It was my second day at work and I was late, all because of that asshole. My boss blew up at me. But somehow, I handled the situation. After my shift Erika and Carter came to pick me up. I was in the city of my dreams. And I wanted to be lost in its crowd. Even though in just an hour I couldn’t have seen everything. It my new life actually had begun from that hour.

We visited the Times Square, and my god what a vibrant place it is. The sky-high buildings and onslaught of entertainment centres gives you a different kind of chill. People roaming around in cars or on bikes. Some

After our fun-ride at the Times square, we came back to the hostel. Erika and me went to our respective rooms and Carter went back to his dorms. After taking a bath and changing into to black track pants and a white T-shirt I took my assignment and headed towards the cafeteria. I had to save money so I didn’t each much at the bar, this place was exquisite but was also immensely expensive. Therefore, I came back and decided to eat at the cafeteria.

When I went there, my fun time was over and tragic moments began. The gladiators were already there. I didn’t want them to notice me so I walked straight towards the corner and punched in my order in the machine and sat. The assignment was tricky, we were asked to design the look of an ancient princess who disguised as a male in the battlefield, for women were restrained to fight. Our professor discussed with us about the main ideas and background of the story. The college with the best play and costumes would be selected to perform at the Broadway theatre. It was crucial for me, for the winner among the five thousand design students of the institutes would be rewarded ten thousand dollars. I really needed that money.

As I dived into my work nearly forgetting about the bunch of crows behind me, one of them came to my table. 

“Hey, do you mind if I sit here?” He asked. He was tall, dressed in dark blue hoodie and grey shorts along with white loafers. If I wasn’t so frustrated at their existence, I would have admired his looks. He had sharp features, plump pink lips and greyish blue eyes. His skin tone was a shade dull than Black and his smile was soft. But their looks and smile were more the reason they couldn’t be trusted. Because these were enough to fool people, but I had no such plans.

“Yes, I do.” I said point-blank. I had no intentions in mingling up with any of them, these guys were bad news. And I was better away from them.

“Look, I know we got up on the wrong foot. But that was just that, being a fresher, a little teasing was mandatory right? We were just pulling your leg.” He cajoled me into talking to him, while taking a seat. These guys really are self-entitled fucks.

“A little teasing? Didn’t you want to fuck me or play with me. Is that how you rag a fresher. It wasn’t just a senior junior interaction. It was a live warning from your gang to me, that if I came in your way you guys would harass me.” I showed him that he can’t just insult me one time and sweet talk with me the other.

“I know it was a little offensive, but we didn’t mean to brag about our power. You we never unnecessarily disturb anyone, until they themselves obstruct our path. And to be honest you were stuck in our path, and that’s the ritual basically. If you think you’re capable of dealing with us then we give you an equal chance. And as a matter of fact, you stood your ground. Tough girl I must say.” He appreciated me, really. His behaviour was entirely different from what it was yesterday. And why did he want to clear things out with me, they’re the fucking gladiators right? Why would they want to clear things with me or be friendly with me?

“I don’t care about you and your weird gang. Yeah, but if you guys trouble me then I won’t stay quiet. So, stay away from me as you do from others.” I stated

“Fair enough. But don’t get me wrong, I just wanted to break the ice. There aren’t any hidden agendas here, neither my group is going to trouble you. It was me who saw you and wanted to talk. That’s it.” He elaborated but I wasn’t interested in talking to any of them.

“That’s good but I sorry I am busy right now. Can we talk later?” I tried dismissing me.

“Yeah sure. By the I am Nate.” He got his hand towards me to shake. He was trying to be innocent but I wasn’t convinced. The way was looking into my eyes. He was oozing danger.

So, rather than shaking hand with him I said. “You must have known my name by now.” I curtly said.

“True that” He chuckled massaging the back of his hand. “Would you like to go out with me. I mean just to hang out and explore more of this city. I know this city in and out. What’s say?” He offered. Is he crazy? Why would I go out with a stranger?

“Why would you want to hangout with me while you friend threatens to play with mw. Are you guys on to something?” I said with a mock grin.

“I know my group is weird and I don’t about Black but I would really like to show you around. I even had some good design internships which fresher’s generally want, with a great pay.” He said but wait a minute how did he…?

“How do you know I am a design student and I need an internship?” I asked.

“Looking at the books and papers your working on and about the internship. It’s common sense, New York is an expensive city, students often go for these internships.” He mentioned but I still was doubtful. However, I could ask him about the internships. Maybe I could get some help.

“I’ll go with you. But on one condition! Your gang won’t come with us. We will go along with my friend, Erika. Not to explore New York but to discuss the internships. That’s it.” I said strongly. I didn’t want his group around me and especially that jerk but with Erika it would be fine.

“Okay fine. I’ll see you tomorrow. By the way can I get your number just to text you the time and location?” He asked.

“No way. When we meet tomorrow, we’ll decide then and there. After this formal discussion we would be done for good.” I tersely said meaning every word of it.

“As you feel like. So, I’ll take you’re leave then Good night.” He smiled and went away.

