The air in the grand hall of the International Convention Centre was thick with anticipation, a nervous hum that resonated deep within Aisha Sharma’s chest. The Future Cities Summit was renowned globally, a crucible where the world’s brightest architectural minds presented their visions for tomorrow. And today, Aisha, barely thirty, was about to step onto that stage, her name etched onto the colossal screen behind the podium: “Aisha Sharma: Green Haven – Redefining Urban Coexistence.”

She smoothed down the crisp lines of her tailored blazer, a subtle act to calm the butterflies performing an elaborate ballet in her stomach. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a drumbeat of both fear and exhilarating purpose. For months, "Green Haven" had been her everything, a relentless pursuit that had consumed her waking hours and even invaded her dreams. It wasn't just a project; it was a manifesto, a rebellion against the concrete jungles she’d grown up observing, a testament to her unwavering belief that cities could breathe, thrive, and nurture human connection in harmony with nature.

“Five minutes, Ms. Sharma,” a polite, efficient voice announced backstage.

Aisha took a deep, centering breath, the scent of fresh wood and polished steel, characteristic of the state-of-the-art venue, filling her lungs. Her fingers instinctively grazed the worn, dog-eared edges of her presentation notes, though she knew the entire speech by heart. It wasn't the words she worried about; it was the weight of the moment, the scrutinizing gaze of industry titans, the palpable expectation of innovation. And, if she was honest, a quiet, almost imperceptible whisper in the back of her mind – a whisper of her parents.

Her parents, Meera and Rajesh Sharma, had always been supportive, proud of her academic achievements and her budding career. But their support came with a silent, unspoken caveat: the understanding that her personal life, particularly her marriage, would adhere to a different blueprint, one drawn by tradition, not by her modern architectural ideals. Today, though, was about her professional identity, the self she had meticulously built, brick by innovative brick.

She walked towards the stage, the bright lights momentarily blinding her, then adjusting, revealing the sea of faces in the auditorium. Rows upon rows of architects, urban planners, environmentalists, and investors, all looking towards her. A wave of courage washed over her. This was her moment.

“Good morning, everyone,” Aisha’s voice, clear and confident, cut through the last vestiges of murmuring. A ripple of polite applause. “My name is Aisha Sharma, and today, I’m excited to unveil ‘Green Haven’ – a concept that dares to ask: what if our cities could truly live and breathe with us?”

She paused, letting the question hang in the air, allowing it to resonate. On the screen behind her, the first slide transitioned, displaying a mesmerizing rendering of what appeared to be a lush, vertical forest. But closer inspection revealed integrated residential units, cascading waterfalls, and interconnected walkways, blurring the lines between nature and urban living.

“For too long,” Aisha continued, her voice gaining momentum, “we’ve designed cities around nature, or worse, over it. Green Haven proposes a paradigm shift: designing with nature, integrating biodiversity and ecological systems into the very fabric of our urban landscape.”

She spoke passionately, her gestures fluid and expressive, each movement underscoring a point. She talked about sustainable materials, about self-sufficient energy systems, about vertical farms that could feed entire communities, and about public spaces that fostered genuine human interaction, not just transient encounters. Her project wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about sociology, sustainability, and psychological well-being.

“Imagine,” she urged, her voice painting a picture, “a city where you wake up to the sound of birdsong, not traffic; where your children play in gardens overhead, not on concrete playgrounds; where every breath you take is clean, every drop of water recycled, every meal sourced from within your own community. This isn’t a utopian fantasy; it’s a meticulously engineered reality, feasible with current technologies, requiring only a shift in our collective mindset.”

She detailed the structural innovations: a modular building system that allowed for adaptable living spaces, integrated water harvesting and purification units, and a groundbreaking bio-filtration system that cleaned the city’s air. She spoke of smart sensor networks that monitored energy consumption and environmental quality, feeding data back into a central AI for optimal resource allocation. Her approach was holistic, considering every aspect of urban life.

The audience was captivated. Heads nodded in agreement; some scribbled furiously in notebooks. Aisha moved effortlessly through complex diagrams, 3D simulations, and financial projections. She presented not just a dream, but a meticulously researched, economically viable plan. Her knowledge was encyclopedic, her conviction absolute.

