Chapter 7

Khushi yawned as she stepped into the warm interiors of the restaurant. Along with her, only three more people came in this early, their two regular cleaners and Payal, who had the most important job of signing in for deliveries of fresh produce that came in the morning.

As per routine, she changed into her apron and left her bag in the staff area before stepping into the freshly scrubbed kitchen and switching on the coffee machine.

Pulling her hair into a tight topknot, she poured herself a cup of coffee from the freshly brewed pot and sighed in contentment as the potent coffee sizzled down her system, making her ready for yet another tiresome day.

She glanced at the wall clock and wondered why Payal had not come in yet, since it was way past her usual time.

Rinsing the now empty coffee cup, she got busy with her daily task of wiping down all stains from the dishes, pots and pans, that were stacked last night after washing.

She was just done with everything, when one of the cleaners called her out"Khushiji...I think your phone is ringing" he said as Khushi gave him a grateful nod and went to the staff area to receive the call, only to be surprised to see Payal calling her.

"Khushi! Thank God you picked up! Listen, I have had some family emergency so wont be able to come in today. Have been trying to get in touch with Akash but can't get through to his phone" Payal said hurriedly as Khushi nodded in understanding "That's fine Payal...I hope everything is fine" she asked, as Payal sighed

"Not really, it's my mom...but nothing serious, she had a fainting spell in the morning so I have brought her to the clinic for check-up...might have to stay at home with her today, so I was hoping you could take seafood delivery? Just sign for it and leave it in the fish storage in the chiller...that's all" she said breathlessly

"Off course I'll do that Payal. You take care and let me know in case you need anything else to be done ok?" Khushi said as Payal thanked her and ended the call...She heard the delivery guy call out and went to sign for the order.

 "Ok! So, its scallops, baby lobsters and trout " the delivery man said as Khushi nodded "Uh...yeah I guess so" she said, feeling completely clueless since Payal didn't really mention what the actual items were. She smiled and signed for it, before putting the whole lot in the cold storage specifically controlled for sea-food and got on with the rest of her work.

***

"Yo Akash!... where the hell is NK? I have no instructions on the sea bass and I need to get the prep done in time" Shoib, one of the junior chef's remarked as Akash was passing by "Oh...he's called in sick today...I thought things are in control...not much of a crowd expected and you and Madhu can easily handle today's special" he said as Shoib shrugged and looked at Madhu

"What's the specials today?" Madhu who was busy chatting with Khushi, asked Shoib as he leaned on his elbows to go over the recipe details as prepared by NK and further tweaked by ASR "Oh, the usual...grilled seabass with poached champagne scallops with a fresh coriander salsa and baby lobster thermidor with a kick of wasabi and fennel salad" he said as Madhu smiled

"Ooh nice...that's easy enough...no wonder they keep the easier stuff for us kids while the masters juggle in the more tougher challenges"Madhu said with a wink in Khushi's direction as the latter rolled her eyes "At least you both get to cook...while poor me just watches things whizz by" she said wistfully as Shoib and Madhu gave her a sympathetic look

"Soon Khushi! The whole world will know your true hidden talent"Shoib said as Khushi giggled; Shoib instructed one of the other line cooks, to bring out the fish and start prepping while he got the other things ready

"Uh...Shoib, didn't you say it was sea bass?" Madhu asked as the fish was brought out "Yeah, why?" he asked as she looked at the fish that was currently sitting on the table "This is trout...and I don't think it can count as anything special" she said with a frown as Khushi looked on with a stupefied expression

She had taken the delivery today. The trout that the fishmonger had delivered was sitting on the tabletop staring at Madhu and Shoib with its glassy eyes, as they both seemed confused "Who took the delivery?" Madhu asked, as Khushi came forward "I did...but Payal didn't really tell me what the delivery was and..." Khushi said as the other two looked at her with a worried expression

"What's going on?" Akash asked, watching the three people huddled at the table "Umm...Khushi took the wrong delivery...I mean, its not her fault cause she didn't know what delivery she was supposed to take...but we have trout instead of sea bass...and that is kind of a bummer" Madhu said as Akash pursed his lips

"That's not a bummer, it's a disaster! We can't serve trout as a special, and NK too isn't coming in today! Maybe I can get someone to go and pick up some sea bass" he said wondering how to get out of this situation.

"No Akash, it's evening now, the fish won't be fresh enough and ASR will have a fit if he comes to know. We might as well cancel the sea bass off the menu for tonight. As it is the specials menu for the day, is not yet printed" Shoib suggested as Akash nodded absentmindedly while he looked slightly worried, where were NK and ASR when you needed them!

