Kabir reached his lab. The building had five to six floors, and the Multiverse Research Lab was on the first floor. Different projects were being conducted on the other floors. The building had "USRC" written in large letters on top. Kabir went to the first floor. His colleague Venky said, "Sir, we've achieved remarkable results. We did exactly what you suggested, and the results are completely different and amazing." Kabir replied, "Ok, show me." Venky showed the data on the computer screen.
Kabir looked at the data. As he saw it, his eyes lit up, and his face broke into a smile. What had happened was that when the equation in the Multiverse Traveling Machine was slightly altered and applied, the machine began to work. In fact, the machine disappeared for ten seconds and then came back to the lab. Kabir was very excited by this invention. He watched the footage from the camera on the machine, and indeed, it showed images of another world. Kabir was thrilled and said to all the colleagues working on the project, "We will need to run more experiments to confirm this properly."
Kabir then said to his colleague and friend Sandeep, "I think we need to do this experiment with a living being. This could truly be one of the greatest discoveries in human history." Sandeep agreed, "I think so too. In fact, I believe we should first experiment on a rat."
Kabir replied, "You're right. I agree with you." He paused for a moment and then said, "Okay, let's prepare for the next experiment." Everyone got busy preparing for the project. Just then, Kabir's phone started ringing.
Kabir took the phone from his pocket and looked at the screen, which showed Mr. Kant's name. Kabir answered the call and said, "Hello." The voice on the other end said, "Kabir, my darling, how are you?" Kabir replied, "Mr. Kant, I'm fine, and talking to you has made me even better." The voice from the other side said, "This style of yours really touches my heart." Mr. Kant repeated, "Talking to you makes me even better. What a great line. No one makes conversations like you, Kabir."
Kabir responded, "And your charm reminds me of you." Mr. Kant continued, "Well, the fun and jokes aside, is there any new update, Kabir?" Kabir replied, "Mr. Kant, I was just about to call you when your call came."
Mr. Kant asked, "So, what's the news?" Kabir said, "Mr. Kant, we're very close to our goal." "I've been hearing that for a while," Mr. Kant replied. Kabir said, "Mr. Kant, the results of today's experiment shocked us, and I guarantee your eyes will be opened too."
Mr. Kant replied, "If it's such big news, don't keep me waiting." Kabir said, "In today's experiment, the Multiverse Traveling Machine traveled to the multiverse for ten seconds and then returned. And we have footage from the camera that fully points to the multiverse."
Kabir added, "In the upcoming experiment, we're going to send a rat into the multiverse. If that works, our next experiment will be on a cat. After that, if everything goes well, we hope to experiment on humans."
Mr. Kant was very happy to hear this and said, "I knew you'd do it, and you proved me right. I'm proud of you, my boy!" Mr. Kant continued, "Kabir, listen to me."
Kabir replied, "Yes, Mr. Kant."
Mr. Kant said, "Kabir, keep this news within the lab. You know that some companies are working on similar experiments, and if the formula for this machine falls into the wrong hands, you can't even imagine the dangers it could cause for the multiverse."
Kabir reassured him, "I know about this, Mr. Kant. Don't worry. The machine and the technology are completely safe." Mr. Kant continued, "When are you planning the next experiment?" Kabir replied, "Tomorrow morning, between 10 and 11."
Mr. Kant said, "Okay, I'll be there between 10 and 11 tomorrow because I want to see the next experiment with my own eyes." Mr. Kant added, "Kabir, you can't even imagine how happy I am about this news. And if you need any help, don't hesitate to ask. Just keep the work going. Whatever the next steps are, do them."
Kabir said, "Okay, Mr. Kant." Mr. Kant added, "Give my best wishes to the whole team." Kabir smiled and said, "Okay, Mr. Kant." Mr. Kant asked, "How are the other projects going?" Kabir replied, "Those projects are going well too." Mr. Kant said, "Make sure to take care of them too, because that's where all the revenue comes from." Kabir replied, "Yes, Mr. Kant." After some more conversation, Mr. Kant said, "Okay, bye," and hung up.
Some scientists were not in the lab because they had gone to another lab. Since the lab was quite large, Kabir opened an app on his smartphone, connected all the lab speakers, and said, "Hello, attention please. This is Kabir. All scientists and engineers working on the multiverse project, please come to Meeting Hall C." After a while, all the scientists and engineers gathered in Meeting Hall C. Kabir stood on the podium and said, "Thanks to all of you, we are very close to the success of the multiverse project, and I am deeply grateful to each one of you!" Anuj asked from the back, "Will there be a bonus?" Kabir jokingly said, "As a bonus, you will travel to the multiverse." Everyone standing there burst into laughter.
