"Your boss's name is Zain, right?" Varun said, grinning at Rahul.
And just like that, the name was spoken—Zain—and something shifted in the air.
It was the first time Abhir had ever heard that name, but somehow… it lingered. Zain. The way Varun said it, the way everyone looked impressed, as if that name carried power, beauty, and success all at once—it struck Abhir deep inside.
Before he could process it, the attention shifted back to him.
"So, Abhir," Soni asked, tilting her head curiously, "where are you working now?"
There was a brief pause before Abhir looked down and said quietly, "Nowhere yet… I haven't found anything."
The table went silent for a moment.
"What?" Sunny blinked. "I thought you would get the best job among all of us. "You're the most talented—tech, design, speaking—you've always had everything."
Abhir gave a faint smile. "Maybe talent's not enough in today's world."
To lighten the mood, Rahul raised his glass and waved to the waiter. "Then, tonight, I'm treating you. One drink won't kill you!"
Abhir shook his head. "You know I don't drink."
"Oh come on! One beer! "Don't be so bored," Rahul laughed and placed a glass of beer in front of him.
Before Abhir could say no again, Rahul clinked his glass with Abhir's. "Just one, for me."
Giving in to the moment, Abhir lifted the glass. "Just one," he said.
But one became two. Then four. Then ten.
The bitterness of the beer matched the bitterness inside him. And for the first time, Abhir didn't stop himself. The pain he had hidden for so long came rising to the surface like a storm breaking through calm waters.
Everything around him started spinning. The music became louder. The laughter of his friends felt like echoes in a tunnel. He looked around and felt… alone.
He stood up slowly, the room tilting slightly beneath his feet. No one noticed when he slipped away from the table, walked through the flashing lights of the club, and stepped out into the cold, quiet night.
The street was nearly empty, a faint mist curling around the dim glow of streetlamps. Abhir started walking, no destination in mind, just the ache of needing to move away—from the noise, the disappointment, the mask he always wore in front of others.
His feet dragged slowly across the pavement as he began talking to himself, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Why am I so unlucky?" he whispered.
He looked up at the sky, the stars hidden behind clouds.
"My parents left me. I've spent my whole life alone. And the people I call my friends… they don't see me. They don't feel what I feel. I do everything for them. I would die for them. But would they even care if I disappeared?"
He sniffled and wiped his cheek.
"I've done everything right. Studied. Worked. Sacrificed. And still, I have nothing. No job. No peace. No love."
He kicked a small stone lying on the road.
"Is this my destiny? To stay behind while others move ahead? Why is it so easy for them and so hard for me?"
He stopped walking and stood in the middle of the empty road. His voice cracked with emotion.
"Tell me, God… Is there anyone for me? Someone who sees me? Understands me? Loves me for who I am? When I cry… will anyone wipe my tears?"
His voice was barely beyond a whisper.
"Or was I really born just to suffer alone?"
Just then, as if destiny had heard his silent cry, something unexpected happened.
From the side of the road, a car's engine gently hummed. It was a sleek black luxury car parked in silence near the corner of the street. Abhir, too lost in thought, hadn't even noticed it.
As Abhir leaned on the unknown luxury car, the soft voice that asked "Are you okay?" only made something snap inside him.
At that moment, he didn't see kindness.
He didn't hear concern.
All he saw was another rich man in a rich car, living a perfect life, while people like him were left struggling in the dust.
Without thinking—without even seeing the face inside—Abhir's pain exploded into rage.
"Don't pretend to care!" he shouted, voice slurred from the drinks. "People like you only know how to show off! Big cars, big houses, big egos—but no heart! Did your family teach you no manners? Can't even park properly!"
The man inside the car stayed calm, though his knuckles clenched slightly on the steering wheel. He had heard insults before—but being dragged into someone else's storm was different.
He could tell Abhir was drunk, lost, and hurting.
So, without a word, he rolled up the window and quietly drove away.
And just like that, destiny slipped through Abhir's fingers—for now.
Next Morning
Abhir woke up with a pounding headache and a dry throat. The ceiling fan spun slowly above him, making a low whirring sound. He rubbed his temples, trying to remember how he got home.
And then… the memories hit him like a wave.
The club.
The drinks.
The yelling.
The stranger in the car.
"Oh God…" he whispered to himself, guilt choking his chest.
What did I do?
He had shouted at someone he didn't even know. Someone who hadn't done anything wrong.
"I poured all my pain into that man… and he didn't deserve it," he whispered, ashamed.
Just then, his phone buzzed.
Congratulations! You've been shortlisted for an interview at Horizon Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Please visit our office at 11:00 AM today.
Despite the headache, he jumped out of bed. It was unexpected—out of nowhere. Was this a second chance?
In the Interview
He walked into the office, dressed neatly, his hair combed, and resume in hand. He tried to stay hopeful.
But soon, the atmosphere began to change.
The interviewer didn't look at his resume properly. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, asking irrelevant questions with a smirk.
"So… do you have a girlfriend?"
"How many relationships have you had?"
"Have you slept with anyone?"
Abhir's eyes widened. Was this a job interview or a joke?
Disgusted and furious, he stood up and walked out.
This is what I get for hoping again? He thought.
That night, Abhir locked himself in his small dark room. He didn't answer texts. He ignored calls. Even food sat untouched on his plate.
The pain became too heavy.
"I'm not going for another interview again," he said to himself in the darkness.
His heart rebelled—he had never given up before. But now, he didn't even recognize the boy who used to dream.
The next day, the doorbell rang.
Once.
Twice.
Again. And again.
"Go away!" he shouted.
But the ringing wouldn't stop.
Frustrated, he pulled open the door, ready to yell—and froze.
It was Rahul.
Rahul? At his apartment?
Abhir's voice softened. "You? What are you doing here?"
Rahul looked shocked. His eyes scanned Abhir's messy hair, tired eyes, and unshaven face.
"Dude… what happened to you?"
Abhir sighed. "Come inside."
They sat quietly for a moment before Rahul finally said, "There's a vacancy in my office. If you want… you can come for the interview."
Abhir shook his head. "No. I can't take another rejection. I've had enough."
Rahul didn't push. "Look, I got it. But Aarti Limited isn't like other places. It's professional. And the salary? Pretty good."
Abhir raised an eyebrow. "You mean your company? The one with the rich, handsome boss?"
Rahul laughed. "Yes." That one. Zain's strict but fair. If you're good, you'll be noticed."
Abhir looked away. "Why are you even helping me?"
Rahul shrugged. "Because… you're my friend. And I know you need this."
Friend.
That word felt new coming from Rahul.
Had something changed?
Rahul stood up. "I'm not forcing you. Just think about it. If you get selected, we'll work together. Like old times—but better."
Abhir nodded slowly. After Rahul left, he sat by the window, staring at the sky.
"From when did Rahul start caring for me?"
His heart ached with confusion—but also a little joy.
Maybe… people are changing. Maybe… someone does care.
That night, he made his decision.
No matter how broken he felt…
No matter how many times he fell…
He would try one more time.