Bella stepped gracefully out of the taxi, her gaze lifting to the imposing facade of Victoria Entertainment Company.
"How much?" she asked the driver, her tone calm yet distant, already half-absorbed in thoughts of the day ahead.
"Six hundred rupees," came the reply, jolting her back to the moment. Six hundred rupees? She blinked, momentarily taken aback. The price seemed excessive, almost audacious. How could such a short ride cost so much? Were there no regulations in this city?
The driver, noticing her pause, grew restless. "Look, miss, I've got other fares waiting," he said, his voice laced with impatience.
Suppressing a sigh, Bella swallowed her irritation and mustered a polite smile. She pulled out the six hundred rupees and handed it over, more out of resignation than agreement. He snatched the money as if fearing she might change her mind. She didn't want to start her first day at the new company with a quarrel over cab fare.
With a soft, steadying breath, Bella adjusted her hair, smoothing it back from her forehead, and turned her gaze back to the building before her. She wasn't alone; people streamed in around her, each carrying their own silent burdens and dreams. She watched them for a moment, feeling both alone and connected. Then, joining the steady flow, she stepped forward, one more hopeful among many, ready to begin.
Bella approached the reception, collected her temporary ID, swiped it, and entered the production area.
The building stretched out in every direction, filled with people and purpose. She'd been directed to the Webtoon production team on the lower floor, so she headed down, her offer letter clutched in hand. After a brief wait at the team's reception, she was called into the manager's office.
Standing at the doorway, Bella took a steadying breath, resting her hand on the door handle. With a soft knock, she asked,
"May I come in, sir?"
"Yes," came the reply. Bella stepped inside, closed the door quietly behind her, and turned—only to feel a rush of disbelief as she recognized the man in front of her.
"Bella…" Sanjay's voice held an unmistakable tone of surprise, his eyes widening as he looked at her.
And suddenly, Bella remembered. Of course, she thought. Sanjay wasn't just her new manager. He was the same man who'd hit her scooter with his car just last week. She could still picture it—the sudden collision, her shock, and the frustration that had turned to irritation as he insisted she sign a statement saying she wouldn't hold him liable. How could she forget?
"Yes, sir," Bella replied, managing a polite smile as she took a seat, hiding her own surprise behind a professional facade.
"Are you okay now?" Sanjay asked, his gaze lingering on her, trying to read her expression. Bella gave a slight nod, unwilling to rehash the memory of their encounter.
"So, the famous 'B.S.'—is that Bella Sebastian?" he asked, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Bella couldn't tell if he was genuinely amused or still a little surprised. She remained silent, letting him speak.
"Miss Bella, why so quiet? Don't you remember me?" he asked, his voice turning teasing. "Just last week, I bumped your scooter, and you had me scrambling to get everything in order."
"Yes, the scooter incident," Bella replied, her tone cool, as if it barely registered.
"Right, and I had you sign a statement," he chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Bella forced a small smile, though the memory was anything but pleasant.
"So, when does my work begin, sir?" she asked after a pause, steering the conversation back to business.
"Oh, yes—about the work…" Sanjay's tone shifted, though his eyes still sparkled with traces of last week's encounter. He reached for the phone, dialing a number. "But before we get into that, there's someone else who should join us." Bella watched him make the call, her first day already proving more unexpected than she'd imagined.
Bella leaned forward, her gaze fixed on the door, her curiosity piqued about who might be entering. Sanjay observed her with amusement, his lips curling into a quiet smile.
The door opened, and a young man, likely around twenty-five, stepped in. His hair was a wild mass of curls, framing his face beneath an oversized pair of round glasses. Every button on his shirt was done up to the collar, so tightly that Bella wondered if he could even breathe. He looked a bit flustered under Bella's gaze but quickly turned his attention to Sanjay.
"I'm Vicky, sir. Webtoon creator," he introduced himself, his tone a mix of formality and nervous energy.
"Vicky, meet Bella Sebastian," Sanjay said, nodding toward her. "Or should I say, the famous Webtoon artist—'B.S.'"
