Mahdia took a hot shower bath and dressed in an olive-green cowl neck long sleeve sweater dress and denim jeans. She wore sneakers, combed her hair, and walked out from her room.

'Ma! I am in hurry. I have kept your breakfast on the table.' she said

'Okay.' Her mother called from inside the bathroom.

Mahdia opened the main door, she came face to face with a stubby middle-aged, grey-haired woman. She smiled at Mahdia, who smiled back politely though in her head she cursed the woman.

Mrs. Shirin Wilson, her French grumpy landlady.

'Your rent?' she asked straight away. Mahdia didn't know what to say, she hasn't yet thought of any excuse to make.

When Mahdia had started her café, it was going great, in fact, more than great but then recently it has begun suffering loss and she is having a little financial problem.

'Mrs. Wilson, didn't I tell you we are having some...err...financial problems....so, please give some time.' she spoke politely trying to melt the grumpy old woman with her pout and pleading eyes. But like always, she failed.

'So? You are saying this since last three months. I have been excusing you for long, now if you don't give me money I am afraid I must throw you guys out.' Mrs. Wilson didn't bother sugar coating her words. Her expressions stern. Mahdia inwardly cursed her but from outside she forced a smile.

The lady rolled her eyes and walked away, Mahdia stared at her back hoping to burn a hole with her gaze. Alas, that didn't happen.

******************************************

'That bloody bitch!' Mahdia cursed furiously as she entered her café. A young girl who cleaned the tables gasped. Mahdia ignored her and walked into the kitchen. She entered slamming the door behind her.

'Woah, girl! What happened?' a young woman looked up the batter she was working with. The woman in her early thirties and works under Mahdia.

'Don't ask, Lydia.' Mahdia sighed exasperatedly. She sat on the chair resting her elbows on the table front. She buried her face into her palm and exhaled loudly.

Lydia placed the bowl she had in hand and removed her glasses. She sat beside Mahdia.

'It is that grumpy woman again, right?' she said placing her palm on Mahdia's shoulder. She nodded still having her head buried into her palm.

Lydia was one of the first employees of this café. She was hired when Mizan, Mahdia's brother, had started the café. Lydia now is no longer just an employee but also like a family member. She was with Mahdia in all good and bad times. Mahdia sees Lydia, as her friend, well-wisher, and guide. Lydia is also Mahdia's confidant.

'Relax, babes. Soon, some miracle will happen and we will be playing in cash. Then you go and throw the money on that bitch's face.' Lydia said. Mahdia smiled, her friend sounded like an 80's Hindi film hero.

'You believe in miracles?' Mahdia raised her eyebrows. Lydia chuckled, 'I have learned from you.' she said brightly. Mahdia smiled, she is not only a die-hard romantic chick but also a firm believer in miracles and prince charming.

'Now come on, move your ass woman. The café is to open.' Lydia said slapping Mahdia's shoulder. Mahdia nodded and taking a deep breath she stood up, 'Time for work.' she motivated herself.

*******************************

Ahyan worked in his study going through files, there is a good offer from Dubai. He is planning to take the offer. Dubai will be a good start for expanding his hotel out of India. He sighed adjusting his rimless glass on his nose and flipping a page. Tomorrow is his flight to Dubai and he must be prepared for the meeting. He wants to impress his clients.

'Beta! Here have this.' He heard his mother's voice but he didn't look up at her.

'Not now, Ammi.' He said flipping another page.

'This will calm you down, beta. Have this.' He felt his mother's soft palm on his shoulder. He turned his head and looked up at his mother.

His mother looked weary and slightly more aged from her actual age. Ahyan always felt bad for his mother and had always tried his best to keep her smiling and happy.

She wasn't like this before, in fact, she was a very charming and happy lady but ever since the incident with her daughter, Sadaf, she has lost interest in life. Ahyan stiffened thinking about his elder sister.

'Beta!' his mother forwarded a glass of warm milk. Ahyan smiled and took the glass from her.

'Thank you, Ammi. You are the best.' He said. His mother forced a smile and wished him luck. She then left the room. Ahyan stared at his glass for some time before gulping down the contents in one go. He sighed placing the glass in the extreme corner of the table. He adjusted his glasses and went back to work.

After a while he got a call from his HR head, he informed Ahyan about his trip tomorrow filling him in with the details.

After the call, Ahyan felt brighter and hopeful about the meeting tomorrow. He is also glad that he will make his father proud.

He relaxed in his seat and closed his eyes, though he is happy and excited there is still a void, a void left by someone very, very close to him.

*******************************

By Afternoon, Mahdia's café used to be over-crowded. She and her staff had to be on their toes dealing with the customers. But not today, not in these three months. Ever since an American

cafe has opened across the road, just opposite her simple café, people have started flocking there. The cafe is proving to be a tough competition.

Mahdia looked at a handful of customers in her once crowded café made her heart sink. Lydia placed her palm on her shoulder hoping to comfort her. Mahdia simply looked helplessly at her friend.

Just then, there is tingling of the small bell on the top of the entrance to her café. Mahdia and Lydia looked up at the door hoping to look which customer has come to their café.

'Oh ho!' Mahdia groaned while Lydia rolled her eyes when instead of a customer a tall blonde man entered. He is dressed in gray turtleneck woolen Tee, long black overcoat, and boots. He twirled his car keys in his index finger. He smiled at Mahdia walking towards the counter where the two ladies stood.

'Hello, beautiful.' He said leaning against his one arm that he placed on the counter. He stared at Mahdia who looked back at him disinterested.

Nathan Adams, rich spoiled millionaire ten times Mahdia's age, always finds time to come to her café and waste time flirting with her and annoying her.

But today, he hasn't come to just annoy her, today he has with an interesting proposal.