"I'm telling you for the nth time, she will not come," a frustrated, medium-pitched voice whispered from behind the brown iron door.

"Stop being so judgmental. She will come," another voice, higher and sharper, retorted in a hushed but irritated tone.

"You bet?"

"Yes."

"Done, then. You'll pay for all the food we eat if you lose."

"Done. But if you lose, you'll buy all the tickets. For all three of us."

"That time will never come."

"We'll see."

"Whatever. First, ring the bell."

DING DONG! DING DONG!

As the door opened, both girls composed themselves, hands clasped together in respect.

Navya's eyes sparkled as she chirped, "Namaste, Uncle!" Her smile stretched wide.

Nidhi stood beside her, smiling politely.

Raghav's face creased into a warm smile as he nodded. "Namaste, namaste."

"We are Ira's friends – Navya and Nidhi! Today is the first of January, and we're going to visit Nalanda Khandar! Could we take Ira along with us?" Navya's hands fluttered animatedly as she introduced herself and Nidhi.

Nidhi's eyes darted toward her, awkward at her friend's enthusiasm.

Raghav nodded. "Come inside, beta. Ira is having lunch."

"Thank you, Uncle!" Navya said brightly, dragging Nidhi inside.

"Slow down, Navya!" Nidhi chided in a whisper.

Main hoon ek udta robot... Doraemon~

Ira's voice, mimicking a childish tone from the TV, drifted through the veranda, making Navya and Nidhi exchange amused glances.

Nidhi leaned closer, whispering, "She speaks."

Navya shot her a sidelong glance, eyes narrowing.

Rolling her eyes, Nidhi muttered, "Okay, okay, sorry."

Navya mirrored the gesture before flashing her usual charming smile and rapping her knuckles against the door. "Ira?!"

Getting no response, she knocked again, louder. "Ira?!"

The wooden door creaked open, revealing Vaidehi, a colander clutched firmly in her hand.

"Namaste, Aunty! I'm Navya, and she's Nidhi! We live three streets away! We're Ira's friends from the typing class! We're going to visit Nalanda Khandar. Could Ira come with us?"

Vaidehi's mouth fell open slightly as she blinked rapidly, processing the request. "Ira! Your friends have come," she called out warmly.

She stepped aside, revealing a glimpse of the house’s interior. "Come inside, beta."

Both girls removed their footwear as Vaidehi escorted them in. The scent of spices and cooking oil wafted through the air.

"Did you both have lunch?" Vaidehi asked. "Take a seat inside. I'll bring some gulab jamun."

Smiling politely, Nidhi parted her lips to answer—

"Of course, Aunty! I love sweets!" Navya clapped excitedly.

Nidhi eyed her sternly, only to get a wide grin in return.

"Hey, h-hi!" Ira stood at the doorway, her warm smile illuminating her face as she greeted them. The empty plate and bowl in her hand clinked softly as she shifted her weight, her fingers drumming a gentle rhythm on the plate's rim. Her brown, damp hair cascaded down her back in tangled locks, framing her warm complexion. The black woolen pyjamas and shirt seemed to absorb the light around her, making her skin glow.

Navya's smile stretched even wider, her voice bubbling over as she exclaimed, "Hello, Cutie!"

Nidhi scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Hi, Ms. Arrogant."

Ira's smile faltered for a moment before smoothing out again. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said softly, stepping aside.

Navya plopped down on the bed, her vibrant pink salwar suit rustling softly. Her hands fiddled absently with her French-braided hair framing her fair face. Her eyes sparkled as she watched the cartoon playing on the television, laughter bubbling up at a particularly funny scene.

Nidhi settled beside her, eyes scanning every corner of the room with sharp precision before landing back on Navya. She crossed her legs, the soft denim of her grey jeans rustling as she unzipped her green jacket, revealing the deep blue shirt beneath. Her brown complexion gleamed in the sunlight spilling through the window, making her squint slightly.

The soft thud of footsteps made both girls turn.

Ira approached with a tray – two bowls of gulab jamun and a bottle of water balanced carefully on it. "Here you go," she said with a soft smile.

"Thank you!" Navya exclaimed.

Nidhi nodded curtly, accepting the sweets.

As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in unison.

"Delicious!" Navya said with genuine admiration, the sweetness bursting across her taste buds.

Ira smiled before turning to leave.

