AsYa SS ||Chef: A Tangy N Twisty Saga|| Note pg.12 - Page 7

"Do you have any idea what rubbish you are talking about? And what you are going to lose? "This all is just stupidity, sab akal thikane aa jaayegi jab duniya dekhoge yaha se bahar nikal ke

"Your one stupid decision will destroy all my reputation...isn't it your responsibility? Can't I expect that much from you?

"But if you want this then one thing you should keep in mind, don't expect anything from me

He exhaled rubbing his palm over his face... Words kept ringing in his mind not letting him breath in peace... Whole night he wasn't able to get some sleep that would stop the chaos inside his head... Previous day was again proved more awful than it was the whole last month and he really wished some peace... Things were never complicated in his life but then why suddenly everything did change? He didn't know and also he wasn't able to handle such issue with calm mind that left him with no other choice but take a decision that he thought was right solution to solve the issues that moment... Though he was not happy with his own decision but he was helpless and not able to think sensible... Never in his life had he faced such problems and the sudden miss-balance in his cool life was frustrating...

"It's his joy, his passion, cooking for others, pleasing his diners and creating interesting combination of tastes and flavors makes him happy than anything else...that is his happiness...let him chase that excites him..."

"This is the one great opportunity... No matter what direction your culinary career may take you but the experience of how professional kitchen works is invaluable, it will help to see your future career through a new lens"

So many voices kept ringing in his head as he sat on the edge of his bed, shoving his face in his palms... Nothing did help and he breathed running fingers throw his hair, shifting himself up from the bed... His naked torso gleamed in the dim light that filled in the room... waistband of charcoal grey track pant rode low on his hips as he walked towards the balcony and pulled aside the curtains... It was looking smudge outside and pushing aside the sliding glass he walked out in the balcony... His both hands braced on the balcony railing making his arm muscles bulged... His brown orbs stared into the thin grey layer of fog hanging over the surrounding... Breeze swirled around pushing his soft hair off his forehead, cooling his skin... His face moved up to the sky and his fingers tightened around the cold railing as he breathed in the chilliness... Moon was still shining in the wintry morning and it was quite a sight as beautiful bulge in his muscles, his well-defined chest, his calm face bathed in that cool light... His features relaxed in the coolness... Savoring the coolness of the winter morning on his bare skin for some moments he moved back rubbing his palms... It's like a new freshness surged in his veins as he walked back inside... Five-fifty, the wall clock shows the time and he sighed... Clasping his hands he stretched his arms above his head rippling the muscles in his broad shoulders while walking towards the washroom...

"I know what I have to do" He decided as he walked out dressed in black joggers and white deep V-neck T-shirt that was perfectly fitted on his broad shoulders and showed off every hard muscle underneath... collecting his mobile and headphones he sat on the couch and tied his sneakers... "It's better if I ask Shaad to finalize the place he was talking about yesterday... He thought about the place Shaad had suggested when his eyes caught something and he walked towards the bed, "I have a day off tomorrow so then; I'll shift tomorrow only..." He calculated his schedule while re-adjusting the pillows and smoothing out the wrinkles on the sheet... Glancing at his superior clean bed once he walked out of the room...

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"Urgh! The cruelest sound heard on cold winter mornings" She cried as her hand moved out from blanket searching for the object that was disturbing her morning sleep..."Bad decision ever!" Irritated she clutched the quilt tight around herself while searching for her mobile as the shrill sound of alarm kept buzzing in her ears... "Why the hell I set alarm in the first place" Not able to get hold of the device she pushed herself up and scanned her bed through her half-open eyes... Lazily her hand moved through the crumbled sheet and pillows and the books scattered beside her... "Umm...laptop...where is mobile... She pushed aside the books and laptop when finally the sound stopped and she sighed in relief... "Stupid alarm!" Mumbling to herself she slid back into the warmth of blanket when again the sharp sound hit her ears and she frowned getting up cursing the device... "God! This phone! Not gonna let me sleep in peace her eyes still close while she craned her head trying to determine where the sound was coming from... "Umm... Pushing aside the pillow lying beside she clutched the device while rubbing her eyes and trying to get the clear view of the screen, "Ohh Sara...you not gonna stop calling me in the morning " Throwing aside the blanket she hopped out of the bed and shivered feeling the coolness in the air... Her right hand wrapped around her body and she cursed herself realizing she had actually forgot to wear sweater over her scoop neck pink tank top last night as she was too engrossed watching K-drama and didn't realize when fell asleep...

