The next morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of Anaya's little upstairs room above the restaurant. The golden beams spilled over her notebook, half-filled coffee mug, and a stack of printed manuscript pages.
She was scrolling absentmindedly through the internet. researching agents, glancing at submission windows, getting lost in industry jargon. when her phone began to buzz.
She glanced at the screen.
Uncle..
Its Mr. Brain.
A warm feeling tugged gently at her chest as she answered, "Hello… Uncle?"
His familiar, hearty voice came through the receiver, tinged with affection.
"Hello, Annie… How are you, little girl?"
Anaya smiled, her tone playful and tender, "Mmm… Uncle, how are you? I missed you a lot, you know," she said with a soft laugh, her voice small and sweet.
"I was just thinking about you," he said. "The New Year's holidays are coming up… Why don't you come visit me?"
Her smile faltered a little. Her gaze dropped to her desk, the unfinished query letter, the sticky notes of book contests, the unopened envelope with her college semester forms.
She hesitated. "No, Uncle… I can't. I've got something important to take care of. And… I still haven't even gotten my passport."
Mr. Brain didn't miss a beat. "That's not a problem. I have a friend who can help with the paperwork quickly. I'll call him."
"Uncle…" she said more firmly, "It's not just that. I really have something to do here. I'll come after graduation. I promise. May is better for travel anyway, right? Less snow."
A sigh floated through the line. "Hmm… Fine. Your wish, as usual. But I'm warning you, Annie. If you don't show up in May… I won't talk to you again."
She giggled softly, imagining his grumpy face. "Mm-mm… Okay okay. I promise I'll be there."
There was a beat of silence, then he asked, gently, "Then… is there any good news for me to hear?"
Her eyes lit up. "There is! I finally finished my novel. I've even written some scripts. But now… I'm stuck. I want to publish through an agency. I just think self-publishing won't help me reach many readers, especially not in the beginning. But I haven't found the right way yet… Uncle, do you know anyone in that world?"
There was a thoughtful pause on his end.
"Hm… Not directly, but… Wait! Do you remember that man who booked the whole restaurant on January 1st to propose to his girlfriend?"
Anaya blinked. "That couple… yes! That was a beautiful night. Why?"
"He said he runs a publishing house. He gave you his card too, remember?"
Her eyes widened with realization. "Uncle.. yes! He did! I kept the card in my drawer. But… how can I even reach out to him?"
Mr. Brain chuckled. "It's business, Anaya. He gave you that card for a reason. If you feel shy, just call that girl. That girl liked you a lot, remember? She might help you make the connection."
Anaya hesitated again. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sweater. But somewhere behind that hesitation, a flicker of hope stirred.
"Hmm… Okay. I'll try."
"I'm sure you will. And Annie," he added, his voice turning soft, "take care of yourself, alright?"
"I will, Uncle. You too. Don't forget to call me now and then."
"Hmph," he grumbled in mock offense. "Only if you keep your promise."
She smiled. "Deal. Bye-bye, Uncle."
And with that, the call ended. But the warmth stayed.
The late afternoon sun painted soft golden lines across the wooden floor of Anaya's room. A breeze stirred the sheer curtains as she knelt beside her desk drawer, searching carefully through old letters, sketches, and fading memory scraps.
Then, there it was...
A sleek black business card with elegant lettering. The name Jiya Sharma glimmered faintly in the light.
Her fingers lingered on it for a moment. She remembered that night clearly. the laughter, the lights, the way the couple had filled the restaurant with joy. The man had spoken warmly about publishing. She hadn't thought much of it back then… but now, now it felt like a small thread of fate tugging at her heart.
She took a breath, her thumb hovering over the call button. Her hands trembled slightly, but she pressed it anyway.
Ringing… ringing…
Her heart beat in her throat.
Then..
"Hello?" came a familiar, warm voice on the other end.
"Hello, ma'am," Anaya said softly, her voice unsure but polite.
"Hello… who's this?" Jiya asked, curious.
Anaya adjusted her grip on the phone. "This is Anaya… from Hyderabad. I work at Mr. Brain's restaurant."
There was a beat of surprise, then a cheerful burst of recognition.
"Ohhh! It's you, sister! Finally you called me. I was honestly beginning to think you never would! I had even told my husband we should visit next year. How are you?"
Anaya smiled gently, touched by the affection in her tone.
"I'm fine, ma'am… I just…"
Jiya picked up on the hesitance. "Hmm? What happened? Did you decide to join my company after all?" she asked teasingly.
Anaya shook her head, even though Jiya couldn't see her. "No… no, ma'am. I actually… need a little help."
"Oh?" Jiya's voice turned kind and curious. "Tell me, what is it?"
Anaya took a breath, trying to steady her thoughts.
"I… I want to pursue a career in writing. I just finished my first novel," she said, the words soft but full of hidden pride. "I've been trying to find a way to publish it, but… I don't know anyone in the field, and I don't know whom to trust. I remembered your husband mentioned working in a publishing house… and I thought, maybe… maybe I could ask. I'm sorry if this is sudden."
There was a pause, long enough to make her heart flutter. but then Jiya's voice came through, calm and reassuring.
"There's no need to apologize. I understand. It's not sudden at all, I thought it takes really too long" she said. "Alright, I'll talk to him and give you a call later, okay?"
Anaya blinked. "Really…? Thank you, ma'am."
"Of course. And Anaya," Jiya added, warmly, "I'm glad you called. you know that?"
The line went quiet.
Anaya slowly lowered the phone, a soft smile blooming on her face. The kind that wasn't loud or showy but quiet, proud, and honest.
She looked at the card once more before placing it gently back on the desk. Her heart felt a little lighter.
And somehow, even without his reply, she felt a little too closer to Yu Chen tonight.
A little closer to the future she dreamed of. That, she finally took a step towards Yu Chen.
She doesn't know, how many steps are there infront to reach Yu Chen side. But, she just thought that she finally going to took a step towards him.