Episode 1: At the Bar

The music was loud enough to bring out every thought, but Veena could still hear Cas’s voice.

“You’re too sensitive,” he snapped at her.

She stared at him across the table, her fingers tightening around the glass in her hand.

“I only asked you to speak to me with respect.”

Cas laughed bitterly. “I don’t have time for this rubbish.”

He stood up, adjusted his jacket, and walked away to dance with one of the club girls, leaving Veena alone beneath the flashing lights of the crowded club.

She tried not to cry.

Behind the bar, Leeno had seen everything.

He was only a bartender, and judging by the way his manager treated him, even that title felt like something he had to earn every night.

“Leeno! Table six!”

“Coming, sir.”

“Stop standing around lazy ass!”

Leeno swallowed his frustration and continued working.

But his eyes returned to Veena.

He had been listening to their conversation for several minutes. 

He walked over and placed a fresh glass of water beside her.

“On the house Pretty Lady.”

Veena looked up. “Why? I have a boyfriend”

“Because you look like you need it.” He chuckled

For the first time that night, she smiled.

“Are you always this kind to strangers?”

“No,” Leeno replied. “Only the ones who look like they're pretending to be okay after an obvious mistreat.”

Her smile disappeared.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Veena whispered, “You don't know me and you should face your work.”

Leeno leaned against the counter.

“Maybe not. But I've been watching you.”

She looked at him nervously.

“Watching me?”

“Not like that,” he quickly said. “I mean... I've noticed you.”

Before Veena could respond, Leeno's manager shouted his name again.

He turned away.

Then Veena noticed something strange.

Leeno's hands were trembling.

“Are you okay?”

He froze.

For the first time, the cheerful expression disappeared from his face.

“I'm fine, just stay behind me.”

Across the club, Cas had suddenly stopped dancing.

He turned and looked directly at them.

His expression had changed.

Leeno noticed

So did Veena.

“Please stay out of this” she cried.

Leeno didn't answer.

Cas slowly began walking slowly back toward the bar to Leeno.

And this time, there was something in his eyes that made Leeno step between him and Veena.

Something was going to happen.

To be continued.....