Opportunity

Zoya woke up the other day, she was happy that she woke up in a room, not in that tunnel which had mosquitoes and people howling as soon as they woke up.

Michelle was already in the store. Zoya had to buy her breakfast and then go to work. She headed out early. On her way to buy, she saw the same board, Zoya sympathised and paid him some cents. 

Zoya saw the same businesswoman who had come a few days ago. When she came to the counter, Zoya gathered the courage and asked, "which company do you work at?"

She gazed for a second then replied with a slightly deep voice, "Gwan Taste. Why?"

"The company which has a chain of restaurants in the whole country and emphasises quality over quantity?"

"Yes," the lady reacted, seeing the excited person in front of her.

"I love that company. I love their working principles. I admire that brand." She could go on if somebody didn't stop her.

Zoya seemed to know more but the lady didn't have enough time. She pushed the sandwich packet firmly indicating Zoya to sum up so that she could pay and leave. 

Zoya realised that she might be crossing her line. 

Before leaving the store, the lady turned back while holding the door open, and said, "Gwan taste will hold a workshop the coming weekend at the Alberto Mall. There will be interactive sessions and competitions. If you are interested, make sure to come."

Zoya's eyes sparkled as she grinned, showing her teeth. She had the opportunity. She wanted others to taste her food. There will be people in that workshop judging their dishes. 

"This is the golden opportunity I needed," she exclaimed. Zoya thought for a second. She had to take leave that weekend to participate in that. 

The weekend arrived. It was afternoon, the sun was high up in the sky shining brightly, driving away the coldness of the day. She reached the Alberto Mall, it was huge. 

A building covered with glass from outside. It was a four storey building, having balconies facing the inside of the mall. There was a geometrical drawing made on the floor which could be seen from the first to the fourth floors. 

She saw the announcement written outside the Mall that they were holding a workshop there, after an hour on the ground floor. The pamphlets were also being distributed, giving the details and inviting them to their free of cost workshop.

The mall was new for Zoya. Although it wasn't much newly made, Zoya hadn't gone there before. She started with the ground floor. 

There was teenagers' section. Clothes, earrings, necklaces, accessories. At the centre, where the geometrical drawing was made, there was a red ribbon circling an enormous large section. The competition was to be held there, rather the workshop. 

The first floor had adults' section. There were less people there compared to the people on the ground floor. The second floor had kids' section. 

Zoya roamed everywhere. Seeing the clothes she but didn't buy anything as she didn't have enough money. She wasn't there to shop, afterall.

The host became active. There was an announcement made that the workshop is about to start. People who intend to participate can come and give their names. Zoya immediately rushed to the ground floor.

After two and a half hours of speeches and knowledge, the competition started.

There were ingredients required to make the dishes like vegetables, spices, etc. kept in a rolling shelf brought by the staffs. Several shelves were brought containing different categories of the ingredients.

Zoya picked up her required stacks and began making cookies. She liked cookies since childhood. Her mother would make cookies for her, then she passed on that recipe to her daughter and now she wants others to taste it. 

After the making of the dishes were over. The cooks placed there products on the long table kept in front and backed off, waiting for the judges to arrive.

As they were told, the unique recipes would get the recognition they deserve. The winners would also get an opportunity to work with the company. This was what Zoya wanted, she just had to win that competition, for which she prepared cookies. 

The judges came. That lady was also there. They tasted the dishes one by one. Out of twenty five, five were chosen as the winners. One was of Zoya. She was called ahead to stand with the rest four and take pictures together along with the Gwan Taste's important employees. 

She was promised to have her cookies sold around the country now. Zoya was happy that she completed her first step towards her dream.

Forget about the past, focus on the present, has become Zoya's motto now. She went home by the evening happily. 

The door of the room was open. Michelle was at home. Zoya shared some with her and told her about what had happened. Michelle was a chill girl. She loved life as if there will be no other chance to enjoy the present moment, which is a fact. 

Zoya had a satisfying day. She slept thinking of what she wanted to do in the future. The next day was Sunday, but she had to go to the convenience store for work because she had already missed some days of work which she had to recover.

It wasn't bad, the work. But she feels that she will be leaving that job soon to help her concentrate on what she wants to do.