He showed up at her favorite chai stall. He showed up at the old bookstore she mentioned in a passing tweet. He showed up with a repaired pair of NeuroSync glasses—not to spy, but to help her finish the project she believed in.

"Your coffee," he said, handing her a fresh, hot cup. "Not cold. Not 3 AM. And no rooftop required."

"People ask me what 'latest' means," she said. "Is it technology? Speed? The next big thing?"

The crowd applauded. But Aarav only heard her.

Aarav was there for work, scrolling through his own reflection in a dark monitor. He hated these events. Everyone was a "visionary." No one actually saw you .