Chapter 21: One Suit, No Choice
Scene: Near the Shoreline – Foggy Evening
The trio stood on the rocky edge of the island, staring at the gray ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon. Wind howled. The waves slapped the shore like angry hands.
And in Sid's hand… was a single, worn-out diving suit.
Akash blinked.
> "Wait. One suit? Just one?"
Sid flipped it inside out.
> "Only one that's intact. The rest are either torn or missing."
Shiva glanced at the equipment bag.
> "We don't have time to search. And the old man doesn't remember where the extras are."
They all slowly turned to Captain Krishnan, now sitting on a rock, happily feeding crumbs to a bird.
Akash muttered,
> "Just this morning, this guy sent me flying like a Bollywood stunt double. Now he's acting like a pensioner on a beach holiday."
Sid looked at the waves.
> "We need someone to carry 30 kilos of fuel rods back."
Shiva added, shaking his head,
> "That's 20–30 kg… underwater. I can't. I never even passed my swimming test."
Sid shrugged, a sheepish grin on his face.
> "I… may be a good physics teacher, but I never learned how to swim. I know fluid dynamics. Not how to float."
Both of them slowly turned toward Akash.
Akash backed up.
> "Oh no. No, no, no. Don't you dare. I've already been punched, thrown, shocked, bruised—"
Krishnan chuckled,
> "He's got strong legs. Saw him sprint to the food hall."
Sid handed Akash the diving suit.
> "You're our best chance. We'll guide you from here. You won't be alone."
Akash sighed dramatically, holding the suit like it was his destiny.
> "I'm a chemistry teacher. Not Aquaman!"
Shiva patted him.
> "Today, you're both."
Cut to: Moments later — Akash in the suit, grumbling, standing ankle-deep in freezing water.
Old Man Krishnan suddenly gasped.
> "Oh! I just remembered! Tell him to avoid the electric eel near the shaft!"
Sid and Shiva whipped around in unison.
> "WHAT?!"
Krishnan nodded, squinting.
> "Yeah, nasty thing. Lives near the outer grating. Big fan of rubber shoes, I think."
Cut to Akash, muttering 'Om murga,' already wading in, freezing and nervous.
He was already in the sea—and didn't hear it.
Sid whispered,
> "Will Akash be okay?"