NEW DAY

Chapter 1

It’s my first day in China. I never thought I’d come here, but it’s been my dream for so long—and this is the first step toward fulfilling it. A dream that once felt far-fetched is now becoming my reality. I applied to XXX Corporation, one of the top gaming companies in the country, but I never really believed they’d accept me. Yet here I am, standing at the beginning of something big. I’m nervous… my heart is pounding, and my palms are slightly sweaty, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got. I want to become a pro in the gaming industry and leave my mark.

At the company’s Freshers' Welcome Function:

Everyone had introduced themselves one by one. The hall was buzzing with energy and nervous excitement. Now, it was my turn. Oh god, my heart started racing again. My throat felt dry.

“Miss Bharathi, please come to the stage,” the host called out cheerfully.

I took a deep breath and walked up to the stage, trying to hide the tremble in my steps. I picked up the mic, cleared my throat, and smiled.

“Hi, I’m Bharathi from India. I’ve always been passionate about gaming programs, and my dream is to create the most attractive and innovative game possible. China has a world-renowned reputation in the gaming industry, and that’s why I applied to this amazing company—XXX Corporation. I feel incredibly lucky to be here, and I’m really looking forward to working with all of you. Thank you!!”

(Just as I finished my introduction, one of the senior employees chuckled and shouted…)

“Okay, now tell us about your love life!”

I smiled awkwardly. “Well, I’m not really sure about love… I’ve never been in love before. I don’t know what the future holds, but if I ever fall in love, I want it to feel like magic.”

Someone whispered from the crowd, “I’m sure she’s lying! How can someone never have been in love?”

I accidentally overheard it and took a moment before responding.

“I have been loved—deeply and unconditionally—by my parents. And I love them back, with all my heart. I believe that someday, if I fall in love, it will be magical… not forced, not rushed—just real magic.” I said calmly, with a smile.

The whole room unexpectedly burst into applause. That moment, I felt strangely proud of myself. I walked back to my seat, cheeks still warm from the attention.

As I settled into my chair, a girl behind me tapped my shoulder.

“Hi, I’m Min Ai,” she said brightly.

“Hi, I’m Bharathi,” I replied, my smile widening.

“You were so cool on stage!” she grinned. “By the way, you were the first person I noticed when I came in. I asked a girl for directions, and she made fun of my breasts!”

I blinked. “Woah! That’s… really unexpected. I mean, a girl commenting like that? Yikes.”

She laughed. “Yep! She even asked if I had a boyfriend. Like, what?”

“Let’s not dwell on her,” I said gently. “But maybe… one day… we should teach her a little lesson in kindness.”

“Haha! I like the way you think! What’s your desk number?” she asked.

“63. Yours?”

“64. OMG! We’re desk neighbors! I think we were destined to be friends,” she said, pulling me into a warm hug.

My heart swelled. I never imagined I’d find a good friend this soon. She felt so genuine, so effortlessly sweet. It was like meeting someone I’d known in another life.

After the orientation, we both walked to our desks, chatting about random things. It felt so easy with her.

“Min Ai, I need to ask you something,” I said.

She looked up. “Girl, no more formalities. We’re friends now! What is it?”

“I’m looking for a better place to stay. Could you help me find something safe?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Wait… don’t tell me you came here without a proper place to live?”

“No, no—I do have a place. But I just don’t feel… safe there.”

Without hesitation, she smiled and said, “Bharathi, you can stay with me! I’ve been wanting a roommate anyway!”

“Really?! Dear roommate, when can I shift my stuff?” I asked, half-joking.

She laughed loudly. “You silly girl! Move your a$$ today!”

(Our friendship was moving fast, but I liked it. It felt right. Comforting.)

That evening, I packed my things and shifted in with her. The apartment was cozy, warm, and filled with the faint scent of lavender. That night, we talked non-stop until 3 a.m. Since the next day was a holiday, we planned to go exploring!

While sipping green tea, Min Ai asked, “So, why exactly did you feel unsafe in your old place?”

I looked down for a moment before answering. “This is my first time living away from my parents. At first, it was fine. But after a few days… I started getting this strange feeling. Like someone was watching me. I’d hear creaks and noises I couldn’t explain. I don’t know… maybe it’s just me overthinking, but thank God I found you, babe.”

She raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. “You called me babe! Finally, the real Bharathi comes out!”

We both laughed.

The next morning

We headed to a museum first. China was breathtaking—its architecture, the roads, the people, the sheer blend of culture and modernity—it all felt surreal.

“I’ll be right back. Gotta use the restroom,” Min Ai said and disappeared into the crowd.

I stood near a painting when I suddenly felt a presence behind me. I turned.

“Ammmmma…” I gasped in shock.

A man was standing there, smiling slightly.

“You don’t look Asian. Where are you from?” he asked, amused.

“I am Asian! I’m from India. India is part of Asia too!” I replied, still startled.

He chuckled. “You’re so silly.”

“You’re the one who’s silly!” I retorted, narrowing my eyes.

He laughed again. “What’s your name?”

“Bharathi. And who are you? Are you a kidnapper or something?” I asked half-seriously.

He leaned closer. “No. I’m just… attracted by your smell.”

I blinked in disbelief. “Okay, this isn’t a perfume commercial, dude.”

He smiled. “No, really. I mean it.”

Before I could reply, I heard a voice call out, “Bharu!”

“Coming!” I said quickly and ran toward Min Ai.

“I’m done. Let’s go, I’m starving!” she said, rubbing her stomach.

“Yeah, let’s grab something,” I nodded, still glancing back.

On our way, I explained everything about the strange guy. “He just appeared behind me and started talking. He said he was attracted to my smell. Can you believe that?!”

Min Ai stared at me blankly. “Bharu… there was no one near you. I thought you were talking on the phone.”

I froze. “What?”

“I didn’t see anyone. Are you sure someone was there?” she asked, concerned.

But before I could answer, she said, “Let’s eat first. We’ll talk about this later.”

We went to a nearby restaurant. The food was incredible—spicy, flavorful, warm. I tried to enjoy the moment, but my mind kept drifting back to that guy in the museum.

I wanted to bring it up again to Min Ai… but my mind stopped me.

What if she doesn’t believe you? What if she thinks you’re crazy?

She’s the only friend I have here. I can’t afford to lose her.

Maybe it really was my imagination…

Maybe it’s because of what I went through in the past.

Am I hallucinating again? Was all that just in my head?

I should call mom and talk to her. Maybe she’ll help me think clearly.

My mind spiraled with thoughts. I wanted to stay strong… but deep down, something felt off.

And that’s how my first day in China ended—not just with excitement and friendship, but also a lingering question that wouldn't let go.