“We’re not just building structures; we’re cultivating communities,” she emphasized, her gaze sweeping across the rapt faces. “We’re creating spaces where tradition can thrive alongside innovation, where families can grow, and where individuals can connect with both their neighbors and the natural world around them.”

She shared personal anecdotes: memories of her grandmother’s small, vibrant garden in their old Delhi home, a stark contrast to the sprawling, impersonal apartment complexes she saw rising around the city. This personal touch resonated, humanizing the grand architectural vision. It was clear that "Green Haven" was born not just from academic study but from a deep-seated desire to create a better world, one that honored both the past and the future.

As she concluded, a profound silence descended upon the hall, followed by an eruption of applause. It was a standing ovation, thunderous and sustained. Aisha felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks, a mix of exhilaration and humble pride. She’d done it. She’d articulated her vision, and it had been received.

The Q&A session was intense, rapid-fire questions from seasoned professionals challenging her on scalability, cost-effectiveness, and logistical hurdles. Aisha answered each query with poise and precision, her responses revealing an impressive depth of understanding and foresight.

“Ms. Sharma, your concept is truly groundbreaking,” an elderly architect from the front row complimented. “But how do you foresee integrating such radical changes into existing urban frameworks, particularly in a city like Delhi, with its historical constraints and dense population?”

Aisha smiled confidently. “That’s precisely where the modularity comes in, sir. Green Haven isn’t about bulldozing the past. It’s about grafting a sustainable future onto existing urban tapestries. Our adaptable units can be retrofitted onto existing structures, or new, smaller clusters can organically grow within underutilized spaces, creating ‘green pockets’ that gradually expand. It’s a surgical approach, not a demolition. It respects the history while embracing the future.”

Her answer was met with murmurs of approval. She had not only envisioned a new city but had also thought through the practicalities of its implementation in challenging environments.

As the session drew to a close, she thanked the audience, collected her notes, and walked off the stage amidst lingering applause. Backstage, the buzz was infectious. Colleagues, some of whom were legends in the field, approached her, offering congratulations and eager to discuss collaborations.

Aisha felt a sense of immense satisfaction, a professional high unlike any she’d experienced. This was her calling, her purpose. She was shaping the future, quite literally. She pulled out her phone, a wide smile on her face, eager to call her parents, to share her triumph. She knew they’d be proud. But even as she dialed, a familiar thought nudged at the edges of her mind: a presentation, a successful career, all commendable. But what about the other "project" on their minds? The one with a very different kind of blueprint, involving a groom, a family, and a timeline dictated by ancient traditions. For today, though, she pushed that thought away. Today, she was just Aisha, the architect, her head full of green dreams and sustainable futures.

She exchanged contact information with a few prominent architects, promising to follow up. The energy was electric, and Aisha felt a profound sense of belonging among these innovators. This was her world, a world where ideas soared, where passion was tangible, and where the future was constantly being reimagined. She felt invincible, capable of anything.

As she stepped out into the main lobby, the late morning sun streaming through the panoramic windows, she allowed herself a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The weight of expectations, both professional and personal, had lifted, if only for a fleeting moment. She savored the lightness, the feeling of soaring on her own merits. She was Aisha Sharma, and today, she had unveiled her design for a better world.

Rohan Kapoor adjusted the sleek smart glasses that rested lightly on his nose, scrolling through the endless stream of data visualizations at the “InnovateTech 2025” expo. The adjacent hall, separated by a thin, sound-dampening wall, was hosting the Future Cities Summit, a topic that usually wouldn't have captured his attention amidst the flashing lights and enthusiastic pitches of the tech world. He was a tech entrepreneur, the CEO of ‘Synapse Innovations,’ a company at the forefront of AI and quantum computing. His days were typically consumed by algorithms, venture capital, and the relentless pursuit of the next big disruption.

“Another groundbreaking AI algorithm, Rohan?” Arjun Reddy, Rohan’s best friend and Synapse’s COO, leaned over his shoulder, a half-eaten granola bar in hand. “You’d think you’d be tired of dissecting code by now.”

Rohan chuckled, lowering his glasses. “It’s like art, Arjun. The elegance of a perfectly optimized solution… it’s captivating. Besides, someone has to ensure we’re not falling behind. The competition here is brutal.”

The expo was a cacophony of ambition: the excited chatter of developers, the loud thumping bass of tech demos, the high-pitched beeps of new gadgets. Rohan thrived in this environment. It was logical, quantifiable, and predictable, at least to a certain extent. He understood its rules, and he played them well. Success, in his world, was a tangible metric.

