I was just joking...
Didn't mean to be rude
Or intruding

It's fine. You're okay.
We are based in Delhi.
We means, me and the business...
I can try to make the delivery reach you within
3-4 working days...
Since, it's just a simple stone you need...

Maya struggles to type, pausing every few seconds to check her sentences, replacing periods with ellipses to make the tone feel more conversational, less robotic...

I can't really wear any jewelry
I like in my profession
So I'll just keep it close to me
like an amulet
Thank you for doing this!
Can I just be liberal
and say that I loved that reel
where you were wearing
the red and blue jacket
like a punk!
I really love your bohemian style
paired with Hong Kong street fashion!

What?

Suddenly, her typing speed picks up, fingers flying across the keys.

What reel are you talking about?

I am just saying because
I liked the jacket
I have a similar one

Which reel?

The one in which
you are wearing red and blue jacket
Duh!

???

The one that got maximum views
I think

'Shit. Shit. Shit.'

Cat's eye glides over 20 reels before pausing at the one that has 82k views. The finger taps the reel.

It's a reel of Maya shooting with her back camera inside a mall, stacked rings and bracelets adorning her. She had been laser-focused on the animated overlay texts, detailing the properties of each stone, but in the process, she had completely missed how her full profile was visible in the mirror right behind her.

Her fingers curl into a fist, then open and close again. The word "Archive" gleams invitingly on the screen.

Ping.

Don't delete it
If you're thinking about it

Why?
How do you know that I was going to?

You are acting weird
Don't do it

Why?

That's a good one

Others are good too.

They don't have you in them

Why should that matter?

In many ways

Tell one.

Well, for starters,
 being good looking helps

That's exactly NOT what I want.

Okay, tell me, why do big brands
sign big celebs as brand ambassadors?
Why can't they just use the best voiceover
and do away with the additional expense?

Idk
Why?
And what does that has anything to do with it?

It has everything to do with it
A face, a person, is as big a brand as any product
Adding a face to a product makes it more human
And therefore, more accessible and credible

You started interacting because of that, right?

Typing...

'Yeah, now, where did your speed go?'

Back to the reel, the finger presses Archive.

A cold breath slips through parted lips. Jittery fingers loosen, resting against the table, and her head dips low, tucking itself into the nook of her arms.

Ping.

My mum is huge on stones and energies
She's convinced I got my first job
because of Citrine
I came across this very popular reel of yours
And by chance, I was feeling lonely
and Imposter syndrome-y
so... here I am
Wait! Did you delete it?

Only Archived.

Dude, you are not serious?!

Why does that matter to you?

What is the problem if someone sees you?
You aren't a fugitive
Or are you? 👀👀😱😱

No.

Shall I mind my own business?

Yes.
But you don't seem to want to ...

Touché! 😄
My friend says the same about me
He calls me curious and persistent
Honestly, I think
he's just jealous of my investigative skills
He'd love you, by the way!

A smile alights on her lips.

How old are you?
You sound so young.

Take a guess

Twenty
Barely.

I am young at heart
I am 26 actually
Well, if I go by how you sound,
I will either peg you as a 62
or a 26

What? 🤣🤣

Finally extracted an emoji out of you!
Ladies and gentlemen,
I've cracked the code!
New achievement unlocked! 😁 😁