“Good night” I said fake smiling. As I turned my back to see if they were discussing about me or making fun of me. I saw Black staring at me wide eyes, as though angry about something. But who cares?

I went back to working on my assignment. After sometime when I was done eating and had completed my work, there was a loud noise in the cafeteria. I jerked a little, turning around I saw Nate on the floor holding his nose and Black standing over the table looking at him ferociously.

“Dare you speak any more non-sense and I’d shove you’re head in the ground.” Black shouted and left kicking away the chairs in his way. I wonder what could have happened that he hit him. Was it because Nate had asked to help me?

Its so much better to keep a distance with these guys.

 
“Are you sure about this?” Erika asked, passing me her sipper. We were sitting in the volleyball playground. We came here to play after our classes. Since I came here, I haven’t really exercised or have gone for jogging. Back in Mumbai I used to go for a regular run. But here amidst all the settling and adjusting I hadn’t got any time. So, I decided to play volleyball that day. I was a volleyball champ in school, but never really took it that seriously, it was just a hobby. Girls here were professional and competitive. They were gearing up for the upcoming tournaments. However, when they saw me playing, they were kind of impressed and allowed me in their practise session. 

“I know its not just a great idea. But you know I am really struggling for a good job. The bookstore thing is okay but it isn’t enough at all, and I don’t even enjoy it too. So, I was already thinking about finding something more interesting. Seeking help from him could be troublesome, but as you said they control this place, if he helps me by just referring me some good options. Then it would help me a lot. My dad’s been suffering and I really need a proper reliable work with a good pay.” I tried to convince her even though I was suspicious as to why would he help me. It could be a prank or some sort of dirty game they would like to play. But anyways I just wanted to try my luck.

“These guys never just help you. They always want something in return. Profit is what they survive on.” She warned me and even I was not sure why did he out of the blue wanted to talk to me, in fact help me. It was strange though that, his friend on one hand was downright rude and obnoxious. And on the other hand, Nate wanted to help me. Was I landing my self into trouble or maybe I was overthinking? I mean what did I anyways do to offend them so much so that they would play games with me. Whatever it was, I had to go to meet him.

“I know but that’s why you’re coming with me. That was the condition.” I said.

“Wait! What? Excuse me?” She didn’t know that she would be accompanying me too.

“Yes, you are. I wouldn’t go without you” I affirmed.

“Are you out of your mind Vinni? I mean here I am asking you not to go, and you are telling me that I have to go too. No ways I ain’t going.” She panicked. I know she would. Everyone there would behave like that.

“See, I understand your concern. And don’t worry it will just be the three of us. It’ll be fine okay?” I assured her.

“But---?” She pressed more but I wouldn’t go without her.

“He would be meeting us in the cafeteria and if we didn’t go then he will come after us. Do you want that? Because that definitely could be dangerous.” I tried to convince her but she looked rather afraid.

“No, please no. I’ll come with you.” And finally, I won.

“Oh, thank you so much Erika. I owe you big time.” I hugged her in excitement. We went to the cafeteria. As it was day time after the classes it was totally packed and Nate wasn’t there anyways so after waiting for sometime we went to the basket ball court. I had assumed I would find him there. At first, I felt why was I even bothering, I could straight away go to my room. But I didn’t want him to barge in my room like his uncivilised friend.

“Let’s go Vinni. I am telling you nothing good will come out of meeting him.” Erika pleaded, and even I agreed because the basketball court was empty.

“Okay, let’s go. He isn’t here so.” I spoke. But just as I was about to leave, I saw Nate walking towards us from a distance. He was wearing a white shirt and dark blue pants with brown sneakers. I hadn’t noticed but he was really charming. His hair was dark brown, with the under-cut hairstyle. He had a tattoo up his neck and another one on his fore arm. The sleeves of his shirt were nicely folded up and he looked decent yet funky.

“Hey” He said standing in front of us. Even though I was a kind of take away by him but I didn’t forget who he was and what he was capable of.

“You’re late. And couldn’t you already be present at one place where you want to meet us. We aren’t fools searching for you in the whole college.” I sternly said. I know I was being rude but he had to know that it was strict business.

“I know, but that’s why I asked you for your number and I came at the cafeteria and saw you leaving. So, I followed you here.” He said. What do I say now? I looked at Erika but she was in some other world. She was looking at Nate as if she was going to eat her. And I guess she was petrified of these guys.

“Yeah, whatever. This is Erika my friend.” I gestured towards Erika and also pinched her to bring her down to earth.

“Hey, you good?” He brought his hand to Erika. But she was not in her senses. I jerked her and she shook her hand with her.

“Hiiiii! I am... am Erika. And you? Sorry you’re Nate everyone knows.” She chuckled weirdly. Both me and Nate were confused.

“Yeah! So, you’ll ready? Let’s go then?” He asked.

“Wait? Where do you think we are going? I told you yesterday, that its just a discussion about the internships. You tell me about some good ones and I’ll hunt them down on my own.” I blurted out.

