Chapter Ninety.
Chapter Ninety.
The cab rolled to a stop just outside the towering VyomTech Innovation headquarters.
Veda stepped out, and her mouth fell open. The building loomed above her like a glass-and-steel giant and modern, every inch screaming technology.
Her eyes sparkled with awe as she passed through the wide gates, her steps slowing when she spotted the centerpiece, a massive fountain dancing with streams of water.
She glanced around, drinking in the sight. Everything was pristine, polished, professional. Her grip on her bag tightened, a mix of excitement and nerves thrumming through her.
This is it, Veda. Your dream company.
Inside, the lobby was no less impressive, polished marble floors, massive digital screens scrolling through the latest innovations, and a buzz of purposeful movement all around.
Veda took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and walked to the reception desk.
“Hi, my name is Veda Ahuja. I’m one of the IT interns starting today.” she said politely.
The receptionist glanced up, a warm smile on her face. “Oh...Veda Ahuja from Phoenix Institute of Technology & Arts?”
Veda nodded.
“Oh wow, your instructor kept your name at the top of the recommendation list.” the woman said, tapping at her screen, her tone warm. “Welcome to VyomTech. You can take the elevator to the 40th floor, they’ll give you your ID card and orientation instructions there.”
“Thank you.” Veda said, her heart skipping with pride.
She headed toward the elevator, spotting someone slipping inside. Picking up her pace, she called out, “Hey, wait...”
The doors slid shut before she could get there.
“Ugh, seriously? Couldn’t the person inside just hold it?” she muttered, shaking her head.
A second later, the doors slid open again. She stepped in quickly, pressing the button for the 40th floor.
“I was going to hold it.” a man said lightly from behind her.
She turned, and froze for a moment. The guy was tall, well-built, with slightly curly hair at the tips, and had a sharp, almost Pakistani handsomeness to him.
He was smiling casually.
“Thanks.” Veda murmured, turning back toward the front.
“My name’s Kabir.” he offered.
She gave a quick nod. “Mm-hm.” glancing at the digital panel, only the 10th floor so far.
She sighed inwardly.
“Are you here for your IT internship too?” he asked.
Veda’s polite smile thinned. Does this guy ever stop talking?
“Yes, I am.” she said shortly.
He only smiled wider, as if her coldness didn’t bother him in the slightest.
The rest of the ride passed in silence, and when the elevator finally opened at the 40th floor, Veda stepped out without a second glance.
Only when she noticed Kabir walking in the same direction did she roll her eyes internally.
She didn’t care. Her gaze was already locked on the floor ahead, bright, buzzing with activity, and filled with people who were clearly here for IT training just like her.
Her excitement surged again.
Glass walls, sleek black desks, huge screens displaying lines of code, and a panoramic view of the city skyline that almost stole her breath.
I’m really here… finally.
A woman in a fitted blazer stood near a digital kiosk, handing out ID cards to new interns.
“IT trainees, form a line please!” she called out, her voice professional but not unfriendly.
Veda got in line, trying not to gawk too much at the environment, but her eyes betrayed her, darting around to take in more little detail, the tech setups, the smart glass panels, the fact that everyone here seemed to walk with purpose.
Just as she reached the front, Kabir strolled up right behind her.
“Guess we’re in the same department.” he said with that easy smile again.
Veda gave him a polite glance and forced a small smile. “Seems so.”
The woman behind the kiosk checked the list. “Veda Ahuja?”
“Yes.”
“Here’s your card. You’ll be assigned to Section B, workstation number 12. Orientation starts in fifteen minutes in Conference Hall 4.” She handed over a black ID badge with her name etched in silver.
Veda took it with a grateful nod. “Thank you.”
She stepped aside, eager to escape Kabir’s proximity, but of course he caught up easily.
“Section B, huh? That’s my section too..” he said, almost sounding proud.
Veda fought the urge to roll her eyes. What is this guy, my shadow now?
She walked ahead, following the signs toward Section B.
The smell of fresh coffee and the faint hum of servers filled the air, making her chest tighten with excitement again.
She reached workstation number 12, a desk with dual monitors, a brand-new ergonomic chair, and a little welcome kit with the VyomTech logo on it.
For a second, she let herself breathe it in. This was hers.
But before she could even sit, Kabir plopped down at the desk right next to hers.
She froze. “…You’ve got to be kidding me.”
He grinned. “Looks like we’re neighbors too.”
Veda forced a stiff smile and sat down. Great. My first day and I already have a clingy neighbor.
Still, she pushed that thought aside. This was her chance.
♤♤♤
Varun adjusted his collar as he stepped out of the hallway, only to freeze mid-step, his brows knitting together.
“How did you two get in? And what are you doing here?” he demanded, glaring at Yash and Amrit, who were sprawled comfortably on his couch like they owned the place.
“We got in because Amrit hacked your lock code.” Yash said without an ounce of shame. “And we’re here because we’re following you to the company.”
Varun’s frown deepened.
“Look, we’re worried, okay?” Amrit cut in. “And besides, Yash and I will breeze through this IT program. You know… since you own 80% of the company. Technically, it’s yours.”
“Get out of my penthouse.” Varun said flatly.
“We can’t.” Amrit grinned. “The next two floors below yours? Ours.”
Varun’s eyes went cold. “Then go back to your floor and leave mine. I have somewhere to be.”
He walked to the door, pausing only to say over his shoulder, “Be gone before I come back.” And then he was gone.
“I wonder if he has food here.” Amrit mused, scanning the room.
Yash groaned, smacking him lightly on the head. “Ouch!”
“Let’s go.” Yash muttered, dragging Amrit out with him.