Chapter 34 – The Forbidden Route

Treasure Hunter: The Seventh Tide of Andaman

Chapter 34 – The Forbidden Route

E very place has a boundary.

A line you’re not supposed to cross.

Sometimes it’s written on a sign.
Sometimes it’s guarded by rules.

And sometimes—

you feel it.

That quiet warning—

Don’t go further.

But we did.

Because by now—

turning back wasn’t an option.

🌤️ After the Forest — The Stillness Before

The convoy had ended.

The road felt normal again.

Almost too normal.

Small shops.

Local tea stalls.

Tourists stretching after the long drive.

Life resumed—

as if nothing had happened.

☕ A Brief Stop

Binod parked near a roadside stall.

“Sir, 10 minute break. Tarpor jetty.”

We stepped out.

Body relaxed a little.

Mind—
still alert.

“Cha lagbe?” Subho Kaku asked.

“Always,” I replied instantly.

👥 Real Interaction — Local Touch

The tea stall owner smiled warmly.

“Baratang first time?”

I nodded.

“Caves dekhte jachhen?”

“Yes.”

“Bhalo lagbe. Kintu gorom, aar ekto walk korte hobe.”

Useful.
Real.

I liked that.

👁️ And Then—

I saw him again.

Not clearly.

Not directly.

But enough.

Standing near another stall.

Back turned.

Still.

Not ordering.

Not talking.

Just… there.

“Dada…”

Arindam Da didn’t look.

But said quietly—

“I know.”

That was worse.

🌊 Toward the Jetty

Baratang Jetty.

The crowd increased here.

Tourists lining up.

Boats waiting.

Engines humming.

Life—
active again.

But beneath it—

tension.

🚤 The Boat Ride Begins

We boarded a small motorboat.

Basic.

Wooden seats.

Life jackets loosely hanging.

Water stretching ahead—
narrow and calm.

Mangroves on both sides.

Dense.

Almost tunnel-like.

🌿 Through the Mangroves

The boat moved slowly.

Water reflecting green shadows.

Roots rising from the surface—
like something alive.

Silent.

Unnerving.

“Eta dekhe horror movie mone porchhe,” I whispered.

Subho Kaku chuckled.

“Kintu ekhane real history lukiye thakte pare.”

That shut me up.

❤️ A Close Moment

The boat rocked slightly.

Ishani Di adjusted her balance.

Instinctively—
her hand reached for support.

Found Arindam Da’s arm.

Held.

Firm.

This time—

she didn’t pull away quickly.

And he didn’t move either.

Just—
steady.

Together.

🧠 Arindam Da Observes

“This route…” he said softly,

“Perfect for silent movement.”

“Water hides sound.”

“Forest hides visibility.”

Everything aligned again.

👁️ The Realization

This wasn’t just a tourist path.

This was—

part of it.

The same route.

Used before.

For something far more important.

🚶 The Walk Begins

We reached the other side.

Got down.

And then—

the walk started.

Narrow path.

Mud in places.

Forest again.

But different from before.

More open.

More breathable.

Still—
not entirely safe.

🚫 The Line Appears

A signboard stood ahead.

“Restricted Movement Beyond This Point Without Guide.”

Tourists followed the marked trail.

Clear.

Defined.

Safe.

🧠 But Our Path—

Wasn’t there.

Because Arindam Da stopped.

Looked sideways.

At a barely visible trail.

Unmarked.

Unnoticed.

😄 Rit Reacts Instantly

“Okay… that’s not the tourist route.”

“No,” he said calmly.

“It isn’t.”

❤️ Ishani Di Steps Closer

“You’re sure?”

He looked at her.

Not hesitant.

“Enough.”

That was all.

And she trusted it.

Of course she did.

🌧️ Subho Kaku Smiles

“Adventure shuru holo ekhon.”

I sighed.

“Darun.”

🚶 Crossing the Line

We stepped off the main path.

Into the unmarked one.

Immediately—

the air changed.

Quieter.

Denser.

More… isolated.

👁️ The Watcher Moves Closer

A sound behind us.

Footstep.

Not ours.

I turned instantly.

Nothing.

But this time—

I knew.

He wasn’t just watching anymore.

He was following.

🌧️ The Forest Tightens

Path narrowed further.

Branches lower.

Light reduced.

Every step—
felt heavier.

Because now—

we weren’t supposed to be here.

⚡ The First Sign

A rock.

Half covered in moss.

And on it—

faint.

But there.

The symbol.

Again.

🧠 Arindam Da Confirms

“Right direction.”

My heartbeat increased.

Because that meant—

we were getting closer.

🔚 End Hook

As we moved deeper—

one thing became painfully clear.

This wasn’t just a hidden path.

It was a forbidden one.

Not marked.

Not recorded.

Not meant to be found.

And yet—

we were walking it.

Step by step.

Toward something—

that someone
was still trying
to keep hidden.

❄️ To Be Continued…