Two days later, Meera and Swapnil landed at the Andaman airport.
The police were already waiting for them. They safely escorted them to a hotel located within the forest department's premises.
"What do you mean there's only one room?" Swapnil asked in surprise.
"We're very sorry, sir," said the girl at the reception. "But it's peak tourist season. Since your company is one of our special clients, we've arranged a joint room for you both."
"A joint room, right? That's fine, no problem at all," Meera interjected quickly, cutting Swapnil off.
"What do you mean, 'no problem at all'?" Swapnil pulled her aside and asked in a hushed voice. "Do you even know what a joint room means here?"
"Yes," Meera said nonchalantly. "And so what? You stay on your side, I'll stay on mine. Let's not argue. I'm exhausted."
When they entered the room, both were stunned.
"I don't think they know what a joint room actually means," Meera said, glancing at Swapnil. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Here, a 'joint room' means something entirely different. That's what I've been trying to explain to you. It means a suite - one living room and one bedroom. One bathroom, one closet, and yes - one bed," Swapnil clarified.
"You should've told me that earlier," Meera said.
"Of course, it's my fault," Swapnil muttered, stepping inside. "Because you never let me finish a sentence."
By the time he came out after freshening up, Meera had already dozed off on the living room couch.
Swapnil sat beside her, watching her sleep. For the first time in his life, he felt both fear and concern at once. Why did Meera feel so special? Was it just her being younger that made him feel protective? Or had he started liking her the day she'd declared that she wanted to earn the right to manage her father's company on her own?
He used to criticize her, but deep down, he had always admired her resolve.
He gently nudged her awake. "Go freshen up. I'll order food."
Meera nodded sleepily and went inside.
As soon as she left, Swapnil took out his phone and dialed a number.
"With friends like you, who needs enemies?" he barked. "Didn't you feel a shred of shame doing what you did? If not for me, at least think about the girl. Just let me get back to Mumbai - then I'll show you."
"Oh, good evening to you too," came Samir's calm voice from the other end. "I guess in all these years, I never really understood you. But Meera did - instantly. You seriously lack basic manners. At least greet your friend."
"I'll greet you in Mumbai," Swapnil growled.
"I don't know what happened there that's got you so angry," Samir replied.
"Don't lie."
"I'm not lying. Calm down. We'll talk when you're back in Mumbai. Until then…" He paused. "Enjoy your honeymoon," he added quickly and cut the call.
Samir took a deep breath. "Oh my God, even joking with him is getting dangerous now." He didn't pick up the phone after that.
---
The next morning, accompanied by 10 policemen, Mr. Doshi from their company, a local guide named Timbak, and of course, Meera and Swapnil, the team reached deep inside the jungle.
Timbak explained, "A rare festival is happening right now - once every 25 years. Fifty newlywed couples gather here. All the tribes are busy searching for such pairs. So the whole jungle is in a festive mood. The tribal chief will be happy. Just speak calmly, and everything will be sorted."
Swapnil muttered, "Let's try that first. Otherwise, we'll speak in a language they understand - force."
Timbak's face fell. He'd heard stories about Swapnil - how stubborn and arrogant he could be. Everyone here knew it. And now Timbak too began worrying for Meera. How did such a sweet girl end up with someone like him? Everyone knew they were sharing a room, though no one knew why. But who would dare ask Swapnil anything?
Suddenly, a group of horsemen surrounded them from all sides. Timbak bowed respectfully to the oldest among them.
"Taat, these are the government representatives," Timbak said. "Mr. Swapnil and his associate, Meera."
Before Meera could speak, Swapnil pulled her behind him and stepped forward.
"We are here on behalf of the government," he said. "We intend to set up a research center in this jungle. It is home to several rare and medicinal plant species - ones that could act like modern-day Sanjeevani. The government wants to make these resources available to all - "
Before he could finish, the tribal chief, Taat, interrupted him.
"And now you will tell us the specialties of our jungle, boy? We know exactly what the government wants. I'm not here to listen to your pitch - I'm here to deliver our final decision. Build your center near the coast, not in our forest. This jungle is our home. Not a single tree will be cut. We will provide you with whatever medicinal plants you need. But if anyone dares disturb this land, we will remind your government that our laws are very different."
Swapnil's anger flared. Sensing danger, Meera quickly stepped in.
"I understand your concerns," she said. "But we're in a difficult position too. The scientists need proximity to explore these plants, and the coastline is too far. Also, any trees we relocate will be replanted. We won't harm your homes."
"You speak well, child," Taat said calmly. "But you won't be here forever. One day you'll leave, and it is our home that will be plundered. We've seen enough of your kind - only concerned with salaries and deadlines. Why should we lose our land for your convenience?"
Finally, Swapnil snapped. "If this land is yours, you must have documents. Show them to us, and we'll leave."
He stopped mid-sentence, but his arrogance was already loud and clear.
Taat gave him a long, piercing look. "Why stop there? Finish your threat."
Timbak quickly intervened. "Forgive me, Taat. He is new here. This project is his years of hard work. Please forgive his outburst."
Swapnil glared at Timbak, who subtly signaled him to stay quiet. Meanwhile, a young man whispered something into Taat's ear. He shook his head.
"You asked for proof that this land is ours?" Taat said. "We'll give it to you. People may enter our land by their own will - but they leave only by ours."
Swapnil frowned. "What do you mean?"
Before anyone could process what was happening, a shower of arrows rained down from every direction. All the police officers fell unconscious, one by one. Only four remained: Mr. Doshi, Timbak, Swapnil, and Meera. Swapnil grabbed Meera's hand and shielded her.
Now, the three of them were locked in a cage in the middle of the tribal village.
"Are you scared?" Swapnil asked.
"I… don't know," Meera said.
He stared at her. "What kind of answer is that?"
"I mean, I should be scared. But this place is… fascinating. Look at the houses. It feels like a movie set. I'll tell Dad I want a treehouse too."
Swapnil groaned. "Oh, just shut up. First, figure out how to get back alive. Mr. Doshi, find Timbak. Where the hell did he go?"
Mr. Doshi stammered, "What can I do, sir? I'm still in shock from what happened. The arrows… it was like a rainstorm."
Meera looked at them. "Wait, are all the police officers dead? I wanted to see the arrow rain too! Why did you shield me?! Now I missed it! Oh, wait… if the police are all dead, who'll save us?"
"They're not dead - just unconscious," Swapnil clarified.
Just then, Timbak returned and knelt beside them.
"I spoke with Taat. They won't harm you. But they didn't bring you here for punishment."
"What do you mean?" Swapnil asked.
"I think they're going to show you their law - since you tried teaching them yours."
Right then, several tribe members arrived with large trays. Behind them came the tribal chief and a woman.
Timbak bowed deeply. "Matai, greetings. These are the officials from the government. They didn't know your laws and made mistakes. But they are not bad people. Please accept them into your shelter and forgive them."
Matai cupped Meera's face gently. "Beautiful… so beautiful. We would not want you punished. In fact, we have something for you."
She lifted the cloth from the trays - revealing gold pieces, silver stones, pearl necklaces, and dazzling gemstones. Meera and Swapnil were stunned.
"Wow. All this for me?" Meera asked in disbelief.
Matai smiled and placed a hand on her head. "Yes, for you - our future daughter-in-law."
Meera's smile faded instantly. "Wait - what?"
Taat stepped forward. "For the first time, my son has insisted on marriage… after seeing you."
Meera and Swapnil turned to look at each other, stunned.
What new twist was this?