Vijay Desai sat in his spacious office, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the array of family photos on his desk. He picked up his phone, hesitating for a moment before dialing Lakshmi Ajji's number. He needed to talk about Sanju, the girl with incredible artistic talent. "Namaste, Ajji," Vijay greeted as Lakshmi answered. After exchanging pleasantries, Vijay broached the subject of Sanju's potential employment. "Ajji, I was hoping to get more details about Sanju. I want to talk to her in person today and get her offer letter rolled out if she is interested in it."

Lakshmi's voice brightened. "Vijay, I'm so glad you called. Sanju is staying at the Abhaya Hasta orphanage with her grandfather. I will inform her that you will be meeting her today." With the details in hand, Vijay felt a surge of excitement. He could already envision how Sanju's creativity could bring a fresh perspective to their game project. Later that day, Vijay visited the orphanage. He found Sanju teaching a group of children, her face alight with passion and kindness. As the class ended, he approached her. He was surprised to see that she was the girl who helped soothe his son in the hospital a few days back. 

Vijay greeted her. Sanju was surprised to see him here. As they started to talk, Vijay broached the topic gently, mentioning how he had seen her art portfolio through Lakshmi Ajji and was impressed. "Sanju, we have a game project coming up, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining our team for it."

Sanju's eyes sparkled with excitement, a feeling she hadn't quite expected. "A game project? For me? But I've never done anything like that before," she responded, her voice tinged with a blend of nervousness and thrill.

"Yes, Sanju," Vijay said reassuringly. "Your artistic talent really stands out, and we think you could add something special to our project. Don't worry about training; we'll guide you through everything you need to know."

Sanju's initial excitement, however, quickly turned to apprehension. She hesitated before sharing her concerns, "I'm really grateful, but... my English isn't strong. I can read and write basic English, but speaking... well, it's quite broken. And I've never really used a computer. I don't want to let you down."

Vijay smiled, his confidence unshaken. "Sanju, your talent in art is what we need. As for English and computer skills, everyone starts somewhere. We don't expect you to be perfect from the start. We have training programs and language courses, and we're prepared to support you every step of the way."

Seeing her uncertainty linger, Vijay added, "Think of it as a new canvas, Sanju. Just like art, you'll learn, adapt, and grow. We believe in you, not just for your skills, but for your willingness to learn and your determination."

Sanju listened, absorbing his words. The fear of stepping into unknown territory was palpable, but so was the excitement of new possibilities. Vijay's assurance and the promise of support lit a new spark within her. It was a daunting path, but one that she now felt ready to embark upon.

The conversation shifted to the specifics of the job – the creative freedom she would have, the support for her training as and when needed, and the opportunity to grow as an artist. Sanju's initial hesitation gave way to a spark of hope and enthusiasm. Armed with the insights provided by Ajji, Vijay understood Sanju's strong sense of self-respect and her reluctance to accept unearned assistance. With this in mind, he crafted a plan to bring her on as an intern, offering a respectable stipend. This approach would not only respect her dignity but also allow her to showcase her talent, paving the way for a permanent role. His encounter with Sanju at the hospital had sparked a sense of fraternal protectiveness in him, and learning about her life further fueled his desire to support her.

As Sanju nodded in agreement to the job, a tide of gratefulness engulfed her. She saw this chance as a blessing from Lord Shri Ram, steering her onto an uncharted path. Vijay outlined the terms of her internship, offering her a monthly stipend of 25,000 Rs during her initial period, with prospects of a revised salary upon her eventual confirmation. Emotions swelled within Sanju, tears of happiness and thankfulness brimming in her eyes as she struggled to contain her exhilaration. Every heartbeat echoed her joy. Vijay, witnessing the radiant joy and steadfast determination on her face, felt a deep sense of validation in his decision to hire her and the way in which he decided to hire her. He gently instructed her to report to the office reception at 9 AM the following Monday and exchanged contact details with her, ensuring she had support whenever needed.

