VISHWA KSHETRA - Every 108 years, fate reveals its secrets.

4

Riya raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Riya : What do you mean ? Is it because of your nightmares ?

Dev shook his head.

Dev : It's not just that. It's everything. 2 days ago i got a dream. There's this forest, the temple, those tribespeople. I just have this nagging feeling that something is off. The dream about some queen mahadhatri who resembles you is getting embedded with that nightmare.

Riya watched him closely and her expression is shifting to one of concern.

Riya : You're probably just anxious about the journey. We'll be fine. Aira will be back soon, and then we can all head out together.

Dev nodded, though his unease lingered.

Dev : I hope you're right.

As they waited, Rishi finally emerged from his restful state, stretching and yawning.

Rishi : So, what did I miss ? Still waiting for Aira ? 

Dev shot him a glare, half-serious.

Dev : Yes, because you decided to be her personal cheerleader instead of helping us get ready.

Rishi laughed by shaking off the reprimand.

Rishi : Come on, Dev. You know you love me for it.

Riya shook her head as she is  unable to suppress a smile.

Riya : Alright, you two. Let's focus on getting ready. Aira will be back soon, and then we can finally start our adventure.

With that, the three of them began to pack the car, the anticipation of their journey is  building as they prepared to welcome Aira back and set off into the unknown together.

...............

After packing her belongings and taking a quick shower, Aira whipped up a simple breakfast. The warm sun filtered through the trees outside her cottage, bathing everything in a golden light that felt promising. She savored the last few moments in the serene forest before setting out on her journey to the Dehradun airport.

The drive was filled with thoughts of her recent adventure, the temple, the snake, the mysterious box she had found. Though excitement bubbled within her, there was also an undercurrent of unease that lingered from her encounter with the tribespeople. Shaking off the feeling, she focused on the road ahead, eager to return to Hyderabad.

By the time Aira arrived at the airport and caught her flight, the afternoon sun hung high in the sky. She landed back in Hyderabad and her heart is racing with anticipation. As she made her way through the terminal, she spotted Dev waiting for her outside. Her face broke into a wide grin, and she quickly ran toward him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.

Airs : Did you miss me ? 

 she asked by pulling back to look into his eyes.

Dev smirked and  the corners of his mouth lifting playfully. 

Dev : Nope.

Aira narrowed her eyes and  her expression is shifting to one of mock seriousness. 

Airs : Really ? 

Dev chuckled as he is unable to hold back. 

Dev : Okay, okay. I missed you.

He leaned in and pecked her lips, his warmth is reassuring her.

Aira : Good ! 

Aira said by grinning again as she felt a rush of happiness. He took her luggage, and together they headed toward his car.

The drive to Dev's house was filled with laughter and chatter about their respective days. Dev lived in a cozy neighborhood with his parents, sister, and recently, Rishi, who had moved in as well. Aira lived nearby with her father, a research scientist whose work often kept him busy, leaving her to spend time with Dev and his family.

When they arrived at Dev's house, Aira felt a sense of comfort wash over her. The familiar sight of the home brought back fond memories. Dev parked the car, and they walked inside, greeted by the tantalizing aroma of lunch wafting from the kitchen.

Riya : Hey, you two !

Riya called out as she caught sight of them. 

Riya : Come Aira ! I cooked lunch. I guess you're hungry ! 

Aira : Starving ! 

Aira replied and  her stomach is growling in agreement.

Rishi peeked out from the kitchen and  his hair is still slightly messy from a nap. 

Rishi : Finally ! I was starting to think you'd gotten lost in the forest forever.

Aira laughed by playfully rolling her eyes. 

Aira : I'm not that easy to lose. Besides, I had my trusty camera.

As they settled around the dining table, the chatter flowed easily, each sharing stories from their day. The meal is a delightful blend of flavours that made Aira feel right at home.

Between bites, Aira recounted her adventure in the forest, the temple, and the intriguing box she had found. Dev leaned in, captivated by her stories, while Riya listened with wide eyes, curious about every detail.

Rishi : Did you get any good shots ? 

Rishi asked by leaning back in his chair.

Aira : Yeah, I got some amazing ones.

Aira replied and her enthusiasm is evident. 

Aira : But I also found something strange at the temple. I'll show you later.

Aira made a mental note to speak about that box with Rishi as he is an archeologist.

The lunch table buzzed with questions and laughter, and Aira felt a profound sense of belonging. It was moments like these that reminded her how important their friendships were, grounding her amidst the adventures and mysteries that lay ahead. As they finished their meal, Aira couldn't help but feel grateful for the comfort of home, surrounded by people who made every experience richer.

.............

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