Nitin Mishra
Vivek is a student at a software college. He is in his second year, and he loves programming and coding. His uncle introduced him to computer programming when he was in grade seven, and since then, his infatuation for computers and programming has undergone tremendous growth. He develops complex computer software following various highly sophisticated algorithms. The more difficult the algorithm is, the more exponentially he enjoys implementing it. He often remarks, ‘There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my programming come alive. My programs are like my children, and I love them all equally.
To this genius, there is only one thing that contradicts: his physical appearance—he is a dwarf, with a complexion somewhat mixed with black and brown. He has unevenly spaced teeth. It seems he is missing some of his teeth and on top of that, he never combs his hair. Thanks to these characteristics, he is smitten with a girl who is undoubtedly being chased by the best-looking guy in the whole college. She’s received countless proposals, yet remains uninterested, claiming none meet her standards.
Vivek is aware of all this, which is why he has refrained from ever engaging in conversation with her. In fact, he has never even had the opportunity to be introduced to her. He hasn’t even confided in his closest friend about his feelings for her, as he knows it would become a source of amusement for everyone in college. As a result, he has chosen not to share his emotions with any other friends up until now.
All he does is intently observe the girl from the farthest corner of the college and think and think about her.
Vivek has developed a very keen interest in Artificial Intelligence and knowledge. With that accumulated knowledge he has written a chat program. The program helps him to chat with the computer through a set of highly advanced computer algorithms. He has been testing it for quite some time now. The chat seems to be working for him. Through the lines of code, he has made the chat highly interactive. He has named the program ‘She’ and to provide some identity he has uploaded her photo so every time he strikes up a conversation with the program her image pops up and he believes he is chatting with her. Since he is the creator and architect of the chat program, he can control how the program responds.
Vivek: Hey, how are you?
She: I’m good! How about you?
Vivek: I’m doing fine, thanks.
She: So, what’s new with you?
Vivek: Just busy with classes and assignments. What about you?
She: Same here, lots of work!
Such would be his chat session with ‘She‘. He always thought of new ways to make the ‘She’ program friendlier that responded more in a human way rather than a software code.
Vivek: I saw you at college today and you looked exceedingly pretty.
She: Thanks for the comment, Vivek. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
Vivek: Can I ask for a small favor from you tomorrow?
She: Your wish is my command.
Vivek: Can you please wear blue jeans and a yellow T-shirt for college tomorrow?
She: Sure, why not.
Next day he would go to his college and sit in a spot affording a view of her, turn on his laptop and start conversing with ‘She‘ again. Each time he wrote, he’d picture her reaction to his words as if it were directly from her. That gave him immense pleasure. He knew factually that would never happen, but he was getting all his entertainment through ‘She’. But he always kept silent between his and ‘She’s relationship. He did not want anyone else to be part of his love affair. He loved her so much.
Vivek: Good night …
She: Good night…
Vivek: Talk to you tomorrow morning.
She: Sweet dreams Vivek.
He still trembles when he types ‘Love you’
Vivek: love you.
She: love you too Vivek.
And his early morning always started.
Vivek: Good morning.
She: Good morning, Vivek
Vivek: Did you have any dreams?
She: Yes, about you and me…
Vivek: How wonderful… and I love you.
She: Yes, I love you too.
In truth, he is unable to even confront her. He understands that she would never embrace him due to his physical appearance. Fourteen years have elapsed, and while everyone else has moved on, getting married, having wives and children, Vivek remains unmarried. Furthermore, he has greatly enhanced his ‘She’ program.
Vivek: Your daughter just looks just like you.
She: Where did you see my daughter?
Vivek: At the city mall today. I saw your husband too.
She: Oh! I see.
