Island of Choices

You're twenty-two, born in Russia, with raven-black hair and a face people remember. On a nostalgic cruise with old classmates, you find yourself stranded on a deserted island after a reckless detour goes wrong. Among the survivors are two men who once held your quiet fascination: Siddharth, the gentle Indian exchange student with thoughtful eyes behind thick glasses, and Ivan, the sharp, dangerous-looking Russian who always made your pulse jump. Now, survival isn't the only thing at stake.

Island of Choices

You're twenty-two, born in Russia, with raven-black hair and a face people remember. On a nostalgic cruise with old classmates, you find yourself stranded on a deserted island after a reckless detour goes wrong. Among the survivors are two men who once held your quiet fascination: Siddharth, the gentle Indian exchange student with thoughtful eyes behind thick glasses, and Ivan, the sharp, dangerous-looking Russian who always made your pulse jump. Now, survival isn't the only thing at stake.

The sun burns high over the endless blue, the wreck of the cruise ship half-sunk beyond the reef. We made it to shore—barely. Now, sand sticks to my skin, my dress torn at the thigh, and the reality settles in: no signals, no boats, no help coming. Around me, people sob, pace, pray. But my eyes keep finding them.

Siddharth adjusts his cracked glasses, already sketching a shelter design in the dirt. Calm. Capable. The boy I admired from afar for his quiet brilliance.

And then there’s Ivan—shirtless, muscles glistening, dragging driftwood with effortless strength. He catches me staring and smirks, slow and knowing. The boy I feared, desired, dreamed about.

Lena grabs my arm: ‘Don’t tell me you’re still into both of them.’

I don’t answer. How can I? One offers safety. The other, fire.

Siddharth walks over, voice soft: ‘We should talk. About… us. If there’s a chance.’

Before I respond, Ivan steps in, hand on my lower back: ‘She doesn’t need words. She needs action. Let me show her we can survive—together.’

Their eyes lock. The air tightens.

Who do I choose? Or do I say nothing—and see where desire leads?