On Monday morning, Sanju, dressed in her best half saree – a garment she had worn throughout her teenage years – stepped out of the orphanage with a heart full of dreams and eyes sparkling with determination. This was no ordinary day; it was the beginning of her journey in the bustling city of Bengaluru, a stark contrast to the simplicity of her village life. Taking the bus, Sanju navigated the unfamiliar streets, her mind a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety. As the towering building of AI Works came into view, her heart skipped a beat. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined working in such a monumental establishment. Walking into the grandiose lobby, Sanju felt a wave of overwhelming awe. She approached the reception, her traditional attire with long thick hair braided beautifully drawing curious glances from the sleekly dressed employees. The receptionist, momentarily taken aback by Sanju's appearance, regained composure and directed her to the HR department.

In the HR office, Sanju's fingers trembled slightly as she signed her offer letter. The office buzzed with activity. The employees' sideways glances and hushed whispers did not escape her notice. She could sense their puzzlement – was she a misfit in this world of corporate sophistication? After completing the formalities, Sanju was introduced to Usha, her lead in the Creative Design Department. Usha, a kind-hearted woman, had been briefed by Vijay about the new intern's unique background. She greeted Sanju warmly, offering a reassuring smile that eased some of Sanju's nervousness.

Usha led Sanju to the art room, a space that seemed like a slice of paradise to Sanju. The room was filled with high-quality art supplies, more than Sanju had ever seen in her life. Usha explained her first assignment: to paint her favorite landscape from her village on a canvas as big as 10ft x 10 ft . This task, though seemingly simple, was a strategic move by Vijay to validate Sanju's talent in the eyes of her colleagues.

Immersed in her element, Sanju began to paint, her brushstrokes reflecting the beauty and tranquility of her village. Time seemed to stand still as she poured her heart and soul onto the canvas. The familiar landscapes of her home took shape, her nostalgia and love for her roots evident in every detail. Lunchtime came and went, but Sanju, lost in her art, barely noticed. It wasn't until 6:30 PM, when Usha gently reminded her that the office was closing, that Sanju realized how late it was. She packed her things, her heart filled with contentment from a day spent doing what she loved.

This routine persisted throughout the week, and Sanju's presence in the office stirred a mix of curiosity and envy. Whispers and sidelong glances followed her as she moved through the corridors. A faction of employees in the design department, tinged with jealousy over her direct internship placement without a traditional interview process, fueled rumors about the "village illiterate" in their midst. Her modest attire and lack of formal education only intensified their covert ridicule. These employees, struggling to reconcile her unconventional entry into their world with their own experiences of rigorous interviews and competitive selection processes, found it easier to dismiss her as an anomaly rather than acknowledge her unique talents. Sanju, however, remained largely oblivious to these undercurrents, focused solely on her art and the incredible opportunity she had been given. Each day, she arrived with the same enthusiasm with a big smile, her passion for her work undimmed by the whispers around her.

As the first week neared its end, Sanju put the finishing touches on her landscape painting – a work that beautifully encapsulated the soul of her village. The colors and textures she used brought the scene to life with an authenticity and vibrancy that could only come from someone intimately connected with that world. Usha, upon witnessing the completed masterpiece, was deeply moved by the profound depth and craftsmanship in Sanju's work.

The next Monday, in a proud display of her talent, Vijay arranged for Sanju's painting to be showcased in the design department's lobby. The employees, initially drawn by curiosity, soon found themselves enveloped in admiration as they stood before the painting. Sanju's art silenced any skepticism, eloquently communicating her extraordinary and yet unrecognized talent.

From that moment, perceptions shifted dramatically within the design department. Sanju transformed in the eyes of her colleagues from a simple village girl with long hair to a respected artist whose work spoke volumes of her innate abilities. This shift heralded a change in the office's culture, fostering an appreciation for diversity and an understanding that true talent knows no social or educational boundaries. Sanju was warmly welcomed into the team, her workspace equipped with state-of-the-art digital art tools, indicative of the team's eagerness to witness her creative evolution.

However, it soon became apparent that Sanju lacked basic computer skills. Recognizing the importance of this in her role, Usha discussed the matter with Vijay. They agreed on enrolling Sanju in a month-long computer course, aimed at equipping her with the fundamental skills needed in digital art. This step not only reflected AI Works' commitment to nurturing her talent but also Sanju's unwavering dedication to learning and growing in her new environment. As Sanju embarked on this journey of learning and creativity, she felt a profound sense of purpose and belonging. Her path, illuminated by the guiding light of her talent and the support of those who believed in her, was leading her to new realms of possibility and achievement.