MR. INTIMIDATING
But he who dares not grasp the thorn , Should never crave the rose.
~Anne Bronte

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"ROSALYN! Get the order from there.", Dustin tells me pointing to a specific direction as I make my way, with a menu card and a notepad.
Saturdays are always crowded here.
And so the day ends up giving us a long lasting fatigue.
As I kept the last dishes on the wash basin, I proceed to Miss. Evangeline.
There she was, in her cabin, at the back corner of our restaurant, looking through some papers.
"Ma'am, I am done with my work for today. Shall I leave!?"
"Yes of course Rosalyn. You worked alot today. I'll want you to sleep well and not study till late night."
I smiled at her, "Well I'll try to. I have my last exam the day after."
"Well dear, I know you're an intelligent girl, you'll manage. By the way, take a leave for tomorrow and study well at home. I'll send your lunch and dinner through Dustin."
I left waving a good bye at her.
Pulling Dustin by his arms, who has just finished his last piece of work, I got out of THE ELK.
Here in Manhattan, THE ELK is one of the most famous restaurant or rather I say, a cafeteria, as that was my section of work.
The streets here were generally busy and as we left the Elk, it was already around ten.
"So you aren't coming tomorrow!", I hear him sigh.
"Yeah! Miss Evangeline is so generous...but I will work overtime after this exam gets over.", I told him.
"You know you don't need to work so tirelessly. I can help you with whatever you want. Even money."
"You are too generous to offer that Dustin, but you know me well. I rarely take favours."
"I know, but I am not doing a favour, I am trying to help you.", He whined.
"I know Dustin. You know I'll definitely ask you when things go beyond my hand. But right now it's fine. The examination fee was large, but I have managed it."
"But you know you don't have to think twice anytime in future."
"I know man!", I hugged him as we were at my door, "Good night! Will meet you tomorrow when you'll officially become my delivery boy!", he laughed at this.
"Great going girl. Best of luck and yeah! Good night.", He left not before giving me a kiss on my cheek.
Dustin, was probably the nearest human being to me, presently.
He is a senior chef at the Elk, which is a very good position while I am his junior. He's rather strict as a mentor, but gentle to the same extent when it comes to friendship. Our three years old friendship.
Everyone in the restaurant thought of us as a couple, but I could never look at him, in a way more than a friend, even after he proposed me, last year.
I refused straight on his face, and the hurt he felt was well evident. Although this complicated situation we once had, we are now best friends. I would appreciate him highly that he never brought that thing he had for me, or probably still has, between our friendship.
When I entered my apartment, or say rented apartment, I wanted to do nothing but to lie on the bed and drift to sleep, straight.
But then, I had to study for a while.
So changing into a comfortable loose shirt and shorts, I went to the small kitchen, to prepare a coffee for myself.
Talking about coffee, but my favourite cold coffee, I had my mumma's secret to make it way better.
Less sugar, a small piece of butter, some cinnamon, cream, coffee and chocolate chip and lastly ice, all in adequate amount give you a fantastic taste of coffee that tastes no less like heaven!
I call it the Magic Coffee!
And not just taste, it provided me with the comfort of the world. I could smell my mumma in it. And that never made me feel alone here.
In this apartment.
In this world.
Taking a sip from the straw, I sat down on my bed, spreading my books before me.
And then, my mind was all occupied by world war I, world war II and God knows how many massacres of the history.
Yeah, I am a history student.
It was around 2, when I felt drowsy.
My body couldn't take more. So I simply wrapped up everything and prepared my bed.
I was content that I could sleep tomorrow properly as I am free from work.
Just when I was about to lie, I heard screeching sounds of car, rather cars stopping at the entrance of the building.
Who could it be at this hour of night!?
It's just Mr. Nicol, my neighbour, who has a car here, and as far as I remember he left for a vacation day before yesterday.
May be he returned!?
