After the couple left the restaurant, the staff finally gathered to have their dinner together. Laughter and light chatter filled the quiet space, echoing softly against the empty tables. The magic of the evening still lingered in the air.
Once everything was cleaned and packed up, the staff slowly made their way out, waving goodbyes and exchanging tired smiles. Only Anaya and her boss remained in the restaurant.
As Anaya was wiping down the last corner of the counter, the boss walked over and handed her an envelope.
She opened it absentmindedly.., then froze.
"Boss… what is this?" Anaya asked, eyes wide. "Why did you give me twenty thousand rupees?"
The boss smiled and shrugged lightly. "It's not from me. It's from the man you helped tonight. He insisted on giving this to you."
"But… this is too much," Anaya said, her voice low with disbelief. "I just gave a small suggestion. And anyway, I didn't do it for money."
"The restaurant isn't short of money," the boss replied kindly. "He already paid for the entire booking too. But this.., this is personally for you. He said it's to show his gratitude. He didn't see you just as a performer tonight. he saw you as someone special. Like a younger sister."
Anaya lowered her gaze. "Even if he said that… how could you just accept this?"
Her boss chuckled. "If you want to return it, you can. You have his card, don't you?"
Anaya bit her lip, unsure how to respond.
"Alright now," the boss said, picking up his keys. "Go rest. This has nothing to do with your salary. You deserve it. Good night. I'll see you tomorrow."
Anaya nodded silently as he stepped out and locked the restaurant behind him.
It was already past 9 p.m. when she reached her room. She sat on her bed, placed the envelope gently beside her, and sighed. Everything felt unreal.
After a moment, she reached for her new diary. just a simple one she had bought a few days ago. Its plain ocean blue cover was engraved with 2023. She flipped to the first blank page and began writing slowly.
....
January 1st, 2023
Happy New Year, my love.
Today turned out to be something I could never have imagined.
It felt like a scene from a drama. Unexpected, magical, emotional.
I met a couple today who actually admired me. That's… rare. Maybe even the first time.
The man is a CEO of a publishing house, and the woman is a music director. Can you believe it?
They told me they came all the way from Mumbai just for me, just to see me. That's such a long journey.
And guess what? He proposed to her. Right here, on the terrace. Under the moonlight.
She said yes.
I was part of it, the music, the setting, everything.
It wasn't meant for them, not originally. I had prepared it for us.
But when I saw his nervous face… I just couldn't stand by and watch him lose hope.
So I gave it away.
Do you think I did the right thing?
He said I reminded him of a sister.
She said she wants me to join her company.
Everything feels too good to be true.
She continued, " and also, he gave me 20,000 ruppes. That was too much. But, he doesn't gave it to my hand. So, i don't have a chance to return it. In future, if there is .. I'll. But for now, it can be used for Grandma's treatment. She is been not feeling well. I've to take her to the hospital."
Anaya said, "Anyway, what about you?
Where are you now? Wjat were you doing now..? Did you eat..?
Are you looking at the same moon tonight?"
She continued, " oh! Its already past twelve in China. Maybe you've slept already."
"Wherever you are, I hope you're smiling. Happy new year love. Have a good start of this year. Hope you'll be happy and healthy. And you will achieve what you want. Get what you need. I don't know how to wish for others, because I never wish even for my self. If there is anything wrong hope you'll not get mad at me. But, anyway happy new year will be filled with happy happy things."
" Good night Love."
Just as Anaya was about to switch off the light, she paused. Something tugged gently at her heart.
She picked up the diary again and flipped to the blank page right before her New Year's entry. After a small moment of thought, she titled it with a single word in neat handwriting:
Aims
Then, slowly, she began to write her goals for 2023:
---
1. I want to meet Yu Chen.
2. I want to go to a concert.
3. I want to start my career in writing.
4. Take Grandma to Kashi.
5. Buy a new violin.
6. Visit Vijayawada.
7. Keep preparing for Neuroscience.
8. I want to smile more.
---
She read over the list again, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Some of them felt far away, like stars too distant to reach but writing them down made them feel a little closer. A little more possible.
With a content sigh, she closed the diary and placed it beside her pillow. Then, she reached for her phone and played the song "Good Night" to Sleep. The soft melody filled the room like a lullaby, wrapping around her like a warm blanket.
She lay down, pulled the sheet over herself, and looked up at the ceiling one last time before closing her eyes.
That night, she slept peacefully with a full heart, a gentle smile, and dreams that whispered promises of beautiful tomorrows.