Start of the Episode
Location: Riverside Base – Early Morning, Cloudy Sky
Wind howled across the trees. The sky was coated in shades of steel grey.
Ayush stood alone near the southern fence, eyeing the horizon. Clouds churned ominously.His hand rested on his machete—not for battle, but out of habit.
Ananya (from behind, wrapping a shawl around him):"You've been staring at that sky since 5 AM."
Ayush (without turning):"Something's coming. Not zombies. But something… different."
Ananya:"Ayush… We survived so much. One storm will won't break us."
He finally turned to her, his eyes soft.Ayush:"No, it won't. But we better be ready for future."
Location: Dining Hall – 9 AM
Everyone sat around a large table. A pot of steaming upma in the center.
Kartik unrolled a torn map he found during last week's raid.
Kartik:"Found this in a sealed lab drawer. Didn't think it mattered… until now."
He pointed at a small red cross marked just beyond the river, 6 km east.
Sanaa (curious):"What is it? A military checkpoint?"
Kartik:"Not sure. But it says one word in faded ink — 'Vault'."
A hush fell over the room.
Lucky:"What kind of vault? Weapons? Medicine?"
Suraj (serious):"Or secrets? Places like that either save people or bury them."
Ayush:"We'll scout it. Tomorrow morning. Small group. Just me, Kartik, Shivam, and Lucky."
Ananya:"Be careful."
Ayush looked at her, smiled softly
12 PMLocation: Training Area – Backyard
Sanaa was teaching kids basic defense moves with wooden sticks. Her eyes were fierce, yet kind.
Ananya watched from a distance, arms crossed, admiring her strength.
Ananya (walking over):"You're becoming a warrior."
Sanaa (smiling):"I just don't want any of them to ever feel helpless again."
They sat together on a bench, sharing a moment.
Ananya:"Sometimes I forget we're just girls. 18, 19… and this world made us soldiers."
Sanaa (gently):"Maybe one day, we'll be mothers too… and our children will never know this world."
Ananya (smirking):"They'll grow up hearing stories of zombies and how their moms kicked ass."
They both laughed. But their eyes glistened with quiet dreams.
Evening, 6 PM
Location: Main Gate
The wind picked up. Trees swayed violently.
Suddenly, thunder cracked like a whip. Rain poured down in thick, merciless sheets.
Everyone ran for cover — except Ayush and Kartik, who rushed to secure the gates.
Shivam (shouting):"Tarps over the grain sacks! Now!"
Suraj (commanding kids):"Inside, all of you! Don't step out till we say!"
The storm raged on. Lightning struck a nearby tree. The air smelled of fire and wet earth.
Inside the base, they gathered around lanterns, dripping and shivering.
But there was… laughter.It was chaotic, but somehow beautiful. The storm outside couldn't break the warmth inside.
9 PMLocation: Living Room – Nightfall
Everyone sat in a circle, bundled in blankets. The power was out. Only candlelight flickered.
Suraj took out his handmade guitar, strummed gently.
Suraj (singing softly):"Jab tak ye saansein chalti rahein,Hum kahaniyon mein jeete rahenge..."
Kartik quietly sipped tea while Sanaa leaned on his shoulder.
Shivam made shadow puppets on the wall for the kids.
Ayush and Ananya sat against a pillar, their fingers intertwined.
Ananya (whispers):"I never thought broken places could feel like home."
Ayush (looking around at everyone):"Maybe it's not about the place. It's the people who make it worth surviving."
She kissed each other gently. The candlelight flickered.
Midnight
Rain slowed to a drizzle.
Kartik stood near the map, deep in thought. Ayush walked up beside him.
Ayush:"Can't sleep?"
Kartik (sighing):"That vault… it feels like a crossroads."
Ayush:"We'll find out tomorrow. If it's dangerous, we leave it. We've got too much to lose now."
Kartik (nods):"You and Ananya seem… better."
Ayush (smiling faintly):"We're healing. All of us are."
He looked at Kartik, eyes filled with quiet determination.
Ayush:"Whatever's out there — we face it together. No more sacrifices. No more deaths."
Kartik:"And if there's hope inside that vault… we bring it back."
They bumped fists — not like warriors preparing for war, but brothers ready to build peace.
Final Scene – Dawn Approaching
Rain had stopped.
Birds began chirping as light cracked the sky open.
Ayush stood at the main gate, dressed and ready, backpack slung.
Ananya walked up, holding his scarf. She wrapped it around him, hands lingering on his chest.
Ananya:"Come back."
Ayush (smirking):"I always do."
They both kissed.
Behind him, Kartik, Shivam, and Lucky emerged, geared up.
The gate creaked open.
A new journey began.
To be continued…