“Speaking of captivating,” Arjun nudged him, pointing vaguely towards the wall separating the two halls, “I heard some serious applause coming from over there. Must be something big at the Future Cities Summit. Maybe they finally figured out how to build a city that runs on blockchain.”

Rohan scoffed playfully. “Unlikely. More likely some overly ambitious urban planner promising flying cars and vertical farms without a shred of viable technology to back it up.” He had a healthy skepticism for anything that lacked a robust technical foundation. His world was about hard data, not lofty, unsubstantiated dreams.

But then, a voice cut through the muffled sounds, surprisingly clear and resonant, even through the wall. It wasn't loud or booming; it was simply… compelling. It held a quiet confidence, an underlying passion that pricked Rohan’s analytical mind.

“Imagine,” the voice said, “a city where you wake up to the sound of birdsong, not traffic; where your children play in gardens overhead, not on concrete playgrounds; where every breath you take is clean, every drop of water recycled, every meal sourced from within your own community.”

Rohan found himself involuntarily turning his head, his focus shifting away from the holographic display in front of him. Birds? Gardens overhead? It sounded almost… idyllic. His tech-driven mind, usually dismissive of such 'soft' concepts, found itself intrigued by the sheer conviction in the speaker’s tone.

“Who’s that?” Rohan asked, more to himself than Arjun.

Arjun shrugged. “Beats me. Probably some architect. Want to check it out? We’ve got twenty minutes before the next panel.”

Rohan hesitated. His schedule was meticulously planned, every minute accounted for. But the voice had a magnetic quality. It wasn't just what she was saying, but how she was saying it – with an earnestness that bordered on fierce determination. He found himself walking towards the connecting corridor, a rare deviation from his carefully constructed agenda.

As he entered the back of the Future Cities Summit hall, he immediately noticed the stark contrast in atmosphere. It was quieter, more hushed, filled with an air of thoughtful contemplation rather than frenetic energy. All eyes were fixed on the woman on stage.

She was in the middle of her presentation, her back mostly to him as she gestured towards a massive 3D projection of a building that seemed to defy gravity, draped in greenery. Her dark hair was pulled back elegantly, revealing a graceful neck, and her posture exuded confidence. He couldn't see her face clearly, but her presence was commanding.

“…This isn’t a utopian fantasy; it’s a meticulously engineered reality, feasible with current technologies, requiring only a shift in our collective mindset.”

Her words resonated with him. "Meticulously engineered reality" – now that was language he understood. He moved slightly to the side, trying to get a better view. The applause that followed her last statement was not just polite; it was genuinely enthusiastic, a standing ovation from a crowd that seemed genuinely moved.

He saw her then, as she turned to acknowledge the applause. Her face was illuminated by the stage lights, revealing expressive, intelligent eyes, a strong jawline, and a confident, genuine smile. There was a vibrancy about her, an inner light that seemed to eman make the room brighter.

He watched as she fielded questions during the Q&A, her answers crisp, knowledgeable, and delivered with an impressive blend of technical expertise and a profound understanding of social dynamics. She spoke about sustainable materials, integrated ecosystems, and community building, topics far removed from his usual domain of quantum algorithms and server farms, yet he found himself utterly engrossed.

“Ms. Sharma, your concept is truly groundbreaking,” he heard an older gentleman ask. “But how do you foresee integrating such radical changes into existing urban frameworks, particularly in a city like Delhi, with its historical constraints and dense population?”

Rohan leaned forward, curious about her answer. He knew Delhi. He knew its traffic, its chaos, its inherent resistance to radical change. He expected a vague, politically correct response.

Instead, she offered a confident smile. “That’s precisely where the modularity comes in, sir. Green Haven isn’t about bulldozing the past. It’s about grafting a sustainable future onto existing urban tapestries. Our adaptable units can be retrofitted onto existing structures, or new, smaller clusters can organically grow within underutilized spaces, creating ‘green pockets’ that gradually expand. It’s a surgical approach, not a demolition. It respects the history while embracing the future.”

