The echo of footsteps sent a shiver down Satya's spine. He exchanged a glance with Saanvi and Devraj, their eyes filled with the same question—who else had found this place?
Devraj quickly switched off the flashlight, plunging them into darkness. They pressed themselves against the damp stone walls, listening.
The footsteps grew louder. Then—silence.
A voice echoed in the passage. Low, firm, and familiar.
"You shouldn't have come here."
Satya's breath caught. He knew that voice.
A shadow moved at the tunnel's entrance, and within moments, a figure stepped into the dim light filtering from the temple above.
Professor Raghav.
Saanvi stiffened. "You?"
The historian stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You don't understand what you're dealing with."
Satya clenched his fists. "Then explain."
Professor Raghav sighed. "This door—this symbol—it's more than just a relic of the past. It's a mark of a buried history that was meant to stay hidden."
Saanvi stepped toward him. "You knew about this place all along, didn't you?"
The professor hesitated before nodding. "I've been researching it for years, but not alone. There are others who want to keep this truth buried—powerful people who don't want the past to be uncovered."
Satya narrowed his eyes. "You mean the Rathore descendants?"
Professor Raghav didn't answer directly. Instead, he gestured toward the door. "What lies behind this door isn't just your past, Satya. It's a secret that threatens an entire legacy. If you open it, you may not be able to walk away so easily."
Saanvi's hands clenched at her sides. "We deserve to know the truth."
The professor exhaled sharply. "Then prepare yourselves. Because once you see what's inside, there's no turning back."
Satya, Saanvi, and Devraj exchanged glances. They had come too far to stop now.
Satya reached forward, pressing his hand against the symbol.
A faint vibration ran through the stone.
And then—
With a deep groan, the door began to open.
What lay beyond sent a chill through their very souls.
The past was no longer just a memory.
It was right in front of them.