The next day - Saturday
: AUTHOR'S POV:
"We've gotta go now, Eli!" Ari yelled at the boy in front of her who was still sleeping
Elvin took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes, processing what was happening.
"Good morning, boss!" Ari waved her hand. Only to be interrupted by a shocked scream from Elvin
"What the heck are you doing in my house!? How did you get in?!"
Elvin covered himself with his blanket even more and sat up straight looking forward to Ari's answers
"Enough questions! C'mon, it's time for you to get up and get dressed!" Ari went towards the door leaving Elvin as confused as ever. But before Ari could get out of his room
"I'm naked. Get me my clothes, I can't leave with you here like this!" He shouted
Ari turned on her heels and faced Elvin with a apologetic smile
"Right. Sorry about that, Eli!"
Half an hour later
Ari and Elvin who was now fully clothed were sitting face to face in a comfortable-but-uncomfortable silence before Elvin finally broke it.
"What are you doing in my house?" Elvin asked
"Here to hang out with you." Ari replied casually
"How did you get in?"
"Got keys from Dev."
"And how did he get the keys to my house?" Elvin narrowed his eyes in suspicion
"Who knows?" Ari shrugged
Elvin sighed "You're being creepy, you know that, right?"
"I know and I'm sorry." Ari apologized in acknowledgement
"I'm not 'hanging out' with you."
Ari simply smiled before getting up and grabbing Elvin's wrist and walking him to his car.
"You seriously want me to drive?"
"No. This time, I'm gonna drive. You just sit comfortably and relax."
"And why would I listen to you?" Elvin asked with frustration and amusement mixed in his voice
"Because I'm your assistant and it's my job to make sure my boss is happy."
"Atleast tell me where we're going." Elvin said while getting in
"It's a surprise."
The car was silent as always with Ari giving Elvin big grins from time to time.
The warm sunlight mixed with the cold wind filling the air. The little humming of the radio filled the silence. Ari bobbing her head a little, smiling at the mostly empty road.
Elvin sighed in defeat and let sleep take over him.
First destination - A Lovely Cafe
"Seriously? This is where we were headed? The reason you broke into my apartment? The reason we drove so far?" Elvin said immediately after getting out the car and stuffing his hands into his pockets
"Firstly, I didn't break into your apartment. Secondly, This is just one of the places we're going to. Thirdly, I love this cafe." Ari said while completely avoiding looking at Elvin and staring fondly at the cafe.
The cafe that was named "Alfred's Warm Magic"
Elvin looked at Ari, only to see her waving to someone inside.
'Is that the owner?' Elvin thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden shout of Ari's name in a man's voice.
"Grumpie!" Ari shouted back and ran inside
Elvin opened the door to the cafe and was welcomed by the ring of a bell
"Who's the young gentleman?" A smiling man in his 60's that was behind the counter asked Ari
"My boss, Elvin Emaldi. Say hi, grumpie!"
"I'm the owner of this cafe. The name's Alfred. Call me anything you want." Alfred gave Elvin a gentle welcoming smile
"Nice to meet you." Elvin gave Alfred a awkward tight-lipped smile
"Sit down, Eli!" Ari said while sitting down too
The cafe looked old and small, mostly made of wood and glass. The front of the cafe was fully visible to anyone and everyone. The inside of the cafe covered in plants and the air was filled with a sweet smell. A long dark brown counter with a small opening at corner to get in and out. Wooden shelfs behind the counter only leaving a little space where barely two people could stand behind one another. Small cushioned stools in the front of the counter for people to sit.
Elvin's eyes were roaming around the peaceful cafe until he heard the giggles of Ari and Alfred.
"What recipes are you creating these days?" Ari leaned on the counter with a curious smile
"Actually, I was just making my special. Want a taste?" Alfred asked with a hint of excitement hidden in his voice
"I could never say no." Ari chuckled fondly
Immediately after Ari said yes, Alfred turned around, took two steps sideways and faced the oven that was in one of the shelfs. After wearing some gloves, Alfred took out the 'Special' and put the whole tray in front of Ari.
Just as Ari put her hand forward to have a taste of the sweet smelling dark cookies,
Alfred gave them a gentle smile and said "Be careful, It's hot. Both of you should have a taste."
Elvin gave Alfred a small smile and nodded.
"Gramps, I love it! I mean- When have I not loved your dishes?" Ari said while eating with a big grin
Alfred put a hand on Ari's head as a gesture of thank you. Ari smiled and scrunched up her nose.
"How does the boss like it?" Alfred turned to Elvin
"It's really good." Elvin said genuinely
"I'm glad."
"Gramps! How about you tell me atleast one ingredient?" Ari questioned with a sweet smile
"Ok, ok. I'll tell you. Just one, it is really important." Alfred told the both of them. Ari sat there with a knowing smile and Elvin couldn't help but be curious.
"Magic."
"Magic!"
Ari and Alfred said together while looking at Elvin with a playful look. They slowly turned their heads to look at each other and laughed historically as if someone had just told the most hilarious joke ever. Elvin just looked at them and couldn't help but smile.
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom, Gramps." Ari said after finally calming down.
After Ari had left, Alfred slid the tray of his cookies in front of Elvin.
Elvin smiled and took a bite out of one.
"Eat as much as you want." Alfred pulled out a chair and sat down across Elvin "Elvin." Alfred said and Elvin immediately stopped eating and looked at the sweet man "Arya's the most precious child I've ever seen. Her mother used to come here alot. One day, She suddenly came here with a child. Such a happy and sweet child. Ari's still the same As when I first saw her, laughing at everything and being kind is what she does. Never make her feel bad, She deserves to be happy every single second of her life. You do that, and you'll be the happiest man alive."