"You enjoy torturing me in the morning Receiving the call she whined

"It's Eight already Zoya...don't tell me you again spend the whole night watching K-dramas

She pressed her lips and wedged her mobile in between her shoulder and ear while grabbing the hair clutcher from the side table "Umm...You know me better... Tying her hair in a messy bun she walked out of her room, "But it's not just K-drama I was studying too... Lazily she walked towards the kitchen... "After gap it's quite hard but doesn't matter I want to complete my studies She sighed while taking out the water bottle from the fridge and drank the water from the bottle itself...

"I know you will manage...almost year now you are here in Mumbai and you are doing well on your own... I am so happy to see you re-creating your life Zoya... It needs strength after all those years... Sara trailed off, "Let's not talk about it...

"Yeah...talk something exciting in the morning... keeping the bottle on the kitchen counter and not bothering to even close it she walked back in the living room and slumped on the small two seated sofa...

"Ohh...exciting...and that only means your Kabir Malhotra...right? Sara said in a mocking tone and Zoya laughed

"Don't you dare to say a word against him She warned

"Uff!! Your obsession for this fictional character! Sara complained

"I'll definitely make you fall for him one day She giggled as Sara mumbled something like I have better things to do than falling for him' "I know your better things...cursing your new neighbor...that excites you more now days...kyun?

"Umm...not like that...he is not that bad...

Sara's voice came soft from the other end and Zoya's eyes widened and she straighten herself, "Wait...did I hear it right?! "You are actually talking in his favor?! "How did this happen?! She questioned back in surprise

"Stop with your interrogation Zoya Sara shouted from the other side "I actually misjudged him, he is not that Casanova type...and...umm...he is a good friend type material may be...

Zoya laughed at Sara's use of words, "Good friend type material...seriously?

"Skip it already Zoya... Sara warned and Zoya laughed more, "Stop or I'll hang up She warned and Zoya pressed her lips trying not to laugh

"Okay...I am not laughing... She giggled while pushing herself more into the sofa and pulled her legs up, folding it beneath... Her free hand wrapped around her body while she lounged comfortably... "Good... Sara's stern voice came from the other end and she shook her head smiling... "Now will you please explain me, what emergency came that you decide to disturb my sleep...

"Ohh...haan...I forgot the main reason... "It's your off today right? She asked and Zoya hummed in reply, "Then will you please finish that photo frame today...it's urgent as Richa's plan has changed suddenly...so if possible can you delivered it by today evening?

"Don't worry Sara, it's almost done...and I'll deliver it in evening only... Zoya assured while getting up, "Wait I'll send you the pic... Sitting down on her knees she clicked the picture of golden colored hanging photo hoop that has a floral touch on both corners... "Tell me, how is it? "Hope Richa like it She asked after clicking on the send button

"OMG!!! It's really beautiful Zoya, those purple and white carnations on both the corners, it looks beautiful...and the way you have arranged all the photos...Richa would definitely love it Sara yelled excitedly, "You have such a talent...

Zoya slumped back on the sofa again while picking up something from the table, "You know it better, how to make me smile... "But I really hope, Richa also like it... She sighed looking towards the frame, "It just my pastime and I don't know why you are pushing me to take orders...but I can never say no to you?

"Ohh that you won't do ever...manaa kar ke dekho toh phir bataungi...

"Hehe...phir toh I'll do that next time, I would love to see the angry you... Zoya giggled playing with the object in her hand

"Don't take me too lightly okay...you can't afford my anger...

"Jo tujhe bas us friend type material cum neighbor pe aata hai...I mean aata tha...it's a past now...ab toh tujhe...

"Zoya... Sara whined not letting Zoya to say more...

"Okay...okay...no more teasing... Zoya pressed her lips suppressing her laugh, "You enjoy your day...and I'll finish my work, you know I have something for you... She smiled while her eyes scanned the object in her hand

"Really? What is it? What your creative mind has come up with this time? "Send me the pic please...I can't wait to see... Sara demanded in excitement

"Umm...it's still need finishing, and you will get it when you are back, now bye...and enjoy... Saying she hung up before Sara pesters her more...

She placed her mobile aside and her eyes narrowed as she stared at the small copper and Lucite tulip flower she had arranged in a pin with pearl and silk crystals... All in eagerness she hopped down and sat on the floor... Fifteen to twenty minutes passed and a smile graced her lips as she held up a pair of tulip flower design dangle earring... "Sara would love it...I'll make two more pairs that will match with her new dress... satisfied with the output she placed it on the table... "Umm...I am hungry... Getting up she stretched her hands and walked towards her room leaving behind the mess of pins, beads, cutter, ribbons and many things that scattered on the floor... "If god asks me to make one wish I'll wish for a ready to eat delicious food every day... She thought while grabbing toothbrush... "Umm...forgot delicious food Zoya...maggi noodles is your fate for now... Sulking she started brushing her teeth, "I hope, whoever the new tenant is, will nice and co-operative... Her mind couldn't help but think about the new resident with whom she has to share the place and she felt anxious... "Hope I can manage...no more nasty happening... She splashed the cold water on her face and sighed looking at her own reflection in the mirror... Restlessness was palpable in those eyes but she rubbed her palm over her face while trying to smile...

