The long-awaited day arrived, and Veda and I, dressed in our finest clothes, headed off to report for our internship. The California Daily's grand glass doors shimmered in the Californian sunshine, distorting our reflections on the sidewalk. My stomach churned, a familiar knot of shyness tightening with every step closer. Veda, ever the social butterfly, practically bounced beside me, a radiant grin plastered on her face.
"Isn't this incredible, Taara?" she chirped, her excitement bubbling over, amplifying my own quiet nerves. "We're interns at the California Daily! Can you believe it?"
I managed a small smile. The butterflies in my stomach had transformed into a frantic fluttering. "Yeah, it's definitely something," I mumbled, clutching my worn leather satchel containing my carefully prepared portfolio closer to my chest.
We made our way to the reception area and informed the receptionist that we were reporting for duty. She confirmed our information and directed us to a conference room for a brief introduction with HR. It felt like D-Day – the official intern orientation and a face-to-face meeting with HR. My heart pounded against my ribs like a frantic drummer as I pushed open the conference room door. A familiar mix of nervous excitement churned in my stomach. But this time, something else flickered beneath the surface – a tiny spark of hope, tinged with nervous anticipation.
As I scanned the room, I saw three other people already seated, chatting amongst themselves. Veda, ever the information gatherer, whispered in my ear that they were all from the Academy of Art University. Then, tucked away in a corner seat, I saw him – the man from the brewery, the one who'd vanished like a dream the night before. He sat casually beside Ms. Rodriguez, our HR representative.
A jolt of electricity shot through me. My cheeks burned, and a wide, involuntary smile stretched across my face. Shaan, that was his name, Veda had learned through the office grapevine that morning. The aura of a knight in shining armor he'd possessed at the brewery was gone. Now, dressed in a crisp office shirt and slacks, he seemed more approachable, a fellow intern embarking on this journey alongside me. Yet, the warmth in his eyes, the memory of his quiet strength, remained.
The word "destiny" echoed in my mind, resonating with the thought Veda had planted there just yesterday. Maybe, just maybe, the universe had a plan after all. Here I was, amidst a sea of unfamiliar faces, and the one person who'd offered me a moment of comfort and strength was now beside me, ready to navigate the unknown waters of our internship together.
A nervous giggle escaped my lips, a stark contrast to the knot of apprehension that had previously occupied my stomach. Maybe, just maybe, this summer wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe, just maybe, it would be an adventure – an exhilarating, terrifying, utterly captivating adventure, with Shaan by my side.
YOU ARE READING
Maya - "You possess the magic within."
Science FictionA budding writer grapples with newfound confidence after a life-changing event, questioning if their talent is truly their own as they embark on their first story under a sky full of stars.
