Monday

Monday was the official start of his weekend, and Ayan allowed himself to sleep in until 9am, when he was usually wide awake by 4am to be up in time to start baking. It felt especially good to sleep in after the long dinner he’d had with Junna and Sasha. He had gotten home the night before and flopped into bed without even bothering to brush his teeth. He had left the restaurant feeling like a vice was gripping his heart, as though hearing the news of Junna moving away was slowly smothering him.

He had wanted to beg her to stay, to offer to pay her everything he possibly could so she wouldn’t need to leave. He was well aware that their situation at the cafe wasn’t optimal. That everyone had to make sacrifices in order to get by, and he couldn’t really pay his staff what they were worth and still be a place that allowed for real charity for those that needed it. Junna had suggested different things over the years, like selling merchandise, but Ayan had turned down the idea. He didn’t want to be a business that was selling itself, he just wanted to do the most good he could. Now though, he thought he would sell just about anything, including his kidney, if it meant getting Junna to stay.

He woke up and lay staring at the light peaking in through his curtains. Junna had made it clear she would be meeting him later at the soup kitchen.

You know she doesn’t really want to go.

“I don’t know that,” he muttered, shaking his head. He had the sudden urge to cry in frustration, but instead, he wiped his eyes, took a deep breath, and picked up his phone.

He didn’t realize he had left his phone off all night, and was surprised to see a missed call and several texts from his auntie. He checked the voicemail to find a rambling message from her.

“Ayan, you must call me back! You’ll never believe what’s happened! It is a miracle from the gods! Where are you? Are you safe? Oh of course you are, for this is a blessed day! Call me back as soon as you can!”

Ayan called his auntie back, very curious about what had happened. He was amused to hear his auntie answer the phone sounding ecstatic.

“Ayan! You will not believe it! Someone has come to my gallery and purchased every last one of your pieces! And some of my own and Sasha’s as well! The gallery is saved! Our family is saved!”

“What are you talking about, auntie?” Ayan asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, “Who purchased these pieces?”

There was a flash in his mind. A lonely strange man, sitting in the corner of his cafe. The same man pressing thousands of dollars into Ayan’s hand, begging him to use it to make the world a better place.

“Elijah,” Ayan breathed, feeling suddenly ill.

“Yes! Elijah! He bought all of it in cash. Said he respected you very much, and wanted to help. He knows all the good you do, Ayan. He would not stop going on and on about you! Practically compared you to Jesus!”

Ayan’s first instinct was to tell his auntie to return the money immediately as he had tried to do, but he knew that Elijah would stubbornly refuse. It was time to have a talk with him. This was too much. In his gut, he knew this was wrong. That Elijah must now be expecting something from him that he wasn’t willing to give. He assumed the man must be in love with him, and while Ayan’s proclivities opened him up to a whole world of options when it came to dating, he drew the line at stalkers. Besides, his heart belonged to one person right now, as much as he tried to deny it.

“How much did he spend, auntie?” Ayan asked.

“Eighty-thousand US dollars! Our biggest sale yet! Where did you meet this man, Ayan? He is truly a gift from the gods!”

“I’m not so sure about that,” said Ayan, not sure how to explain the feeling in his gut when his auntie was clearly so ecstatic.

“What is wrong?” his auntie asked.

“Nothing. I don’t know. It is wonderful news, auntie. I apologize, I’m just waking up. Let me get back to you.”

“The gods have blessed us, Ayan. I will say a prayer, as should you. Think of all the good this money can do! Think of your cafe!”

“Of course, auntie. Can I call you back later?” Ayan asked. “Once I’ve had a chance to wake up. It is my day off, after all.”

“Of course, my dear sweet nephew! And later we shall rejoice together! Dinner at my place, after you visit your homeless friends of course. For now, I must go pray to Ganesha, and give my sincerest thanks for the blessings he has given us. I know your uncle’s spirit watches over us now, and Ravi’s, and your parents’ as well, waiting to return to Earth. Or perhaps already having returned.”

She’s on to something.

Ayan shuddered at the thought of his father watching after him in death. Of returning as any sort of creature. The man had been a nightmare in life. He preferred not to think about him at all.

As though knowing what he was thinking, his auntie spoke up, “I imagine your father will return as a tick of some sort, easily squished when caught. But your mother, my sweet sister, even now perhaps she roams as a beautiful elephant.”