Curiosity sucks! And so in no time, I was out of my bed standing near a small window, when I saw some no many men coming out of four Limousines.
All dressed in black.
There were four cars standing in a row and as these men came out, they surrounded the second car. One of them, opening the door for may be the one who was still in.
When the door opened, a figure came out who too was dressed in black except for the t-shirt inside his coat of knee length, that was grey in colour.
All men bowed before him in unison, and four of them, aligned themselves in a square around him.
Other men marched towards the building. Our building.
The man, who was standing authoritatively in the middle, wore a hat, a hat that could work like a terrace for crows. His hands were in his pants pocket.
With the demeanour he stood, it seemed like he was a King of this place.
Very tall, yet he had a promising presence.
He was of course rich, very rich indeed.
Otherwise who the hell owns four Limousines, and these many men, who were clearly his bodygaurd.
His face wasn't visible, first due to the darkness and then because of his huge hate.
I was snapped out of my thoughts, when I heard some noises from the stairway.
I went to the door almost immediately but didn't open it.
Miss Evangeline's line, "You are a girl and alone. You need to protect yourself. So you shouldn't open doors unless you know who's on the other side. Any stranger can barge in and cause you damage!"
I shiver ran down my spine remembering this, but I stayed stern.
"Leave him, please this one last time....!", I heard a faint cry that probably came from upstairs.
"No! This man is a pain in the ass! How dare he defy him!?", The voice was becoming clear with each second.
"I won't do this again! Please let me go this time!!!", A vulnerable voice of a man could be heard.
And then I heard some series of muffled sounds.
Trying hard to make out, who he was, I couldn't really think of someone I know. There were some neighbours I knew well, but many I didn't.
I stood there frozen contemplating on what to do.
Should I call the police!?
But then I don't know really what is going on...
As the voices became clear, I could feel them passing from my door's front. My breathing hitched but I remained quiet.
Not that I was scared, but I couldn't really know what to do. Especially when I am living alone, I have to think twice before barging into someone else's matter, and making enemies.
As they drifted downstairs, I ran towards the window to see who it really was.
There I saw that man, standing in the same position, unmoved.
And then they came.
One of those men in Black, held Mr. Copperfield, tightly with his collar literally dragging him and throwing him before the man in middle.
I felt a wave of rage in me.
Mr. Copperfield was a good man, he many a times asks me if I am doing well, or I need any help from him.
Then I saw his wife, trailing behind those men, as her night dress flowed in the direction of wind.
I could hear them faintly pleading to the man.
"Please sir... just this time. It won't happen again!", Mr. Copperfield cried.
"Yes sir... we'll be careful...!", His wife pleaded.
But it seemed like this pleads were just like throwing flowers on a lifeless pole.
No effect.
In just few seconds, he took out his right hand from the pocket and signalled the men with his fingers.
And as if those men were just waiting for that, they pulled Mr. Copperfield and dragged him in the fourth car.
His wife was still pleading but of no use.
Taking out his hat, he ruffled his hairs a bit, which even at this ridiculous time, seemed cute to me.
Even without the hat, his face wasn't visible. But his skin was fair.
His fair hands told a lot of story.
Just as he came out, he got in the car and in no time, all four cars were out of the scene.
The next thing, I did was running straight downstairs. To Mrs. Copperfield.
She was sitting in the middle of the street and crying in pain.
I ran towards her and held her by the shoulders, "Who were they ma'am!? I think we should call the police."
I took out my phone, and started dialling only to be disappointed as my phone was snatched before I could ring.
When I looked at her face, she seemed to go all pale, suddenly.
It was as if, she was expecting those black men more than she was expecting me.
"Ma'am who were they!?", I asked again only to be pushed away.
She mouthed a "no one", and ran inside the building. When I tried to stop her, she fiercely turned to me saying, "Don't dare call the police! You'll regret forever!!"
If not this whole situation, this threat from her, did frighten me.
