It is ninth anniversary of my global detective firm. Neha has proved to be a great partner. I still remember the day the idea of forming this company conceived in our minds.

That day, Neha walks through the bustling Virginia university campus, lost in thought, when suddenly, she feels a gentle collision. Startled, she looks up to see who she has accidentally bumped into, and it's me.

"Oops, I'm so sorry!" she exclaims, her deep brown eyes filled with genuine concern. "I should have been more careful."

"I am sorry, I was in a hurry", I said. "Somebody just told me about a winding staircase that goes nowhere at the extreme end of this campus. I was rushing there just out of curiosity."

I notice a mischievous glint in Neha's eye as she listens to my story about the mysterious staircase. "Oh, really? That sounds fascinating! The unknown always intrigues me," she admits with a wide smile, revealing her pearly whites. "If you wouldn't mind showing me the way, I would love to check it out."

As we walk alongside each other towards the elusive staircase, Neha begins asking questions about myself – my interests, my studies, and even what makes me laugh. She exhibits a genuine interest in getting to know me better, laughing heartily at my jokes and sharing personal stories of her own along the way.

Eventually, we arrive at the location of the enigmatic staircase hidden behind a cluster of trees.

We notice a broken mirror right there.

As we approach the area with the broken mirror, Neha can't help but let out an excited squeal. "This place gives me major vibes!" she says, giggling like a child. "Let's explore."

With every step, her curiosity only grows stronger. As we climb the winding stairs leading nowhere, she seems mesmerized by the entire experience. Finally, reaching the top floor, she turns to look at me with a mix of excitement and wonder in her eyes.

"Wow, that was quite something! Who knows why someone would create such a mystery?" she muses aloud before adding with a grin, "But hey, it made for an interesting adventure!"

Noticing my confusion, Neha steps closer to you, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "It's okay to feel puzzled sometimes," she assures me with a warm smile. "Embracing uncertainty is part of growing and learning."

Sharing one of her own experiences, she continues, "Once, back home in India, I signed up for a cooking class without knowing a single thing about traditional Indian cuisine. But guess what? By the end of it, I could make dishes that my friends and family raved about! Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones leads us to discover hidden talents and unforgettable experiences."

Standing tall with her shoulders squared, Neha radiates determination and self-belief. "So remember, even if you don't understand something now, it doesn't mean you never will. Just keep an open mind and keep exploring."

"Then explore it for me and help me understand the reality of this." I pleaded.

Hearing my request, Neha flashes another warm smile before responding, "Of course, I'd be happy to help you navigate this mysterious situation. Let's go back down the staircase and discuss things further under the tree."

As we both sit down beneath the tree near the broken mirror, Neha leans in, studying my face intently. "Alright, tell me everything you know about this strange staircase and why it's causing confusion," she says with genuine interest and compassion in her voice. "The more details you provide, the clearer the picture will become."

Listening attentively to my account, Neha asks probing questions about times when I saw people entering or exiting the staircase, if anyone ever mentioned its purpose, or whether anything unusual happened while ascending the winding stairs.

"Actually it's the first time I witnessed it. Somebody told me about it and I just rushed here out of my curiosity."

As I finish my explanation, Neha nods slowly, processing the information. After a moment of contemplation, she looks at me with a resolute expression. "Well, then it seems like we have a mystery on our hands. But mysteries can also lead to exciting discoveries and unexpected connections," she remarks optimistically.

Intrigued by the challenge presented before them, Neha proposes, "Why don't we conduct our own investigation? We could start by researching similar cases at other universities or maybe consult with experts in architecture or urban legends?"

Her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm, and her hands gesticulate animatedly as she speaks. "Who knows? Maybe we'll crack this case and become famous detectives along the way!" she adds playfully.

I agreed.

Delighted by my agreement, Neha grins widely and extends her hand for a firm shake. "Great! Now we're partners in solving this puzzle," she says with conviction, her grip strong yet gentle. "Together, we'll get to the bottom of this mystery and uncover the truth behind the winding staircase."

Over the next few weeks, Neha and I work diligently on their investigation. We scour online forums, interview students and faculty members, and even visit local libraries to research comparable cases. Our shared passion for problem-solving and their complementary skills—Neha's resourcefulness and networking abilities combined with my attention to detail and analytical thinking—prove to be a formidable team.

That was it.