The soft hum of Bangkok stirred with life as dawn gently broke over the horizon. Pale gold light spilled across the city, bathing its skyscrapers and ancient temples in a warm, sleepy glow. The early morning air was thick with humidity and laced with the rich aroma of jasmine, lemongrass, and freshly brewed coffee that drifted from the food stalls beginning to set up for the day. Motorbikes zipped past the narrow alleyways like clockwork insects, and vendors wheeled out their carts, preparing skewers of grilled meat, fruit with chili salt, and plastic cups filled with sweet iced Thai tea.
In a modest apartment tucked above a bustling street market, Aarohi stirred beneath the thin cotton sheets. Her long, dark hair spilled over her pillow like silk ink, catching the golden morning light that streamed through the half-open balcony door. The soft chatter of the market below reached her ears, a strange comfort in the unfamiliar city.
She yawned and stretched like a cat, blinking against the brightness. "Why is it already so hot? It's not even 7 AM," she mumbled groggily.
From the other room came a dramatic groan. "Because, dear Aarohi, welcome to tropical paradise," Rhea called out. "Where your makeup melts faster than ice cream on a pan!"
Aarohi laughed and rolled out of bed, her legs tangling briefly in the sheet. She padded to the bathroom, brushing her teeth while eyeing her reflection in the mirror. Her dusky skin glowed with a hint of tan from the previous day's walk, and her large, almond-shaped eyes still held the trace of sleep.
Ten minutes later, she emerged wrapped in a towel, toweling her hair dry. Rhea was already seated cross-legged on the couch, a clay face mask smeared all over her face. She looked up, expression blank due to the stiffness of the mask. "Morning routine, babe. Respect it."
Aarohi burst into laughter. "You look like you lost a bet with a bag of cement."
"Beauty is pain," Rhea declared dramatically. "Or in this case, clay and patience."
They moved like synchronized swimmers in their small kitchen, preparing a simple breakfast—toast, fruit, and instant coffee. Outside the window, monks in saffron robes made their rounds for alms, and children in uniforms giggled on their way to school.
"It's peaceful," Aarohi said, sipping her coffee.
"Too peaceful," Rhea grinned. "Let's see if the office is the same."
---
By 8:30 AM, the girls were dressed and ready. Aarohi wore a pale blue blouse tucked into tailored trousers, her hair tied into a sleek ponytail. Rhea had opted for a printed midi dress and a white cardigan, her style always a bit more flamboyant.
As they stepped out, the city was in full motion. Tuk-tuks buzzed down the road, their horns joining a chorus of morning hustle. The girls hopped into a cab arranged by the company.
"Do you think they'll have a coffee machine?" Rhea asked.
"If not, I'm revolting. I need caffeine to survive work."
"Same. If they serve only green tea, I'm going full dramatic mode."
---
The office was a 12-story building tucked in the business district, its exterior glass reflecting the cottony clouds above. As they stepped into the lobby, they were greeted by a wave of cool air-conditioning and the subtle scent of lavender air fresheners.
The receptionist, a young woman with short hair dyed lavender at the tips, looked up and smiled warmly.
"Sawasdee ka! You must be the new interns. I'm Mint."
"Hi, I'm Rhea. This is Aarohi."
"Pim, our HR manager, is waiting upstairs. Welcome to Veerayut Media Group!"
They took the elevator up, nervous energy bouncing between them like static.
The doors opened into a modern office that looked like it belonged in a design magazine. Open floor plan. White desks with pops of greenery. A coffee bar. And a large neon sign on the back wall that read: Create. Connect. Captivate.
Pim, clad in a pastel pink suit and kitten heels, approached with a warm smile. "Welcome again! Follow me, I'll show you around."
---
The tour was brisk but comprehensive. There was the main workspace where the marketing team worked, the editorial wing filled with clicking keyboards, a meeting zone with glass rooms named after Thai cities, and a cozy chill-out lounge.
"This is where magic—and stress—happens," Pim joked. "And there's the coffee machine, by the way. Premium."
"Bless you," Rhea whispered, dramatically wiping an imaginary tear.
Then came introductions.
The team was a lively mix of personalities. There was:
Piya, a social media strategist with bright pink glasses and a bubbly laugh that filled the room.
Jayden, the half-Thai, half-British graphic designer, quiet and brooding with headphone always on, but who gave a tiny smile when introduced.
Nam, the always-organized project manager who carried three phones and never seemed flustered.
Lek, a quirky IT guy with a coffee obsession who had a new t-shirt slogan every day.
By lunchtime, Aarohi and Rhea were already chatting with Piya and Nam, learning about the company culture.
"Fridays are 'foodie days,'" Piya explained. "We order from a different famous place in Bangkok. Be ready for spice."
"And birthdays mean karaoke. No exceptions," Nam added with mock seriousness.
"Even if you can't sing," Lek chimed in from his desk.
"Especially if you can't," Jayden murmured without looking up.
Everyone laughed. The atmosphere was professional but friendly, filled with laughter and teasing.
---
Later in the afternoon, Aarohi found herself at her desk, looking at her task list. It felt surreal, being in this new space, surrounded by strangers that already felt somewhat like allies. She glanced across to see Rhea chatting animatedly with Piya about trending reels and TikToks.
Her phone buzzed with a message from home. A simple "Good luck today" from her mother.
She smiled softly but didn't reply. Not yet. She wasn't ready to share this world with anyone back home. This place, this job, this life—was just hers.
As the sun dipped low and the office lights dimmed to a soft glow, Pim called everyone together for a brief team wrap-up. She congratulated the interns on a great first day and promised a more structured training schedule starting tomorrow.
As Aarohi packed her bag, Jayden passed by and paused briefly.
"Not bad for your first day," he said, glancing at her with a small smirk.
She blinked, surprised. "Thanks. You too... for existing quietly in a chaotic room."
He chuckled and walked off.
Rhea bumped her shoulder as she appeared beside her. "Oh ho. Someone's already flirting with the office mystery man."
"He was being polite," Aarohi said, rolling her eyes.
"Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that."
---
Back at the apartment, they threw off their work clothes and collapsed onto the couch.
"I love it here," Rhea said simply.
"Me too," Aarohi agreed.
She leaned back, her heart full but calm. The city outside sparkled like a dream, and inside, her soul felt lighter. There was so much unknown. So much yet to come.
But for now, she was exactly where she needed to be.
---
Cliffhanger: As Aarohi scrolled through her company's social media page before bed, a tagged photo from two months ago caught her eye. A company dinner. And there, standing next to Jayden in the corner of the picture, was a face she never thought she'd see again.
Her hand froze on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat.
"No… it can't be."
---