"Ok, lets do that...as it is, ASR won't be in today so it should not be much of a problem" Akash said as all three looked at him, some of the other junior staff had also gathered to watch the commotion "Ok...so instead of sea bass, what can we make?" he asked as Madhu scratched her head"Uh...Scallops only? But then it wont be a entre" she said as everyone started discussing at once

It was only when Khushi cleared her throat that Akash looked at her "May I suggest that you stick to the trout only?" she asked as everyone looked at her "How can you make trout' glamorous, pray tell Khushi?" Shoib asked her as she went forward and picked up the sturdy fish

"You can always make Trout en croute and serve it with the same fennel salad and maybe some hot lime butter or beurre blanc...We anyways have freshly prepared sour cream pastry that I saw one of the line cooks make earlier in the morning...so we can use that for the croute..." she said as all pairs of eyes looked at her like she had grown two heads

"Show me" Akash said as Khushi's eyes bulged out...he was asking her to cook? Here? In this kitchen? "Khushi! Where are you lost? Listen, we don't have much time and I truly have no clue what else to do; either we let go of our fish special completely or try out your suggestion, which frankly does sounds rather appealing to me" he said as Khushi nodded and got on with the preparation

As she prepped the fish and Shoib got on with the sauce while Madhu made the salad, she finally felt a sense of accomplishment at her current situation. God only knows how long she would be stuck washing dishes here, but if she had gotten this one chance, she will make sure she makes the best of it!

As the three toiled together to get one sample of the dish ready, Khushi felt huge butterflies in her stomach as she presented the finished elegant looking dish to Akash, who seemed to have been surprised with the final look and plating. He smiled at her slightly, while cutting into a piece of fish and adding the rest of the things in the plate before putting a large bite in his mouth

Everyone waited with bated breath as he chewed thoughtfully before closing his eyes and mumbling a satisfied hhmmm' while his lips split into a huge smile. He opened his eyes and gave Khushi a thumbs up, as Madhu and Shoib too dug into the dish to try it out before both hugged khushi for the brilliant dish

"Genius Khushi! Why are you still washing dishes?" Madhu said as Akash too nodded "I will recommend this to ASR Khushi, it's truly a spectacular dish..." Akash said as Khushi grinned and high-fied all the staff in the kitchen that were cheering for her

Things just took off right after that, as the specials menu was printed and slid into each of the main menus. As service rolled in and nearly came to an end with many people ordering the trout, the kitchen was in a state of euphoria, as no one seemed to have any complaints with the fish.

Khushi blushed as the night's service came to an end and Akash opened up a bottle of cooking wine for everyone to celebrate the dinner service save. They were just done toasting and finishing up their tasks when the kitchen door burst open

"Imagine my surprise when I pick up the today's specials menu, just by chance, mind you, and see the first dish elegantly typed up; Who the hell had the audacity to serve Trout in my specials?!" ASR roared as everyone huddled together, while all eyes turned to Khushi who looked like thunder had struck her making her completely incapable of speech or any movement as the Kroor singh' bore down on her 

***

"You! Why is everyone looking at you?" Arnav asked, bearing down on Khushi as he stood right in front of her. She could feel her entire being tremble at his menacing gaze "Akash!" he screamed in her face as Akash came stumbling towards them while Arnav continued to stare at Khushi

"Is she responsible for the trout? Were you and NK sleeping when this disaster happened under your nose! Answer me!" he screamed again as he now turned towards Akash "N...No ASR...its, its not Khushi's fault...th...the delivery was wrong...and we got trout instead of sea bass...and then...K..Khushi helped with the menu..." he said as Aranav closed his eyes and took a deep breath

"Akash...let me get this straight...you asked a dish washer to serve something as common as a trout in a Michelin starred restaurant?...my restaurant?! And you are still standing here explaining it to me? Who the hell gave you the right to decide this! You could have asked me or NK...where the hell is he?" he asked as his voice once again went up a few decibels

"ASR...please just calm down. NK hasn't come in today; he cancelled at the last minute and since Khushi took the wrong delivery of fish, we had to improvise. I could not call you anyways since you were on the plane back to Mumbai and the crowd was also less than usual" he said as Arnav thinned his lips

"Then you should have cancelled the specials all together!? And even if there was one person, I would not have served anything less than perfect! That stinking dish you served was a disgrace to my name and my restaurant! Who the hell took this delivery? Where is Payal?" he asked as Akash shifted on his feet

"Payal too is on leave...so...um..." he started saying when Khushi took a deep breath and came to stand before Arnav "I took the delivery..." she said as Arnav once again looked at her in surprise and mounting anger

"Yes, I took the delivery since payal could not come in. I forgot to ask her what the delivery was and the fishmonger gave me the wrong fish. By the time they started to prep, it was too late" she said in a sort of steady voice while she could feel herself shakeng from inside

"Yes, and since you don't like to waste stuff, we thought we can improvise and serve trout in a more fancy way. Trust me ASR, we only served it because it turned out awesome. Khushi gave us a great recipe and many people..." he said as ASR put his hand up "Enough! I don't want to hear anymore" he said as he once again turned to Khushi

"You! You are fired...Akash will pay you for how many ever days you lasted here...but now I want you to get out! Do you get it?" he said as Khushi felt a large lump form in her throat. She swallowed as her eyes filled up with tears while Arnav gave her one last look and left, his nostrils still flaring in anger

