Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters other than the original character that I'm responsible for, neither do I take credit for the pictures I have put and will put in the other chapters. The credits go to the owners of those photos.

Note: single quotes ' .....' are thoughts and "....." doubles are spoken words.

*****************************************************************************

Your POV

I noticed the sensei/chef standing at the head table looking lost in his thoughts which is a first as well. I bowed to the sensei and greeted him as usual. He looked up & from his expression I get the feeling like something big has happened. I wondered what was wrong. ‘Did someone die from poisoned puffer fish??? Why is it so quiet??’ I ended up asking him the exact questions in my thoughts.

He shook his head. “No _________-san. We’re closing the business down.”

I was shocked for the second time today. I can’t believe what I just heard. ‘The sushi shop is closing??’

“W-what?? The shop is closing? B-but why? We were doing great! How can we close down so suddenly?”

Sensei sighed and sat down, gesturing me to sit as well. After a few moments of silence he said, “The business was always running a bit weak. I don’t own the land or the building so I must show some decent profits to the owners to be able to keep the shop open.”

The sensei was speaking more than usual. I waited patiently for him to continue.

“Do you remember the special guests who dined on Saturday?”

I nodded.

“She was here to see how well the business was running so that the higher ups would decide if it is profitable or not. It seems that though we left a good impression on the lady, the management wasn’t impressed. Hence the shop must close down and hand over the keys to them. The KN Group will make a better restaurant or a food mart; I think that’s what they said. A group of international brands along with KN Group’s own will create a huge food mart.”

Shock number 3............................

I was not going to remain sane if this keeps up. I was not sure what I should say to console him. It won’t change anything. How do I tell him that I’m also a part of the process of bringing down this shop? I felt guilty for being in this situation. I should be standing by his side and supporting him and protesting against the restaurant closure but here I’m doing exactly the opposite.

“I’ll clear up all the salaries by Friday so don’t worry, ok?” he said.

I looked up at him not knowing how to respond.

“Cheer up, __________-san!” sensei patted my head. “It’s not the end of the world. Everything will be alright.”

‘Shouldn’t I be telling him that? But how can I be a two-face and console him?’

I just nodded my head and left the shop. I was lost in thought with sensei’s words replaying in my brain; I don’t know how I got back home safely. I went straight to my room and sat down at the study table. I don’t know what I should do to help fix this. I don’t want this job anymore. I just want to help save the sushi shop for sensei. He’s a man of few words but deep inside I’m sure he’s crumbling. His eyes betrayed his words. I need to save the restaurant.

“But HOW?” I wondered aloud in frustration.

I stayed up almost the entire night trying to figure out a plan to save the shop. Complaining to the police won’t help as it isn’t illegal, nor would it help to protest against the company. They’re too powerful and doing this will not help us at all. These are businessmen. They’ll not listen to any pleading. So what can I do to make these people change their mind???? My presentation lay on the table before me. Taking it in my hands I just realised how cruel the heavens were being, making me the one who redesigns this shop.

‘Wait................. Of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m the one who will redesign this place! I’ll decide the layout and what goes where. I can save the sushi shop!!!!’

I jumped up in realisation and got to work immediately. After going through all the research papers, books and notes I had made I got to work. The food mart I had designed was crumpled up and lying in the waste bin at the corner. With fresh paper and tools I began drawing again. By dinner time, mother poked her head in my room to find me still working.

“Honey its dinner time! You can come back and finish this afterwards.”

“Mom I’m busy and I need to get this done while the inspiration lasts! I’ll just eat later.”

Mom took a deep breath and said, “Listen here young lady! I’ve worked several jobs, completed school and college too. If you don’t take care of your health and think you can go on working then you’re wrong!!”

I had my back to her so I turned around to face her now. I was stunned. Mom never got cross with me no matter what. She must have realised it from the look on my face because she toned down a little bit.

“I understand you have important work to do dear. I see you’ve been unusually busy for the past few days but working on an empty stomach is not the solution! Why don’t you eat dinner, it’ll be like taking a short break. Then you can continue working, ok?”

I was touched. She was right. I smiled and nodded to her.

She smiled in return and turned to leave.

“Come downstairs and set the table for me.” I blinked at her like an idiot. “What?” she said. “You’re coming down for a proper dinner. I’m not here to provide you room service!!” She smirked.

I shook my head in amusement and went down with her. ‘Might as well eat while she’s still in a good mood.’

While eating my mind is still working on how to save the shop. I still don’t know how to appeal to the judges.

“Mom, what kind of a shop or restaurant will you want to go to eat?”

She looked surprised. She smiled and asked me, “Why? Are you planning on taking me out to dinner somewhere?”

“I – I would love to, someday! But you don’t answer a question with a question! Just tell me what you think. What kind of restaurant would you like to go to eat? What kind of restaurant will attract you to visit more than once?”

“Hmmm..... well it’s not really what type of restaurant. If we had that kind of money available to visit restaurants more often I would prefer somewhere where I feel comfortable with the atmosphere, the staff and of course enjoy the food!” she mused. “A place where I have enjoyed and have good memories, like the small tea house by the lake where your Dad and I used to meet during college days.” She was thinking back and had a happy expression on her face. “You know these days there are so many fancy malls and shops with amazing things to offer but none of them can sell you nostalgia!”

‘Nostalgia, huh? Well, the sushi shop has that already.......................... THAT’S IT!!!!!!’

I did a double facepalm. ‘Why didn’t I realize this before??? So stupid of me!’

“Mom, you’re a genius!!!!” I leaped up and gave her a tight hug. She was pleasantly surprised and returned the hug.

I dashed upstairs and starting working with new hope and energy. I worked almost all night, catching just 4 hrs of sleep to keep my brain functioning. Next morning I started again till I had to go to college. At college too I started asking students about their eating out preferences and opinions on what they would like to be surprised with. Of course I just told them I was doing a survey job for part time. They believed it as they were aware I did a lot of part time jobs. With the new inputs I went back home after work and got to work again. I only had the night to prepare a slide show and presentation along with the design so no time to rest.

By next morning I was so tired but positive about my project. I only hope I can convince them with words as much as with the presentation and design. This is my one and only chance and I cannot fail!

 ***********************************************************************

Hi guys or gals..........whoever is reading anyway!!! Hope you like the story development so far. Will she be able to save the sushi shop?????? What do you think she'll do????????????? 

Stay tuned to find out!!!!!     0.<