Misha
The manager explained everything about my job. I would be working at the book counter, and since they wanted their customers to always feel welcome, I should also help anyone who needed it. On Thursdays and Fridays, I would work on the café side, handling the sales part again. Considering they had appointed me for this single responsibility specifically, I could tell that a lot of people come here—and honestly, why wouldn't they? The place was too peaceful and beautiful to be real. I used to think such places existed only in Instagram reels and that I would never get to visit one.
The café interior was a mix of lavender and white. I forgot to mention—lavender is my favourite colour—so of course, everything felt even more perfect to me. The store had two sections: one was the book library, and the other was the café, from where I could smell fresh coffee and cakes.
An attendant from the cafe side waved and smiled at me and was about to approach, but I quickly followed the manager instead, my mother's words ringing in my head. I was here to work, not to make connections. I needed to focus on building my life and getting away from that toxic place people called "home," which was nothing more than a house to me.
Brushing away the sadness and pain, I smiled for the new life beginning today. I felt a strange sensation in my heart—like a quiet sign that something good was going to happen. Still, I didn't trust fate much, so I decided to just go with the flow.
By eleven, everyone had arrived and the store was about to open when I heard a loud, excited voice beside me. I turned and saw a beautiful girl with short, straight hair—completely opposite to mine. She was wearing a denim skirt and a sleeveless top, looking effortlessly pretty. I was never the type to feel jealous; I loved appreciating people—it brought positivity. So I focused on the cheerful girl in front of me, who seemed to be around my age. She grabbed my hand and shook it eagerly, smiling like a child who had just gotten their favourite candy.
"Hello, hello, helloo! I'm Ishvi. You're so beautiful!" she said excitedly.
"Hey, Ishvi. I'm Misha. Thank you—but you're more beautiful," I replied, smiling just as brightly.
"I know who you are, cutie."
It seemed like everyone knew me, but I didn't know anyone. Seeing my confused look, she explained, "The manager told all of us yesterday that you'd be joining today."
"Oh!" I said.
"Sorry, I'm just too excited. Most of the people here are men, and the few girls are kind of… you know, a little b*tchy."
I laughed softly. "But you don't even know me. How can you be so sure I won't be like them?"
Her smile faded for a moment, then returned even brighter. "Because I can feel your positive aura. I bet this will be the best friendship I've ever had."
We started working after that. She worked on the café side, baking cakes and pastries—and now I understood why they were so famous. She was so sweet that she even served me the first pastry, even though I tried to refuse.
By lunchtime, I was already loving this place—especially Ishvi. She was such a joyful soul. At 3 PM, we had lunch together. We exchanged numbers, and she saved mine as "Cutie Patato." I blushed a little. I never really had friends; most people had always been mean to me—sometimes about my curls, sometimes about my chubby cheeks. And boys? My mother would have killed me if she ever knew I had a male friend.
During lunch, the attendant from the morning tried to talk to us, but I stiffened and ignored him. Sensing this, Ishvi politely said goodbye and even nudged him away from the table. I was already considering her my best friend.
By the end of the day, I was about to leave when the lights suddenly went off. Ishvi covered my eyes and started leading me somewhere. I panicked for a second—but then…
Claps filled the room. Soft yellow lights flickered on, warm and welcoming. In the centre of the table was a small cake with neat white icing. Written on it were the words:
"Welcome, Misha, to our family."
I froze. No one had ever done something like this for me before. It felt so different from the cold silence I was used to at home.
The manager stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.
"You're family now," he said warmly. "Never think of yourself as just an employee. Our boss treats everyone here like his own. If you ever need help, support, or even someone to talk to—we're here."
He gestured toward everyone standing there, smiling at me.
"Welcome, Misha."
For the first time in my life, I felt like someone was truly happy that I existed.
I smiled softly and whispered, "Thank you."
I noticed a few girls exchanging jealous looks, but I chose to ignore them. For once, I wanted to focus on the happiness.
"Mishaaa!"
Ishvi suddenly hugged me tightly, almost crushing me. We were the same height, and her excitement was overwhelming—but warm.
The manager cleared his throat.
"The boss is busy today, so he couldn't come. But he sent this for you."
He handed me a beautifully wrapped hamper.
"Welcome, Miss Misha."
My heart skipped.
Inside were Ferrero Rocher boxes, imported chocolates marked Made in Dubai, cute snacks, and a small keychain engraved with my name,soft toys and my favourite books set
How do he know that I love books—because you are joining a book store dumbo.. but about my favourite ones—maybe a coincidence
It felt unreal.
How rich is this man? I wondered. Welcoming a mere employee like this.
"Boss never sends things like this for us," one girl whispered.
Then why for me? I thought.
Maybe he was just compensating for not coming.
Still… it felt strange.
Later, Ishvi made me cut the cake she had baked herself. We celebrated, then had dinner at a nearby restaurant—also owned by the boss, according to Ishvi. The dinner was sponsored by him too.
When it was time to go, we hugged goodbye.
For the first time in a long while,
Misha didn't feel alone.