Everyone stood shocked, as Arnav's words registered in their minds and then they started speaking at once... "No, he can't do this to Khushi! She saved the day. Akash do something" Madhu said as the rest of them agreed while Akash nodded and turned to go and talk to ASR, but Khushi stopped him with a hand on his shoulder

"No Akash sir, please stop. I myself don't want to work here anymore. Just let it go" she said as everyone protested but looking at Khushi's teary face didn't say anything more "Its ok guys...he was just looking for a reason to throw me out...guess he found one" she said as she slowly took off her apron and went to pick up her things

Madhu came and hugged her as the rest of the gang stood by. Even Akash had misted eyes as he saw Khushi leaving "I'm so sorry Khushi...I feel so awful that I asked you to cook and.." he started saying when she shook her head"No sir, please. It was an honor to cook in this kitchen...and I'll be fine...I know I'll find a good job and if nothing else then back to Kanpur and Gupta Mishtan bhandar!" she joked as she said her goodbyes and hurried out

She let the tears flow as soon as she walked out of the kitchen but unfortunately bumped right into the last person she wanted to see... "Sorry..." she said as Arnav stood in front of her, his eyes taking in her saddened self while she took a deep breath "Thank you for letting me work in your restaurant ASR...I got to learn a lot...so thank you again and...Good bye" she said in a soft voice before making her way out while he looked on at her retreating figure

Arnav felt a pinch in his chest as he saw her leave. Had he done the right thing? Was it really her fault? He thought as he shook his head, as it she had been a constant in his thoughts for the past few days, even when he tried to keep himself busy with his new restaurant. He had no idea why she affected him this way. Maybe it was for the best...this way, she will be away from him and he can finally breath in peace and stop wasting his time thinking about her!

***

The next morning saw Arnav coming in early to the restaurant, as he wanted to get some paperwork done for the new licensing. Payal and Akash were already in and were busy with their work as he made his way into his office without giving them the customary nod. He was still pretty pissed off about yesterday

As it is, he had hardly slept a wink as Khushi's tear stained face kept coming in front of him. Her tiny nose that had gone red as she sniffed in the remaining tears, while putting on a brave face and thanking him...she bloody thanked him! That girl...!

"ASR? Can we come in?" Payal asked as she and Akash walked into his cabin"What? You got more trout to serve today?" he asked them as they both stood stonily in front of him "Are you going to speak?" he asked them as they looked at each other and got twin envelops out of their pockets before placing it on his desk

"What is this?" he asked them as Akash looked away while Payal stood stiffly in front of him "Its our resignation.." she said as Arnav stared at them before his usual angry self took over "Is this some kind of a joke? Have you started a union now?" he asked them as Payal shook her head

"No ASR...we just think that it is unfair what you did with Khushi. She was not at fault at all! It was I who did not come in yesterday and also did not tell her what delivery to take" she said as Akash too piped in "Yes, and I told her to cook that dish. It is my responsibility what gets served in the restaurant and I took that decision...so how is she to blame for it?" he asked Arnav as he sat back in his chair and observed them angrily

"The truth is that you never liked her ASR and this was just a reason to remove her. You know for a fact that she was not at fault, and what you did yesterday has left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth. So either you give her the job back or accept our resignation. Union or no union, we cannot stand by when there is injustice done" she said as Arnav took both the letters and tore them from the middle

"Get back to work you two and I don't care for so much drama in the morning.." he said in a controlled voice as Payal opened her mouth to speak when Aaksah held her hand "Just think about it ASR, we both owe a lot to you buddy, but what you did last night was wrong...she did not deserve it" he said as he pulled Payal along with him while Arnav sat back and pondered over their words

The same thought had plagued him all night too. He knew Khushi was not completely at fault. She was only following orders and anyone would jump at a chance to cook in such a restaurant, especially since she seemed to be genuinely interested in cooking.

He had been observing her as she gave her tips to some of the guys and was also impressed with her knowledge on different cuisines and styles of cooking, but then he would never agree to it.

He swiveled his chair as his phone rang, making him stop and groan as he took the call "ASR! My boy...where have you been? I was there last night at the restaurant...but you were not in" Mr Gomes, one of Perido's patron and Arnav's important investor said as Arnav waited for him to stop with his loud talk

"I came in late Mr Gomes...sorry I didn't get to meet you" Arnav said as the man laughed "No worries my boy, even NK wasn't in but the new chef was a phenomenon! What an amazing dish I had last night...even the Mrs enjoyed the lovely fish...just had to call and complement you on it..." he said, as Arnav tried to make sense of what he was saying

"Uh...Mr Gomes, we did not serve the sea bass last night. What are you talking about?" Arnav asked in bewilderment as the older man laughed loudly"You are such a joker ASR! I was talking about that wonderfully mouth watering trout in that flaky pastry!...but you already know that!...anyways I have to get going, I'll come in again sometime this week when you are around...Good bye my boy!" he said as Arnav stared at the phone for a while before closing his eyes and leaning back Shit!'