“I imagine you are right,” said Ayan, “I will talk to you later, auntie. I love you.”

“I love you, Ayan. Breathe deep, for the gods are merciful!” With that, his auntie hung up the phone, leaving Ayan with the sick lingering feeling in his gut again. He tried to brush it off as he got up, got dressed, and ate a quick breakfast before heading off to buy supplies for the soup kitchen. The trip to the grocery store was blessedly short, but he had the sneaking suspicion that there was a van following him for most of the drive. Every turn he made, the van seemed to make as well. He could feel ice in his veins, and he knew it had to be Elijah.

When he reached the grocery store, he was surprised to see the van take off, continuing along down the road. It did not return. Ayan began to wonder if paranoia was getting the best of him. He quickly did his shopping, checking every which way down the aisles to make sure no one was watching him, realizing how strange he must look on the store cameras. After a little while he began to relax, shaking off the paranoia. Perhaps Elijah was just one of those internet influencers, and worst case scenario, Ayan would end up on Tiktok or somewhere, the donations would pour in, and he would make way more money that he could do something productive with.

The women’s shelter. Start on that next.

“That’s what I’m hoping to do,” he said

Half an hour later, he was cooking away at the soup kitchen, shouting helpful directions as he reveled in the coming and going of all the kind folks helping out. Junna came in around 12pm, and Ayan felt a fluttering in his stomach as he saw her. She looked so beautiful, framed in the light of the doorway. She removed her rainbow scarf and hung it up in the closet where staff kept their personal items. Then she hurried over to the sink, playfully pushing into Ayan as she walked by to wash her hands.

“Sorry I’m so late!” she said, “Sasha and I stayed up way too late last night just chatting about our lives.”

“I’m always pleased when you show up at all,” said Ayan. “The fact that you have to work tonight and you still take the time to come in and do this just blows my mind.”

“It’s not like you take a day off,” Junna shrugged.

Ayan grinned at her. At least she would be staying for another year, he thought. There was still time. It wasn’t like everything was changing at once.

Ashley, the angel who ran the place, came into the kitchen and gave him a big hug when she saw him, “We always feel so spoiled when you cook for us. Monday has gotta be their favorite day of the week.”

Ayan blushed as he stirred the soup, tasted it, and decided it needed more cumin.

“Hi, Junna!” Ashleygreeted.

“Hi Ash! How’s it been this week?” Junna asked.

“Well, you know, with the government shutdown and everyone losing their foodstamps, it’s been pretty hard. You can see how packed it is out there. For some of these folks, this is the only meal they get all day. Tears at the heart, you know?”

“Yeah,” Junna nodded. “Horrible situation all around, but we do what we can to help.”

“Well, I’ll let you two do your thing,” Ashley said, before grabbing some bread baskets and taking off out the front to start serving the patrons bread.

“I’m gonna help her get the bread out, be back in a bit,” Junna said.

“Wait, real quick,” Ayan said, catching her arm. “I just wanted to mention that Elijah somehow found my auntie’s gallery. He spent eighty-thousand-dollars on pieces from me, my auntie, and Sasha.”

Junna’s mouth was agape, “Are you serious?”

Ayan nodded.

“That right there may be certifiable,” Junna said. “I mean, not because you all aren’t great artists, but that’s a lot of freaking money to spend at once. Who is this guy?”

Ayan shook his head, “I don’t know. Like, what do I do here?”

“We need to be careful. Get an idea of who he is. I’ll research him later. You should make sure that your boundaries are known, and that he is aware that this relationship isn’t anything beyond cafe owner and patron. I’m going to help you figure this out, okay?” Junna said.

“Thank you,” Ayan said. “I’m not sure what I would do without you, Junna.”

She smirked, “I’m not sure either.”

Junna grabbed two bread baskets, and headed out toward the dining area.

Ayan shook his head as he checked on all three soups going on the burners.

A few minutes later, the soups were all ready, the majority of the desserts all baked, and Ayan turned around to get Junna to help him start bringing the food out to the serving area, and almost found himself running into Elijah.

“Jesus!” Ayan gasped, taking a startled step back and almost colliding with the stove.

“I’m so sorry!” Elijah said, apparently in the process of tying on an apron, “I didn’t mean to startle you. Ashley up front said you were probably ready with those soups and I should see if you need some help.”

