ARIS
It was the next morning and I was lying on my bed staring at the ceiling. Yesterday’s conversation was still playing in my mind and it was going to be tough. Given the last few days my gut had some uneasiness but it wasn’t a bad one. I knew that maybe my project wouldn’t work but I was determined to find a solution and still make it work. It made me realise that Mr. Kabir could be right. If there is flexibility the outcomes may come well.
I still wanted to give it a try. While getting dressed I was thinking of a solution all the way and on the other hand my brain was exhausted like it did not want to fight anymore. So to clear my mind the entire way to the office I did not think about anything and took the support of music to make myself feel better.
I entered the conference room to discuss the grant proposal. Mr. Kabir was busy in a call while he turned to greet me. He did not wear his glasses today, he was more confident. I could smell his perfume. It was like a mix of whiskey and coffee just so rogue. His muscles pooped through that classic black shirt and he was just looking like someone would bid for him for a hot date.
He ended his conversation and we both acted pretty professionally. Both were serious about the grant but that sweet dream lasted for about 30 seconds.
KABIR
“So… the great Aris Laurent finally agreed to collaborate.”
ARIS
“I agreed to the grant. Not to your commentary.”
KABIR
“That sounds like commentary.”
ARIS
“That sounds like deflection.”
Kabir smirks.
KABIR
“You’re still buffering.”
ARIS
“I’m optimizing.”
KABIR
“You’re avoiding it.”
ARIS
“I’m working.”
KABIR
“You’re scared.”
Aris grabs his notebook.
ARIS
“I’m efficient.”
KABIR
“You’re predictable.”
That line landed with me. It felt like someone stabbed me for a second but unfortunately the inner me couldn’t deny that I was predictable and that Mr. Kabir did open my eyes. Throughout the conversation I realised that predictability became my weakness.
ARIS AND KABIR
KABIR
I looked at her and I saw how upset she was from inside. I did not want to be the person who made her feel that way.
“Okay Aris, I did not mean it that way.”
ARIS
No, you did. I mean I feel like I am just an experiment and you just want to prove me wrong.
KABIR
Okay how about this. Instead of predicting human behavior, the project will:
Build a system that ADAPTS to unpredictability.
A self-learning ethical model.
ARIS
So that would mean it will be my prediction system and your adaptive behavioural design. Which will lead to a Dynamic human response framework.
KABIR
Exactly. Your model will predict behaviour and mine will study deviations and if we combine them as a result the system will learn when people break patterns. I explained.
Her face turned pale. I did not know how she would react so I waited.
ARIS
Wait, that resolves the ethical flaw I discovered earlier during the class conversation. Which means together we did not break my system. We rather completed it.
KABIR
I know right. It’s a career victory for both of us.
ARIS
I was trying to wrap my head around it. I was confused. The system worked that should make me happy but then I looked at his face. I had flashbacks, he noticed everything about me, he knew my project and he knew what I was about to build.
I snapped out of it and I said. “OMG, you planned this.”
KABIR
“No.”
ARIS
“You knew my system had gaps.”
KABIR
“I knew you did.”
She steps closer.
ARIS
“You manipulated the debate.”
KABIR
“I challenged it.”
ARIS
“You challenged me.”
KABIR
“Yes.”
There was silence. He burst out laughing — not because anything was funny, but out of pure frustration. I just stood there watching him, both of us trying to catch our breath from the argument. He turned, about to leave, but I grabbed his wrist.
ARIS
“You don’t get to destabilize my entire framework and walk away like it’s an experiment.”
KABIR
“You destabilized it yourself.”
KABIR (QUIETLY)
“You just needed someone to prove it.”
My voice lowered.
ARIS
“You enjoy this too much.”
KABIR
“You enjoy arguing with me too much.”
Pause.
Kabir leans slightly closer.
KABIR
“You’re glowing right now.”
ARIS
“I’m furious.”
KABIR
“You’re fascinated.”
ARIS
You know what’s fascinating. That you’re big fat ego thinks that I’m even the slightest bit amused by your work or your looks.
KABIR
Oh is that why the main element of your system was me.