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"Yeh Asad bhi na... "Can't he wait till Thursday? Shaad paced in his room impatiently, "Is it okay to call her now? How will she react? "I don't believe I am nervous to talk with a girl?! God! This girl is something! "I can't predict her reaction ever" So many questions running in his mind... He sighed and sat on the couch finally giving rest to his legs... Fetching his cell phone out from the pocket and contemplating for sometime he finally pushed the call button, His eyes stuck on the screen as he waited with bated breath ... Taking a deep breath he moved the device to his ear as a soft Hello' traveled from the other side

"Heyy...Sara... He greeted while hoping for not any rude reaction, "Hope I didn't disturb you...

"Umm...no...not actually...

Reply from the other side left him in surprise... He craned his neck and looked at the screen before clearing his throat, "Woh, I want to discuss something, regarding that flat... He paused for a moment, "You sure need a tenant, right?

"Yes...that I told you already... "Just wait till Thursday...then we'll talk...

"Umm...see Sara, there is some urgency and my friend can't wait till Thursday, he wants to shift tomorrow only... He said cautiously

"WHAT?!! Sara yelled and Shaad's eyes squeezed as he pulled the device away from his ear, "NO...NO...it's not possible, I told you to wait till Thursday He could hear her shouting still his cell phone was at fair distance from his ear...

"This girl!' He shook his head, "I know Sara, but try to understand na... "If you want I'll talk to Maria Aunty...

"No...please, It's not possible...first I have to discuss it with my friend...

Shaad's forehead creased, "Friend?! "Why?! "Maria Aunty is landlord right?! He asked in confusion...

"Yeah...but my friend is already residing there...I have to discuss with her first "That's why I asked you to wait

"WHAT?! Shaad sprinted up from the couch, shocked with the new information... "Why didn't you tell me before?!

"See, I told you we'll discuss later so don't react like this...and ask your friend to wait till Thursday She ordered

"Ohh hello, isn't it necessary to share such information first? Shaad also said in a raising tone, "My friend will never agree to share a place with a girl "Those irritating girls he can't tolerate

"What the hell you are talking Shaad, you called girls irritating? Sara yelled, "How dare you? "And what do you think my friend will happily agree to share flat with a guy?

"See, I don't know about your friend but I know how my friend finds girls annoying who swoon over him all the time

"You know what whoever this egoistic friend of yours is; he should change his ridiculous opinion for girls... "And you know if he agree to share the flat with my friend then his big fat ego will definitely crush into pieces...

"Whatever!! Ask your friend to look for another tenant, my friend will never ever agree to this deal Shaad said in finality

"Ohh... then ask your friend to look for another place, it's impossible to make my friend agree for this deal too Sara also yelled in high pitch before disconnecting the call

Shaad slumped back on the couch, "What the hell just happen? "God! Forgot the civil conversation we ended up fighting like enemies... He exhaled, "But it was her fault only...why she didn't tell me before... "And why I promised Asad without getting all the details, he already is in bad mood and won't listen to any explanation... "God! First this girl and now Asad...Suno Shaad! Not a way out Annoyed with the happening he got up when his cell phone beeped in his hand and his eyes narrowed noticing the name of the caller, "Sara...why she is calling again, kuch baaki hai kya sunane ke liye? He sighed sitting back and received the call

"Umm...Shaad... Her slow voice traveled from the other side and he raised his brows, not saying a word he just waited for her to continue

"Listen, I am sorry for whatever I said earlier...I know I should have told you before... Shaad's brows scrunched, confused by what he was listening, She is unpredictable'

"Shaad are you there?

"Umm...yes... He cleared his throat, "It's okay...I am sorry too...I didn't mean that all the girls are annoying He said softly but next moment his hand reached to his forehead listening her reply

"I am not going to forgive you easily for that remark Shaad

She warned and he sighed not able to guess if she is still angry and what he has to say that won't elevate her anger...

"But for now this issue is important so it's better if we find a way out from it

He sighed in relief and leaned back, relaxing... "So what now?

