The soft hum of the coffee shop blended with the chatter of students and the distant clinking of cups. The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, adding a sense of comfort to the busy atmosphere. Chahat sat by the window, stirring her cappuccino absentmindedly, her mind racing with thoughts about the shop.
She had made up her mind—things needed to change. The shop couldn't just serve tea and coffee anymore. It had to offer more, something that would truly attract students and locals alike. She tapped her fingers against the table, lost in thought, until Jay's voice brought her back to reality.
"I spoke to my friend, Veer," Jay said, leaning forward. "He can handle most of the menu items. He's just been struggling to find the right place to work—rents are sky-high these days."
Chahat nodded, interest sparking in her eyes. "That could be helpful. We need at least two cooks anyway, plus helpers."
Tiya, who had tagged along with them, sipped her iced coffee. "It's a great idea, but you need a strong team. The kitchen should run smoothly, especially if you're expanding the menu."
Chahat smiled at her. "That's exactly why we're here. Uncle Ramprasad is coming. We'll figure out what we need to buy for the kitchen, what to replace, and finalize who's joining the team."
As if on cue, Jay's phone buzzed. He picked it up and nodded. "Veer's nearby. I'll call him over."
While Jay made the call, Chahat called her uncle. "Uncle, we're at the coffee shop near the college. Can you meet us here?"
"Of course," came the reply. "I'll be there soon."
Within minutes, everyone had gathered. Veer, a young man in his twenties with a confident yet humble demeanor, greeted them.
"Hello, Veer," Chahat said warmly, shaking his hand.
"Nice to meet you," Veer responded, his voice steady.
Tiya, observing the exchange, leaned toward Chahat. "He looks like he knows what he's doing. Let's see what he can bring to the table."
Uncle Ramprasad arrived shortly after, his presence bringing a sense of authority to the discussion. Chahat turned to him, determination gleaming in her eyes.
"Uncle, I've decided. We're not just going to serve tea and coffee. The shop needs a complete transformation. We'll provide a much wider variety of snacks and meals."
Ramprasad listened intently as she outlined the new menu, nodding occasionally. "That's ambitious," he admitted. "But it could work, especially with the right people."
Veer, having listened carefully, spoke up. "I can manage the snacks counter. I have experience in preparing a variety of dishes, and I've been looking for a stable place to work."
Chahat exchanged a glance with Jay and Tiya. It sounded like a perfect fit.
Uncle Ramprasad stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I know a lady who can cook well. I'll speak to her first. But we'll still need one more helper. We need someone trustworthy."
Tiya chimed in, "If we're restructuring everything, we should also focus on the ambiance. Students love cozy places with good food."
Chahat grinned. "You're right. First, we finalize the team, then we revamp the space."
The group agreed, each person taking on a task. Jay would negotiate with Veer, Uncle Ramprasad would talk to the cook, and Chahat would start making a list of kitchenware to replace. Tiya, ever the perfectionist, insisted on helping with the aesthetic changes.
As they wrapped up the meeting, excitement buzzed in the air. The shop was about to turn into something bigger, something better.