ARIS
No you were the main element, because you were a good subject and a good observer. But obviously the nepo kid thinks that everyone is only interested in him. Goodbye Mr. Mehta, I don’t want your grant.
I started packing my things. Kabir grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer.
KABIR
You know for someone so intelligent you can’t even recognise what is in front of you.
ARIS
I tried to let go but his hands were firm on my hips. He pulled me closer till the gap didn’t exist.
KABIR
You think you’re just an experiment. You’re the person who disagrees with me with a full crowd, who had the guts to challenge me. Your system was so full proof that even my father was proud of you. You got here because of your talents. I was merely studying you and I stopped chasing the prediction flexibility a long time ago just because I wanted to see what “us” looks like when we stop arguing.”
My eyes met her deep brown eyes. There was heat and frustration but I didn’t want to hurt her so I let go.
ARIS
You thought I was talented enough to compete with you?
KABIR
Yes! Because your idea could change the way people feel about robots and the idea I just proposed was inspired by you. It was for you.
ARIS
I uh… I don’t know what to say.
I started the system again,
KABIR
What are you doing at this moment? Please don’t try and delete everything, at least consider what I said.
I was worried inside. But she had started typing and I was just still feeling helpless. She looked perfect in that white dress, it revealed her personality because she never had anything to hide. Her expressions were enough for people to tell what she was thinking. The dress curved her body perfectly and she just had the perfect face for the next generation’s technology developer. This was truly beauty with brains in my mind.
ARIS
You know I need some time to think this is really overwhelming at the moment and you have my word that I won’t go anywhere before I give you an answer.
I left. It was almost midnight till I had dinner and came home but then I decided that I just have to face it.
I opened the document again.
Clause 7.1 – Kabir Mehta is—
Cursor blinking.
I typed
—Disruptive variable.
Stops.
Deletes.
—Strategic collaborator.
Deletes.
I let out a deep sigh. I recollected all the moments and had a mental breakdown. The way he pulled me closer. The comfort I felt when I was with him. His smell, the eyes and just him. Inner me knew that he was right. I just realised maybe my ego became too big to see anything.
I closed the entire structured system.
I deleted the document.
New page.
No clauses.
No numbering.
Just one line.
I don’t know where this is going.
But for the first time, I don’t want to predict it.
The next morning I took a deep breath and thought about everything. Yesterday I had a full intention of giving this up and I also thought that getting involved with my boss wouldn’t show proper etiquette. But then I entered the office and saw him. His face lighted up by just looking at me .
I opened and turned the laptop toward him.
Kabir reads it.
KABIR
“Is this Version 3.0?”
ARIS
“No.”
Pause.
KABIR
“Then what is it?”
She folds her arms.
ARIS
“It’s a beta test.”
Kabir grins.
KABIR
“Of the project?”
I held his gaze.
ARIS
“No.”
Pause.
ARIS
“Of us.”
Kabir laughs softly.
KABIR
“Finally.”
There was a pause. Kabir came in closer.
ARIS
Mr.Mehta these are office premises. Don’t you think we should handle this professionally.
KABIR
Okay I might understand that but I won’t because this is my office. And don’t you think deleting the entire system was a bit harsh. I mean we did create a baby together yesterday. Our idea is solid and my dad loved it.
ARIS
I’m Aris Laurent. I think I can rewrite the system sir. So this project is going to be
Adaptive Human Systems Model
A framework that predicts patterns but learns from emotional deviations.
Meaning:
Aris = structure
Kabir = adaptability
Together = breakthrough innovation.
KABIR
Wow, you’re really going all out. But maybe we become that in just a moment.
ARIS
He closed the gap between us. Smiled softly and asked “Miss Laurent, will you decide the terms of revision with me.” I laughed and answered.
“Is that technical talk of us becoming a thing?”
KABIR
Things? What’s a thing? I don’t beat around the bush and after what you write on that laptop you’re my girlfriend like it or not. I’m not letting you go anywhere.
The line was finished, his lips crossed mine and all the tensions just faded away. This was good. And I can’t believe for someone who just entered my life I would get successful because of my idea. And soon I will learn that not everything I say will get through the world so “our idea.”
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