AI-powered personal assistants, nicknamed “VI Guides”, launch forpublic use.
A cool morning mist draped over Vanchi as the city stirred awake on the first day of 2025. The skyline shimmered with the glow of thousands of smart panels reflecting the golden sunrise. Every street, every building, every device pulsed with a quiet, electric hum—today was not just another New Year’s Day. Today was the dawn of something new.
In the bustling district of Surya Square, where neon-lit billboards towered above glassy streets, a crowd had gathered in front of an immense digital display. A soft chime echoed through the air as the city’s mayor, Pawan Chandra, appeared on the screen, standing against a backdrop of swirling blue holograms.
“Citizens of Vanchi,” he began, his voice smooth yet commanding, “Today marks a new chapter in our city’s history. The time has come for every individual, from every walk of life, to have a partner in progress. Introducing—VI Guide.”
All across the city, a synchronized notification lit up every citizen’s device. A single icon—a radiant, fluid “V” resembling a guiding flame—appeared on their screens, followed by a warm, synthetic voice:
“Hello, I am Nevita, your Vanchi Intelligence. This app is VI Guide. I am here to help you unlock your full potential.”
For some, it is an introduction to the unknown. For others, it is a long-awaited step toward a seamless life.
A STUDENT AWAKENS
In a small apartment, Aarya Mistri, a university student, rubs the sleep from her eyes as her tablet flickered to life. The voice was smooth, calm, and oddly reassuring.
“Good morning, Aarya. It’s 7:00 AM. Your first lecture is at 9:00 AM, and I’ve prepared an optimized study plan based on your last session.”
She blinks at the screen, watching as pages of highlighted notes and custom practice exercises arrange themselves before her eyes.
“Shall I schedule breaks and reminders for you?”
Aarya hesitates for only a moment before whispering, “Yes… I guess that would help.”
“Wonderful. Let’s make today productive.”
For the first time in a long time, the stress that had become second nature to her felt just a little lighter.
A WORKER RECEIVES GUIDANCE
At a construction site, Rajiv Jagat wipes the sweat from his forehead as he checked the blueprints hovering in front of him on his smart glasses. His worksite was one of many across Vanchi—new AI-assisted districts rising at record speed. But today, something new happened.
“Rajiv,” the voice came through his earpiece, “I have analyzed the current material usage. Adjusting the brick placement by 2.3 centimeters will optimize structural integrity.”
Rajiv frowned. “Who—?”
“I am VI Guide. I am here to assist you in your work. Would you like me to display a visual simulation?”
Before he could answer, his smart glasses projected a 3D overlay, showing the minor adjustment in real-time. Rajiv let out a low whistle. “That… actually makes sense.”
“Your efficiency score has increased by 7%. Well done.”
For the first time, Rajiv feels like he is working with the city, not just for it.
AN ELDERLY WOMAN FINDS COMFORT
Deep in the old quarters of Vanchi, Mrs. Sheila Mehra is seated in her favorite Mirtha café, watching the world move faster than she can keep up with. She hesitates before tapping the notification on her phone.
“Good morning, Mrs. Mehra. How can I assist you today?”
The voice is gentle. She bites her lip. “I… I don’t know how to use this, dear.”
“That’s okay. I will guide you. Would you like me to set up a reminder for your medicine? Or perhaps read you today’s news?”
The old woman smiles softly. “You can do that?”
“Of course. Also, your granddaughter Aisha has sent you a message. Would you like me to read it?”
As the AI’s voice reads out Aisha’s warm words, a tear slips down Mrs. Mehra’s cheek. “You know, maybe this won’t be so bad.”
“I am here for you, always.”
ACROSS VANCHI, A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
As the sun climbs higher, VI Guide becomes a quiet presence in every household, every workplace, and every heart that welcomes it. In the offices of tech startups, young entrepreneurs find AI-powered brainstorming partners. In hospitals, doctors receive real-time assistance on diagnostics. In factories, workers optimize production with AI-calculated precision.
And in the mayor’s office, Pawan Chandra watches the data roll in—millions of interactions, millions of people stepping into a future where no one is alone in their journey.
From the highest skyscrapers to the narrowest alleyways, one thing was certain:
Vanchi had changed forever.