10 How may I help you?

"Jiya are you sure about this?" Inaya asked while getting ready.

"I'm very sure. I don't want you to end up like me. When I wanted help, there were none to guide me. But I cannot ignore when someone is in need like me," she said. "So don't feel bad or burdened. I'm happy to help, cheer up girl," she pinched Inaya's cheek again and smiled.

Inaya and Jiya stepped out. "We will grab quick breakfast and then head to the cafe I work in. It usually gets very busy during the weekends, but in daily basis, mornings always are rush hours," Jiya kept talking. She took Inaya to a small streetfood vendor. A lady who was selling noodles, steamed momos, fish cakes, corns, pancakes, and teobokki.

"What would you like?" Jiya asked Inaya.

Inaya pointed at momos and sweet corn.

"One plate momos, one bowl soupy egg noodles,and one corn," Jiya ordered.

"This ahjumma is so good. Try it," Jiya said and started with her noodles bowl sitting down, placing the bowl on the foldable plastic table.

Inaya for the first time tried momos. Her tongue came to life and her brain felt refreshed.

"Wow," Inaya unknowingly said. "This is so good," she expressed.

"Is it not," Jiya said proudly and drank the broth.

Soon they finished breakfast and walked to the cafe Jiya works at. It just opened.

"On time as usual Jiya," manager praised her for reaching earlier. The cafe was just opened. Jiya helped the man with arranging the chairs. "Who is this?" He asked Jiya looking at Inaya.

"This is my friend, from my village. She is looking for a job. She is new to the city. I brought her here hoping you can assign her some task," Jiya said lifting up a plant pot.

"I did want to hire a helping hand for making and serving coffee, does she have prior experience?" Asked the man.

"Oh trust me Jerry, she has waited tables before, she knows how to serve. For coffer, I can teach her how to use the machine," Jiya took responsibility.

"All right then, when can you join?" Jerry asked Inaya.

"Immediately," Inaya smiled and walked in.

"In the dressing room, you will find an extra pair of uniform. You may work here till noon," Jerry told her. "Jiya you ate responsible for your friend," said the man and walked away.

Inaya ran towards Jiya and gave her a hug.

"He pays $10 per hour. You can earn around $60 till noon. It's not bad for a beginner. Now go change," Jiya sent Inaya off.

Inaya began her work. She was tensed. She first cleaned the place spotless.

Inaya then washed her hands and stood behind the counter watching Jiya taking orders. She then learned the names of the coffee and began serving. By the time it was 8.30 am, the place was crowded. Every table was occupied and there was a long queue for take aways.

"Excuse me, excuse me," a man walked in.

"Hey," he greeted Inaya. Their eyes locked.

"Yes, how may I help you?" She asked back. For a moment the two forgot they are in between the crowd, gazing into each other's eyes.

To Inaya it felt like he is someone she has forgotten about.

"Inaya," Jiya brought her back to senses.

"Yes, yes, I'm coming," she said and turned around.

"Wait," the man stopped her, holding her hand. "Do you mind if I ask you if it's okay to use the washroom?" He asked. "It's pretty urgent," he said.

"Please come this way," Inaya said and led the way.

"Who is it?" Jiya asked.

"A random college guy in a hurry to use washroom," Inaya replied.

Inaya wore an apron on top of her brown tshirt and blue Jean, the uniform. She served the drinks very carefully after confirming it with customers several times. Inaya did not know when the guy left but she did not see him again that whole day.

When the morning rush was over, there were hardly any people coming in after 11 am.

"Okay, I'm done with my shift, I guess yours will be till 1 pm. If you are tired, rest or just walk around and get to know the neighbourhood. Do you have a cell phone?" Jiya asked.

"No," Inaya shook her head.

"It's okay, we will see what we can do. See you at night," Jiya said and left.

Inaya watched Jiya leave. She continued cleaning the tables and arranging the chairs. She mopped the floor and wiped the glass. The manager went out to grab lunch. Inaya looked at the fellow part timers like her who appeared to be busy talking to each other. They all ignored her.

"Hey," someone walked in.

"Good morning, how may I help you?" She looked up."You again? Washroom is that way," Inaya said immediately.

"No," the guy started laughing. Inaya looked at him. "I did not come for using rest room. I want a coffee," he said.

"Oh," Inaya felt a little embarrassed. "Excuse me," she said and walked into the kitchen.

A minute later she came back with another girl. "Please tell me what you would like to order, sir," the girl asked pleasantly. Inaya stood next to her, watching what she is doing.

"An iced americano please," he ordered.

"Your name sir," the girl asked.

"Ryan Josh," he said.

"Please wait for two minutes, you order will be ready soon," she said.

Ryan paid the amount and walked towards the glass, settling down. He placed the bag on the bar stool, taking the laptop put and placing it before him.

"Your coffee sir," Inaya held the tray and stood next to him.

His cologne smelled wonderful. Inaya for a second observed him. His messy bronze hair with blonde strands here and there, his shaven face, sharp and well shaped jaw, his brown eyes. He looked like a man who is not real to her.

He appeared to have changed his clothes. He was now wearing a white t-shirt and a black plaid shirt on top pairing it with black Jean and a converse.

"Oh yes," he said and looked up at her. Their eyes locked again.