Black Sparrow on the Tree of Ashes

December 5th, 1655

Dakshin Bharatiya Empire, Vijayanagara State, Capital City - Hampi

Kavya sat in her studio in the palace, gazing into the distance, observing the people commuting in the streets and the carriages moving in an orderly manner.

She was lost in thought after what Vijay had said to her yesterday. She still vividly remembers the moment because she felt a heavy responsibility upon herself as soon as Vijay mentioned his idea.

It wasn't that Vijay had forced something upon her; on the contrary, she loved the idea Vijay had given her. It's just that the first task Vijay requested was a bit too stressful for her to complete.

A day ago...

"Vijay, are you sure that I can do this? Really? Are you sure you don't want to let someone else complete the book you mentioned? Aren't there many scholars in the Bharatiya Academy of Sciences? Can't you use them?"