"Hey!" Nidhi called out, making Ira stop in her tracks. "Get ready. We're going to visit Nalanda Khandar. Your parents have given permission."

Ira blinked. "I-I can't go. I'm on my period."

Nidhi shrugged. "No worries. We're not going to the temple anyway, so you can come."

Navya's gaze lingered on Ira, her voice softening. "Are the cramps really bad?"

Nidhi's eyes swept over Ira, studying her from head to toe. "Long walks will help."

Ira's eyes darted around the room, fluttering like a trapped bird as she chewed the inner flesh of her lower lip.

Both girls' expectant gazes lingered on her.

"I'm sorry."

Navya's face crumpled, her bright smile faltering as she exchanged a disappointed glance with Nidhi. They stood up, adjusting their clothes with a soft rustle of fabric.

Navya forced a small smile. "No worries. We understand."

"Take care," Nidhi said, giving Ira's shoulder a gentle pat.

Ira's gaze followed their backs as they began to leave. Lowering her eyes, she tightened her grip around the cold metal tray and suddenly exclaimed, "Wait!"

Navya and Nidhi turned together.

"I think I can come."

Navya's eyes widened, and with long strides, she crossed the room, enveloping Ira in a tight hug.

Ira chuckled softly, patting Navya's back.

Nidhi smiled, watching the warm exchange.

"Go, change! We're waiting!" Navya said, her hands fluttering wildly as she bounced on her feet. "We're going to have so much fun today! And we'll take care of you!"

Ira's face broke into a soft smile as she nodded and hurried out of the room.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

The bike screeched to a halt before the sleek, modern, two-tiered structure – IMAGINATION. Its name, etched in elegant curves, reflected vibrant colors above the entrance like a promise of fantastical, creative worlds waiting inside.

Rudraksh removed his helmet, and the chill of the January afternoon kissed his cheeks, tinting them with a pinkish glow. His black jacket, once smooth and sophisticated, now bore traces of the wind-whipped ride. Strands of hair, perfectly combed just moments ago beneath the helmet, now danced across his forehead, playing hide-and-seek with his sharp yet warm gaze.

A deep pool of nostalgia and introspection shimmered in his eyes as they lingered on the building, as if he were reuniting with an old friend close to his heart. His lips curved into a tender, bittersweet smile, reminiscing on cherished memories and the dreams still waiting to be chased.

A gust of wind brushed across his face like a flirtatious lover, making his eyes close in quiet resistance. For a moment, time stood still – suspended between the whispers of the past and the promises of the future.

"I'm back, my friend. And this time, I won't leave you alone. Ever. Promise."

The whispered words, laced with devotion and a hint of desperation, slipped through his barely moving lips.

A soft smile flickered across his face, lingering briefly before he kicked the accelerator, bringing the bike roaring back to life. The engine's hum vibrated beneath him as he guided it into the parking lot, weaving between rows of one bike, one scooter, and two sleek cars gleaming under the afternoon sun.

His gaze drifted to a grey car parked beside his spot. The familiar sight made his smile fade, his face hardening in an instant.

Snapping his gaze back to the bike, he turned the key and locked it. With a final pat on the shiny black tank, he swung his leg over, stood tall, and walked toward the company. The key twirled around his finger before he slipped it into his pants pocket with a soft jingle.

As he stepped inside, the guard – a man in his mid-forties with a stern expression – straightened at once, his eyes locking onto Rudraksh.

"Good afternoon, sir!" he greeted, bowing slightly as he reached out to open the gate.

Rudraksh met his gaze and replied in a low, even tone, "Good afternoon." His eyes scanned the area briefly before he moved past the gate.

💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

The meeting room's polished wooden table gleamed under the soft glow of the overhead lights. Its U-shaped configuration lent a formal, commanding air to the space. Water bottles, laptops, files, and pens were neatly arranged at each occupied seat.

At the front of the room, two authoritative chairs stood empty – their high backs and broad armrests exuding quiet power. A large projector hung from the ceiling, its dark, unblinking lens casting a faint shadow across the surface below.

On one side of the table, two women sat in silence.

Vaishnavi, around thirty years old, wore a simple yet elegant salwar suit. Her dark hair was neatly braided down her back. She drummed her fingers lightly against the armrest, her eyes fixed on the two empty chairs at the front.

