With the first batch of orders picked up, Bani returned inside, checking the system for updates. The partner delivery service had automatically marked the orders as "Out for Delivery." More orders had already come in, each one listed neatly on her dashboard.
She glanced at the kitchen counter where the next set of packages was lined up, neatly packed in brown bakery boxes, each sealed with a simple yet elegant sticker bearing her bakery's name. There was no need to bake again—her storage was already stocked with fresh copies of each item.
The doorbell rang. Another set of delivery partners had arrived.
She stepped outside, where three new riders were waiting. They had already received their delivery assignments through their mobile apps, each one carrying a list of names and addresses.
"Orders for pickup?" one of them asked.
Bani nodded and pointed to the arranged boxes. "Here's the batch."
Each rider matched the labels on the boxes to their order lists, confirming the contents. They worked quickly, securing the packages in their delivery bags. One of them, who seemed to be the most senior, checked his phone before speaking.
"There's a bulk order for a small café," he said, tapping on his screen. "Should be for 30 assorted pastries."
Bani handed him the designated box, already prepared. "This one."
The rider confirmed the details before carefully placing it in his bag.
A few more riders arrived, collecting their orders in the same systematic manner. The pickups were smooth, just as planned. The system updated in real-time, marking each order as "Dispatched" the moment they left.
The entire process was efficient. There was no chaos, no unnecessary delays. Orders came in, were packed, picked up, and sent out—all flowing seamlessly.
By midday, she had processed multiple rounds of pickups, and the steady rhythm of incoming orders showed no signs of slowing down.
The evening passed in the same steady rhythm—orders came in, were packed, and picked up by the delivery partners without any hassle. By the time the last pickup for the day was completed, Bani had ensured that every order was dispatched without delay.
With the bakery running smoothly, she finally took a break, tidied up the kitchen, and prepared a simple dinner. She wasn't the only one busy—her father and Aman had spent the entire day at their vegetarian hotel, attending to customers as usual.
It was past 8 PM when they both returned home. Her father, exhausted, placed his bag on the table and sat down with a sigh. Aman followed, stretching his arms before sitting across from her.
"How was the first full day?" Aman asked as he served himself some dal and rice.
"Smooth," Bani replied as she handed him a plate. "The delivery system is working well, and the orders kept coming in."
Her father, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. "Good. Consistency is important in food business. If people like what you offer, they'll keep coming back."
Aman nodded in agreement as he took a bite of his food. "That's exactly why I was thinking... What if we kept some of Bani's bakery items at our hotel?"
Bani looked up, listening.
Aman continued, "We get a decent crowd in the evenings, especially people who come in just for coffee or tea. If we keep some of your cookies or muffins at the counter, customers might buy them as a side snack. It'll be a small addition to our menu, but it could help both businesses."
Their father frowned slightly, considering the idea. "It depends. Will people really buy baked items from a vegetarian hotel?"
"Why not?" Aman reasoned. "Many people like a light snack with their coffee. And since it's your daughter's bakery, it's all fresh and homemade. If we market it right, it could work."
Bani thought for a moment. She already had a steady stream of online orders, but having a physical point of sale at the hotel could bring in more customers, especially locals who might not prefer ordering online.
"It won't hurt to try," she finally said. "We can start with a small batch, maybe just cookies at first, and see how it goes."
Aman nodded. "Exactly. No risk, just testing. If people buy, we can add more items later."
Their father sighed but didn't object. "Alright. We'll try for a week. But don't expect instant results. It takes time to introduce something new."
Bani agreed. "Fair enough. I'll prepare a small batch tomorrow morning, and you can place them at the counter."
With the plan settled, the conversation moved on to other topics.