Page 31 of Broken Destiny

I often wondered how I would have managed without her.

She had built friendships of her own over the years, and I could see the difference in her confidence—the way she carried herself now compared to the shy, uncertain woman I had first met. Watching her flourish was like witnessing a flower bloom after a long winter, and I was extremely proud of her.

“Okay,Didi!” Geeta called back.

The summer rushhad begun at the restaurant, and weekends had turned into a whirlwind of activity. After driving to work and parking in the back lot, I stepped out of the car and paused to take in the evening air. The golden rays of the setting sun streamed across the sky, and the temperature was about twenty-three degrees Celsius.

It was just past six in the evening, and another long night awaited.

Entering the restaurant through the back door, I greeted the staff with a quick wave and walked toward the office, where I found Jack reviewing paperwork at his desk. I leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

“Busy night?” I asked.

“Busy weekend!” he replied, shaking his head with a tired smile. “It’s been crazy since last night.”

“Anything special?”

“Well, there are a couple of guys down from Vancouvercelebrating one of their friend’s last days as a bachelor. They came in yesterday and hogged one of the pool tables.”

I raised an eyebrow, amused by the image.

“But they’re good guys,” he continued. “They ain’t any trouble.”

“And the rest of the people?” I asked.

“The usual summer rush,” Jack replied, leaning forward slightly. “A bunch of tourists and folks from other towns. It’s going to be busy again tonight. We could use your help if you’re not too tied up.”

A spark of energy stirred inside me. No matter how tired I felt, the restaurant always awakened something purposeful within me.

“I’m ready to help,” I said.

“By the way, how are things with Karena?”

I had told him everything about her unexpected visit, the tears, the apology, and the attempt to rebuild a relationship that had been broken for years.

It was a complicated path I had begun walking, and I was still trying to find my way. Even though I had felt hurt and angry, I couldn’t turn my back on the woman who had given birth to me once I heard her truth. Forgiveness had not come easily, but we were working through it.

“So far, so good,” I replied. “It’s been two months, and I’m taking it slow. She calls every week, and I give her updates.”

Jack nodded. “That’s good,” he said. “I’m so proud of you. I hope you know that.”

“I do.” I reached out to give him a quick squeeze. “Shall we?”

He nodded.

Strapping on my apron, I stepped out of the office and into the restaurant.

Another busy evening had begun, and I was ready for the craziness of the night to unfold.

“I need a Cow Special,a virgin mojito, and two chocolate shakes for table thirteen,” I yelled to Jack over the music, above the buzz ofconversation and laughter. He hadn’t been exaggerating when he warned me the place would be busy.

“Got it! Come back in five,” he shouted back, already moving toward the bar.

I turned quickly and walked toward another table, slipping into my usual rhythm despite the growing pressure behind my temples.

“Hi! Good evening. My name is Jiya. Your server tonight will be Kayla. Can I get you some drinks and appetizers?”

After jotting down their order, I entered it into the system and handed the slip to Kayla, who nodded gratefully before rushing off toward the kitchen.