But I have a plan of sorts in place. As a part of my speech at the launch event, I’m going to announce that I’m also thinking of signing up on the app under the name ‘Neer’. While I can’t obviously talk about exactly what happened, lest it affect AILENA’s investment prospects and also reveal my private identity in public, this announcement should be enough for Kiana to get a clue about me, because I’m pretty sure that she’ll be watching the launch broadcast via Facebook Live. And if she doesn’t, well, then I just have to book tickets to Chicago and comb through the downtown area to find her like they do in Hollywood romcoms. And this is all that I’ve been able to come up with, given all the sleepless nights in Mumbai that have contributed to my dysfunctional brain! I used to be quite an intelligent guy, and it would not be an overstatement to say that love has made a fool of me too! While I know that all of this was AILENA’s fault, Kiana doesn’t. She’s under the impression that it was me. I need to meet her once and explain everything.

When I arrive at the convention centre a little later, I’m immediately struck by its breathtaking futuristic design. The entire structure is a striking blend of towering steel columns, a sleek glass facade and vibrant green accents that evoke the lushness of a tropical rainforest. Inside, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and excitement. A diverse mix of tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials and media representatives mingle in the dining hall, and the only chatter is about the unveiling of this revolutionary app tomorrow.

I rush through dinner and try to catch some sleep. But it’s one of those nights where even though you want to sleep early and wake up fresh because it’s a big day tomorrow, you can’t because you’re constantly worrying about things not falling into place. For me, the stakes are even higher, and I am plagued by questions and doubts: What if Kiana doesn’t tune in to the launch event tomorrow? What if she doesn’t reach out to me? What if she never learns the truth about what happened? What if I never find her again like I never found Kiranjeet? What if …

Lost in these troubling thoughts, I don’t realize when I finally fall asleep, but I wake up a little later than usual the next morning. I get ready hurriedly and grab a quick breakfast before rushing to the main event hall where the launch will take place. The air is literally crackling with electricity, and a sense of thrill washes over me as I take my seat in the front row with a sea of spectators spread out behind me.