She handed me my phone and then went away.
I stood there dumbstruck, knowing nothing to do.
What was this!?
Who were they!?
Who was that man!?
Seeing the deadly darkness around me, I decided to go back to my room taking a last glance of the place, where that man was standing.
As I turned to leave, my head snapped back to see something glistening on the road, at that very place.
In no time, I went in there to see what it was.
Extremely glaring diamond would fail in front of this piece. Not that I have ever seen a diamond.
I picked that up.
And on seeing it closely in the darkness, I found out it was a chain, with small 'J' as a locket.
So he was some 'J'!?
Jack, Joe, Jill or James!?
These name were too cute to suite this massacre of a man.
I got back to my room, as examined the locket in the light.
It was indeed expensive but looked like an ancient piece. Comparing to his four Limousines, no one would say this man owns this locket. Because the locket was ordinary!
And I am sure Ordinary is not something that defines this particular man.
Hoping to return it soon, I kept the locket in my cupboard and made sure to lock it. Because the locket may be ordinary to a man possessing four Limousines, but it is indeed the most expensive thing in my apartment, rather in this building!
Already tired physically, and this recently acquired mental tiredness, I drifted off to sleep in no time. That man still occupying my thoughts!
Fresh morning, a fresh day.
I got to make a Magic Coffee for myself before getting into the shower.
As I stood below the hot water to relax myself, my thoughts drifted to the scene, I saw yesterday.
It was depressing!
Why would Copperfields fear some man like this!?
Why did he wife refused to call the police!? I would have called them, but then she needed to support me. After all, her husband was kidnapped not mine.
At a point, I realized I am getting distracted so I tried to shift my mind from there so I could focus on studying.
At around 12, someone knocked on my door.
"Hey Rosalyn, it's me Dustin!"
"Coming!", I yelled as I reached the door.
"Hey girl! How's the day going...!?"
"It was fine so far!", I joked to which he just rolled his eyes.
"I have brought your lunch and make sure you eat well. However, I need to leave for the station. Mum is coming here."
"Oh! Aunt is coming. Will she stay!?", I asked excitedly.
"Yeah, she will.", He told me waving a goodbye, and giving me a kiss on my cheek.
I mention 'On my cheek' again and again, because I am not comfortable with anything more. Dustin is a great friend, but that doesn't change the fact that I want to save my lips for my prince Charming. However, I doubt someone that ideal exists though.
Even I never realized, when I gave Dustin the liberty to kiss on my cheeks. He took it on his own. But to avoid being rude, I didn't restrain or stop him.
Not to forget, it took me one month to move on from the fact that he proposed me, and I refused it. In the process, almost losing a friend.
His mother on the other hand, was real strict.
She was like a lady Hitler, without those weird moustaches. No wonder, Dustin is like a cute little puppy before her. But I am still looking forward to welcome her.
I get back to study after lunch and then whole day passes with world wars, not literally but in my books and brain.
The exam, next day goes exceptionally good and I couldn't help but jump in joy as I returned to my apartment knowing it was the last exam and I will be free for a whole month now.
Results never bothered me much. I do score better than ninety percent of total. And so I decided to make the full out of it. Obviously before I get into a serious job for life.
The next day, I walked to the restaurant early in the morning, knowing that Dustin must be sleeping like a hippo right now.
It was six in the morning, and so there were mostly those who came for morning walk or something.
But still there were just two people around.
I walked in the cafeteria, and wore my apron with a big 'The Elk' written on it.
Miss. Evangeline was in her office and I informed her that I was in.
"Rosalyn, there are almost no customers here, so can you just stay and look out, while I go and have a bath upstairs."
"Yes of course Miss Evangeline, I'll manage.", I said and left her office.
I was excited to work, without any extra tension around me.
I was sitting in the deck when the entrance bell tingled.
Someone was in.
I straightened my dress and with a notepad, walked towards the guy, who settled at the corner most table, having a hoodie over his head.