Vicky's eyes widened, his calm demeanor shattering. A spark lit up in his eyes as he jumped up, nearly knocking over his chair in excitement.
"B.S.? Are you serious? I can't believe it! I'm such a huge fan!" Vicky's voice came out in an eager rush, and Bella was momentarily unsure whether to laugh or feel overwhelmed.
"Thank you," Bella managed, giving a polite smile.
"I've written you so many letters! Do you remember?" Vicky's face was practically glowing with excitement, his enthusiasm boundless. Bella began to realize he might truly be a genuine fan, and she felt an unexpected warmth at the thought.
"B.S., you're a genius—a true Webtoon genius!" Vicky exclaimed, almost as if he were announcing it to the entire world.
"Of Webtoons!" Bella added, catching his infectious energy, her voice holding a hint of playfulness.
"Yes!" Vicky replied, his face alight with joy. "B.S., do you actually remember my letters? I can't tell you how grateful I am." His words started to spill out with such earnestness that Bella noticed his eyes welling up with emotion.
Her mind flashed to the quiet afternoons she'd spent at home, rereading fan letters like his, finding comfort and connection in those small tokens. She gave Vicky a warm smile, reaching out to pat his shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay," she said gently, moved by his heartfelt admiration.
Just then, Sanjay cleared his throat. "Alright, you two…" His voice brought them back to the present, and Bella and Vicky glanced at him, realizing they had nearly forgotten he was there.
"This makes my job easier," Sanjay remarked, his tone light. "The Webtoon department is brand new, right below our production team. So…" He paused, letting them anticipate his words.
"So?" Vicky leaned in, eyes wide, hanging onto every word.
"So, for now, you two are the only ones joining this department," Sanjay finished, watching their expressions.
"You're joking," Vicky said, his tone a mix of surprise and disbelief.
"No, I'm serious," Sanjay said, his tone now taking on the gravity of someone delivering a motivational speech. "You'll need to build this department from scratch."
Bella's thoughts swirled as she processed his words. The reality of joining a company of this magnitude had filled her with high expectations. She had imagined Webtoons being a key focus here, a crown jewel of sorts. But now, as she stood on the threshold of this new chapter, it seemed that Webtoons was just another fledgling project among many. A new experiment.
In that moment, the department felt more like a laboratory—an uncharted territory where ideas were tested and shaped. Bella glanced at Vicky, sitting beside her, and realized that both of them were equally uncertain, two beginners on the same precarious journey. The weight of it all pressed down on her, and for the first time, she felt the full responsibility of what she was stepping into.
"Miss Bella, aren't you going to say anything?" Sanjay's voice cut through her thoughts.
Her mind, overwhelmed with racing thoughts, momentarily blanked. She wanted to speak but found herself frozen, unable to find the words. Then, out of nowhere, she remembered Lal's advice from the previous day—a simple technique he had taught her to regain her composure.
"Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the person in front of you is someone familiar. Open your eyes and say what you need to say."
Bella squeezed her eyes shut, took a steadying breath, and opened them again. She looked at Sanjay.
"So, you're the head of this department, then" Sanjay said before bella could react.Bella said nothing but forced a smile, her mind racing as she processed Sanjay's words. She wasn't sure if she was ready for the weight of the responsibility that now rested on her shoulders, but she knew there was no turning back.
Sanjay seemed to read the moment of hesitation in her silence, but instead of pressing further, he simply nodded, as if acknowledging the internal battle she was fighting. He pushed the papers toward her again.
"Miss Bella, are you ready to sign this agreement?" Sanjay's words felt like a punctuation mark to the swirling chaos inside her
For a moment, everything seemed to slow, and Bella realized that she hadn't really processed the magnitude of what was happening. She was signing away her future in this new world. She felt small, unsure, but also strangely excited.
Sanjay slid the paper across the table, his eyes meeting hers, encouraging yet patient. Bella's fingers hovered over the document, every doubt, every unanswered question hanging heavy in her chest.
"Sign," Sanjay repeated, his voice calm, almost comforting.
