Ch 02

Only a few tribal people were permanent inhabitants of the 'Island of Banoi' as it was susceptible to the phenomenon of severe and disastrous cyclones along with thunderstorms and heavy rains for most part of the year due to which government had imposed heavy restrictions as it was life threatening to reside there during that period for the good of the people.

It was prohibited to visit the Island during that period of the year and all the ships were monitored by the government and strict instructions were given to them or it could mean loss of many lives due to the wrath of nature as it happened in the past and after which the restrictions were applied.

During that period, only in case of an emergency ,only few selected and trained men and medic were given permission to visit the Island to monitor the condition and to see if permanent residents were in any trouble or in the need of any assistance.

It was only during 2-3 months of time when weather remained calm and good for travelling and adventure purposes that it was allowed for common mainlanders to enjoy the scenic beauty and relax under the healing Sun.

Ships were the only mode of transportation between the Island and the Mainland, and it took around 72hrs for a ship in total to reach the Island from the starting point in the mainland port.

Next Morning...

Harry was in his dreaming world enjoying the sunny beach with all his friends around him when his dream was interrupted by the ringing tune of his phone. He lazily stretched his hand in the direction of ringing phone in order to get it. After few seconds of struggling, he finally got his hands over the phone and tried to read the name on it rubbing his eyes with the other hand. It was his best friend, Tom.

"Hey Harry, where are you? We have been waiting for you in the college canteen since 2hrs."asked Tom anxiously.

"Oh I'm Sorry buddy, I could not wake up on time. Saw such a lovely dream last night about our trip, can't believe it is going to be true in some time."replied Harry in a exciting tone.

"Yeah buddy, it's just a matter of some time now." Said Tom. "Now get dressed and come here quickly." He added.

"All right, I will be there in few minutes." Harry replied and hung up the phone.

There was vacation going on in the College but the College Canteen and Library were always open for its students. So whenever they were to meet up, they met in college canteen as it was a bit more or less same distance from everyone's home.

Sherlin, Juliet and Alex were quite rich among the seven in comparison to others. Money had never been an issue for them as their Dads were among the richest businessman in the country. On top of that, they had very good heart. So, if anyone was in need of money or any kind of help, they were always there.

Everyone was assembled in the Canteen except Sherlin and Harry.

In the Canteen...

They were sitting around their favourite table where they always used to sit, having juices and snacks when they saw Harry approaching towards them on his bike.

"Sorry guys, got a bit late today." Said Harry puffing.

"Not a big deal, come and have a seat."said Tom offering him a seat beside him.

"Where is Sherlin? She is still not here. She was not seen yesterday too." Asked Catherine surprisingly.

"I had a talk with her yesterday. She was quite excited about the trip. She had even packed her bag yesterday itself" Harry said.

"I called her few minutes back over phone. She is on her way."said Juliet calming everyone.

"Okay then everything is set right?"asked Alex.

"Yeah, we are leaving tomorrow early in the morning. We have to board the Ship by 7am."replied Harry.

"That means we have to get to the port by 6:30am." Catherine added.

"Right, do not forget to take the essentials. It will be a trip for about a week excluding 6 days of reaching there and returning by the Ship."suggested Tom.

"This voyage is going to be little tiresome and fatiguing."sighed Catherine.

"Don't worry, all the tiredness will fade away as soon as we reach there. And you don't have to worry about anything when I'm with you." Alex comforted Catherine.

"There is no doubt in that."replied Catherine beaming at Alex.

"Can't wait to get out of here and feel the chilly breeze of the Island." Said Juliet wondering.

Their attention was moved by squealing of car. They moved their head in the direction of the sound and saw Sherlin getting out of the Car and approaching towards them.

"Hii Sherlin, where were you all this time?"asked Tom with curiosity.

"Come, sit, we were waiting for you." Said Juliet.

"Hii guys, I'm sorry for being late. Actually I was a little unwell yesterday because of which I couldn't come and today, I was having some important discussion with my Dad in the morning regarding business that consumed some time, so got a little late."replied Sherlin seating beside Juliet.

"Oh, it's okay."said Peter. "We were just discussing about our trip?"he added.

"It will sound strange, but I had a scary dream last night about the Island."said Sherlin with a feeling of uneasiness.

"What was it like?"asked Tom.

"Like something bad is gonna happen. I don't remember the dream quite clearly at this moment but there were some strange and unidentified creatures crawling, running randomly with blood everywhere" Said Sherlin in a frightened tone.

"You seriously see these kind of dreams" said Harry mocking Sherlin and laughing out loud.

"Don't think about it. It was merely a bad dream which can't be true."said Tom comforting Sherlin.

"I completely agree with Tom. Don't worry about it, it was just a dream." Peter said.

"Yeah, it can't be true. I feel so stupid sharing this absurd dream with you all."sighed Sherlin.

"No need to feel that. Even if it was real, We could easily beat that thing." Said Harry scornfully along with loud laughter.

"Yeah, Cheer up now. We are going to have a blast there." Said Alex cheerfully.

"Exactly, it is just a matter of few hours from now."Catherine said with great joy.

"All right guys, it's late now. We should be moving towards our homes as we also have to get the remaining stuff prepared."said Harry.

" Yeah, and please re-check if you all have taken your essentials with you and not forgetting anything"Tom suggested everyone.

"And one more thing guys, don't be late tomorrow, we have to reach the port by 6:30am."Catherine reiterated.

"Okay, let's move now. The most exciting journey of our lives begins tomorrow."Said Peter excitedly.

"See you all guys at the port. Bye-bye."Said Sherlin and started moving towards the parking area where her car was parked.

Everyone stood up and started moving towards their respective homes excited and energized about the trip without knowing the threat and danger which was waiting for them in the Island and what turn their lives were going to take on reaching there.