smirk, she turned back to Ishan and Siya.
"Sorry to interrupt your morning love fest," she drawled, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "But I thought you should know—I don't want to be late for work. Unlike some people, I actually have responsibilities."
Siya shook her head with a chuckle, while Ishan shot her an exasperated look. "And yet, you still find time to annoy us first thing in the morning."
Ishika grinned. "Multitasking, bhai. It's a gift."
She took another sip of her coffee, then added with a playful wink, "Anyway, don't let me stop you. Feel free to continue... whatever that was."
Before either of them could respond, she sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving them momentarily stunned.
Ishan let out a laugh, shaking his head. "I think we've just been officially dismissed."
Siya, still blushing slightly, leaned into him with a soft smile. "I think you're right," she murmured.
As they returned to their breakfast, Ishika settled at the dining table, her thoughts already shifting to the busy day ahead. She could almost hear the steady hum of the café—the clinking of coffee cups, the chorus of orders being called out, the warm chatter of customers filling the air. The morning rush would be relentless, but she was ready.
Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Mrs. Rajvansh, the café owner.
"Just a reminder, Ishika—I'll be stopping by later today to check on the new special menu. Make sure everything is running smoothly!"
Ishika reread the message, her sleepiness vanishing completely. Great. No pressure. She quickly typed a reply:
"Got it, ma'am! Everything will be perfect."
Finishing the last sip of her coffee, she grabbed her bag and stood up. "Alright, I'm off."
Ishan looked up. "Good luck with the rush today. And don't scare off the customers with your mood swings."
Ishika gasped dramatically. "Excuse me? Mood swings? I'll have you know, customers love me."
Siya giggled. "That's true. Just don't let the stress get to you."
Ishika flashed a confident smile. "I've got this."
With one last glance at the quiet comfort of home, she stepped outside, the crisp morning air filling her lungs. The day stretched out before her, full of possibilities.
Whatever was waiting for her at the café, she was ready.
-----
As Ishika stepped inside, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm baked goods wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, instantly lifting her spirits. The cozy ambiance of the café, with its rustic wooden accents and soft, golden lighting, always made her feel at home.
She smiled at her colleagues, who were bustling around, preparing for the upcoming lunch rush. Their cheerful chatter and the occasional bursts of laughter created a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Ishika waved at a few familiar faces, exchanging quick pleasantries as she made her way behind the counter.
Slipping into her apron, she adjusted the bold letters of her name tag—"ISHIKA"—and took a steadying breath. As the café manager, it was her job to keep everything running smoothly, ensuring that every customer left satisfied.
The morning rush was already in full swing. The steady hum of conversation, the clatter of dishes, the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine, and the ringing of the register blended into a familiar symphony of organized chaos. Orders poured in nonstop, and the kitchen bustled with activity.
Despite the whirlwind around her, Ishika remained the calm center of it all. She moved with practiced ease, scanning the café while expertly delegating tasks. There was no room for hesitation—each drink, each pastry had to be perfect. She checked every order with precision before it was whisked away to a waiting customer.
Her team worked in sync, their confidence growing under her steady guidance. As the minutes ticked by, she could already sense the shift—the peak rush would soon give way to the slower, more relaxed hours of the afternoon. But for now, she focused on keeping the energy high and the service seamless.
Just as she was about to embark on her usual rounds, she spotted Mrs. Rajvansh, the café's owner, making her way toward the counter. The elderly woman's warm smile was as familiar as the scent of freshly brewed coffee.
"Good morning, Ishika!" Mrs. Rajvansh greeted, her voice carrying its usual warmth. "I hope you're ready for a bustling day ahead."
Ishika returned the smile, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Always, ma'am. Let's make it a great one!"
Mrs. Rajvansh chuckled, the lines around her eyes crinkling with approval. "That's the spirit! And how's our new summer menu doing? I've been hearing wonderful things."
Ishika's face lit up with pride. "It's been a hit! Customers love the new additions—especially the Blueberry Choco Chip Muffins and the Pink Blueberry Lemonade. We can barely keep up with the demand!"
Mrs. Rajvansh beamed. "I had a feeling those would be favorites. Well done, Ishika. I knew you'd do a fantastic job with the launch."
The praise filled Ishika with a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, ma'am. We'll keep giving them the best!"
With a satisfied nod, Mrs. Rajvansh gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "I have no doubt about that. Carry on, dear."
As Mrs. Rajvansh disappeared into the back, Ishika turned her attention to the floor, a renewed sense of energy surging through her.
She moved through the café with the ease of someone who had long mastered its rhythm.
As she made her way to the counter, she spotted Rohit, one of her colleagues, balancing a tray of steaming cappuccinos. He looked up and flashed a bright, easygoing grin.
"Hey, boss lady! How's the morning treating you?" he asked playfully, setting the tray down.
Ishika chuckled, rolling her eyes at the nickname. "So far, so good. The rush is hectic, but that's just another day in paradise, right?"
