Chapter 20 – The Escape
284 Words
Adithyan and Riya ran through the dark forest, their breaths fast and heavy. The men in black were behind them, searching with flashlights.
"They're close," Riya whispered, fear in her voice.
Adithyan grabbed her hand. "We have to keep moving."
Branches scratched their arms, and the ground was uneven, but they didn't stop. If they slowed down, they would be caught.
Suddenly, Adithyan saw a small cave between the rocks.
"Quick! Inside!" he whispered.
They hurried in and crouched behind the rocks. The cave was dark and cold, but it was their only chance to hide.
Outside, the men were getting closer.
"They must be here somewhere," one of them said.
Riya covered her mouth, trying to stay silent. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest.
A flashlight beam passed near the cave entrance.
Adithyan held his breath. If they saw them, it would be over.
Seconds felt like hours.
Then—
"They're not here! Keep searching!" one man shouted.
Footsteps moved away.
Adithyan waited until everything was quiet. Then, he whispered, "I think they’re gone."
Riya let out a shaky breath. "That was too close."
Adithyan nodded. "We can't stay here. We need to find a way out of this forest."
"But where will we go?" Riya asked.
Adithyan looked at the notebook Vikram had left behind. It had a map and Aravind Nair's name.
"We go to the truth," he said. "We find Aravind Nair."
Riya’s eyes widened. "You think he knows something?"
Adithyan's jaw tightened. "Vikram thought so. And I trust my brother."
Riya took a deep breath. "Then let’s find him."
Carefully, they stepped out of the cave and disappeared into the night—towards the answers they needed.
- Writer
