"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.

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"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.

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"How much do you get paid per month?" Navya asked, her voice straightforward, her eyebrows pinching slightly.

The guard looked up at her, his eyes narrowing as he took in her casual stance.

She stood with one leg straight and the other slightly bent at the knee, her fingers absently tracing the intricate pattern along the edge of her dupatta. Her eyes locked onto the guard’s with a serious expression.

Nidhi, who had been walking up the steps, turned back and waved a hand dismissively, her palm facing outward. "I don't know this girl."

Ira chuckled and grabbed Nidhi's hand, pulling her back up the steps.

"Navya?" Ira called out, holding up the tickets like a trophy.

Navya's face lit up as she slapped a hand to her forehead. "Ha!" She hurried back to Ira, snatched the tickets from her hand, and returned to the guard, her heels clicking on the floor.

"Here you go, uncle!" she said brightly, handing over the tickets with a smile.

The guard took them, tore off the edges neatly, and handed them back efficiently.

As Navya reached out to take the tickets, another hand swooped in, snatching them from the guard’s grasp.

Navya's confusion melted into a smile as she met Nidhi’s narrowed gaze.

Nidhi placed her hands on her shoulders and pushed her forward, firmly but gentle. "Do you want to build a relationship with his family since you were asking about his salary?" she scolded in a hushed voice.

Navya's forehead creased. "I was just curious!" she protested, spreading her hands out as she was nudged ahead.

Ira walked quietly beside them into the gallery, her curious gaze drifting toward two massive earthen pots on display. The soft museum lighting highlighted their intricate details.

One pot had several spouts resembling an elephant's trunk, while the other appeared to be a large storage jar.

"See what's here!" Navya's excited voice pulled Ira's attention toward the beautifully crafted stone and bronze sculptures of Hindu deities adorning the smooth white walls.

"How old are these?" Nidhi's voice was filled with awe as she leaned closer to the glass case.

Ira replied calmly, "About… sixteen centuries."

Both girls' eyes widened in unison.

Navya's mouth hung open, and she took a step closer to the display, hands clasped in front of her. "Really?" she whispered.

Ira nodded, her gaze fixed on the sculptures inscribed in the Pali language. "Yeah. Emperor Kumargupta I of the Gupta dynasty established Nalanda University around the fifth century… in 427 CE." As she spoke, her eyes traced the different statues of Hindu mythological deities on the wall.

As they moved to the next exhibit, Nidhi's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "Wow… so prestigious. I should have visited this earlier." She walked ahead, her footsteps echoing softly on the marble floor.

Navya's curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned even closer to the glass case, her nose almost touching it as she examined the statues inside. "Who are these people, Ira?" she asked in a hushed tone, her voice muffled by the glass.

Ira turned her attention to the sculptures, eyes squinting slightly as she studied their intricate details. "The twelve-handed Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and the colossal image of Buddha seated in dharmachakra mudra."

Ira paused, noticing the confused expressions on the girls' faces. She smiled gently and began to explain, her hands gesturing softly as she spoke, "Bodhisattva is known for his boundless compassion and his commitment to save all suffering beings. These twelve hands represent his determination to fulfill that commitment in every possible way."

Nidhi pointed a finger toward the statue, her eyes fixed on the dharmachakra mudra. "And this dharmachakra mudra?"

Ira's lips parted, her eyes squinting in thought as she studied the statue. She paused, her gaze tracing the intricate details of the mudra. "It's … the mudra formed by bringing the thumb and index finger of each hand together, creating a circle near the chest, representing the wheel of dharma." She continued, her hands animated. "He delivered his first sermon to his disciples in Sarnath in this posture."

Nidhi's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she listened. "How do you know this much?"

Ira smiled awkwardly. "My brother is studying all these things for his exams, so I sometimes ask questions out of curiosity." She looked down, avoiding Nidhi's gaze.

Nidhi patted Ira's shoulder with a proud smile, her hand lingering for a moment. "Oh… good job. Keep gaining knowledge!" She nudged her forward toward Navya, who was wandering in the main hall, lost in admiration.

Their eyes wandered over the artifacts on display, offering glimpses into the lives of the monks, scholars, and artisans who lived and worked at the university.

Navya's fingers trailed over the intricate carvings on an ancient manuscript.

Nidhi and Ira followed, their footsteps echoing softly on the marble floor as they examined ancient manuscripts, terracotta seals, and other artifacts that provided insight into the academic and cultural achievements of ancient Nalanda.

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"Wah! That was mesmerizing!" Navya's cheerful voice filled the peaceful air as they stepped out of the museum. "I wish I had a time machine." Her hands squealed near her chest, lips pouting.

Nidhi chuckled at her innocent drama, while a small smile played on Ira's lips.