"See, it is not easy for my friend to find a new tenant as she has just a week time to answer Maria Aunty and I am also not in Mumbai till Thursday, so will you ask your friend... I mean convince him na She requested, "And for your information my friend is a sensible person, she won't bother your friend at all... Her tone changed a bit and Shaad shook his head, "Will you please help me out?

He sighed listening to her request, "It's really tough task to make him understand Sara and moreover he wants to shift tomorrow only, and then I assured him without thinking! Such a mess... He breathed

"And same with me, it's not easy to convince my friend too, I was in hurry that day so thought it's better to talk to her after returning back... "And I also assured her that she doesn't have to worry as I have found a tenant She sighed and Shaad could sense her worried state as he heard her cursing herself in panic...

A few moments of silence and she sighed defeated, "Well, sorry for the trouble...I know if possible you would have helped me...but...

"Wait Sara... Shaad interrupted, "How about we both stay away and let them handle themselves... He said with little excitement, "See... He continued as Sara didn't reply back, "First tell your friend that the new tenant will come to meet her tomorrow as there is some urgency and can't wait for four more days, don't tell her anything else...

"And? Sara asked him to continue

"And as you know it's quite urgent for my friend and he wants to shift tomorrow only so I'll convince him that the place is really good and spacious and ask him to go and check himself as someone is already residing there... I am not going to reveal about the girl part right now... "Let him deal himself... "Waise bhi I have to face his wrath, if not today then tomorrow for sure He mumbled to himself and waited for Sara's reply

"Shaad I can't do this to her...

"Hmm...see I know, but let's just try at least, if it works then fine...or else we will see what to do?

"Shaad...you sure your friend is nice person right?" She asked worriedly

"Ohh don't worry about that, he is a good guy

"Hmm...okay...It's not a good option actually but... Fine, let's see...I'll inform my friend

"Yes...just hope for better... He sighed

"But my friend will be at work tomorrow... Ask your friend to go after four and I'll talk to her in morning...

"Okay... Shaad sighed in relief as he disconnected the call, "At least we both agreed and not ended up with fight again... Wish for the same for our friends too... He checked the time and decided to call Asad in evening...

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"Hmm...at least there is one thing that helps to distract my mind from everything Asad walked out of the gates... A faint smile was playing on his lips as he started walking along the pavement, Saffron, it's really hard to describe its flavor but the flavor and its distinct aroma elevates other flavors... He was thinking about the dish he had cooked and how it stands out just because of the saffron... The satisfaction was palpable on his face... "Yes...this is what I want more than anything else... He exhaled sliding his hands in his jeans pocket... Blue full sleeved V-neck T-shirt was completing his confidence self and also giving the fair view of his chiseled torso...

"I better take another route He pressed his lips trying to smile as two female colleagues waved at him... "Walking will definitely land me in a big trouble... He thought increasing his pace noticing both the girls following him... In morning itself he had decided not to use his car but didn't think about its side effects... He breathed in relief looking at the signal and before the girls could reach him he crossed the road...

"Why Shaad didn't call? He fetched out his phone and decided to call Shaad

"Have you finalized with landlord? He demanded as soon as Shaad received the call but his focus was somewhere else... His eyes narrowed as he noticed a petite figure in front, trying to balance something in her both hands...

"Don't worry about that Asad, but still it will be better if you go and check first... See if you are comfortable or not as... He heard Shaad's voice but his forehead creased and he tried to balance himself as that petite figure collided into him...

"Umm...sorry... A soft whisper reached to him and he growled securing his phone in his fist... He looked down and his eyes caught the sight of purple and white carnations...

"I am really sorry... The girl apologized again while getting up and balancing the oval shaped frame in her hands; He could see her panicking as she adjusted carnations carefully on the frame...

"Why you are saying sorry He suddenly shouted and she looked towards him startled

"You should give that person some piece of mind, can't you see he pushed you... He said pointing towards the guy who was actually at fault...

"Umm...sorry... He watched her as she again apologized and walked past him... "Sorry bolo toh bhi problem? He heard her mumbling while caressing those flowers... He was sure she had hit her knee badly but it seemed those artificial flowers were her only concern...

"Weird! He exhaled while checking his cell phone... "Ohh Shaad! Shaking his head he resumed his walk... "See, that's okay and there is no need to check, place looks fine in those pictures you have showed me, so I'll shift tomorrow only He said in finality not giving Shaad a chance to say or ask anything more...

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So the next Chapter is here and I hope you like it 😳

Let me know what you think about the mess Shaad and Sara has created 😆

Are you excited for AsYa meet??

Hit like and leave comments and I'll come with the next part soon

Till then Njoy 😊😳

❤️❤️

--Deepti--