What's up with men hiding their faces!?
Is it some kind of 'purdah system', that was prevalent in India during ancient times.
The problem is, it was for women then.
"Good morning Sir! This is Rosalyn, your attendant. What would you like to have!?", I said in the politest way possible.
I swear I saw him getting stiff a bit as he heard me.
I was ready with my pen to write down his order.
This guy was in a navy blue coloured hoodie and a his lancer running shoes!
Oh! I have always loved Lancers.
It was then, this guy lifted his hoodie.
I didn't look at him immediately but when I did, believe me, I couldn't move my eyes off him.
Handsome, would insult him!
This man before me was a Greek God!!!
Oh shit! Those cobalt eyes, those black silky hairs, those plump lips, those beads of sweat on his forehead, that slender nose.
He indeed was the most handsome man, I have ever seen. Of course, after my dad.
But truth is truth.
"Poison.", He said in a voice extremely elegant with a beautiful American ascent.
"Huh!?", I questioned hoping he would answer back.
Wait!? What did he say!! Poison!!?
Seriously!
"Please pardon Sir!?", I said very politely.
"What do you give a man who's depressed!? What do you give a man who wants to kill himself!? What do you give a man who is frustrated!? What do you give a man who is fed up of his life!?", He said everything monotonously as if it was his everyday's business. However, I was taken aback.
"Sir....I..um...!", I seriously couldn't think anymore.
"Bring anything that can calm my nerves.", He said and then got back to his phone.
I drifted to the kitchen in a jet speed.
This man was so strange!?
I rarely see people of this kind of nature.
Shaking my head, I got back to thinking on what should I give him.
Tea!?
Coffee!?
Cappuccino!?
Milk shake!?
or Magic Coffee!?
He said, "Bring anything that can calm my nerves."
So, what's wrong in helping a man, who's in problem.
I haven't offered my Magic Coffee to anyone out there, but something today was prompting again and again, to give him that.
There's no crowd here.
A man on the other corner was already having his sandwich and coffee, so I can make one Magic Coffee for him.
With a positive answer from my conscience, I got to work.
Thankfully all ingredients were available here.
I shook the sipper vigorously to make later after adding rice, and in two minutes, I was ready with a glass of Magic Coffee.
I gulped the lump in my throat as I went forward. I don't know what makes me nervous in his case. Is it because he's really handsome!?
Or because I am afraid he will not like the Magic Coffee.
"Sir! Your order.", I kept it before him as he was still busy in his phone.
He raised his head to probably see the drink.
"Cold coffee!?"
"No Sir, That's not entirely cold coffee, but somewhat like that."
He examined the glass for like an hour, and then finally took it in his hand.
It felt like I was giving some examination because I was utterly nervous.
He took a sip, then another and then another.
And then there was a moment when he smiled!
Yeah! He smiled!
To the glass obviously.
"This is tasty.", He commented but didn't see towards me.
I felt like a magnanimous queen, who just pleased him!
"Thank you Sir!", I said and then left, as according to our manners.
When I reached the counter, I found myself breathless.
What did just happen!?
His presence was so intimidating. His aura had some other taste.
To calm myself, I sat on the counter and rubbed over my heart so it could slow down his pace. I know he was handsome, but he was just a customer, like any other.
I shook my head, and in few seconds I was alright.
I am a strong girl though!
Just as I was sitting there, I heard someone call, "Miss Rose!?"
Huh!? Rose!? Is she someone new!?
I look around myself to find none except an empty sipper and some recipe books.
"Miss Rose!?", I heard again and so I went in the direction.
To the surprise of this world, I saw that same man looking in my direction smilingly.
May be he forgot my complete name, yeah, Rose from Rosalyn.
And so I reached there as fast as possible.
"Yes Sir!?"
"Miss Rose! This drink was absolutely fantastic. And I would say, it did calm me. Thank you!"