Rohan felt an involuntary nod of approval. Surgical approach, not demolition. That was smart. Pragmatic. And it showed a depth of thought that went beyond mere idealism. He was accustomed to innovators who only saw destruction as a path to creation. This woman, Aisha Sharma, seemed to understand the delicate balance of preserving the past while building the future. It was a philosophy that resonated deeply with something within him, a quiet respect for legacy and continuity that often clashed with his own industry's obsession with constant disruption.

He found himself drawn to the way her passion animated her, the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about her vision. It wasn't just about the architectural marvels; it was about the underlying philosophy, the humane aspect of her design. She wasn't just building structures; she was building life.

When her presentation ended and the audience once again erupted in applause, Rohan noticed her expression – a mix of relief, elation, and a touch of humble surprise. She looked genuinely happy, fulfilled. He watched as she gathered her notes, exchanged pleasantries with a few people, and then started to walk towards the exit.

“Rohan, are you coming?” Arjun’s voice jolted him back to reality. “We’ve got ten minutes.”

“Yeah, just a minute,” Rohan muttered, his eyes still fixed on Aisha Sharma as she moved through the thinning crowd. He felt an inexplicable pull, a desire to approach her, to say something, anything. But what? “Great presentation?” Too generic. “Your modular design is fascinating?” Too technical. He wasn’t typically at a loss for words, especially in professional settings. Yet, watching her, a strange diffidence settled over him.

He saw her pull out her phone, a wide, genuine smile gracing her lips as she began to dial. She looked so utterly content, lost in her moment of triumph. He hesitated, then stopped. He didn’t want to interrupt her, to break that perfect bubble of professional satisfaction.

Instead, he watched as she disappeared through the doors leading to the main lobby. A faint, almost imperceptible scent seemed to linger in the air where she had been – something fresh, perhaps like jasmine or lilies, a natural fragrance that seemed to perfectly complement her "Green Haven" concept.

Rohan sighed, a small, uncharacteristic sound. He had come to the InnovateTech expo to look for the next big thing, to identify emerging technologies that could push Synapse Innovations even further ahead. He hadn't expected to find himself so utterly captivated by something so fundamentally different from his world.

As he walked back towards the tech hall, his mind was no longer buzzing with algorithms or market trends. Instead, it was filled with images of cascading green buildings, the sound of birdsong, and the vibrant, passionate eyes of Aisha Sharma. He knew her name now. He knew her vision. And an unfamiliar curiosity sparked within him – a desire to know more about the architect who saw the future not just in lines of code, but in living, breathing structures. It was a feeling he hadn't anticipated, a subtle shift in his meticulously ordered world. The tech conference suddenly felt a little less interesting, and the possibilities of an entirely different kind of innovation began to intrigue him. He knew he needed to find a way to learn more about her, about 'Green Haven', and perhaps, about Aisha Sharma herself.

The days following the Future Cities Summit felt both exhilarating and strangely anticlimactic for Aisha. Her inbox was overflowing with collaboration inquiries, interview requests, and commendations from luminaries in her field. "Green Haven" had not just been unveiled; it had exploded onto the global stage, positioning Aisha as a formidable voice in sustainable architecture. Yet, amidst the professional high, a peculiar sense of quiet anticipation lingered, a subtle hum beneath the surface of her busy schedule. It was linked, she suspected, to the fleeting, intense gaze of the tech entrepreneur she’d barely seen, the one who’d stood at the back of the hall, his presence somehow more noticeable than dozens in the front row.

She dismissed it as a passing fancy. After all, her life was structured, precise, filled with blueprints and deadlines. A momentary flicker of curiosity for a stranger from a different world was a luxury she couldn't afford, not with the unspoken weight of family expectations already pressing down on her.

Then, the email arrived. Simple, direct, and surprisingly formal given its informal intent:

Subject: Future Cities Summit - Green Haven Inquiry

Dear Ms. Sharma,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Rohan Kapoor, CEO of Synapse Innovations. I had the privilege of attending your presentation on "Green Haven" at the recent Future Cities Summit, and I must say, I was profoundly impressed. Your vision for integrating nature into urban landscapes, particularly your 'surgical approach' to existing frameworks, was both innovative and remarkably pragmatic.

My company is at the forefront of AI and quantum computing, and while our fields seem distinct, I believe there are fascinating synergies to explore between sustainable urban development and advanced technological solutions, especially in areas like smart resource allocation and environmental monitoring.

