At Home –
Guna sat at the dining table, hunched over his laptop, frustration written all over his face. The same error message stared back at him, mocking his failed attempts. No matter what he tried, his AI model refused to work properly. He had already failed this subject twice, and if he didn't pass this time, it would be a disaster.
He sighed, rubbing his temples. Why is this happening? The AI was supposed to recognize objects in images, yet it kept giving nonsense results. He had followed the exact method his lecturer had taught, but it still wasn't working.
Worse, he could feel time slipping. This was the semester that was supposed to change everything. Instead, it was looking like the same old failure—again.
Across the room, Athavan sat calmly in the living room, flipping through a Bhagavad Gita. Guna hesitated, glancing at him. That guy said he was a software developer, right? But still, Guna wasn't convinced. What if he's just bluffing?
Instead of asking for help directly, he turned the laptop toward Athavan and muttered, "If you're really a software guy, fix this."
Athavan barely looked up, setting his book aside. He walked over, glanced at the screen, and within seconds, his fingers moved across the keyboard. He scrolled through the code once, then smirked slightly. "I see the problem."
Guna blinked. That fast?
Athavan typed a few lines, adjusting the program. "Your model isn't learning properly because you're missing something. The method you're using is flawed."
Guna frowned. "What do you mean?"
Athavan didn't answer right away. He pointed at a section of the code. "This function is limiting the way your AI processes images. It forces the model to focus on the wrong patterns, making it fail on purpose."
Guna's stomach dropped. Was that why he kept failing? But this is what his lecturer asked him to do.
Athavan replaced a few lines and ran the program again. The model's accuracy shot up instantly. Guna stared at the results, speechless. His jaw dropped slightly.
Across the room, Archana, who had been silently observing from the kitchen, didn't understand a word of what just happened. But one thing was clear—Athavan had solved something in minutes that her son had been struggling with for months.
She set down the cup she was holding and walked over. "Maapilai."
Athavan looked up. "Yes, Atte?"
She hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Can you help Guna with his studies? If you teach him, I know he'll pass."
Guna still hadn't processed what just happened, but hearing his mother's request, he snapped out of his daze. "Wait—what?"
Athavan leaned back, amused. "You want me to be his tutor?"
Archana nodded. "Yes."
There was a pause. Then, Athavan smirked. "I'll think about it."
At Blue Valley Architect Office
Dhiviya returned to the office in complete contrast to how she had left crying the previous evening. Today, she was back in full confidence mode, and there was even a hint of excitement on her face. She and her team were preparing to present the shortlisted tender projects to Raja Sekaran.
As she walked toward the meeting room, she turned to Punitha, her assistant. "Punitha, double-check the project proposals and ensure the presentations are in order. I want everything to go smoothly when Boss arrives."
Punitha nodded quickly. "Already done, Dhiviya. The team is ready."
Dhiviya smiled in satisfaction. "Good. Let's make sure we impress today."
When Raja Sekaran arrived, Dhiviya quickly noticed the absence of Anjana and Navin. She briefly wondered where those two "animals" had disappeared to, but she quickly refocused on the tender listings.
As they began reviewing the proposals, Dhiviya presented the major projects first, speaking with enthusiasm. "For the Main City Complex, I've already started drafting concepts that focus on sustainable architecture. The design will highlight eco-friendly materials and maximize energy efficiency. This project has huge potential—"
But before she could continue, Raja Sekaran raised a hand, cutting her off. "No need to waste time on this."
Dhiviya blinked. "Sir?"
"We won't be competing for major projects," Raja Sekaran stated firmly. "I don't have the confidence to win them, and I don't want to waste time and resources preparing for this. High competition. We're just small fish compared to those sharks. Our priority is securing multiple small projects instead."
A wave of disappointment crashed over Dhiviya. "But sir, these major projects are a turning point for us. If we secure even one—"
"I've made my decision." Raja Sekaran's tone left no room for argument. "Focus on the minor projects for submission."
Dhiviya clenched her fists under the table, forcing herself to remain composed. All that excitement and preparation—gone in an instant.
Punitha and Shankar, another team member, exchanged disappointed glances. Giving up the game before it even started?
After Raja Sekaran left the meeting room, the trio remained seated, staring at the paperwork that was now useless.
Shankar suddenly looked around to make sure they were alone. Then, in a low whisper, he said, "Why don't we submit as an individual proposal? If our tender gets selected, it could change our lives."
Punitha's eyes glittered. "Yes! If we get the project, we can resign from this company!"
Then, her excitement faded. She looked at Dhiviya with pity.
"Why?" Shankar asked.
"Both of us have no issue," Punitha explained. "But Dhiviya is bonded to this company. She can't resign for the next five years."
Dhiviya hesitated for a while before slowly saying, "Not necessarily. Give me a moment."
She quickly took out her phone, gripping it tightly, hesitation clear in her expression. After a deep breath, she dialed a number and walked to a corner.
The call connected.
"Hello." Athavan's voice came through with a slight smile. Earlier that morning, Dhiviya had saved his number. This was the first time they were speaking on the phone.
"Hello," Dhiviya replied hesitantly.
"Tell me."
"Actually…" she took a deep breath. "Don't misunderstand me. I will pay you back, okay? Since Appa doesn't need the money for surgery anymore, can I use the money to pay my uncle for the education funding? I'm planning to submit an individual tender proposal for a project. If I get selected, I can pay you back soon. I will only do this if I'm selected. What do you think?"
Dhiviya spoke quickly, afraid she would lose the courage to ask.
Athavan didn't reply immediately. There was a pause. He was silent, thinking about the education fund again.
On the other end, Dhiviya felt her heart pounding. Every second of silence felt like standing on thin ice.
Finally, Athavan spoke.
"We'll talk about this once you're back home, okay?" Then, he ended the call.
Dhiviya lowered the phone slowly. Regret crept in.
She stared at the phone, the silence echoing louder than words.
Did I just screw this up?
She slumped back into her chair, the high from earlier crashing down into uncertainty.
The End.