Fates Entwined

Chapter 1: The Countdown Begins

The elevator doors slid open with a faint chime, and Risha stepped into the office, her polished heels clicking against the tile floor. Her sharp pantsuit, paired with a perfect blowout, completed the look of a professional who had it all together. But on the inside, she was unraveling.

She had managed to help two humans so far: an elderly widower struggling with loneliness and a young boy with a love for art but no resources. But there was still one more soul to guide, and she had no idea where to start. Time was ticking.

"Hey, Rish!" Miri called from her desk. Her cousin, shorter and with wild curls, waved her over. Miri was the opposite of polished—bright floral skirts, mismatched jewelry, and a perpetually mischievous grin.

Risha slumped into the chair beside her. "How's it going with your second human?"

Miri groaned, spinning in her chair. "Don't remind me. The teen boy was easy—helped him stand up to a bully. But the next one? Ugh. I have no idea who I'm supposed to help. It's like the universe is messing with me."

"Well, I'm in the same boat," Risha said, shrugging. "I have no clue who to help next either. But at least I've helped two people. You've only helped one, Miri. Why don't you seem serious about it?"

Miri tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Will stressing over it help me? Let's focus. Maybe our 'helpless humans' are right here?"

Risha's brow furrowed. "You think we're supposed to help someone in this office? How would we even figure that out?"

"By being awesome, obviously." Miri smirked. "And maybe eavesdropping a little. Humans love oversharing."

Before Risha could respond, a loud voice echoed across the room. "Hey, can someone cover my meeting at 3? I'm swamped!" It was Ashan, one of their coworkers, juggling a phone, coffee, and papers.

Miri raised a brow. "Think he's one of them?"

Risha shrugged. "Only one way to find out."

Note: 

Miri and Risha are cousins by birth, with Miri being one minute older, so she often treats Risha like her little sister. Miri is sociable, extroverted, and keenly observant, while Risha tends to be quiet and reserved. Both are not mortals but are from the land of immortals, sent to the mortal world as part of a punishment. Their mission is simple: within a year, they must help three people each, anonymously, without any expectation of a return.

Six months have passed, and both have found their place in a corporate office in a bustling city, living in separate condos. Though they are immortals, they can only use their powers when absolutely necessary, bound by the rules of their punishment.