The preparations

Riya saw the beautiful stone tablets with captions on them. A few she read. Some she clicked photographs of. She started with the compound and corridor. The walls had beautiful murals. Those were post independence. Government these days was working hard on restoring them. There was a huge idol of Vishnu sleeping on Sheshnag as Laxmi his heavenly wife tends to his legs. She clicked photographs. Water poured from all directions creating an illusion of deep ocean the Lord's home. It was mesemerising. Water from showers and pipes from all directions. She remained lost for sometimes. Then joined a queue to touch the lord's feet. There she saw Lord Vishnu's four symbols

Shankh- an instrument to declare a war.

Chakra- a toothed wheel like weapon

Gada- a heavy weapon with a handle

Padma- Lotus

They were on four pillars that form a square around the idol.

The placement could be of importance. She clicked a photo.

The second thing she liked about the temple was Kaalchakra.(circle of time)

It suggests that time is not constant moving in one direction. But it rotates round in a circle.

Hindu mythology says that time is divided into four major eras of life.Sata, Treta, Dwapar and Kali. The standard of life deteoriates as you move forward. It is followed by a destruction period Mahapralaya. Life then rebegins from Sata. So even past, present and future changes for all. Like Time as a dimension on which scientists are currently working she thought.

As the three completed the tour they met downstairs. They discussed their findings.

" I really liked the Dasavtar idol with Vishnu in centre and his 10 incarnations all around, said Sonia." INCREDIBLE".

" The deep ocean architecture has my heart", said Manav . " But I did like how they incorporated that peepul tree as a part of temple without cutting it. Nature with architecture".

A statue of Buddha was under the tree showing his Bodh gyan.(ULTIMATE KNOWLEDGE)

" The temple evolved over a generation", said Riya. " It does not limits to a time", she said.

Riya had made a discovery but she was unaware of it..

Meanwhile at Vicky's office

" The rooms shall be in three categories ", said Numaan. " Luxury, gold and premium".

" Why should the stay be costly", asked Vicky.

" Staying will be different ffrom adventure experience. Adventure is more like an amusement park. Staying the resort experience ", said Numaan.

" The different charges will help us collect more revenue. Good idea", said Gaurav.

" I looked at the royal photographs and got some dress designs", said Zoya.

" As Sonia comes back consult with her", adviced Vicky.

" I have arranged a coupe of historical experts for us", said Vinod. " You and Riya will meet them tomorrow".

Zoya enjoyed working. This atmosphere provided a challenge for her. The housewife and society life now felt suffocating. Numaan encouraged her to work as opposed to orthodox Salman. BUT SHE HATES HIM.

" Can I suggest something", said Zoya.

" Yes", said Vicky.

" Can we get audience with royals. I mean that gives idea of lifestyle", she said.

" Well the only connection we have to Royals is Gaurav", said Vikram. He and Vinod burst out laughing as Gaurav grimaced. Dipti shook her head.

" I want in on this joke too", said Numaan.

" Then bow down to his highness", Vinod said.

Gaurav sighed.

" My father was second cousin to a king on his mother's side. I am sort of nephew to a royal. Sometimes I meet them", he said. " I WILL NOT SPARE MITALI", he hissed.

His friends burst out laughing again as Numaan joined them.

" Mitali is the one who told us", said Vicky.

" Fun times", said Vinod. Gaurav sulked.

" Jokes aside", said Vikram. " Get me a meeting with the king if possible".

" Why", asked Gaurav.

" Apart from royal insight we need more capital", said Vicky.

" The question is can he fund it. More Royals turned bankrupt after the secular wave in our country", said Vinod.

" Ohh no", said Gaurav. " Uncle runs a very successful business. Bhishma entreprises".

" The textile king", asked Vikram.

" The very same", nodded Gaurav.

" Well this could be trickier than we thought. He will fight a bargain", said Vikram.

" Lets meet tonight after dinner to discuss scenarios ", said Gaurav.

" Unlike you two I am a married man", grimaced Vinod. " My wife would kill us all if you make me work at night time".

" Okay tomorrow morning ", said Vicky. " Don't be late".

Next day

The three friends had a gruelling morning session. Even Dipti was kept busy as she arranged various files and agreements. Alok Shashtri was also present for the meeting.

" We need legal clarity", said Vicky. " I don't know about the royal nature of king but the old goat is a seasoned businessman."

" Ever met him", asked Vinod.

" Not me. But dad met him once or twice in London. He was in UK for a long time".

" Ohhh okay", said Vinod.

" Our legal papers are accurate", said Alok. " A 99% chance he will ask about the palace to the old king. One who owned it before you. About the location, prospect, his experience and I hear he has a strong legal firm supporting him. A top in Asia".

" I trust you Alok", said Vicky calmly. Alok nodded.

The intercom rang. " Ms. Riya is here", said Dipti. Vicky looked at the watch. He still had time.

" She is early", Gaurav was saying.

At that moment the door opened and Riya came in. Viktam smiled.

" I am sorry", she said. " But all of you need to get out now. Vicky needs to rest".

Vinod and Gaurav immediately rushed out. They knew what a piss*d off Riya looked like.

But Alok was new. He took some time. Riya started tapping her foot startling him.

Vikram came to his rescue.

" Riya meet Advocate Shashtri. He is Vishnu's elder brother. "

Hearing this her face softened. Vicky told him about Vishnu. She wished to help.

" I am sorry about what happened sir", she said. " Vishnu is a talented man. I have seen his art. Bought one too. He just needs a right direction in life".

" I appreciate Ms Riya", said Alok. She seemed like a genuine and kind person.

" In fact Sonia also liked his art. She would like to use some of his pieces. We can arrange a meeting and discuss."

" That would be..Thank you", Alok's eyes smarted.

Riya smiled.

" I take your leave Vikram and wish you both a great life together". He left.

" Alok is a pundit", said Vikram as he explained Alok's story to Riya.

" Ohh she said that really makes the future of pundits brighter".

Indeed thought Vicky.

Then they both sat with experts Mr. Khedekar and Mr. Dharma.

" I am doing a PHd on the era", said Riya. She explained her findings on the palace.

" What I suggest is mention the trivia about the palace here and there as fun facts", said Mr. Dharma.

" A competition of sorts with a minimal entry fee for kids can be arranged too", said Mr. Khedekar.

Dipti was noting down all the suggestions.

" There are some paintings by an ancient artist Darshan".

She showed the photographs.

" These are great finds", said Mr. Khedekar.

" I guess a destroyed village was excavated by archaeology department of India", said Mr. Dharma.

" Yes", said Mr. Khedekar. " This painting resonate that destruction ".

" Riya has many other proofs about the place too", said Vicky.

" We can push to make it a cultural heritage", said Mr. Dharma.

" I would like to visit the site to have a closer look", said Mr. Khedekar.

" Okay Riya will take you", nodded Vicky.

After discussing few other points the experts left. Vicky closed doors as Dipti left.

Riya hugged him.

" Miss you", said Vicky.

" Hmmm", she closed her eyed breathing him in. SOOTHING.

" I got lunch", she said softly.

He kissed her softly.

The preparations were complete.