Serving You
Buy Serving You on AmazonJohnny D’Sa grows up in Auricdom, a mist-wrapped northern town that seems frozen in time. Growing up, Johnny becomes an observer — quiet, intelligent, and inwardly burning. He sees the hypocrisy of Auricdom: a town that hides cruelty beneath piety. The church bells ring, but the whispers never stop. To escape, he clings to a single dream — to leave Auricdom and start anew, somewhere where no one knows the D’Souza name. A reckless road trip with friends becomes his first act of rebellion. In the wilderness beyond Auricdom, in the experiences atop a lorry, Johnny feels freedom for the first time — danger, laughter, discovery. By the time they return, he’s already gone in spirit. Soon after, he leaves for the city. The metro is everything Auricdom isn’t — fast, anonymous, and hungry. Johnny works through kitchens, cafés, and catering gigs, learning how food is sold, staged, and exploited. He discovers that modern dining isn’t about taste; it’s about illusion. The rich devour stories, not meals. He learns the art of plating lies. It’s here that Johnny meets Shirley, a bright, idealistic design student. She dreams of building a sustainable, honest food brand — one that connects people through authenticity. Their chemistry is instant; she becomes his confidante, his partner, and the fragile reminder of who he could still be. Together, they plan a small café — a warm, ethical space that could reclaim food’s soul. But dreams die fast in the city. Permits, rents, betrayals — the grind breaks them. Investors cheat them, and their venture collapses before opening. Shirley moves on, heartbroken but pragmatic. Johnny stays behind, alone with failure, watching his reflection warp in the stainless steel of empty kitchens. The ghost of Auricdom returns — failure, shame, hunger. The cycle begins again.