“Look Erika, I am not some counsellor or a job website, whom you ask certain questions and you’ll get a compact list of top 50 internships. I wanted to help you but even you have to cooperate. I know you don’t trust me, and I don’t care either. However, the sight you registered on for internships is my company. We offer internships to college students who are talented and smart and are looking for work to earn a living. We have offered such internships to thousands of students. As I realised that you came all the way from India and are new to this institute you might want to know about the sight you logged into.” He enunciated. His company, now he had a company of his own too. Actually, why not this whole city belongs to these guys what’s in a company.

“So ‘The Maverick Creators’ is your company and you will help me with it?” I was so shocked. I mean how could it be that everywhere I was going these guys were ubiquitous.

“Yeah, and as the founder I thought to just help you out. I generally don’t individually advise people and if I do I charge a hefty amount. But last night I saw a bit of your work while I was passing by your table. And I have to say you’re really good, I mean the way you were so engrossed in working out even the minute details of the garment, really impressed me. Therefore, I thought I could just ask you to come for an interview directly. I have done this before. I have a sight for good talent and I never let go of such opportunities. So?”

Wow, I mean just wow. I thought these guys are good for nothing, just some silly rich spoiled brats. But no, he runs his own company. However, his dad surely must have helped him. ‘The Maverick Creators’ is a one of the best companies that offered amazing internships and jobs. It typically hunts down young blood who have skill and talent but are unaware what to do with it. They conduct a competency test if you aren’t sure which field you could work in and provide you with the best kind of job or internship. The difference between the two basically is that, if you don’t have any experience but you can work hard with a specific talent of yours’s, this company provides the right kind of training too. Only condition is that you need have a unique skill in a particular field, whichever it is, Arts, Commerce, Management, Science any extra-curricular activities like singing, dancing, panting, photography,etc. While a person with a job already has experience and is ready to work on some official designations of the company. It genuinely is the best site that works for sophomore and grads students. Many of them who were aimless at a point are now doing some extra-ordinary work. I applied here when I was I in Mumbai even before I got an admission here. Because it operates not only in New York but around the world developing young minds. I was really excited to work here. And now when I come across the owner himself, I don’t know how to react.

“If you are the founder of this company, then why there isn’t any information about you on the website. The founder of the company’s information was shown unavailable, there isn’t any mention of you. Are you seriously fucking with me right now?” I argued

“It’s a company policy Vinni. If everyone knew that I am the founder of this company, half of them won’t join it because of my influence and half of them would come after me for recommendation. And before you ask why I disclosed my identity to you, let me tell you, that you would be our company’s employee and according to our company’s policy you can’t disclose these personal details. And if you did, you’d be sued for life, you career would be finished.” He elaborated.

“But how are you so sure that I will become this company’s employee? What if I don’t join?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“You won’t do that. I have read your application; you really want an internship here. Why would you deny it when you can directly get in. This offer is a fantastic opportunity for any candidate, hunting for such high-paid internships. You get what I am saying?” He chuckled.

“So, when you have already planned everything then why pull this charade of taking me out and helping me with internships?” I enquired.

“Who do you think you are to ask so many fucking questions?” A voice came from behind. Oh god! Titling my head to the side I saw Black standing behind Nate, hands in pocket. He was in white track pants and a black sando. Unlike Nate he had more tattoos and his body was more muscular. In fact, he was taller and unfortunately hotter.

He came towards us and stood aside Nate.

“Why do you think that everyone in this world is answerable to you?” Blacked said contemptuously. And the reaction was mutual.

“Why do you think you are to always poke your nose in between?” I taunted back.

“Just shut-up and listen to him. You should be grateful to him for offering an impeccable internship. Thankless bitch.” He scowled at me.

“Mind your tongue okay? How dare you called me a bitch? Who do you think you are to talk to me like that? And I never asked your friend to offer me this job, he came after me faking to help me. So, stop flattering your-self you dumbfuck.” I yelled at him.

“God why are you so sensitive? It’s so easy to instigate you. Are you that immature? Baby girl?” He scoffed.

“Fuck You” I retorted

“You wish darling, but look at you. Who would even touch you?” He was insulted me again but I didn’t lose my cool again.

“At least you won’t and that’s the best part.” I stared right into his eyes and this time he was flared up to.

“You—” He tried coming towards me but Nate blocked him.

“Hey, hey just hang on you two, okay?” Nate held him by the chest and looked at me.

“Listen Vinni don’t mind him. He just like to tease people. I genuinely want you to join my company, at least come for the interview.” Nate urged.

“No, not at all. It’s better that I am in no way associated with you guys. You guys just stay away from me, okay?” I said and began to leave but just then….

“You don’t get the simplest thing, right? Always a stubborn fool.” He came near me almost at an inch distance.

“Just get the fuck away.” I stared him wide-eyed.

“Or what? Huh!” He held me by my shoulders jerking me towards him. However, I was so enraged that even that didn’t budge me I kept staring at him. Maybe that’s what pricked him. I was into his face in his arms ready to burn him with my rage.