The clock was ticking tick-tock, tick-tock as every minute slipped away. Anu was racing against time to bake the perfect chocolate tart before the time ran out in the competition. It was Anu’s first participation at the fancy culinary school. Oh no! she gasped, disappointed as she peered at the tart shell that was falling apart at the edges. I did follow the recipe to the letter she muttered to herself.

Anu felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around. “What?” she asked, surprised as she looked into the eyes of her fellow contestant. 

A smile lit up his face as he offered to help ‘May I?’. 

‘Uh—sure’ intrigued she watched his deft hands work their magic. 

She couldn't comprehend how he managed to fix this mess, the buzzer was heard and all participants were meant to stop baking that very moment.

He cleared his throat and introduced himself 'I am Arun and happy to help.' 

Although thoughts of him being disqualified for breaking the rules cluttered his mind. Anu was dumbstruck at this miracle and gave her heartfelt thanks to Arun, a savior in disguise. When the judges announced her name as the winner she flashed a victory symbol at him and it being her first time, was all the more memorable. Arun's heart leaped with joy as he watched her receive the first prize and hog the spotlight despite his disqualification. In his heart, he knew he had already won as he captured this moment on his mobile before he disappeared amidst the cheering crowd. He was never to be seen or heard by her.

Anu felt the success was unreal as her eyes frantically searched for Arun but in vain. She always treasured this moment in her heart in the years to come.

5 Years Later.....  

Anu had applied for the role of Pastry chef at a prominent luxury resort while attaching her resume along with a 4-year diploma in culinary arts. Also her experience as an intern at a few high-end restaurants. Next day she attends the interview excited to be participating with other interviewees assigned to create their best signature pastry. Anu donned her apron and painstakingly focused on recreating the chocolate tart with the special filling and garnished it with strawberries glazed in chocolate.

After a few hours of waiting in the lobby, Anu was told that she was selected. She noticed Arun walk in as the executive chef for the final interview. 

'The chocolate tart had me bowled over. It's exactly the way I make it.' Arun confessed.

A blush stained her cheeks and she abruptly blurted out 'I have always wanted to meet you and have liked you ever since.'

He shrugged and with a beaming smile, he showed her the photo taken at a culinary school competition.

'When did you realize you loved me?' she asked averting her gaze.

He hesitated, ' The day I met you.'

She gasped at him with wide eyes. 'Five years ago?'