Anjali's POV

Avi sir returned and the discovery seemed to go deeper by the day. And the worst part, well for me, was that I could understand the language I didn't know! I and Sid translated whatever text came available. And strangely, Avi sir wasn't too much worried about it. More paintings, more carvings, and many many strange devices, some being weapons and some used for constructions. And it was obvious, I had to keep ignoring my weirdest visions.

Siddharth's POV

We kept on exploring and exploring. It seemed to be infinite. And finally, on April 28th, we dug out a thick oily sheet, which actually was a map. Why do I remember the date? Well that's because that was the day when our project took a turning point.

When I and Anjali studied, we came to know of the excellent war planning of the then times. Whosoever designed it had a brain sharper than that of Einstein! And thanks to our unknown knowledge of the language, we two reconstructed the entire map.

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The rest of the story continues in author's Point of view

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December 14.

A big day for the golden trio. Anjali had a hard tie controlling her overflowing excitement while Sid as usual, remained calm and composed. From past few days, their phones always ran busy with people calling to congratulate them on their achievement. After all, giving the modern mankind a brand new language and a highly intellectual techniques of warfare wasn't small.

The two had written thesis on the two respective topics and had been awarded the 'doctorate'. And Dr. Avinash indeed of great help to them.

The moment finally arrived when the three of them stood in front of many great achievers, hands held, they bowed with utmost respect and received their awards.

While Adi was busy capturing the moments in his cam, the three others arranged for a little treat in their house.

Anjali breathed out a sigh and sat in her car, next to Sid. "So..." She looked at him. "So...?" He questioned. "Ready for the celebrations...?" She squeaked. "Totally.." He replied.

After having a terrible turmoil in his mind, he had finally decided to do something which he was waiting to do from long. Propose.

He, Sharat and Adi had a secret meeting in his room the previous night and the two 'love experts' had prepared Sid for this event.

The party was in full swing as their college mates enjoyed themselves. "All the best Darling" Adi wished Sid as he filled his heart with courage.

There she was, sweetly smiling at all her friends, bringing an earthquake inside him. As he stepped forward, he saw she picked a call and went the other way. All his excitement seemed to drop for a one second. After a few minutes, she came running to him. "Sid!!" She called panting. Her face appeared worried. "Ma is admitted to the hospital... I...I need to leave right now.... I can't find others. Pls tell them...." Before he could reply anything, she gave him a quick hug and rushed.

"It's almost a week since she left and there is not a message from her... I don't even know whether she is fine..." Sid was literally sweating. "Don't worry...she'll call soon.." assured Sharat who himself was confused. The two girls kept trying her phone again and again.

Just when they decided to go in search of her, Swati's phone rang. "Anj" it read. Sid almost fell down, relieved. As soon as she received the phone, she yelled, "Are you out of your mind!!? Are we all dead...!! Couldn't you leave message when you reached. We were all so tensed to death over here! Idiot!..."

"Ok...calm down Swathi... I'm fine.." Anjali sounded unusually calm. Sid got tears, hearing her voice. He never imagined he loved her this deeply. "I....I'll come back after two days." She informed. "How's aunty?" Asked Adi, taking the phone. "she's fine." Replied she, before cutting the call.

"She sounded so wired..." Nandini spoke, "I've never found her so dull.." "Whatever, we'll ask her when she arrives." Sharat suggested.

It was 8 in the morning when the doorbell rang. A pair of droopy eyes belonging to Nandini caught the sight of happiness. "Anj!!!! Your back!!" She exclaimed as she hugged her dear friend. One more surprise stuck her when she saw Anjali's mom, Shakunthala by her side. She too was welcomed with the same love.

Welcome Shakunthala, Anjali's mother

Hearing Nandini's shout, the others came to welcome their dear friend. Sid simple stood leaning to the wall, watching all the others hug and cuddle her.

