Chapter 1: The Challenge of Time Travel

“Take my hand,” Lara instructed firmly. Sujata reached for Lara’s right hand while simultaneously clutching her father's left arm.

This wasn't Lara's first encounter with time travel. She had successfully navigated it once before, but the pressure of the current situation made her anxious. With practiced calmness, she slipped into a meditative state, intent on escaping the chaos. Sujata, confused but loyal, stood by her side.

Pavan, recognizing Lara’s intent, recalled snippets of Sujata’s teachings on time travel. Just as Lara was about to vanish, he grasped her left hand. The agent and the assassin joined in, holding onto Pavan.

“No!” Lara exclaimed, pulling hard on her left hand, but Pavan's grip was unyielding.

In an instant, the six of them faded from the lounge.

Navigating the tumultuous waves of time was more challenging than Lara anticipated. She felt a relentless tug, yet everyone clung tightly to one another. Although the sensation was overwhelming, Lara remained focused.

She sensed that her companions were struggling even more than she was. Time travel required acclimatization, and she knew they were likely feeling dizzy and disoriented from the experience.

As the tranquil, liminal space came into view, it was even more stunning than she remembered. While the others regained their composure, Lara prepared for an impending confrontation. To her relief, no one was there. She seized the opportunity to pull away from Pavan and steer Sujata and her father away from potential threats, despite having no concrete plan.

The agent was the first to recover. “So, Kunal was correct. Time travel truly exists.” His excitement was palpable, as he envisioned the possibilities that lay ahead.

Unlike Sujata, Lara was a fighter. While her faith might not match Sujata's, her determination was unwavering. She drew a small knife from her ankle holster. “Stay back! I know how to use this,” she warned, noticing Pavan bracing for a confrontation, and the assassin recovering from her own nausea.

Just as Lara contemplated how to fend them off, a divine voice resonated within the space. They all heard it.

“That door. India.” It almost sounded like Sujata’s voice, reminiscent of the time she had heard “Virginia.” Yet, it felt different, more ethereal.

Without hesitation, Lara responded to the heavenly command. She pulled Sujata close and urged, “I know this is hard to understand, but you must return home.”

“What?! Why? Where?” Sujata was bewildered.

“There’s no time to explain. Sujata will guide you. You have to trust and be brave.” With that, Lara pushed Sujata and her father toward a nearby door.

However, the assassin seized Lara in that moment. As they struggled, the agent laughed maniacally.

“I have a plan, Lara. Let’s resolve this before it even begins.” As Lara attempted to push the assassin away, the agent dragged her off and shoved her toward another door.

“What are you doing? Are you insane?” Lara realized the assassin's instincts were correct; the agent was indeed deranged, driven by an insatiable