Chapter 6

Life has finally taken a turn for the better. I find myself genuinely happy after what feels like an eternity. My job at the flower shop is going smoothly, and I've made it a habit to visit Adil's shop for food every day.

Through covert glances and discreet inquiries, I finally discovered his name—Adil. It's as beautiful as he is. I can feel myself being drawn to him, but at the same time, I'm filled with apprehension. Should I stop coming here? Every time that thought crosses my mind, his radiant smile pulls me back in, making me a regular at his shop.

Yet, he never offered his name willingly, and I couldn't summon the courage to ask. I feel like a coward, despite facing countless battles and enduring numerous wounds. But speaking to someone you consider special is a different kind of challenge—one that cuts deeper than any physical injury.

"Welcome back, Ms. Violet, what would you like to eat today?" His voice, accompanied by that enchanting smile, pulls me out of my thoughts.

Well, technically, he knows my name now, courtesy of my own slip-up. But being addressed as "Ms. Violet" feels a bit formal—almost too formal for this cozy little diner.

"Same as always, anything you recommend, sir," I respond, the word "sir" slipping out almost accidentally. It's like he has this aura of importance around him, making me unintentionally deferential. He's like a rare gem, someone special.

At 18, having not set foot in college or fully immersed myself in the adult world, I lacked both experience and the courage to make a move. Even if I wanted to get closer to him, what then? What would happen?

Leaving my past love behind three years ago, I know those feelings have faded. It's funny how feelings work; they seem so strong at the moment, yet time has a way of dulling them, erasing the connection we once felt.

But with Adil, it's different. He's like a breath of fresh air in this mundane world. I find myself mesmerized by his beauty, watching as other women flock to him. Yet, he remains elusive, and secretive, like he guards some hidden part of himself from the world.

Despite not knowing much about him beyond his name and his delectable cooking, I'm drawn to him like a moth to a flame. But I can't shake the feeling that he's closed off, guarded, perhaps not welcoming of intrusion into his world.

"Here you go, miss, enjoy," he said with his signature warm smile, placing the food delicately in front of me.

"Thank you," I responded, unable to tear my gaze away from his retreating figure. His graceful movements and the aura of calm he exuded left me in awe.

Today's special was pasta, and as I took my first bite, I couldn't help but close my eyes in bliss. It was like each flavor was carefully orchestrated to dance on my taste buds. Perhaps he had been a chef for angels before gracing this earthly realm.

As I finished my meal, I gathered my courage to approach him. After paying, I managed to stammer out, "The food was delicious."

He smiled warmly, those enchanting emerald eyes twinkling. "Thank you. Visit again," he replied, before returning to his culinary domain.

Leaving the restaurant, I found the night sky breathtaking. But as I passed by a showroom mirror, I couldn't help but pause. My reflection felt foreign, marred by scars that told stories of pain and struggle.

Sitting down in front of the mirror, I couldn't hold back the tears. "Mom," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the quiet night. "Do you know what I've been through? How I've endured?"

Suddenly, I heard a concerned voice. Startled, I looked up to see Adil standing there, genuine worry etched on his face.

"Miss, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with compassion.

"I... I'm okay, Mr. Adil," I replied, trying to compose myself. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm walking home," he said, his gaze softening as he looked at me.

Feeling a pang of embarrassment at being caught in such a vulnerable moment, I hesitated. But his next words surprised me.

"Do you want me to walk you home, Violet?" he asked gently.

For a moment, I was speechless. The offer was unexpected, but it touched me deeply.

"If you don't mind," I finally managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Together, we walked in comfortable silence, the night air cool against my skin. As we passed by a convenience store, Adil suggested getting ice cream, and I couldn't resist the offer.

Sitting on a bench outside the store, we savored our kulfi ice creams. With each bite, I found myself relaxing in Adil's presence, his easygoing demeanor putting me at ease.

"How old are you, Adil?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"How old do I look?" he replied with a playful twinkle in his eye.

"About 25?" I guessed, earning a chuckle from him.

"Right," he confirmed, a warm smile gracing his lips.

"What's your age?" he inquired, turning the question back to me.

"18," I answered, feeling a hint of self-consciousness.

"I see you're a college student," he observed, but I shook my head.

"I'm actually working in a flower shop near my home," I confessed.

"Why?" he asked gently, his curiosity genuine.

The question caught me off guard, and I hesitated before answering. "I suppose I haven't figured that out yet," I admitted, feeling a surge of vulnerability.

But Adil's response surprised me. "Perhaps that's okay," he said softly. "Sometimes, the journey itself is more important than the destination."

His words resonated with me, and as we finished our ice creams, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this unexpected encounter. With Adil by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, my journey was far from over.