Together, they walked outside, the warm sunlight casting a golden glow over their faces.

"Let's explore the great Nalanda Khandar then," Nidhi announced, spreading her hands wide.

Navya stepped forward. "But before that, let's grab some food!" She rubbed her stomach in a circular motion. "I'm really hungry."

"Yeah, you're right. Let’s get some tasty street food," Nidhi chimed in, turning to Ira and adjusting the hood of her jacket.

Ira rubbed her hands together, blowing a trail of warm air through her lips. Her eyes fluttered closed against the gust of wind, the cool breeze carrying the scent of fresh greenery.

She opened her eyes, meeting Nidhi's and Navya's expectant faces. "Yeah, yeah, of course," she replied, her voice husky from the cold.

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All three of them stepped into the vibrant street market outside Nalanda's ruins, kulfis in hand.

"The pleasure of having dessert after food is something else," Navya said cheerfully, licking her milk ice cream. "That too, in winter!"

Nidhi and Ira silently enjoyed their cones, smiling softly.

The cacophony of the bustling street market enveloped them. The air was alive with the chatter of locals and the curious gazes of tourists, all mingling together in a lively dance.

After finishing their dessert, they wandered through the stalls, admiring the intricate sculptures, handmade ornaments, and unique art pieces on display.

Navya's eyes widened as she picked up a beautifully crafted bronze figurine, her fingers tracing the delicate details.

Nidhi was captivated by a vendor selling replicas of ancient artifacts, her eyes fixed on a miniature model of the Nalanda University stupa. She carefully examined the model, marveling at the attention to detail.

The vendor, noticing her interest, began to explain the history behind the piece, and Nidhi listened intently, nodding slightly.

Ira, meanwhile, was drawn to a stall selling rare books on Buddhism and Indian philosophy. She browsed through the shelves, fingers running over the spines, eyes scanning the titles with quiet curiosity.

"Hey, look! This ceramic figurine of Lord Buddha is stunning!" Navya exclaimed, holding up a beautifully crafted piece. The sunlight caught the figurine, highlighting its intricate details.

"Let me see," Nidhi said, taking the figurine from Navya. She examined it carefully, eyes narrowing slightly as she assessed the craftsmanship. "How much is it?" she asked the vendor, her voice firm but polite.

"Two hundred rupees, beta," the vendor replied with a smile.

Nidhi turned toward Ira, who was absorbed in a picture book about the university, studying it with childlike curiosity.

"Ira!" she called across the stall.

Ira lifted her head, eyebrows raised.

"Do you want one?" Nidhi asked, holding the statue up for her to see.

Ira shook her head, returning her gaze to the book.

Nidhi smiled and turned back to the vendor. "I'll give you three hundred for two pieces," she said confidently.

The vendor chuckled. "Okay, okay. Three-fifty, and it's yours!" he said, voice rising slightly.

A small smile played on Nidhi's lips. "Umm… okay."

The vendor wrapped the two white statue models in paper, his hands moving quickly and efficiently.

After a while, they gathered outside the entrance gate of the ruins of Nalanda.

Nidhi pulled out her phone and booked the online tickets using the barcode from the ticket counter. "Done! That was easy," she said, showing the confirmation on her screen. "It's 40 rupees per head, so that's 120 in total."

With the tickets displayed on her mobile screen, the girls made their way toward the entrance of the ancient Nalanda Khandar. Nidhi showed the confirmation to the guards, who lazily gestured for them to go inside.

As they stepped inside the ruins, warm sunlight cast long shadows across the ancient stones, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Inhaling deeply, they felt the historical significance and grandeur of the site wash over them.

The ravaged buildings stretched out before them, remnants of ancient structures, intricate carvings, and imposing stupas set amidst lush greenery.

They walked in awe, their footsteps echoing off the stones as they took in the sights and sounds of the historic site.

"Wow, this place is incredible," Navya breathed, eyes wide with wonder. "You can almost feel the history and the learning that took place here."

Ira nodded, her gaze sweeping across the ruins, lingering on the intricate carvings.

Nidhi wandered ahead, her gaze drawn to a massive stupa. "Wow, look at the size of this! What's its significance?"

Ira turned to her, a gentle smile on her face. "This is one of the most iconic structures in Nalanda. The stupa is believed to contain relics of the Buddha or other important figures. It's a sacred site for Buddhists."

Nidhi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Let's explore and soak up the atmosphere then. I want to learn more about this amazing place. Be our tour guide, my lady." She bowed playfully in front of Ira, making her giggle.

Ira took the lead, hands clasped against her stomach as she began to explain. "So, as I mentioned before, this Nalanda Mahavihara was established by… and at this time." She swept her forefinger in a half-circle, gesturing across the ruins.

