Aahan looked at his father and brother and waited impatiently for their review. He had just presented his start-up idea to them and wanted to know what they thought about it.

Aahan Oberoi is the younger son of Mahendra Oberoi, the leading industrialist of India. He was born with a silver spoon but never took it for granted.

His father was a man of principles and believed that one should never forget their roots no matter how high they get. Both Aahan and his brother, Saksham were raised with this ideal. 

Aahan wouldn’t say that he had struggled a lot but he also did not get everything served on a platter. His brother, Saksham, too had to prove his worth. He had a business of his own which he started four years ago.

It was Aahan’s turn now. Aahan had created an AI powered unisex pendant named SouLink designed to detect emotional compatibility and attraction between individuals. The pendant used biometric sensors, micro-expression analysis and affective computing algorithms to interpret subtle emotional cues and social signals.

And the plus point was that he got it custom designed according to the user’s preferences so no one would really know if someone is wearing a normal necklace or a SouLink.

“I like the concept. It’s new and definitely interesting. But purpose kya hai? If I look from a purchaser's perspective, why would I want to buy it?”

(But what is the purpose?)

His brother questioned and Aahan answered.

“Because in a world of superficial swipes and curated profiles, SouLink offers something rare…authentic emotional recognition. SouLink is built on emotional compatibility and is not just tech but jewellery with a soul. Trends fade, but love…when real…transcends time.”

His brother seemed satisfied but then his father quipped.

“And what is the guarantee that it will work? Do you have any testimonies to present?”

That got him silenced. That was where the problem lied. Where was he supposed to get testimonies from if people are not willing to purchase it because they need testimonies.

“Your idea is amazing Aahan. Lekin logo ko yakeen kaise dilwaoge? Give them results. Show them that your product is worth it.”

(But how will you convince people?)

Aahan nodded. He and his team sat in the office discussing how they could promote their product and get people’s trust. 

“Sir was right, Aahan. We need some testimonies.”

“I know that Parth. But how do we do that? We cannot ask for someone to test it out for us because people are going to call it rigged. Hum internally bhi test conduct kre toh bhi logo ko fake hi lagega.”

(Even if we conduct the test internally, people will think it is fake.)

“But market mai launch krne se pehle hume test toh krna padega na sir. How else can we convince the people agar hume khud hi doubt hoga toh.”

(But we have to test it before launching in the market. How else can we convince the people if we only doubt it.)

Another member of his team, Priyanshi said and Aahan nodded. 

“I know that Priyanshi. And that is why we are here. To decide ki kya kra jaaye.”

(To decide what to do.)

All of them looked at each other and went into thought. After some deliberation, Kriyansh spoke.

“Sir…we can try one thing. Ek ad release krte hai and let’s select someone at random. To help us conduct this test. Hum iss test ke har phase ko live record krke upload kr skte hai. One of us can always be with the person we select and record their movements to test how SouLink works.”

(Let’s release an ad and let’s select someone at random….We can upload every phase of this test.)

“You mean like a live vlog.”

“Yes sir.”

“Idea bura nhi hai. But why would someone be willing to help us with the test?”

(The idea isn’t bad.)

Shruti asked and Kriyansh gave her a deadpanned look.

“We pay them of course.”

Shruti rolled her eyes and all of them looked at Aahan who was still contemplating.

“I like Kriyansh’s idea. We can do it. Anyway we have to start somewhere. Aise baithe rehne se kuch nhi hoga. Priyanshi! Get the ad made and released on all social media platforms.”

(Nothing will happen if we keep sitting like this.)

“Yes sir.”

“Parth! I want the software checked and thoroughly scanned for any corrections.”

“On it!”

“Shruti! Get SouLink pendants designed for all of us and a few extras.”

Shruti too nodded and Kriyansh waited for his instruction. Aahan turned to Kriyansh and said.

“And Kriyansh! You’ll be in-charge of selecting the right person for this test.”

Kriyansh nodded and all of them got to work. By the next week, they had received multiple entries for the interview. People were showing interest in their product. 

Priyanshi was releasing daily vlogs indicating the countdown which made the audience hooked. The number of subscribers was increasing exponentially. Aahan and everyone saw hope. They just prayed that their product did well. Everything depended on the algorithm now.

Priyanshi edited the final video before the interview. They were going to do the interview tomorrow. They had so many entries that the interviews had to be scheduled on 5 consecutive days. 

Aahan’s father and brother have invested seeing the interest in the product. Aahan was going to select 5 people in all. 

All 5 of those people would be recorded by all 5 of them and the results would be compiled for each one. To test the diversities. They even shortlisted an age criteria and other factors to make sure that the product is suitable for all ages and all kinds of people.

Day 1 of the interview started. People were swarming in. They had to go through a thorough process involving three steps. The first one was going to be a short emotional questionnaire. Apart from general questions about the person’s personal details, the following questions were included.

What does emotional connection mean to you?

Describe a moment when you felt truly understood or emotionally seen.

What excites you about trying SouLink?

How comfortable are you with sharing your thoughts and feelings during this test?

Would you be open to wearing a pendant that gently responds to emotional resonance with others?

The first day was just about the questionnaire and observing the body language of the interviewees.

Priyanshi made BTS videos of the Day and uploaded them as a Vlog on their channel. The response was huge. They were trending. #SouLink was trending. People were starting to get hooked.