“The other day I was watching Kal Ho Na Ho with my family again,” Jigneshbhai said when we met for coffee last weekend. That was an old movie. But Swami and I looked up as we had watched that many times over.
“Do you remember that charged up scene where SRK reads out a letter to Preity saying it’s written by Saif but there’s nothing there in reality?” Jigneshbhai asked.
“Yes, of course, how can I forget that scene?” Swami said, with almost a blush. “My wife and I have seen it so many times.”
“Ahhh.. I didn’t know that,” I winked at Swami. But Jigneshbhai continued.
“My son remarked that if SRK had to make up a letter on the spot, he could have used an AI-generated love letter,” Jigneshbhai said. The entry of an unexpected character like an AI-generated love letter brought the romance in Swami’s eyes to earth. Jigneshbhai realised the change in mood.
“I told him that emotions cannot be communicated like that,” Jigneshbhai continued. “But he actually went online and gave me this printout.” Jigneshbhai handed over a paper to us. Swami and I eagerly read it.
“From the moment our paths crossed, my world has been brighter, and my heart fuller. Your presence has infused my life with a joy I never knew was possible. Every time we hang out, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. Your smile brightens my day, and your kindness and warmth make everything better. I can’t help but think about you all the time, and I love every moment we share together.”
We looked up at Jigneshbhai awestruck. “Not bad, isn’t it?” he asked with a smirk.
After a brief pause, Swami replied, “Better than what I could write.” And then looked at me and said, “Maybe better than him too.”
I had a faint smile on my lips and asked, “But will the girl say yes with this?”
Jigneshbhai said, “I have no idea. Maybe she will generate another AI love letter in reply.”
I and Jigneshbhai laughed out aloud, but Swami wasn’t particularly impressed with all this AI love letter business.
“I wonder where the world is going with all this. How can two human beings fall in love and commit themselves to a life together based on all these AI generated letters?” he protested. Swami did not like the idea and turned morose.
Things were getting unnecessarily serious after what started in jest, so I focused on the coffee. An awkward silence followed, waiting for Swami to cool off.
The wealthy old man in the sprawling bungalow who had been listening to our conversation walked towards our table. Neither Swami nor I could restrain our smile when he remarked, “Maybe the AI’s will fall in love, and the couple will breakup.”
***