Ayan’s heart was beating incredibly fast. He forced a few steadying breaths.

“Are y-are you volunteering?” Ayan asked.

“I am!” Elijah grinned. “I heard you and Junna talk about working here on your day off, and it inspired me. I want to help, in any way I can. I hope that’s okay. That I’m not stepping on your toes.”

“Uhh,” Ayan definitely felt ice in his gut again, a certain discomfort at Elijah’s lack of boundaries, and eagerness to be close to him at all times. The man was admittedly charming, in a disarming sort of way. His handsome features always seemed to give way to something humming beneath the surface, like a live wire. Ayan’s gut knew to steer clear of him, and years of learning had made him come to trust his gut every time. He knew too much about certain types of people to not be wary.

His urge to be kind won out though. The thought that he could still be wrong took hold, and he forced a smile as he nodded, “Of course! Thank you! We can always use the extra hands.”

You’re going to ignore Junna’s advice then?

“You’re such an inspiration,” Elijah gushed. “I hope it’s not too much to say, but I felt so lost before I met you, and now everything makes sense. I know what I can do to help. To make the world a better place, and you’ve shown me that.”

“I didn’t…” Ayan shook his head, feeling a rush of warmth in his face.

“What can I take out first?” Elijah asked.

You have to get away from him.

“What?” Ayan took a second to understand what he was talking about, then stepped back and gestured at the the first pan of soup, “If you want to take that to the serving area, that would be so helpful. Thank you.”

“I’m on it!” Elijah said, grabbing a set of oven mits off the counter and carrying the pan of soup out to the dining area. Ayan watched him go, a frown forming at the edges of his lips.

People were soon rushing in and out of the kitchen too quickly for Ayan to catch up with Junna again while they served everyone. When he did see her, she was frowning in Elijah’s direction, but she quickly moved on to help the next person. Ayan glanced over at one point and saw Elijah talking to Charlie and May at one of the tables. Ayan watched as Elijah handed them something that looked an awful lot like an envelope of cash. Elijah happened to glance over and see Ayan looking at him, and grinned, giving Ayan a happy little wave.

The food rush continued for several hours, ending just after dinner time.

“Holy crap! Your new friend? He just donated $10,000 to the kitchen, and another $10,000 to the shelter,” said Ashley. “He’s out here saving our asses. Where did you find this prince, Ayan?”

Ayan shrugged and shook his head, “He found me. Came to my cafe, and now he’s donating money right and left.”

“What a saint!” Ashley exclaimed. “We’re going to be able to fix the broken bathroom at the shelter finally. I don’t know what magic you worked, but I’m gonna need you to find about ten more of this guy to help us out.”

Ayan smiled as he washed down the counter and glanced over to see Junna grabbing her scarf and waving at him before she headed out. He waved back, upset by the fact that she didn’t have time to stop and chat with him.

“I think he really likes you,” Ashley went on, not seeming to notice Junna leaving. “He wouldn’t shut up about you. Wanted to know everything I could tell him. Dude has a serious crush. Has he asked you out yet?”

Ayan felt nausea bubbling up in his gut at the casual way Ashley spoke about Elijah prying into his life. He felt a flash of anger, but knew he couldn’t fault her. He had not told anyone his real feelings about Elijah and how the man freaked him out. No one except Junna, who had continued to throw him wary looks throughout the day any time she spotted Elijah walking around. She of all people seemed to understand the situation.

The fact that Elijah was able to buy his way into people’s good graces so easily was disturbing.

“What did you tell him?” Ayan asked, trying to sound non-chalant as he nearly toppled over a pile of cleaning supplies.

“I just told him your dad was a dick, you swing every which way, and you’re here doing good despite your shitty upbringing. He brought up your brother. He seemed…” Ashley trailed off as she looked Ayan in the eye. “What’s wrong? Did I say too much? Fuck, Ayan, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t even thinking. There I go shooting my mouth off again, sharing business that isn’t mine.”

Ayan shook his head, “It’s fine.”

It’s not fine.

Ayan didn’t want to hold resentment toward Ashley, even when she of all people should have known better.

“I really fucked up, didn’t I,” she said, looking genuinely ill. “He was just so charming with his questions, and I thought any man who actually follows the teachings of Jesus that closely must be a good soul. But there’s something off, isn’t there? Something wrong with him?”