It was the third time he called me Rose.
"Anytime sir! By the way, it's Rosalyn sir. ", I replied smilingly to which he nodded.
"What is it really called!?"
"Umm...I don't know sir, but I refer it as 'Magic coffee'.", I told him.
'Magic coffee', he mouthed it himself and then smiled.
"Please give me the bill."
Bill!? I never thought about it!? What should I charge him for this!?
"I am sorry sir. But this is not the restaurant's recipe and hence there's no bill for this.", I answered him.
"This isn't restaurant's!?"
"No sir, it's not. It's my mother's recipe. I make it often for myself, when I am in need of some relief."
"It indeed helps!"
I smiled, "Yes it does."
He then took out his wallet, and kept a 1000$ before me.
I immediately snapped my head in his direction, "Sir! This is too much. I can't take it."
"Even you gave me too much, this is just a small thank you."
"No sir! I can't take it...I am sorry."
"You are a worker here, you need to answer your employer. Take this as a tip."
"But sir...."
"Miss Rose, I loved the 'Magic coffee', and I would come again for that. Just accept this as a tip. I will be glad....", He said with a smile, which was already my favourite now.
Again Rose!
Is it good that I keep counting how many times he calls me Rose?
"Thank you sir!", I hesitantly nodded.
"It's JADEN!", He said and stood up, picking up his phone and wallet.
And then he went away, not before flashing a smile at my direction.
I walked in the dressing room, only to find myself all flushed up and red.
My breathing was hitched and I managed to regain my composure after alot of concentration exercises.
No man could ever intimidate the way, I was done by him. His smile! It seems that got imprinted in my heart, and everytime I open my eyes, I want to see that same smile.
"Rosalyn!? What are you doing here!? Some customers are in...!", I heard Dustin and that only diverted my attention from him.
"Oh good morning to you too Dustin...I am coming...just a second.", I said from in the room.
The rest of the day went over failed efforts in making myself focussed and not thinking about him. And his smile.
At some point of time, I realized that I am thinking alot! I am a chef and a waitress, and I have been appreciated by many men here. Just because he's a little (note that I said little) more attractive, I cannot drool over him.
That's not the way I have been brought up.
God knows what kind of man he is.
By wealth, he definitely seemed rich, otherwise who spends 1000$ for just a coffee.
And why would a rich billionaire look down upon me, as anything.
It must be disappointing, but that's the nature of truth. I should stop dreaming about the man, who's out of my syllabus.
Rather, I can consider someone like Dustin may be. Or Dustin even.
"....then.", I looked in the direction of the voice.
"You zoned out the thirteenth time today, Rosalyn! What's wrong!? Are you feeling sick!?", Dustin showed genuine concern.
"No nothing!", I lied the nth time today.
"What's wrong dear!? I hope tireless work hasn't taken a toll on you....", Miss Evangeline rubbed my shoulder.
"No..I am fine..just a bit tired, I'll be fine after a good sleep."
"You know you can have a leave anytime you want. A paid leave precisely!"
"Thank you signorina! I'll ask you when needed.", I told her and picked my things to call it a night.
At about two in the night, I woke up again, as I heard some car screeching noise.
Had it been some other night, or I would have been oblivious to what happens downstairs, it was no problem. But now it was.
I ran towards the window, only to see those black Limousines again.
However, no one came out this time except after few minutes Mr. Copperfield was thrown out of the third car in an unkempt state.
I offered to help them, only to be lashed out by Mrs. Copperfield. When I tried to ask her about these men in Black, she told me that they were their saviours!
God knows which saviours drag people on the road.
Something was indeed fishy and I was hell determined to find it out!
What I noticed this time was a letter 'J' on the hood of the second car, same as it was in the locket in my cupboard.
I knew it was his.
The deadly man, from that very night.
A chill ran down my spine.
And I curled back in my duvet, hoping sleep could occupy me soon...
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