The Unexpected Customer

: First Day at Work

Niki stood at the entrance of the café, tightening the apron around her waist. The moment felt surreal. She had been here before as a customer, sipping coffee and chatting with friends. But today, she was on the other side—an employee.

Bikky leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching her with a smirk. "Nervous?"

Niki rolled her eyes. "No."

"Good. Because if you mess up an order, the customers won't be as forgiving as I am."

"Bikky, just tell me what to do."

He chuckled and gestured for her to follow him behind the counter. "Alright, rookie. Here's your first lesson—coffee basics. This machine is your best friend. Treat it well, and it'll treat you well."

Niki glanced at the large espresso machine, knobs and buttons everywhere. "Great. A machine with more attitude than you."

Bikky laughed. "Just wait till you meet the customers."

For the next hour, he taught her how to make basic drinks—espresso, cappuccino, and lattes. She fumbled at first, spilling milk while frothing and nearly burning her hand on the steam wand, but she picked it up quickly.

As she focused on getting the right coffee-to-milk ratio, Bikky watched her quietly. He could see the determination in her eyes. She wasn't just here for pocket money. She wanted this job for a reason.

After a while, he said, "You're doing good, but the real challenge starts now. It's lunchtime, and the rush is about to hit."

Niki wiped her hands on a napkin. "Bring it on."

---

The Unexpected Customer

Within minutes, the café started filling up. Orders came in fast, and Niki barely had time to breathe. She took orders, prepared drinks, and tried to remember which table needed what. It was overwhelming, but she refused to let it show.

As she turned to grab a tray, someone walked in.

The chime of the doorbell was barely noticeable in the noise, but something made Niki glance up.

A tall figure in a sharp black shirt entered the café. He had an effortless presence, the kind that turned heads without even trying. His gaze swept the room before landing briefly on the counter.

Niki froze for a second.

Aditya.

She quickly looked away before he could notice her staring. What was he doing here? She had no idea.

Bikky nudged her. "Hey, take that order to table five."

Snapping out of it, she nodded and grabbed the tray. As she moved past Aditya's table, she heard him place his order.

"One black coffee."

His voice was calm, steady. For some reason, it made her fingers tighten around the tray.

Back at the counter, she set down the empty glasses and turned to Bikky. "Why is he here?"

Bikky raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

She nodded toward Aditya without looking directly.

Bikky smirked. "Customers usually come to cafés for coffee, Niki."

She shot him a glare. "You know what I mean."

"Relax. He's a regular."

Niki frowned. "Since when?"

Bikky shrugged. "A while now. He usually comes late in the evening, though."

That was news to her. She had never imagined Aditya as the kind of person who sat in a café, sipping coffee. But then again, there was a lot she didn't know about him.

Taking a deep breath, she focused on her work. It didn't matter that he was here. He was just another customer.

At least, that's what she told herself.

What she didn't know was that Aditya had noticed her, too.