Bella hesitated for a fraction of a second. Then, with a deep breath, she picked up the pen, closed her eyes for just a moment, and signed the paper. When she opened her eyes, the weight of the decision still lingered, but there was a sense of finality. The moment had passed.
Vicky, who had been sitting quietly until now, suddenly leaned forward, he didn't even hesitate for a moment. The fact that B.S., his inspiration, had signed it first made him feel as though everything was already set in motion. To him, her signature was more than just a formality—it was a symbol of belief, a beacon that his dreams could now take flight. His heart raced with excitement as he picked up the pen, not even sparing a glance at the document.
With his eyes closed, he signed. He didn't need to read the terms, didn't need to question the path ahead—he trusted Bella, trusted that this was the right decision, the right direction. His signature was a quiet declaration of his commitment to whatever came next.
Bella's heart skipped a beat. She had no idea her name held such reverence for him. But before she could respond, Vicky continued, ""Oh, come on! It was you who inspired me to start writing Webtoons in the first place!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
Sanjay looked at both of them with an approving smile. "Good. Now, let's get to work."
Sanjay gathered the papers, flipping through them quickly before organizing them into a folder and placing it on the table. He stood up and motioned for them to follow. "Come with me," he said, leading them out.
They walked into the vast production area. The space was enormous, with rows of cubicles and personal computers stretching as far as the eye could see. On one side, there was a lounge area, and across the room, a coffee station.
Bella and Vicky exchanged excited glances, high-fiving each other in celebration.
"Hmm," Sanjay muttered, turning to face them. "This is the production area," he said, and both Bella and Vicky nodded in acknowledgment. They turned to listen intently for more details.
.
"And this is your place," Sanjay said, pointing to the opposite side of the room.
Sanjay led them to a small section of the room, opposite the larger production area, where the Webtoon team was set up. It was a modest space, just enough for four people. Behind them, a small corner had a sofa set in the shape of the letter 'c' a casual seating arrangement.
"I wish you all the best," Sanjay said, extending his hand before leaving them to settle in. Bella and Vicky stood still for a moment, taking in their new surroundings. The space wasn't much, but it was a start. Bella sank into a rolling chair, gazing at the computers. They were the latest models, the technology far more advanced than anything she'd used before. She felt a small sense of comfort knowing they had the best tools at their disposal, even if the space itself was still in its infancy.
Vicky, however, looked a little too eager, almost too much like a Webtoon character himself. Bella couldn't help but wonder—was he really as skilled as his enthusiasm suggested? She didn't ask; instead, her attention shifted to the growing rumble in her stomach. She'd forgotten to eat that morning.
She stood up, casting a quick glance at Vicky, and made her way toward the ground floor, her steps steady but filled with quiet anticipation. The cafeteria was located in a spacious, open area just past the elevator, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm food filled the air. The moment she entered, she was greeted by the low murmur of conversation and the clinking of plates and cutlery. It was a comfortable, informal space—exactly the kind of environment she needed to settle her nerves.
The layout was modern yet cozy, with long wooden tables scattered across the room, and large windows that allowed sunlight to pour in, making the space feel warm and inviting. A display counter offered an array of snacks and freshly prepared meals, ranging from hearty sandwiches to light salads.
Bella's stomach growled again, a reminder of the rushed morning she had. She scanned the offerings, her eyes landing on a chocolate croissant and a cup of coffee—simple but satisfying. As she moved toward the counter, she caught sight of a few familiar faces, but her mind was still occupied with the morning's events.
She picked up her meal and found an empty seat by the window, looking out over the company's expansive grounds. As she sipped her coffee and took a bite of her croissant, she let herself relax, allowing the rhythm of the cafeteria to ease some of the tension in her shoulders. The hum of voices, the clatter of plates, the soft laughter in the air—it was all so ordinary, yet it felt like the calm before a storm.
She didn't know exactly what the future would hold here, but for the first time that day, she allowed herself to breathe deeply, letting the comfort of a simple meal wash away the uncertainty that had gripped her since she stepped into the building.