“He’s…intense,” Ayan said, unsure how else to put it. “I met him two days ago, and he has already discovered where I volunteer, my auntie’s art gallery, and purchased a great deal of my art, and has given away an extraordinary amount of money in a short time. I don’t know what his deal is, but if that’s a crush, it’s pretty extreme.”

“Jesus,” Ashley breathed. “He made it seem like you invited him here. I was so sure that everything was above board. Do you want me to go give the money back?”

Ayan shook his head, “Just hold on to it for now. I don’t know what he might do, and I’m trying to figure it out. I need to understand his level of instability before I do anything drast-”

“Who’s unstable?” Ayan and Ashley both jumped as Elijah suddenly showed up behind them, carrying an extra pot into the kitchen, “Are you talking about Soren?”

“My ex!” Ashley blurted. “He’s a real asshole. Won’t leave me alone.”

Ayan’s heart was thundering at being caught unawares while talking about Elijah. He relaxed a bit as Ashley quickly covered for them.

“Is there anything I can do?” Elijah asked.

“You’ve already done so much,” said Ashley. “Are you trying to outdo Jesus or something?”

Elijah burst into laughter, a strange forced sound, as he kept glancing at Ayan.

“I could never be Jesus, ma’am. I can but love and serve him, and do as he would unto others,” said Elijah.

Ayan realized that he was scowling at the absurdity of the situation, and forced himself to give a warm smile, “We really appreciate all the work you did today, Elijah. It was incredibly helpful, thank you.”

“Of course,” Elijah said. “Anything for you, Ayan.”

“I got a question, and I hope it doesn’t upset you, sweetheart,” Ashley said, “where did you come by all that money anyway?”

Something dark came over Elijah’s face as he looked at Ashley, then he turned his gaze back to Ayan, and the darkness was replaced by a smile again.

“My father spent his entire life making money off of the backs of the poor. He would have trampled over his own mother if it would get him one more dollar. The whole time, he claimed that God ordained him this great man worthy of all this wealth. ‘And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’ My father died, and I was left with all of his wealth. I know he is burning in hell for his sin of greed. I look at my bank statements, and all I can think is I don’t want it, I won’t use it, but I can do some good with it. And that is why I’m here.”

Elijah sounded completely legitimate, and somehow the truth made Ayan breathe a little bit easier. It seemed like Elijah might just be incredibly devout in his beliefs. A man who truly wanted to do good. Maybe he was just looking to Ayan as an example for how to act? Ayan hoped that was the case.

“Well, you’ve been an incredible help here. Just like Jesus, you’re feeding the poor, and they are certainly appreciative. We live in uncertain times, and every little bit helps,” said Ashley.

“Helping is all I want to do. By the way, I overheard that Charlie hates staying at the shelter because it’s been a little rough for him in the past, so I gave him some money to stay in a hotel this week with his friend. I wanted him to have a chance to properly rest, especially after being attacked the other day,” said Elijah.

“That was very kind of you,” said Ayan. “Thank you, Elijah.”

Elijah grinned, “I’m actually gonna head out now, unless you guys need more help. I was going to drive Charlie and May to the hotel, make sure no one harasses them.”

“Have a blessed night, Elijah,” said Ashley.

“That is so incredibly sweet of you,” said Ayan. “Thank you for everything, Elijah. Have a wonderful evening.”

Elijah was beaming like a happy kid as he turned and left the kitchen.

Ayan was so torn in the moment. It still rubbed him the wrong way that Elijah seemed to have no boundaries when it came to listening in on every personal moment at the cafe, or asking people information about him. But it seemed like his heart was in the right place. Perhaps he was just a little mentally off, and Ayan would have to set some boundaries, or be a little more careful where he talked to people.

The man did seem to want to do some good in the world, and had the resources to do it. It gave Ayan a chance to make the changes he was so desperate to make in the community. To expand the food garden he and Junna had set up to provide for the cafe as well as those who were struggling to get by. Not only that, but Ayan would finally be able to make a contribution to the animal shelter, and the river cleanup he had been attempting to organize for ages. It was the little things in this cruel world that made life worth living. And he couldn’t forget starting the women’s shelter…

He thought of the myriad things he could do with the help of someone with resources like Elijah.

Then he thought about the heavy pit still hiding in the base of his stomach, his gut telling him that something was still off.