Beside her, Dhriti – a younger woman of about twenty-eight – was dressed in a crisp, semi-formal outfit: jeans paired with a button-down shirt. Her eyes were glued to her phone, eyebrows furrowed in quiet concentration.

Samarth, a man in his mid-thirties, sat next to them. His gaze was distant, unfocused, as though lost in a thought he couldn't escape.

One chair beside them remained empty.

The opposite side of the table mirrored this arrangement – one chair vacant near the authoritative seats, and another at the far end.

Karan occupied the seat beside the empty one, his expression stoic. His eyes flicked repeatedly toward the door, his leg jiggling restlessly under the table.

Next to him sat Kshay, a man of about twenty-nine. He stared straight ahead, jaw clenched, hands clasped tightly in his lap.

The door swung open.

Rudraksh stood tall at the entrance, a confident aura surrounding him, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

Vaishnavi's fingers stilled on the armrest, her eyes locking on him. Dhriti's gaze snapped up from her phone, her expression softening, adoration flickering in her eyes along with a subtle smile on her lips. Samarth turned his attention to Rudraksh, his eyes narrowing slightly. Karan's leg stopped jiggling, his gaze fixed intently on his friend with a hesitant smile. Kshay's jaw remained clenched. He glared at Rudraksh as though he could burn him alive with his stare.

"Welcome."

Kshay stood up, the chair rolling backward harshly against the polished floor. He clasped his hands together and forced a smile. "Welcome, Mr. Ex-CEO. How was the vacation?"

Karan rolled his eyes, gazing at the ceiling before turning back to Kshay. Dhriti mirrored the gesture, her eyes flicking toward Kshay before returning to Rudraksh with that faint, knowing smile. Vaishnavi shook her head and leaned forward, her hands splayed on the table. Samarth's gaze drifted away again, fixing on some distant point, his expression unreadable.

Rudraksh's fingers curled around the straps of his bag, his knuckles whitening as he stood still, eyes locked on Kshay; his face completely expressionless.

"Why are you here, by the way?" Kshay asked, his tone sharp with irritation. "Did you forget you're only an employee now? This meeting is for team leaders." His lips twisted in distaste as he looked Rudraksh up and down.

Without a word, Rudraksh stepped forward toward the empty chair beside the authoritative seats. His footsteps landed firm and measured on the white marble floor. The sound of chairs scraping, jackets unzipping, and shifting fabric filled the room, followed by the soft thud of his bag hitting the wooden table.

Every pair of eyes followed him as he removed his jacket and draped it neatly over the chair’s back before sitting down with composed, economical movements. The faint screech of his zipper broke the silence as he opened his bag, pulling out a sleek black laptop. The soft click-clack of the keys filled the air as his fingers flew across them with practiced precision.

A few minutes later, he pushed his chair back and walked to the switchboard. Flipping a switch, he brought the projector to life – the machine humming, its fan whirring softly. He plugged the cable into his laptop, and the white wall flickered before stabilizing into a crisp image. His fingers moved swiftly once more, finalizing the setup before he slid back into his seat. His gaze remained fixed on the laptop screen, his face a calm, unreadable mask.

Kshay's narrowed eyes bored into him, sharp with challenge, his jaw tight. Between them, Karan's fingers drummed a nervous rhythm on his thigh beneath the table. He glanced sideways at Rudraksh's profile before quickly looking away, his lips pressed into a thin line.

The door opened once again. Heads turned in unison, eyes drawn to the figure standing in the doorway.

A man, dressed in a tailored three-piece suit, stepped into the room with purposeful strides. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he surveyed the room. His gaze lingered on the projector screen hanging on the wall before he settled into one of the authoritative chairs at the front.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! I hope I'm on time." His eyes roamed the room, meeting each gaze before resting on Rudraksh, seated beside him. "Well done, Rudraksh."

Rudraksh inclined his head in a small bow.

The man rose from his seat, his eyes sweeping across the room as he began to speak. "So, before we proceed, ladies and gentlemen, let's first introduce ourselves briefly." His voice was clear and confident, his words filling the room.

"Hello, everyone. I am Dr. Yashwant Mathur, the new CEO of IMAGINATION. I will be leading our team toward success, and I look forward to collaborating with each of you. Thank you."

With a measured movement, Dr. Mathur settled back into his chair, his hands resting on the armrests. He extended a hand toward his right, his palm facing upward in a courteous gesture. "Ladies first," he offered with a subtle smile.

