Asmitha’s expression softens, but her gaze stays steady as she addresses the concern head-on, ‘I won’t deny that there are risks involved, but we’ve taken every precaution possible to minimize them. Our app undergoes rigorous testing and is constantly being updated based on user feedback. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their love lives with the support of our technology.’

As the press conference draws to a close, Asmitha is about to step down from the stage when the emcee points towards another audience member who still has their hand raised. Asmitha agrees to take one last question. I turn around and see a beautiful girl dressed in a yellow dress, standing a little away from the chaos and clamour of the media, gently take the mic from one of the event volunteers and ask, ‘Could an AI-based matchmaking app help us find a lost partner?’

‘It actually can!’ says Asmitha. ‘If this lost partner signs up on our app, and our app finds you and this person to be compatible, then it can match the two of you. Whether you two end up together or not will be your choice, of course. The app can simply help facilitate your journey towards love.’

‘And if we find a partner successfully on the app, but they decide to walk off, can we find them outside the AILENA-verse?’ She sounds really concerned.

‘No, the app is designed in such a manner that you can’t find them outside the app if they reject the relationship. We don’t share real-life details of either user until they both agree. Also, if one party decides to walk off, we don’t see it as a successful match.’

‘But human relationships are complicated. What about the nuances of feeling something and saying something else? Can your app navigate these?’ she asks.

It’s almost as if she’s done in-depth research about the app beforehand. And she’ll make the perfect addition to the AILENA team. I make a mental note to suggest this to Asmitha later.

‘We’re continuously working to make our app better,’ Asmitha replies. ‘And we’re constantly on the lookout for bright young minds like yours to help us in this journey. May I know your name?’

I love how my thinking as an investor matches with my entrepreneurs’ thought processes. It makes for a great combination.

‘Kiana. But you know me as Kiranjeet Kaur, back from our time together in the university.’

My blood freezes. What? Kiranjeet is Kiana? Is this my Kiana, from the app?

‘Kiranjeet!’ Asmitha exclaims. ‘I can’t believe it’s you. Let’s meet up properly after the conference!’

‘Sure,’ Kiranjeet replies, and before I can even get my thoughts together, she turns around and starts walking towards the exit.