Ishar had to admit that it was one of the best stories he had ever heard. It felt as if the myth could turn into reality, as if this place held the very essence of protection and war.
"Where did the enemies come from?" Naren asked from behind him. Harini grinned, with a smile just like Venkatesh's.
"Sometimes-", she started, looking up at the sky, "the monsters come from the heavens themselves."
Nobody dared to speak another word. Maybe they didn't expect a tale about aliens to be told so nicely.
The next day started with a newfound enthusiasm. The whole team decided that Naren and Ishar would be the best people to try and find out information secretly from Khurana, literally ignoring their protests.
"Listen, you both are Army officers, so you HAVE to go." Anjani said with a finality in her voice.
"Yep. What she said." Gargi agreed behind her.
It seemed they just couldn't understand the depth of their rivalry.
Even Pratap, who had been his supporter in times like these, decided to betray him mercilessly in the time of need.
"Look-", Karan said, "Aniket, Pratap and I are your computer guys. Anjani and Gargi are the scientists and researchers. It makes sense that you both go with some secret spyware to search Khurana. You'll go as some top businessmen, looking forward to investing in his company."
"But why can't we just drag him outside his office?" Naren whined.
Aniket rolled his eyes,
"Like I told you a million times earlier, WE WILL FACE INTERNAL PROBLEMS IN ARMY AFFAIRS IF WE GO AND DRAG OUT A TOP MILITARY PHILANTHROPIST AND CONTRIBUTOR."
Naren looked even more irritated upon his outburst.
Unfortunately, Khurana was the only option as Gujar had gone out of the country, (which they found out after mercilessly tracking his phone), and Rathore was too high up in the food chain to be interrogated without solid evidence.
Also, Khurana's HQ was in Kerala, so that proved to be a solid self-sustaining advantage for everyone.
And so, Ishar and Naren exited the cottage in suits, with small microphones and spy gear hidden in the fabric, and told Venkatesh that they were going to report to their boss about the 'Heritage Project'.