Vaishnavi nodded, a polite smile playing on her lips as she rose from her seat. "Thank you very much for the opportunity, sir." Her eyes darted between the faces in the room, her stern, high-pitched voice ringing out as she introduced herself.

"A very good afternoon, everyone! I am Vaishnavi Murthy, leading the Marketing and Public Relations Team in the company. I promise to bring our company to its best through our efforts in social networking." With a slight incline of her head, she concluded, "Thank you."

"Hello, everyone!" Dhriti's measured voice effortlessly captured the room's attention. "I am Dhriti Vashishth. I lead the User Experience Team, collecting every kind of feedback from users across the country – whether it's positive, negative, or constructive. Our goal is to provide every possible form of assistance to the company." With a nod, she concluded, "Thank you."

"Good afternoon, everyone." Samarth's low-pitched voice resonated through the room, commanding attention without raising his tone. "Samarth Sinha. I lead the Quality Assurance Team, ensuring that every product delivered to our audience meets the highest standards of quality." His words were concise and confident. "Thank you."

"Kshay Maurya." He paused briefly, his tone laced with irritation. "I lead the Production Team. And our work will only reach its peak if people working here learn to be professional instead of dwelling on their personal heartbreaks like teenagers."

A collective sigh rippled through the room – lips pursing, eyes rolling in unison.

Rudraksh's chest rose and fell with a deep breath, his face a mask of calm. But beneath the table, his fingers curled into fists, nails digging into his palms, leaving four reddish crescents on his skin.

"Good afternoon, everyone!" Karan's confident voice boomed through the room. "I am Karan Deshmukh, the co-founder of IMAGINATION. Additionally, I lead two teams – the Art and Animation Team, and the Audio Team. We work to create engaging experiences that captivate our audience's hearts." With a nod, he concluded, "Thank you."

As Karan sat back, his gaze turned to his friend – warm and anticipatory. The other team members mirrored his gaze, their eyes drawn to the same point, except for Dr. Mathur, who wore a small, knowing smile.

"Good afternoon." Rudraksh's husky voice carried a professional edge, commanding the attention of the curious gazes around him. As his eyes swept across the room, they met Dhriti's sparkling ones. She was watching him with a loving smile, her head tilted slightly to one side. Their gaze held for a fleeting moment before Rudraksh mentally shook his head in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Vaishnavi nudged Dhriti, whispering something in her ear. Dhriti's cheeks flushed red, her shy smile briefly visible before she composed herself, bringing her attention back to the mesmerizing voice.

"Rudraksh Maurya, the founder of IMAGINATION." His eyes locked onto Kshay's intense stare – a flicker of awareness crossing his face before he continued with measured calmness. "As you all know, in the absence of qualified staff, I used to lead this company as CEO, while also heading both the Development Team and the Business and Operations Team."

A subtle pause followed. Rudraksh's eyes dropped to the head of the wooden table as he collected his thoughts. With a resolute tone, he continued, "I vow to contribute to the company in every possible way to bring it to the top, as the leader of the Development Team and the Business and Operations Team." His eyes met those of his colleagues, a determined glint in their depths. "Thank you."

The room erupted into applause, accompanied by warm, encouraging smiles. Karan patted Rudraksh's back, while Dhriti flashed him a thumbs-up, both beaming with wide smiles.

Rudraksh's face remained neutral, though a faint smile played on his lips.

Kshay's face turned beet red with rage, his teeth clenched in visible anger. "How can he lead two main teams of the company?!" The chair scraped harshly against the floor as he pushed it back. "The chairman himself demoted him to an entry-level post – that of a software engineer!"

The room's atmosphere shifted; faces contorted, eyebrows narrowed.

Dr. Mathur calmly clasped his hands on the table and cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. He turned to face Rudraksh, his expression composed.

Rudraksh nodded and rose from his chair, walking to the switchboard. He flipped off the unnecessary lights, plunging the room into partial darkness. The only illumination came from the flickering projector screen.

As Rudraksh returned to his spot, he began typing on the keyboard. The projector sprang to life, casting a sheet of graphs and charts onto the screen. The visual display commanded the room’s attention, momentarily diffusing the tension.

The CEO approached the screen with measured steps, his eyes scanning the room as he began to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen, as you are all aware, IMAGINATION is approximately twenty months old. During this period, the company was led by CEO Rudraksh Maurya."