Rohit smirked. "Tell me about it! I barely had a second to breathe. But you know what? The new pastry display is a total crowd-pleaser. We're already out of the Carnival Rainbow Bliss Donuts."
Ishika's eyes widened in excitement. "Already? That's amazing!"
"Yeah, people went crazy for them," Rohit said, shaking his head in amusement. "Bright colors, chocolate chips, and that honey glaze? It's like happiness in a donut form."
Ishika grinned, feeling a rush of pride. "I had a feeling they'd be a hit. We should prep a fresh batch for the lunch crowd."
"Good call," Rohit agreed, then added, "Oh, and speaking of bestsellers, we're running low on the strawberry chocolate muffins too. Think we should stock up for tomorrow?"
Ishika nodded, already making a mental note. "Definitely. I'll place an order after my shift. No way we're letting our bestsellers run out."
"That's why you're the best," Rohit teased, giving her a thumbs-up.
She rolled her eyes with a laugh. "And don't you forget it!"
With that, she gave him a playful salute and made her way back to the counter, slipping seamlessly into her role. The café buzzed with life, and she thrived in it—the movement, the conversations, the little victories like a bestselling donut.
Everything was falling into place, and she couldn't wait to see what the rest of the day had in store.
As Ishika reached the counter, the familiar chime of the doorbell rang, signaling a new customer. She turned with her usual warm smile, ready to greet them.
"Good morning! Welcome to Black Moon Café. What can I get for you today?" she asked, her voice bright and inviting.
The woman, dressed in a crisp blazer and exuding a calm, professional aura, studied the menu board for a moment before deciding. "I'll take an avocado toast with scrambled eggs... and a cappuccino."
"Great choice!" Ishika responded smoothly, punching in the order. "That'll be ₹250. Would you like your cappuccino with regular milk or oat milk?"
The customer glanced up, pleasantly surprised by the option. "Oat milk, please."
Ishika nodded. "Got it! Your order will be ready in just a few minutes. Please feel free to take a seat."
The woman gave her a polite nod before making her way to a cozy spot by the window, slipping her phone out as she settled in.
Turning back to the screen, Ishika entered the order into the system, her fingers moving effortlessly. "One avocado toast with scrambled eggs and a cappuccino with oat milk!" she called out to the kitchen, her voice crisp and clear.
Behind her, the kitchen staff immediately got to work. The sound of bread hitting the toaster, the sizzle of eggs being scrambled, and the rhythmic whirring of the espresso machine filled the air, blending seamlessly into the café's morning symphony.
As Ishika glanced back at the woman waiting by the window, she felt a quiet satisfaction settle over her. It wasn't just about serving food—it was about creating a space where people could pause, relax, and enjoy a moment of their day.
And that? That was what she loved most about this job.
LATER THAT NIGHT...
As Ishika walked home, the evening air wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens. With each passing breath, she felt a profound sense of contentment settle over her. The day had been demanding, yet she felt fulfilled, her heart swelling with a quiet sense of purpose. Her work at the café had been meaningful, and she knew that she was making a difference, even in the smallest of ways. With a smile tugging at her lips, she looked forward to the next day, eager to face whatever challenges might come, armed with her trademark warmth, dedication, and passion.
But just as she turned onto a quieter street, the distant sound of footsteps broke through the calm.
Slow.
Measured.
Unfamiliar.
A strange unease prickled at the back of her neck.
She wasn't the type to get easily spooked, but something about the steady rhythm of those footsteps—matching her pace, never straying too far behind—sent a shiver down her spine.
Ishika quickened her steps, her heartbeat rising ever so slightly. The once comforting glow of the streetlights now cast long, eerie shadows, stretching unnaturally across the pavement.
Taking a deep breath, she stole a glance over her shoulder.
A tall figure, dressed in dark clothing, followed at a distance. Not too close, but close enough.
She gripped the strap of her bag tighter and picked up her pace.
The footsteps behind her did the same.
A chill ran down her spine.
Her pulse quickened.
Ishika swallowed, her heartbeat drumming against her ribs. She told herself it was just her imagination, just some stranger on their way home. But as she pedaled forward, the unease only grew. Her instincts screamed at her—this wasn't normal.
She risked another glance over her shoulder.
The shadow was no longer there.
A shiver raced down her spine.
Had she imagined it? Or had they just... moved?
She forced herself to focus ahead, her breathing shallow as she picked up speed. The warm comfort she had felt mere moments ago had been replaced with something cold and unsettling. The once-familiar streets now felt unfamiliar, stretched too long, the turns too sharp.
The road ahead split—one path led to the main street, bathed in streetlights and safety. The other, a quieter shortcut, a dark alley that would get her home faster.
She had taken that shortcut a hundred times before.
But tonight?
Tonight, it felt like a trap.
Her instincts screamed at her again. Don't take the alley. Don't be reckless.
She veered sharply toward the main road, her legs burning as she pushed herself harder. The distant glow of headlights felt like salvation. If she could just reach the intersection, she'd be safe.
But just as she thought she was in the clear, a deep, unmistakable voice cut through the night—cold, amused, and far too close.
Write a comment ...