I would be delighted if you would consider meeting for a brief coffee, perhaps later this week, to discuss these potential intersections further. I understand your schedule must be incredibly demanding, but I believe a conversation could be mutually beneficial.

Please let me know your availability. I am flexible.

Sincerely, Rohan Kapoor

Aisha reread the email twice. The formal tone initially made her smile; it was so refreshingly earnest. But it was the intelligent articulation of his interest, the mention of "synergies" and "potential intersections," that truly piqued her professional curiosity. He wasn’t just complimenting her; he was actively thinking about how his world could interact with hers. And beneath the professional veneer, there was a quiet sense of validation. He hadn't just seen her; he had understood her work. The fleeting gaze wasn't just curiosity; it was a keen observation.

She checked her calendar. Packed, as always. But she found a slot on Thursday afternoon. A brief coffee, he’d said. It wouldn’t hurt. And honestly, her own curiosity was now fully awakened.

Her reply was equally concise and professional:

Subject: Re: Future Cities Summit - Green Haven Inquiry

Dear Mr. Kapoor,

Thank you for your kind words regarding "Green Haven." I appreciate your insights on the potential for synergy between our fields.

I am available for coffee this Thursday at 3 PM. Perhaps 'The Urban Brew' on MG Road? It's centrally located.

Looking forward to our discussion.

Sincerely, Aisha Sharma

The Urban Brew was an oasis of calm amidst the bustling city. Soft jazz played faintly, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans hung in the air, and potted plants cascaded from hanging baskets, creating a surprisingly green interior. Aisha arrived precisely at 3 PM, dressed in a smart casual outfit – a deep emerald blouse and tailored trousers – that balanced professionalism with a hint of approachable elegance.

Rohan was already there, seated at a quiet corner table, his back to the window. He rose as she approached, a polite, almost formal gesture that somehow felt genuinely welcoming. He was taller than she'd remembered, with an athletic build that was understated beneath his well-fitting navy shirt. His eyes, a warm, intelligent brown, met hers with an almost palpable intensity.

“Ms. Sharma,” he said, his voice a low, pleasant baritone. “Thank you for making the time.”

“Mr. Kapoor,” Aisha replied, extending her hand. Her handshake was firm, confident. “The pleasure’s mine. I confess, your email sparked my curiosity.”

He smiled, a genuine, easy smile that reached his eyes, crinkling the corners. It immediately softened his otherwise composed demeanor. “Please, call me Rohan. And you must be Aisha.”

They settled into their chairs. A waiter approached, and they both ordered simple black coffees. The initial polite formalities quickly melted away.

“So, ‘Green Haven’,” Rohan began, leaning slightly forward, his gaze direct and engaged. “What struck me, beyond the obvious innovation, was the underlying philosophy. It wasn’t just about making buildings green; it felt like a deeper commentary on how we live in cities.”

Aisha felt an immediate spark of connection. This wasn’t just superficial praise. “Exactly,” she said, her voice brightening. “That’s the core of it. We design for functionality, for aesthetics, but often forget the human element, the psychological impact of our built environment. My grandmother lived in a small, traditional home in Old Delhi, with a courtyard garden that was the heart of the house. It wasn’t architecturally grand, but it was a vibrant ecosystem, a social hub. I wanted to capture that essence, that sense of community and connection to nature, but on an urban scale.”

Rohan nodded slowly, thoughtfully. “That resonates. In the tech world, we’re often accused of designing for efficiency, for data, losing sight of the human experience. My work at Synapse Innovations focuses on AI that enhances human potential, not replaces it. We’re building tools to solve complex problems, to free up human creativity, to make life more intuitive. Your bio-filtration system, for example, collecting real-time air quality data and optimizing airflow – that’s precisely where our AI capabilities could intersect. Imagine integrating predictive models based on weather patterns, pollen counts, even traffic density, to dynamically adjust the system.”

Aisha’s eyes widened. “That’s… fascinating. We’ve explored sensor networks, but the predictive modeling aspect, tied to external real-time data – that could revolutionize our energy efficiency and air purification capabilities. We’ve been limited by static designs, but an adaptive, intelligent system…” She trailed off, a new idea already taking root in her mind. “And in terms of social interaction, imagine an AI that could subtly facilitate community engagement, maybe connecting residents with shared interests, or optimizing shared spaces based on usage patterns.”

