𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆

PART-22

"Archaeological Museum, Nalanda," Ira said softly, her chin held high and lips barely moving as she gazed at the bold words on the crescent-shaped black banner. Her scrutinizing eyes softened, and she pushed the iron gate forward with a creaking sound.

Nidhi and Navya followed closely behind, their footsteps synchronized as they stepped through the entrance.

Warm sunlight danced across their faces, and the lush greenery, dotted with vibrant flowers, enveloped them.

Navya's eyes widened as she reached out to brush the soft petals of a pink rose. "Wow," she breathed, her gaze darting from one colorful bloom to another.

Ira smiled faintly, watching Navya's enthusiastic exploration of the garden.

Nidhi, meanwhile, walked ahead, her eyes scanning the surroundings and the curious visitors of all ages and races.

"Where's the ticket counter?" she muttered, glancing around. A moment later, her eyes lit up. "There it is!" she exclaimed, slipping her fingers into Ira's hand and tugging her along.

"H-hey," Ira stumbled slightly on the patterned red-brick path, her body jerking to the side. "Navya!" she called, tilting her head as she tried to keep pace with Nidhi.

Navya twirled on her four-inch heels, her pink dupatta fluttering in the breeze. Her French braid slid smoothly over her shoulder, and her silver earrings swayed with every graceful step. The soft jingling of her bangles and anklets followed as she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and walked with the poise of a historical empress, chin held high.

Nidhi watched her, eyes narrowed and lips twisting in mock irritation. Her grip on Ira's hand tightened, while Ira, silent and stoic, observed Navya with pressed lips.

"Your Majesty, when you're done with your royal walk, kindly do us peasants a favor and join us at the ticket counter," Nidhi said with a dramatic bow, dragging Ira along. Their footsteps fell softly on the grassy ground.

Navya puffed out her cheeks, her brows knitting together. She stomped her heels on the pavement, the sharp clicks echoing as she followed them, still holding onto her air of false grandeur.

💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫

"Why did you pay? I was going to," Nidhi said, flicking her eyes toward Ira as they walked.

Ira's face softened into a gentle smile as she matched Nidhi’s pace. "It's just fifteen rupees. C'mon, let's get inside."

Navya suddenly jumped between them, her hands thrust out to their sides as she held up a yellow and a red rose. "Ta-da!"

Nidhi's eyes widened. She snatched the yellow rose from Navya's hand, fingers curling tightly around the stem before shoving it into her jeans pocket.

Ira mirrored her action, taking the red rose from Navya's other hand and tucking it away swiftly and discreetly.

"Hey, what..." Navya's face fell.

Ira turned to her, her voice low and firm. "They'll scold you. Plucking flowers or damaging anything here is punishable." She gestured toward a blue signboard with bold white letters.

Navya's eyes followed the direction of Ira's nod, her carefree expression fading into one of realization. "Okay!" she said with a shrug, moving ahead and parting her friends.

Ira blinked twice, watching as Navya's confident stride carried her toward the museum entrance.

Nidhi followed, fists clenched at her sides, nose scrunched, and lips twisted in mild irritation.