Kabir continued, "You all must keep it confidential that we've solved the riddle of multiverse travel. You must keep this secret from your families, friends, and relatives. And the second piece of news is that Mr. Kant, whom you all know well—"
Anuj interrupted, "The one who is the richest man in the world?" Kabir replied, "Yes, the same person, who is also a 40% shareholder in our company. He is coming to visit our lab tomorrow. Mr. Kant has been with our company for the past nine years, and he wants to see the next experiment, which we plan to do on a rat, happen in front of his eyes."
Kabir continued, "I expect all of you to make the necessary preparations for tomorrow's experiment. Mr. Kant will be with us tomorrow. That's all for today's news. You all know your respective tasks. Thanks a lot for attending this meeting. You may go back to your work."
Everyone went back to their tasks, but Sandeep stayed behind. Kabir noticed Sandeep and said, "What's up, Sandeep?"
Sandeep replied, "I'm doing fine, but I think something's off with you."
Kabir asked, "What happened?"
Sandeep asked, "What day is it today?"
Kabir answered, "It's Sunday."
Sandeep said, "Exactly, but what's the date today?"
Kabir replied, "It's February 29th."
Sandeep asked, "And what's special about February 29th?"
Kabir said, "This day comes once every four years because it's a leap year."
Sandeep replied, "I've known you since college, and you weren't this forgetful."
Kabir said, "Stop playing riddles. Just tell me straight, what's going on?"
Sandeep replied, "You fool, today's your wedding anniversary!" And Sandeep wished Kabir a happy anniversary.
Kabir said, "Thanks, brother. How much time has passed?" Sandeep replied, "Not much, it's just around 9 PM." Kabir exhaled, "Oh, sh**... I need to go home." Kabir left quickly, taking long strides, and Sandeep followed, also walking quickly.
Sandeep said, "You should spend more time with your family. Do you remember the last time you went home? You've been working in the lab for the past three days. You were just a special guest at Veer's environmental campaign today." Kabir said, "I don't know how angry Mahira will be." Sandeep said, "Bro, forgetting your wedding anniversary is no small thing."
Kabir said to Sandeep, "You should have told me this earlier."
Sandeep replied, "I sent you a Happy Anniversary message this morning, but you didn't even check it." They reached the car, and Kabir quickly called it to the gate. The car, being in automatic pilot mode, drove out of the parking and stopped at the door.
Kabir, standing by the car, said to Sandeep, "Sandeep, we have to complete the preparations for tomorrow's experiment today. If there's any issue, just give me a call. You guys know the rest. Tomorrow, Mr. Kant is coming, so this experiment is even more important. Remember, tomorrow's experiment has to happen no matter what."
Sandeep replied, "Leave the tension about this to me. I'll take care of everything. You just focus on getting home and think about how to convince your wife. You remember that time in college when you were late for your wife's birthday?"
After sitting in the car, the AI assistant "Plato" asked Kabir, "Kabir, I think you should get a nice gift. Something that can reduce your wife's anger by 10%." Kabir responded, "Only 10%?" Plato replied, "From the way you're showing your facial expressions thinking about her anger, it seems like a gift can only improve her mood by 10%." Kabir said, "Alright, show me a good gift." Plato showed Kabir various types of gifts, and one of them caught Kabir's attention. Kabir asked, "Plato, how about this one?"
Plato replied, "Kabir, I think you know nothing about girls. No husband would ever give his wife a digital face mask on their wedding anniversary." Kabir said, "You're right, at least it'll make it easier to breathe in this pollution-filled world." Plato responded, "No, that's not right. Get something romantic." Kabir said, "Alright, you order something you think is best." Plato said, "Done. I've placed the order. By the time we reach home, the gift will already be delivered by a drone."
Kabir started reminiscing about his college days. Kabir and Mahira both studied at the same college. At that time, Kabir was pursuing his PhD, and Mahira was doing her graduation. Their classes were separate. One day, Kabir noticed Mahira and couldn't stop staring at her. He had never seen such a beautiful girl before, or perhaps his eyes saw something in Mahira that he didn't find in any other girl. Slowly, their friendship blossomed into love. Sandeep and Veer were also studying at the same college, pursuing their PhD. Sandeep and Veer were 7-8 years older than Kabir, but they shared a good friendship with him.
Kabir remembered the day of Mahira's birthday, when he couldn't make it on time to her party. Mahira was very upset that day; she didn't even cut the cake and canceled the entire party. She didn't talk to anyone. The reason for her anger was Kabir's tardiness. However, the next day, when she learned that Kabir was late due to his thesis work, Mahira felt embarrassed about her actions.
Kabir was lost in these thoughts when Plato said, "Kabir, we've reached home." Kabir got out of the car and parked it. It was already 9:30. Kabir entered the house, where his mother was standing. She quietly called out, "Kabir." Kabir turned to his mother and asked, "Mom, where is Mahira?" His mother replied, "She's in her room, but she's a little upset. You should spend some time with her." Kabir said, "Mom, you know how much work I have at the office. Okay, I'll talk to Mahira first and then meet you." Kabir walked towards Mahira's room.