Two days had passed in what felt like a blink. Morning broke over the city, painting the streets in soft gold. Dev, Shubham, and Laxmi stood outside, backpacks ready, the wooden piece safely tucked in Dev's bag. Today, the journey they had been preparing for was finally beginning.
"Ready for this?" Laxmi asked, adjusting her scarf.
"Always," Dev replied, though his stomach churned with nerves.
Shubham gave a dry smile. "As long as no one trips over their own shoelaces, I think we'll survive."
The trio laughed, the tension of the past days easing with shared humor. The vehicle hummed to life, carrying them out of the city and into winding country roads. Trees lined the path, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.
By mid-morning, they were walking through a dense grove. The terrain was uneven, roots and rocks threatening each step. Dev stumbled once, and Laxmi snorted. "Not so invincible after all, huh?"
Dev grinned, brushing dirt off his pants. "You're one to talk—don't forget the last time you slipped trying to cross a stream."
Shubham chuckled, stepping carefully over a fallen branch. "At least neither of you fell in the mud like last week. I've never seen Dev scream and flail like that before."
Laughter echoed through the forest, blending with birdsong. Even amidst the unknown, these moments reminded them of why they traveled together.
As noon approached, they paused by a bubbling stream to refill water and rest. Shubham knelt beside the bank, examining a moss-covered stone. "Look at this… the markings match Singh's sketches. He must have come this way before."
Dev crouched beside him, tracing the carved lines with his finger. "It's incredible… like he left breadcrumbs for us."
Evening descended with an amber glow. They found a small clearing to set up camp. Laxmi arranged their gear while Shubham unpacked notebooks and sketches. Dev sat by the fire, staring at the wooden piece in his hand.
"Do you ever get the feeling we're being watched?" he asked quietly.
Laxmi gave him a pointed look. "Dev, it's probably just stress. Singh's gone, we're walking into the unknown… of course your mind is making shadows out of trees."
Shubham nodded, adding, "Better to focus on what we can control. Like where we pitch the tent and how to keep the fire going."
They shared a simple meal, joking over minor mishaps—spilled soup, burnt bread, and the usual teasing that made the tension bearable. The night was calm, yet every rustle in the trees made Dev flinch, his anxiety lingering despite the laughter.
Two days and one night passed, each hour filled with walking, laughter, minor obstacles, and careful observations. By the early morning of the third day, the trio spotted the first signs of civilization—a small village nestled between hills, its clay rooftops glinting in the sun.
Dev squinted at the distant settlement. "Looks like we've arrived at our first stop."
"Finally," Laxmi breathed, relief in her voice. "Let's hope this village has some clues… and a little comfort for tired travelers."
Shubham adjusted his bag, eyes scanning the surroundings. "Whatever we find here, we stick together. Singh wouldn't have wanted us to wander blindly."
The village of Ravankhet awaited them, quiet but alive, holding the first secrets of their journey. And though the day had been long, their adventure had only just begun.