He picked up a pointer stick, its tip glowing red in the dim light, and gestured toward the screen. "This graph illustrates our market performance during the initial eight months. As you can see, we faced significant competition from already established companies, which impacted our growth as a beginner in the field."

The stick's gentle movements drew everyone's attention to the graphs and pie charts. "However, we observed a significant increase in engagement following the launch of two indie games on our first anniversary. The positive reception from our audience was a key milestone for the company."

A faint smile played on everyone's lips, except Kshay's, who scoffed audibly.

Dr. Mathur's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Let's maintain a professional demeanor, Mr. Kshay."

Kshay nodded curtly, adjusting himself in his chair.

Dr. Mathur refocused on the screen, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Moving forward, let's examine the data from the past seven months. As you can see, the graphs exhibit a fluctuating pattern." The stick traced a particular data point. "This period marked a decline in the company's performance, which we will address through strategic initiatives."

The projector flickered off, plunging the room into brief darkness before the overhead lights hummed back to life, forcing everyone to squint.

Dr. Mathur settled into his chair, his expression composed as he surveyed the room. He clasped his hands on the table, eyeing Kshay. "So, to answer your question, Mr. Kshay – Rudraksh was removed from the CEO position due to the consequences of his unprofessional and reckless approach toward the company."

Rudraksh's gaze dropped, his expression neutral, fingers brushing together under the table as he listened intently.

"But he is still the best fit to lead the Development Team and the Business and Operations Team. Secondly, you don't have any other option, Mr. Kshay. So, I would appreciate it if you could keep your personal conflicts aside and focus on the company's growth. Understand?" The CEO's unflinching gaze pierced through Kshay's defenses, demanding compliance.

Kshay nodded briefly, his voice measured. "Yes, sir."

The CEO's gaze swept across the room, lingering on each member before moving on. "Better. Now, let's proceed with the meeting, shall we?"

The room erupted in a chorus of assent, the members' voices unified. "Yes, sir!"

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

The swift gust of wind danced across their covered bodies, making them shiver in unison. As they walked, their footsteps fell into a synchronized rhythm, their breaths misting in the crisp air.

Inside the economy-class bus nearby, Buddhist monks in bright orange robes sat quietly, their shaved heads tilted toward the windows, gazing out with serene expressions. A few foreigners stood out among them, their curious eyes scanning the surroundings.

"Aren't you feeling cold, Navya?" Nidhi asked, rubbing her arms through the sleeves of her green jacket.

Navya's hands were wrapped around her shoulders, her flushed cheeks puffing out warm air as she let out an awkward laugh. "Cold? Hah! I'm fine!" Her voice came out a little too loud, her eyes darting around.

Nidhi's eyebrows shot up, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Yeah, I can see how fine you are."

Navya pressed her lips into a thin line and quickly looked away, letting her gaze drift to the vibrant street around them.

Nidhi turned to the other side, her tone casual. "Ira?"

Getting no response, she leaned forward. "Ira?"

Still no reply. Nidhi sighed and nudged Ira's arm. "Ira?!"

Ira's head jerked up, her startled posture accompanied by a stammered, "Y-yeah?"

"To the earth, girl," Nidhi snorted. "Where are you always zoned out?"

Ira shook her head gently under the hood of her maroon jacket and whispered, "Nothing."

Her soft response earned a knowing nod from both girls, and they continued walking.

"Where are we going first?!" Navya asked, glancing between them eagerly.

"Museum?" Ira suggested, almost tentative.

Nidhi nodded. "Okay! Then it's decided. First, the museum, then the Khandar."

Navya threw her hands up, eyes sparkling. "Yay!"

Ira's lips curved into a small smile, her blue-jeans-clad legs moving in steady, measured steps as she walked ahead.

Nidhi's eyes narrowed slightly, her arms wrapped around her shoulders. "Why do you always look so frustrated?"

Ira's face lifted, confusion clouding her eyes. "Huh?"

Nidhi's gaze held hers, steady and observant. "It always looks like you're angry."

Ira flashed a quick smile and looked away, walking ahead in silence.

Nidhi's eyes lingered on her, thoughtful.

A/N: So, what are your opinions about the new characters introduced here?

Share your insights in the comment section. I love to read your thoughts. And, in the next part I will try to show you a glimpse of one of the world's oldest universities, and the first residential university of the world.