"Are you seeing this whole area? This is only ten percent of the original university – about one and a half lakh square feet. The original university was spread over fourteen hectares. Ninety percent is still buried beneath the surface."

Nidhi's and Navya's eyes widened, their eyebrows shooting up.

"What was here that made it so massive?" Nidhi asked, watching the half-engraved buildings.

Ira's voice filled with pride and admiration. "Well, the name 'Nalanda' itself means 'an infinite source of knowledge.' This place was once home to over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The university flourished for more than 700 years after its establishment."

Nidhi gazed at the ruins, her mouth agape. "That’s… incredible! What was life like for the students and teachers here?"

Ira smiled and continued walking. "The university, with its thirty-three floors, was known for its wide range of academic programs. Students from all over Asia used to come here to study. The campus was vast, with eight separate compounds and ten temples."

As she spoke, Ira gestured expressively with her hands. "The students lived in simple but comfortable quarters with basic amenities. There was one teacher for every seven students. And you know, they even had entrance exams to gain admission – just like modern universities."

Navya's curiosity deepened, her eyes locked on Ira's face. "What about the foreign students? I've heard of Xuanzang and Faxian, the Chinese travelers who studied here. One of the game my brother made have these informations," she said proudly with a smile.

Ira nodded, a gentle smile on her face. "Yes, Nalanda attracted scholars from across Asia, including China, Japan, Indonesia, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Korea, and more. Xuanzang, also known as Hsüan-tsang, was one of the most famous Chinese pilgrims who studied here. He spent many years in Nalanda, mastering the teachings of Buddhism and other subjects."

As they walked through the ruins, Ira pointed out the remains of lecture halls, libraries, and temples, her hands gesturing expansively.

"The university's library, Dharma Gunj – known as the 'Mountain of Knowledge' – had nine floors and was renowned for its vast collection of more than three lakh books on various subjects, including mathematics, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and literature. The students and teachers lived simple but intellectually stimulating lives, engaging in debates, discussions, and research."

Nidhi turned to Ira, her voice steady. "I've heard that its library burned continuously for three… or was it six months? What's the story behind that?"

Ira nodded, her expression turning somber, lips pressed into a tight line. "Well, that's not a story. It's a harsh reality. You see these black burn marks?" She pointed to the scars on the red bricks, her finger tracing the darkened areas.

"We got this in return for our compassionate and helping nature," she said, her voice laced with loathing and grief. "'Atithi Devo Bhava' – to us Indians, a guest is equivalent to God. We treat guests with kindness and empathy, even if they are invaders or attackers."

She exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Anyway… the truth is, this university, a place of peace and wisdom, was attacked three times throughout history. The reasons varied – loot, politics, personal vendettas, and more."

Navya's eyes clouded over, her gaze drifting to the charred scars on the ancient bricks, her expression a mixture of sadness and anger.

The air seemed to grow heavier as they stood amidst the silent, wounded ruins.

"Three attacks?" Nidhi asked, intrigued by the story unfolding before her.

Ira nodded, her eyes gazing into the distance. "Yeah. Among those, it survived the first two attacks, which came from Central Asia and Bengal. Our kings – Samudragupta and Harshavardhana – fought those battles, and later, the university flourished even more brightly." She inhaled a deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling.

"But… at the end of the twelfth century, in 1193, a Turko-Afghan invader named Ikhtiyar-ud-din Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked Bihar. He was a military general under Muhammad Ghori – a plunderer. Khilji became the first Islamic invader to conquer Bihar, marking the beginning of a nightmare for its people." Ira's expression turned somber as her mind drifted back to the history textbooks.

Nidhi frowned, and Navya leaned in, her eyes filled with curiosity and unease. "What happened after that?" they asked in unison, their voices barely above a whisper.

Ira's face contorted with distaste as she continued. "So, things were more or less settled – not good, but manageable." She paused, then her eyes flashed with disgust.

"Then Khilji fell ill. His Islamic physicians tried their best but couldn't diagnose or cure him. Someone suggested that an Ayurvedic vaidya, Rahul Shri Bhadra, could heal him. But hearing a Hindu name enraged Khilji. He shouted — how could his own doctors fail, and a man from another faith succeed?!"

Navya's eyes stayed fixed on Ira's face, her expression a blend of fascination and dread. "Then what happened?" she whispered.

Ira smiled sadly and continued. "Vaidh Rahul met him, but Khilji set a condition – he wouldn't take any medicine directly. If Rahul could cure him, he had to do it without using any visible treatment. Rahul Shri was a brilliant scholar."

Her eyes lit up with admiration. "So, he offered Khilji a copy of the Quran and asked him to read it daily. Khilji, though confused, agreed. Strangely, within months, he recovered completely. But soon he grew restless – how had it happened?"

