The room was meticulously arranged, reflecting a balance between functionality and comfort. Upon entering, the ergonomic table on the right immediately caught the eye. Its expansive surface hugged the adjacent walls, efficiently utilizing the corner. Two computer screens were positioned on the table, angled toward each other, creating a cozy tech workspace. Above them, a sleek strip of LED lights, supported by a sturdy stand, bathed the area in a soft glow. In the center of the desk lay a cordless keyboard and mouse, flanked by a neatly stacked pile of files and folders. At one end, a modern table lamp stood beside a small flower pot filled with vibrant artificial flowers, injecting a touch of life into the setting. The ergonomic chair next to the table completed the workstation.
On the opposite side of the room, a compact kitchen area occupied the left corner near the entrance. A sturdy counter with two electric burners stood beneath upper and lower storage cabinets, each equipped with two doors. On the far end of the counter, a two-tier organizer neatly held various kitchen supplies. Adjacent to this counter was another, featuring two stainless steel sink basins. One basin held a small pile of dirty dishes and utensils, indicating recent use. Above the sinks, a modest window allowed natural light to filter in, separating the sinks from a tall fridge nestled in the far corner. The fridge leaned against the wall that marked the boundary of the washroom, its presence adding a practical touch to the layout.
In the center of the room, a 4-by-6 bed occupied a cozy spot, its plush appearance inviting rest. On either side, bedside cabinets offered accessible storage, complementing the bed's functionality. Across from the bed stood a spacious wardrobe, extending across two adjacent walls in another corner. Its towering form dominated the space but remained elegant and organized. The wardrobe was separated from a small dressing table by another window, its reflective surface and neatly arranged toiletries adding a personal touch to the room. The dressing table stood next to the wall that enclosed the washroom, seamlessly blending utility and style.
Finally, in the fourth corner, the washroom was concealed behind two adjacent walls, providing privacy while maintaining the room's open and organized aesthetic.
The morning light poured into the room through the two windows, casting a golden glow on the disheveled bed. Anushka lay there, tangled in her blankets, only her face exposed. Her features were soft and delicate, framed by loose strands of wavy black hair that escaped her messy bun. Her slightly flushed cheeks hinted at the warmth of the covers, and her almond-shaped eyes, though still half-closed, revealed a rich light brown color when they caught the light. Her long, dark lashes fluttered against her skin as she shifted, her small delicate nose red from the rays of light, her small lips parting slightly as she moaned in her groggy state.
The silence was interrupted by the shrill sound of an alarm clock perched on the cabinet near the wardrobe. Anushka groaned in frustration, her brows furrowing as she reluctantly reached out from under the blankets to silence the device.
"Arise and shine," she murmured sarcastically, her voice heavy with sleep. She finally sat up, letting the blanket pool around her waist. Her arms stretched high above her head, and she yawned deeply before rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands.
Just as she began to gather her thoughts, a second noise filled the room—the distinct ringtone of her phone. The sound came from the cabinet next to the ergonomic chair, prompting her to swing her legs off the bed and reach for it. She glanced at the screen, squinting at the caller ID.
"Mom," she muttered under her breath, giving a deep, resigned sigh. Her shoulders slumped as she answered the call, her tone shifting to a forced cheerfulness.
"Hello, Ma," she said, trying to sound upbeat despite her obvious reluctance.
"Are you still sleeping?!" her mother exclaimed on the other end, her voice sharp but laced with concern.
"No... no, Ma, I'm up," Anushka stammered, her lips twitching into a faint, guilty smile.
"Anush, you should get back home," her mother said sternly.
Anushka let out a frustrated huff, leaning back against the headboard. "Mum, I'm 21. I can take care of myself where I am," she protested, her voice carrying the weariness of someone who had repeated this argument one too many times.
"Is that why you've failed to get a job?" her mother snapped, her tone tinged with frustration.
Anushka sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Mom, I earn enough already. What more do I want? And anyway, I was denied my dream job by my dream firm," she added bitterly, the sting of rejection still fresh despite her outward composure.
"If you don't come home and find a job in a week's time," her mom warned, her voice sharp and resolute, "I'll cut off your allowances."
Anushka leaned back, smirking slightly at the threat. Her mother's allowances were more symbolic than necessary—a mere drop in the ocean compared to her actual income. Still, the words carried the weight of her parents' concern.
Her parents didn't know the full story, and she hadn't bothered to explain. They assumed she was struggling, that her degree in Business Administration was going to waste because she hadn't landed a traditional corporate job. To them, her lack of visible progress was a failure, and it worried them endlessly.
But Anushka's reality was far from bleak. Though she had earned a first-class degree in Business Administration, her heart had never been in it. If she could rewind time, she would have pursued her true passion—Information Technology. She sometimes regretted the years spent on what she now called "a silly business course."
Quietly, she had turned her fascination with IT into a thriving career. Over the years, she had mastered ethical hacking and penetration testing, becoming an expert in cybersecurity. She also taught herself UI/UX design, honing her skills through countless projects and online resources.
These skills had landed her a full-time, remote position as a penetration tester with BYTEWAVE, an international cybersecurity agency renowned for its elite services. The job paid well, provided flexibility, and fed her intellectual curiosity.
On top of that, Anushka regularly received contract offers for UI/UX design projects, though she rarely accepted them due to her packed schedule. Between her job at BYTEWAVE and the occasional high-paying freelance gig, she was financially stable and fulfilled—something her parents failed to understand.
"Mom, I'll think about it," Anushka finally said, her tone dismissive. She knew her mother wouldn't back down, but she also knew she didn't owe anyone an explanation.
Her mother sighed heavily on the other end of the line, muttering something about "wasted potential" before hanging up.
Anushka tossed the phone onto the bed, her mind drifting to her next work task. Her parents might see her as a disappointment, but in her eyes, she was living her dream—one they simply couldn't comprehend.
Linda and Rena, her childhood best friends, were living the traditional lives their parents and society expected. Both had landed well-paying jobs shortly after graduation, working their way up the corporate ladder. To them, Anushka's freelance and remote work seemed unstable and unnecessary—a fallback for someone who couldn't secure a "real" job.
"Wasted potential," Anushka muttered under her breath, repeating her mother's words. The comment stung more than she cared to admit.
Her gaze wandered to the cluttered desk on the far side of the room, where her certifications and work portfolios were neatly stacked in a corner. They were physical proof of her accomplishments—years of self-taught skills, hard work, and dedication. And yet, none of it seemed to matter to the outside world, especially not to Bendilani Group of Companies.
Anushka had always dreamed of working there. For as long as she could remember, she had admired Bendilani's groundbreaking advancements in cybersecurity. To her, the company represented innovation, prestige, and the perfect blend of challenge and fulfillment.
But no matter how many times she applied, she was always rejected. Her lack of formal IT qualifications was the constant barrier. Bendilani required degrees—multiple degrees, in some cases. It didn't matter how skilled or experienced she was; without the credentials, she was invisible to them.
Still, she refused to give up. This time, she had applied as an intern trainee—a step down from her current skill level but perhaps the only way to get her foot in the door.
The thought of being rejected again made her stomach churn, but she pushed the doubt aside.
Just as she was about to rise from her bed, her phone buzzed with another notification. It was an email from Bendilani Group of Companies. Her heart raced as she clicked on it.