A brown-skinned girl, barely eighteen. Her eyes were shadowed with dark circles, and her veins were clearly visible. She wore a tracksuit.
Ria squinted as a faint light struck her eyes. Blinking slowly, her vision still blurry, she rubbed her eyes, trying to see clearly. A single lamp hung overhead from the ceiling, and only then did she realize she was lying on the floor.
'Where am I? Did they catch me?' she thought.
"Finally! You're awake!" a voice came from directly in front of her.
She lifted her head slightly, curious to see who it was. Her eyes widened. It was a robot—but different from the ones she had faced before. This one had a screen for a face, displaying animated expressions. Its body was armored, with bulging shoulders and elbows, giving it a more humanlike build. But how could she trust a robot?
Ria quickly pushed herself up, hands pressing against the ground. She raised her fists, one near her jaw, legs apart—one in front of the other, knees slightly bent. But her legs were trembling; she was weak and still a little dizzy.
"Just make a move—I'll smash you," she grumbled.
The robot stumbled back a step, arms half-raised in surrender.
Its voice was shaky, full of static. "Cool it, young girl. I won't hurt you. In fact, I'm the one who saved you."
Can robots lie? she wondered, her vision swimming again as she struggled to stay on her feet.
A kid hiding behind the robot stepped forward.
"Don't worry. He won't harm you. He doesn't even know simple math. He's dumb," the kid said.
The robot lowered its head.
"Yeah, he's right."
Ria could barely hear them. Everything sounded distant as dizziness clouded her senses.
'Why are they murmuring? Is that… another robot?' Her mind was full of questions. Her eyelids grew heavy. She was about to faint again. Slowly, she lowered herself back to the floor.
Just before she collapsed completely, she felt a gentle touch. The robot supported her, then pulled an energy drink from the kid's pocket.
"You look weak. Take this," the robot said.
Ria had no choice. She drank it all in one go, though it tasted bitter. Within moments, a strange warmth spread through her chest. Her limbs tingled. Strength returned—not gradually, but like a switch flipping. Her eyes widened.
'What… was this drink?'
She turned to the kid, whose cute face glowed with a positive aura. He had very short hair, was dressed like any ordinary child, and wore a watch on his wrist.
"I hope you're feeling better. May I ask how you're doing now?" the robot said, sounding oddly mature.
Ria stared at him, a flicker of surprise on her face. Was this really a robot speaking? There was a quiet grace in his words, a politeness so rare it seemed borrowed from another time. After a few moments, Ria opened her mouth.
"I'm fine. Thanks for the drink… and for saving me," she said plainly.
The kid grinned. The robot extended a hand to help her up. She took it and stood quickly. Frowning slightly, she tilted her head. The robot's screen showed a happy expression.
Ria was dazed.
'Why isn't it attacking me? Is it malfunctioning? No… Its design is different. Maybe it's guarding the kid? It's behaving like a human…'
She was full of questions. But she had no time. She was on a mission. It had been two days since robots conquered the world. People were being killed by them. Ria's parents were imprisoned by those machines. She had been chased by robots for two days—no sleep, no food. Her energy was drained.
Ria gazed around for an exit. She spotted many mechanical tools. The room was vast. There were hi-tech bikes, cars, and scattered robot parts. She couldn't find a door, but there was a ramp that might lead outside.
'It's a small garage. Seems the kid's parents are a little rich. Wait! Where are his parents? Were they killed by the machines? But their faces… they look relaxed. Huff, it's none of my business. I have a lot to do. Now I have to figure out how to find him. Where can I find him in this massive city? What if he, too, was imprisoned or killed by robots?' She sank into her thoughts, oblivious to the noise around her.
The robot and the kid kept their eyes fixed on her, brows slightly furrowed, as if the puzzle behind her silence was just out of reach. The robot waved its hand to grab her attention, but in vain. She didn't notice.
"Ahem! Is there any problem, young girl?" the robot asked, clearing its throat—though it didn't have one.
Ria came out of her thoughts. She looked at them, furrowing her brows. She was astonished by their stares.
She shrugged.
"What?"
The robot sighed and moved closer to her, adjusting its voice again.
"Are you feeling uneasy here?" it asked, louder this time.
Ria looked around again. She didn't notice anything new. She hadn't had much time to explore this place. She had only one thought.
She moved toward the robot, massaging her neck with her right hand.
She asked bluntly, "Where is the exit?"
The robot twisted its lips. The kid tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. They were both bewildered by her question. Who wanted to go out at a time like this, risking their lives?
The robot pointed toward the ramp.
"It's below the ramp. It's not safe to go out. But it's your choice," it said in a dull voice.
The kid lowered his head, still as if lost in thought. Then he clenched his fists, raised his head, and stepped toward the girl. He extended his hand for a handshake. His eyes were shining.
"We didn't even introduce ourselves since we met. I'm Barghav, son of Deepak and Keerthi. He is…" The kid was about to continue but stopped when he saw Ria's expression.
Ria's eyes widened, mouth slightly open. She froze for a moment, like she had turned to stone. Her mind fogged with irritating thoughts.
'Did I hear right? Or was it my illusion?'