"How did it happen?" Nidhi asked softly, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Ira nodded. "Rahul Shri had applied medicinal herbs on the pages of the Quran. Someone had told him that Khilji had a habit of licking his fingers to turn the pages. So while reading, the medicine entered his body gradually, and he recovered."

Navya's eyes sparkled with awe. "Wow, that's brilliant! But if Khilji was cured, he should have been grateful. Why did he attack the university then? Ba**ard."

Ira's expression darkened, her eyes clouding with anger and sorrow. "Religious intolerance and jealousy. Khilji saw Nalanda as a symbol of Buddhist and Hindu learning. When he found nothing related to his faith. No gold, no treasure. Only books. He ordered everything burned. The university was set ablaze, its vast library reduced to ashes, and thousands of monks and scholars were massacred."

She paused, taking a deep breath. "The loss of knowledge was immeasurable. Lakhs of manuscripts on philosophy, medicine, astronomy… all gone." Her voice trembled with a mix of grief and reverence. "It was a tragedy that can never be undone."

Navya's eyes widened in horror, her face pale. "So everything burned – all the books and people?" she asked, her voice heavy and trembling.

Ira darted her gaze between Nidhi and Navya, her eyes filled with deep sadness. "A Persian historian, Minhaj-i-Siraj, wrote about this in his book Tabaqat-i-Nasiri – how a cruel man, blinded by his ego and the shadow of his religion, destroyed everything. He killed monks, scholars, and students, and ruined a prestigious symbol of knowledge." A tired sigh escaped her lips, followed by a faint, sorrowful smile.

"Though Hieun-Tsang, the Chinese traveler, managed to save around seven hundred books. And you know, it's because of him that we even know this place once existed. Otherwise, these monasteries would have remained buried beneath the earth," Ira said, gesturing expansively as she spoke.

"And later, during British rule, in 1812, a Scottish surveyor conducted research on this site. Then, in 1861, Alexander Cunningham identified these ruins as belonging to a great ancient university. Finally, in 2009, the ruins of Nalanda University were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she gathered her thoughts, her voice carrying both pride and melancholy.

As the friends walked through the ruins, uncovering the secrets of ancient Nalanda, Ira shared stories about the university's rich history – its scholars, teachings, and the vast knowledge once imparted within these walls.

Navya and Nidhi listened intently, their faces glowing with excitement and curiosity.

"You know, this was one of the three most prestigious universities of ancient India, which once welcomed students and scholars from across the world."

"Three?" Nidhi asked.

"Yep. Nalanda University, Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur – which Khilji also burned, and Takshashila University, located in present-day Pakistan, which was destroyed by Alexander of Greece."

With each step, they felt as though they were walking back in time, immersing themselves in the history and culture of this magnificent site.

"This place is truly magical," Nidhi whispered. "It's incredible to think about the impact it had on the world. And yet, despite its destruction, its legacy still lives on."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the ruins, the girls stood in silence, taking in the beauty and depth of the place. Ira's eyes sparkled with pride, her love for history and culture evident in every word she spoke.

"Attention, visitors! The Nalanda ruins will be closing in 30 minutes. Please make your way to the exit."

The voice was loud and clear, but Ira, Navya, and Nidhi were too engrossed in their conversation to notice at first.

When the announcement repeated, they looked at each other in surprise, realizing they had completely lost track of time.

"Oh no, we need to hurry!" Ira exclaimed, her eyes widening with concern as she glanced at the setting sun. She began walking briskly toward the exit, her long strides forcing Navya and Nidhi to quicken their pace to keep up.

"Let's go, let's go!" Navya said, picking up speed. "We don't want to get stuck here after closing time!"

Nidhi nodded in agreement, her shoulder-length hair bouncing as she jogged alongside her friends.

Their footsteps echoed off the ancient stones as they rushed toward the exit, their laughter and chatter blending with the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds.

As they ran, the scenery blurred around them – the intricate carvings, the towering stupas, and the timeworn structures becoming a vibrant backdrop to their energetic dash.

The sun beat down on their faces, its orange glow warming their skin, while the wind whipped through their hair, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Finally, they spotted the exit gate in the distance, its metal frame glinting in the soft, fading light. With renewed energy, they made a final sprint for it, grinning from ear to ear.

As they stepped out of the ruins, slightly out of breath but exhilarated by the adventure, they couldn’t help but laugh.

"That was close!" Ira exclaimed, her chest rising and falling with exertion.

Navya and Nidhi nodded in agreement, their faces flushed with excitement.

A/N: Ah! This was hardest part so far to write in. Anyway, share your thoughts in the comment section.

1. I hope, it didn't feel like a history class.