In That Little Corner

While waiting for my order, I'm unwind myself through the social media apps in my phone. Just the ordinary, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook.

Scroll and scroll.

I don't even know what was I looking for. It just a routine.

Before long, I smell a nice fresh baked pizza. Subtle scent of spices there.

I closed my eyes. Taking a deep breath. Letting out a long exhale.

I felt something nice and comforting in my mind. It's been a long day, though.

Now I get the chance to see my surrounding. I forget that I wasn't alone.

It was a nice mix, not to many people, and definitely not few. At least you know that the pizza here is quite good if you see not so many seating left. It also feels a bit comforting to see people unwind after a long day, much like I was attempting to do. There was something inherently communal about sharing a meal, even among strangers in a small pizzeria.

"Here you go, sir. Enjoy your meal," Kamal said with a warm smile as he placed the pizza and Coke in front of me.

I was a bit startled as I was lost in my thought when Kamal approaching me.

"Thank you, Kamal," I replied, appreciating the friendly service along with the moment he startled me.

I took my first bite, and it was a pleasant burst of flavors. The combination of the rich, creamy tikka masala sauce with the tender chicken and crisp pizza crust was a good choice. It was unlike any pizza I had ever tasted, a perfect blend of Italian and Indian culinary traditions.

Eating my last bite, I sip the coke. My belly is full. My mood is back. Nothing better than this.

Some realization comes to my mind. I fought my battle. I earned my gold. My belly is full. My needs were met.

It isn't so bad after all. But I'm sure I'm still missing something I don't know.

As I started to get lost in my thoughts, again, I heard the sound of the door opening. I looked up just in time to see this girl entering the pizzeria. Kamal welcomed her with the same warm intonation he had used with me. I looked at her and, for a moment, I was stunned. She was pretty—not just any kind of pretty, but a different kind of pretty. She took a seat at the far end of the corner, opposite from where I was sitting.

I couldn't help but steal glances at her, something is so captivating about her. I don't know what is it but damn the butterflies in my stomach. This is not ordinary.

She seemed lost in her own thoughts as she browsed through the menu, her expression is so funny and I smiled a bit.

This is not me being creepy right? Another thought crossing my mind.

OK, just stop.

I closed my eyes again. Taking deep breath as I scratching my head. Took another sip of my Coke, trying to refocus my thoughts.

Yet, my eyes kept drifting back to her. It felt as if the pizzeria had suddenly become a place of possibilities, where a chance encounter could lead to something unexpected.

As Kamal approached her table to take her order, I wondered what her story was. Was she, too, seeking solace from a long day? Or perhaps she was celebrating something special? The questions lingered in my mind, adding to the mystery of her presence.

Finishing my drink, I decided to stay a bit longer, as I don't know when I can see her again.

Note: This is a fictional story. Any names and places are intentionally fabricated.