Rohan grinned. “Now you’re speaking my language. It’s not about surveillance; it’s about creating an ‘intelligent habitat’ that anticipates and responds to human needs, fostering organic connections. Your concept of vertical farms – imagine integrating blockchain for transparent supply chains, ensuring residents know exactly where their food comes from, even empowering micro-economies within the ‘Green Haven’ community.”

The conversation flowed effortlessly, leaping from urban planning to artificial intelligence, from sustainability to social engineering, from the macro challenges of global warming to the micro complexities of individual well-being. They discovered a shared passion for innovation, not just for the sake of novelty, but for solving real-world problems and improving human lives. Rohan’s sharp, analytical mind complemented Aisha’s holistic, visionary approach. She was the dreamer with the grounded plan, and he was the pragmatist who could unlock the tools to make that dream even more robust.

“I’ve always believed that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around,” Rohan mused, stirring his coffee. “But sometimes, in the race for market share, that core purpose gets lost. Your presentation was a refreshing reminder of the bigger picture.”

“And I’ve often felt that architecture can become too focused on form, forgetting function, or worse, forgetting its impact on the environment and society,” Aisha replied. “Your work, even though it’s in a completely different domain, seems to share that foundational belief in purpose-driven innovation.”

They spoke of their paths, how they’d landed in their respective fields. Rohan briefly touched upon the early days of Synapse, the sleepless nights, the relentless pursuit of funding, the thrill of seeing his code transform into tangible solutions. Aisha described her journey through architecture school, her frustration with conventional thinking, and the moment “Green Haven” first sparked as a rebellion against those limitations.

“It sounds like you had to fight for your vision,” Rohan observed, a note of understanding in his voice.

Aisha chuckled. “Every step of the way. Convincing professors, then investors, then potential clients that a building could breathe was not easy. But that’s where the meticulous engineering comes in. The data, the feasibility studies – they spoke louder than any skepticism.”

“And that’s where we converge,” Rohan said. “My code has to be flawless, my algorithms airtight. Because in the end, it’s not just about a pretty interface; it’s about a solution that works, reliably and efficiently, and ultimately, changes lives.”

The waiter came to clear their empty coffee cups. Neither of them had noticed how much time had passed. The late afternoon sun now cast long shadows across the cafe floor.

“I think,” Aisha said, a genuine smile on her face, “this brief coffee has turned into quite the extensive brainstorming session.”

Rohan checked his watch, surprised. “Indeed. Almost two hours. Time flies when you’re discussing the future.” His eyes held a warmth that went beyond professional admiration. “I truly enjoyed this, Aisha. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”

“Likewise, Rohan. You’ve opened up entirely new avenues for Green Haven that I hadn’t even considered.” She felt a lightness, a genuine intellectual stimulation that was rare even in her dynamic profession. It was exhilarating to find someone who not only understood her passion but could also challenge and expand it.

As they stood to leave, there was a momentary hesitation, a shared reluctance to end the conversation.

“Perhaps,” Rohan suggested, his gaze lingering on hers, “we could continue this discussion sometime? Over dinner, perhaps, or a longer meeting at my office? I have a feeling we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible.”

Aisha felt a flush rise to her cheeks. The invitation, while framed professionally, carried an undeniable personal undertone. It wasn’t just about Green Haven anymore. “I’d like that, Rohan,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “Very much.”

They exchanged cards, their fingers brushing briefly. The contact felt like a subtle electric current. As they walked out into the bustling street, Aisha found herself replaying their conversation, the easy laughter, the shared insights, the unexpected connection. Her mind was still buzzing with architectural innovations, but now, a new, equally intriguing thought had entered the blueprint of her day: Rohan Kapoor. The architect in her recognized a formidable structure, complex and well-built, with intriguing possibilities for future development. The woman in her recognized an undeniable spark.

Rohan, too, walked away from The Urban Brew with a sense of quiet triumph. He’d made contact. The woman behind the compelling voice was even more impressive up close. Intelligent, passionate, and surprisingly engaging. He’d gone in expecting a purely technical discussion, a professional courtesy. He’d come out feeling a profound sense of intellectual and, surprisingly, personal intrigue. His world, usually so neatly defined by algorithms and data, had just been introduced to a variable he hadn’t accounted for – one with vibrant eyes and a vision that could truly build a better world, one green layer at a time. The future, he realized, suddenly seemed much more interesting, and far less predictable.