Chapter 12: The Decision
The morning sun streamed through the window as Chaahat sipped her tea, lost in thought. This wasn't just about business—it was about securing her future, creating something meaningful, and ensuring she was making the right investment.
At exactly 8:00 AM, her phone rang.
She picked up, recognizing the hesitant voice on the other end.
"Chaahat, I've made my decision."
Her heart pounded as she listened.
"I will sell you the shop," the old man said. "But you must fulfill your promise—help me convince my son that this is the best choice."
A slow smile spread across Chaahat's lips as she gripped her pen tightly. "I give you my word. I'll handle everything."
With that, her journey as a business owner truly began.
By the time Chaahat and Tia reached the college, it was already 1:30 PM. The morning had been nothing short of chaotic, leaving them exhausted and starving. Without a second thought, they made a beeline for the canteen.
Grabbing a couple of sandwiches, they sank into their seats just as Jay walked in. He spotted them immediately, grinning as he pulled up a chair.
"Skipping class, huh? What's the story?" Jay teased, leaning forward.
Tia rolled her eyes, exhaling dramatically. "Oh, you wouldn't believe what we've been through today."
She wasted no time launching into the details—the old man's hesitation, the tense discussions, the agreement they had finally reached, and the clause that ensured the shop would go to his granddaughter in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Jay let out a low whistle. "Whoa. That's… a lot. So, now what? You're running a tea shop?"
Chaahat shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "Not exactly. I don't want to keep it just as a tea shop. I want to change it entirely."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "Change it? How?"
Chaahat leaned forward, her excitement bubbling over. "Well, I've already spent a good amount securing the shop, so now I need a solid plan to run it properly."
Tia crossed her arms. "Okay, so what's the plan?"
Chaahat smiled. "First, I'm going to rename the shop."
Tia blinked. "Renaming the shop?"
"Yeah, but we can think of the name later. Right now, the focus should be on the menu and the structure."
Jay nodded. "Sounds serious. What are you planning to sell?"
Chaahat had already drafted a rough menu in her mind:
Beverages: Masala Chai, Ginger Lemon Honey, Coffee, Hot Chocolate
Quick Bites: Maggi Noodles, Bread Pakora, Samosa, Bun Maska, Pahadi Momos
Healthy Options: Warm Vegetable Soup, Steamed Sprouts with Light Seasoning, Soft-Boiled Peanuts with Lemon & Salt, Soft Idli with Coconut Chutney, Masala Makhana
Sandwiches & Toasts: Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Veg Club Sandwich, Corn & Cheese Balls, Chilli Garlic Toast
Tia whistled. "That sounds like a lot for a small shop."
Chaahat grinned. "That's why I'm going to set up different counters. One for coffee, another for sandwiches. And in the evening, I'll have a separate counter outside just for snacks."
Jay nodded thoughtfully. "That actually sounds well-organized. The snack counter outside could attract a good crowd."
"Exactly!" Chaahat said, her eyes shining. "I want it to have a street-food vibe in the evening. It'll pull in people who just want quick bites."
Tia smirked. "You've really thought this through, huh?"
Chaahat laughed. "I have to. It's a big step."
Jay leaned back. "Well, count me in if you need help. I'd love to see this place turn into something amazing."
"Same here," Tia agreed. "But first, let's finish lunch before Chaahat starts planning world domination."
They all laughed, the weight of the morning finally lifting. It was only the beginning, but something about it felt right. Chaahat could see it—the shop bustling with students, the aroma of fresh chai filling the air, the chatter of satisfied customers.
This was more than just a business.
It was the start of something incredible.