Everyone was overflowing with happiness now that they were free.
Some were celebrating loudly, some were crying in relief, while a few quietly wondered, "What would've happened if we never escaped?"
Teer stood apart from the crowd—arms folded, hair blowing with the wind, eyes fixed on the sea for a long time.
Teer (thinking):
How can a human even sell this kind of power online?
This isn't human work.
It feels like someone wants to watch what happens when a human carries a devil's gift.
How will a human use such power for "fun"?
A power meant to make others end themselves creatively… what else can it turn a person into except a serial killer?
High waves crashed against the shore.
The sound of the tides mixed with Teer's silent presence made the whole atmosphere unsettling.
Three men came running toward the crowd of survivors.
Annu was being praised by everyone—people lifting her, thanking her for unlocking them all. She smiled shyly among the compliments.
Two men pointed toward a third man who arrived panting.
Men: Here—he's the government staff. The cargo ship loading incharge.
Cargo Incharge: I am extremely sorry! It's a shame… a huge crime basement was built here in a restricted zone and we never had any idea.
An IPS officer rose from the crowd.
IPS Officer: I'm Parth Gupta, IPS.
I know about this island. It's restricted to the public because it's under the state government.
The port here is used to export precious and expensive goods, and since the island is too small, civilians are completely prohibited.
Cargo Incharge: Nice to meet you, sir!
They shook hands.
But a tall, anxious man from the crowd suddenly grabbed the cargo incharge by the collar.
Anxious Man: How responsible are you exactly!? You're a government employee—how can something like this happen under your nose?
Cargo Incharge (nervous): Sir, I—…
Teer began walking slowly toward them.
Teer (heavy, bold voice): Young man, calm down.
It's not entirely his fault.
Only the port area is restricted.
This side is basically forested hills—no population, no commercial use.
People don't come here because it's uninhabitable.
So it's understandable how they built a basement here without being noticed.
Leave him.
The cargo incharge smiled gratefully after hearing Teer defend him, but the anxious man still didn't let go.
Anxious Man: Who even are you? And how do you know so much about this place? Are you a staff member too?
Teer: No. I'm a survivor, just like all of you.
I know this place because I came here 12 years ago for a case.
Back then, the port was still under construction.
Looking at this region now, it makes sense why criminals could build something here without getting caught.
Anxious Man: …Alright. If that's true, fine. I'm just glad I'm alive.
The IPS officer stepped closer.
IPS Officer: Are you… Teer Jwala?
Teer looked at him and smiled gently.
Teer: Yes, I'm Teer.
The officer nearly lit up.
IPS Officer: It's an honour, sir! I've known your name since I was young.
I became an IPS because I wanted to investigate like you.
You've solved thousands of international cases and worked with IBII so many times.
I hope one day we'll work together.
Teer smiled—a crescent moon smile, eyes closed softly, eyebrows raised just a little.
Teer: One day… it will be more than a pleasure for me.
Cargo Incharge: Sir, if you're all fine with coming with me, then please follow. A few kilometers away is the port's administrative building. We'll arrange boats so all of you can return home. There are also many landlines, so you can call your families.
Annu: Yes! We're finally going back home!
Everyone felt relieved. Some hugged each other, some felt proud just to be alive. The crowd followed the in-charge.
A crow with sharp, eerie eyes cawed from a branch—its cry unusually loud. Teer stopped for a second while the crowd continued moving. Standing alone with a small smirk, he whispered to himself:
Teer (softly): I want to see where this path leads me. One day, I'll create a game where I am the villain. I'll spread evil in every way possible, until good fades away. And to stop me, everyone will have to play… and lose to me. Ha… hahaha! That will be a beautiful day.
In the crowd, Annu blended in naturally. People surrounded her, talking, laughing, and she followed with genuine happiness on her cute face. Teer watched her from behind, his face hidden in shadow.
Teer (thinking):
Annu… once you asked me why that woman killed her husband. It's the balance of the world. Her evil made her kill him, and his kindness made him lose his life. When you see someone's evil, it teaches you the value of kindness. And kindness… is what makes you vulnerable to evil. Both destroy and protect at the same time.
I will become the evil… and you'll remain the kindness that protects. One day you might have to stop me. When that time comes, I don't want you to hesitate.
After some time, everyone reached the administrative office. One by one, they washed their wounds, faces, and bodies. Then they used the landlines to call home and reassure their families.
A dozen motorboats soon arrived at the shore. Everyone came out and began boarding.
Random Guy (shouting): We're alive! Come on, cheer! Hip-hip…!
Everyone: Hooray!
Random Guy: Hip-hip…!
Everyone: Hooray!
All the boats started their journey toward Juhu Beach, Mumbai. People enjoyed the cold sea breeze brushing their hair, the moonlight shimmering on the waves, and the strange memory of the trouble they had escaped—but now they were finally safe.
The same breezes reached Juhu's shore, where families were waiting with torches, lights, food, clothes, and blankets. Teer's entire family waited for Teer and Annu. A few officers and media reporters also stood there, everyone anxious to see their loved ones alive.
After a while, the boats became faintly visible from the shore. People on the beach waved excitedly, and those on the boats waved back. A few minutes later, the boats reached the shore.
Survivors jumped out and rushed to hug their families.
Annu ran toward her family, but slipped. They quickly reached out and hugged her tightly.
Teer walked slowly toward them.
Kamya (teary-eyed): I thought… maybe we would never… uh… uhh…
Teer: Don't worry. Everything is fine now.
Teer hugged Kamya, placing one hand gently on her left shoulder, comforting her.
The entire crowd was filled with joy and emotion, reunited with the people they feared they'd lost.
[Chapter 7: Escape Ends]
[Chapter 8] coming soon…