Anjali felt completely at home now. She missed her friends do much. Her mother needed no intro as all knew her well. All gathered in the hall, and each began narrating the stories of their projects to their dear aunt. Anjali left to the kitchen as she felt the need of coffee at the moment. That was when she felt his hold on her arm. He smiled, looking intensely. But for his shock, she just freed her arm and casually said "what is it Sid?" He never expected such a reaction for he had suffered a lot with her absence. "Are you all right?" He asked, making her smirk. "Do I look like I've faced an accident or something..? Of course I am!" She replied, putting the sugar in the vessel.

He frowned, he knew there was definitely something wrong. And as an answer, he heard something which made him loose his balance.

"Just a few days kids, then I want my princess back home." Shakunthala said, confusing everyone, excluding Anjali.

"Is there any problem Aunty?" Adi asked, quite worried about his friend now.

"Problem? What are you speaking about? Didn't Anjali tell you..?" She again planted a new seed of confusion. When everyone looked clueless, she happily said, "Anjali agreed for an alliance! The groom is an NRI! " her happiness was clearly visible in her eyes.

All looked at one another, not knowing what to do or what to say. And Sid just collapsed. He felt like a soulless body.

After biding bye to her mother, everyone were ready throw a huge lot of questions at Anjali.

"What joke is this Anjali...? You are playing with your own life!" Adi yelled. "I am in no mood to talk of this matter now." She blankly said before slamming the door of her room.

After a minute or two, she felt her door open and was shocked to see Sid. "Do you want anything?" She asked.

"Why are you playing with my emotions?" Anger was clearly pouring out. "Why did you agree for the proposal!?"

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't have?" She shot back.

His anger seemed to grow to a boundless extent. Worried that he might hurt her, he simply left, without giving a second look.

With the door shut, she broke down, unable to control anymore. Just when she felt a caress on her hairs, she lifted her head to see Swati and Nandini. "You love him, don't you..." Nandini whispered. Anjali just hugged her, weeping more.

It was last eight and there was no sign of Sid. "He's left a message that he'll be back soon." Adi frowned.

The number of times she cursed herself were countless. All seemed tired waiting for him. Finding no other option, they decided to go to sleep, except for Anjali. She preferred to watch the television, of course, finding it the only way to stay till he arrived.

She felt her eyelids heavy when a huge bang on the door bought her back to senses. She found the time to be 1. The other four who slept on the couch upstairs too were awakened.

She rushed to open the door and almost fainted. He stood there, his body sweating and eyes closed. He wobbled vigorously due the effect of alcohol. Her eyes welled up and without a second thought, she supported him, keeping one hand on his stomach and the other around his waist.

Sharat was about to rush when Adi stopped him, trying to give the two a little privacy. Till he reached the hall, Sid couldn't even open his eyes and when he did, all he saw were the two beautiful eyes, which never failed great a havoc in his heart.

Mercilessly pushing her away, he yelled, "Don't touch me! You have no right to come near me for what you have done!" At first, she was disgusted by the thought that it was because of her he had consumed so much of alcohol. She just wiped her tears and came back, gripping him again to lead to his room. He did the same and tried to walk away, but in vain.

"Siddharth please...listen to me. I'll tell you everything thing in the morning. Please don't..." Before she could continue, he gripped her shoulders. "I don't want any explanations. How can any reason be valid for you to do this. KYou knew well...you know well, I love you...." She felt his grip loosen and his blood shot eyes poured tears.

Before he turned, she stopped him again, "Sid, please...I...I...have a valid reason..." He rolled his eyes and looked at her. "Do you love me?" He asked, inching closer. When she replied nothing, he lowered his head and softly whispered, "It's all right Anjali...you live your life... I don't deserve your lo..." What followed made the four of their jaws drop. Without waiting for him to say more, she smashed her lips on his, taking him a passionate kiss. It was so soothing that he was lured to circle his hands around her waist and deepen it.

They parted after being out of breath. She saw a pleasant smile on his face before he lost his consciousness. Adi and Sharat rushed down and held him by his shoulders. "He's consumed too much of it, he'll be fine by morning..." Adi assured before taking him away.

"You were too....wild..." Swati exclaimed, only to get smacked by her crazy friend.

Hi friends! Hope u all liked the chapter . The suspense of their project will be revealed at the end. Hope to win a minimum of 25 votes and comments 😊