chapter-5 First day

Amit already feels tired even before serving the customers.

While no customers came to Amit's new shop, Amit did not feel dismal and started to make new portions of dhokla and idli.

He put the utensil on the stove after filling it with idli and sambar batter.

While the dish was steaming, some people who were passing in front of the shop were full of mockery of Amit's shop.

"Is he new here? He only had 3 dishes to serve, which one is chhach (buttermilk)."

"You are right, brother. See the adjacent shop has more than 30 different dishes, soft drinks, and juices."

Hearing compliments from the customers, the neighboring restaurant owner also felt elevated and responded with a hint of sarcasm, suggesting that opening a restaurant is now seen as a trend among those who appear overly confident or conceited.

"What his product so much pricey compared to the near shop. The adjacent shop sells one plate idli for 32 paise and he is selling 8 paise more compared to him."

"Brother, I can guarantee that not a single person will come to his shop."

"Yes, brother let's order from a neighboring shop and see if there are any customers who will order in his shop."

While young people were mocking Amit. Amit also felt humiliated by these comments but after thinking of his system and the taste of his dish he got confident and tried to ignore the comments.

While they were discussing, 3 college students came near the shop hearing the commotion. One of the students, Ravi, recognized Amit, as he was the one who took one of the seminars in the college 3 months ago. While Ravi's friend Raju saw the shop's menu and couldn't stop from mocking. "Hema see, nowadays anyone without any market research can open a shop. While this shop sells only 3 dishes, its neighboring shop sells more than 30 dishes at 80% of the prices."

While Raju was trying to boast in front of Hema to impress her, on the other side Ravi said with a humble voice, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

Both friends Raju and Ravi have been chasing Hema since their first year. Hearing this of Ravi, Raju responds in a mocking tone, "Why don't we make a bet on today's lunch cost? If this new shop makes a better dish compared to its neighboring shop then I will pay today's expenses but if he did not make a better lunch then you will pay for today's lunch expenses."

Hearing this, Ravi wanted to retort but held back in front of Hema and said with a calm tone, "Who will decide which dish is better?"

Both Ravi and Raju are college friends. Ravi comes from an influential family, and Raju comes from a middle-class family. Ravi's father is a real estate tycoon in the city and taught Ravi to never judge a person by his clothes. Raju feels jealous of Ravi's background and tries to humiliate him in every way.

"Hema, why don't you decide, which shop dish is better?" Raju said to Hema.

Hema also understands the intentions behind both of his friends. Hema also knows that both of them want a relationship with her but Hema does not want to come into the relationship early before understanding her partner.

Seeing that she can't do anything in this bet, she said, "Okay. I will decide which dish is better."

Both Raju and Ravi go to its correspondent shop and order a plate of each dish of idli and dosa.

"Sir, I need 2 plates of dosa and idli each," Ravi said to Amit.

"5 Minutes. Your dish will be ready," Amit said before taking 120 paise from Ravi.

Soon after 5 minutes.

The aroma of the freshly steamed idli and the simmering sambar wafted through the air, mingling with the hustle and bustle of the mall. It was a scent that beckoned to passersby, promising a culinary experience unlike any other.

The fragrant steam carried hints of fragrant spices—cumin, coriander, and fenugreek—infused into the soft, fluffy texture of the idli. Alongside, the rich aroma of the sambar teased the senses with its complex blend of tangy tamarind, earthy lentils, and a medley of vegetables.

Amit prepared idli and sambar on 4 different plates and called, "Ravi, your order is ready."

While Amit shouts, the smell of the dish already reached the nostrils of every person near the shop. The hunger increases after smelling the scent of the dish.

On the other side, Raju who just got the dish from the neighboring shop also smelled from Amit's shop. Raju tries to console himself by thinking that only its smell is good but the taste will be bad. but deep down he also knows that he lost the bet.

Both Ravi and Raju placed the plate in front of Hema.

Hema is also captivated by the charming fragrance of the dish. Hema didn't even touch the dish of Raju and took a bite from Ravi's plate.

Both Ravi and Hema are captivated by the taste of the dish and finish both plates. When both Ravi and Hema were enjoying the dish, Raju was loss for words.

Seeing this scene more people ordered from Amit and who were mocking before now praising him.

"Wow, this is my first time I am having this good idli. It is so soft and has a perfect taste of sweet, sour, and salty taste."

"Yes, but I love this Dhokla more. It is fluffy and sweet and eating with this green sauce it is a perfect combination."

"Brother, you have to tell me how did you make this tasty food. I will ask my mother to make it at home."

"Brother, you all are concentrating on the idli and dhokla. But have you tried the buttermilk? It is from another world. Bro, where did you bring milk? I will go now and buy that cow so I can drink this tasty sweet chhach daily."

Hearing praise from the people, the confidence of Amit increased and started working with more energy.

A college student said, "Brother, Can you pack 3 plates of idli."

Hearing packing, Amit learned what he had forgotten from yesterday. 'Shiit, I forgot to order packing disposal.'

He looked at that young college student and said with an apologetic tone, "Sorry bro, I just opened this shop today, And I forgot about packing disposal. But packing service will be soon available."

Soon more and more customers came to the shop for orders. Amit was working at full speed he took 2 idlis from the utensils then put one bowl of sambar and one spoon of coconut sauce. As for Dhokla, he cut one piece from Trey and put in a plate with some green sauce.

While Amit was serving the dishes, at the same time, new batches of Idli and dhokla were being steamed in the steamer.

2 hours later...

"Sorry sir, all the ingredients of dhokla are finished. Dhokla is out of order."

...

"Chhach is out of order."

...

"Idli is out of order."

within 2 hours Amit sold all the dishes and closed the shop with an apologetic and aggrieved face.

"Hey, why are you closing the shop this early? I am waiting in the line in the last 30 minutes."

"Hey, young boy. Just serve us then you can close the shop."

"Brother, My family is waiting for your dish to be served to my parents. Look they are waiting over there."

Lots of people started making complaints. Hearing this, Amit said, "Sorry, everyone, today is my first day opening the shop. I was not able to judge the customer's demands. I am here apologizing, but all the ingredients are finished. Even if you block the door of the shop, I can't make it now. It will take 8-9 hours to make the fermented batter of idli and dhokla."

Amit continued, "Tomorrow I will open this shop at 1 PM. Tomorrow I will increase the quantity so you all can enjoy tomorrow."

Seeing that people started to diffuse. And Amit started to clean the utensils.

Soon after cleaning the utensils he closes the shop and leaves the mall.

The neighboring shop owner was shocked and jealous of the success of Amit.

Amit came home and slept on the bed, not even counting today's profit.

...

Amit woke up after a great sleep. Amit looked at his watch and said "FUNK..."