The morning after the island was created, Suyash woke to the soft hum of the holographic interface floating beside his bed.
He blinked, momentarily disoriented. The penthouse bedroom was bathed in pale golden light, and his six brides were still tangled around him in various states of undress. Babita's leg was thrown over his thigh. Daya's warm, thick body pressed against his right side. Anjali's head rested on his chest; her soft breath tickled his skin. Madhavi was curled up at the foot of the bed, her small form barely visible beneath the silk sheets. Komal sprawled diagonally across the bed, her arm flung across Anita's stomach. Anita herself lay rigid, even in sleep, with her back to the door; her instincts never fully relaxed.
Beside the bed, patient and silent, JARVIS-Lite waited.
"Good morning, Mr. Shrivastav," the AI intoned in a modulated whisper that wouldn't wake the others. "I have prepared the morning briefing as requested. Shall I display it in the study?"
Suyash carefully extracted himself from the tangle of limbs. Anjali murmured but didn't wake. Babita's hand slid from his chest. Daya simply rolled into the warm spot he'd left behind. He pulled on a silk robe and padded barefoot to his private study; the holographic interface followed like a loyal ghost.
The door sealed behind him with a soft click. Soundproof. Secure.
"Proceed, JARVIS."
The holographic display expanded, filling the study with a translucent blue light. Data streams cascaded—personnel files, architectural renderings, financial projections, and legal documents—all organized with elegant efficiency.
"I have finished the first stage of recruiting operational staff for Suyash Island," JARVIS began. "Forty-seven positions have been identified across seven departments: Estate Management, Hospitality, Security, Education, Medical, Marine Operations, and Groundskeeping. All candidates have been vetted through the human resources division of Sen & Associates, which maintains the legal separation between your personal identity and the Suhag Trust's operations."
Suyash settled into his leather chair and watched the personnel files scroll past. Each candidate's photograph, qualifications, background check, and psychological profile appeared in neat summary cards.
"Highlight key positions."
The display shifted, bringing forward five files.
---
Estate Manager: Vikram Rathore
A tall, distinguished man in his early fifties appeared in the hologram. He had salt-and-pepper hair, warm but professional eyes, and the bearing of someone who had managed luxury properties for decades. His file showed experience at a five-star heritage resort in Udaipur, followed by twelve years of managing a private estate in the Maldives for a European billionaire.
"Mr. Rathore comes highly recommended," JARVIS noted. "His previous employer passed away last year, and the estate was sold. He seeks a long-term position with a family, not a corporation. His psychological profile indicates strong loyalty, discretion, and genuine enjoyment in creating harmonious households. He is unmarried, has no children, and is willing to relocate permanently to the island."
"Any red flags?"
"None. He has maintained cordial relationships with previous employers. He has no criminal record. There are no financial irregularities. His references describe him as 'unflappable' and 'utterly trustworthy.'"
"Arrange an interview. I want to meet him personally."
"It's already scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. in the penthouse. I have prepared a list of questions designed to assess his comfort with unconventional family structures."
Suyash raised an eyebrow. "Unconventional?"
"Mr. Rathore managed a household in the Maldives where the owner had multiple partners. He handled the situation with complete professionalism. I believe he will be an excellent fit."
---
Head of Security: Colonel Arjun Singh (Retired)
The next file showed a man in his late forties with sharp eyes and a fit physique. He had the unmistakable posture of military discipline. His record listed twenty-two years of service in the Indian Army, including time with the Special Forces. He retired honorably three years ago and has since worked as a private security consultant for high-net-worth families.
"Colonel Singh is married and has two adult children living abroad. His wife, Meera, is a trained nurse, and I have noted her qualifications for potential placement as medical staff. The colonel's psychological profile indicates strong protective instincts, absolute discretion, and a moral code that prioritizes the safety of those under his care over rigid social conventions."
"Does he know the full situation?"
"He knows that you are the guardian and partner of women who require protection from their former spouses. He does not know the intimate details, but he has said that his duty is to protect, not judge. I recommend hiring him as head of security and allowing him to build his own team. He has extensive contacts among former military personnel seeking positions in the private sector.
"Approved. What about the security infrastructure?"
The display shifted to a schematic of the island overlaid with defensive systems.
"I have identified seven optimal locations for perimeter sensors: four on the northern crescent to protect the Private Domain and three on the southern crescent to monitor public areas. Drone surveillance will provide continuous aerial coverage and automated alerts for any unauthorized vessels approaching within two kilometers. A fleet of three patrol boats, manned by Colonel Singh's team, will intercept and verify all approaching vessels."
"Lethal force?"
"Only if absolutely necessary and within the bounds of maritime law. The security team will be licensed for defensive measures only. However, I have identified a private maritime security firm that can provide an armed response in extreme scenarios. They will be contracted through the Suhag Trust's legal framework."
Suyash nodded slowly. "What about the children's security?"
"There will be a separate detail of two personnel—one male and one female—who are trained specifically in child protection. They will accompany Sonu and Tipendra on all island visits and maintain visual contact without intruding on their activities. All staff who interact with minors have undergone enhanced background checks and child protection training certified by international standards."
---
Head of Education: Dr. Ananya Sharma
The file showed a woman in her early forties with warm eyes and an impressive list of credentials: a Ph.D. in child psychology from Cambridge, fifteen years of experience in international schools, and specialized training in trauma-informed education.
Dr. Sharma currently teaches at a prestigious international school in Mumbai. She is married to a marine biologist, Dr. Karthik Sharma, who has expressed interest in the island's reef ecosystem. I have identified a potential dual appointment: Dr. Ananya Sharma as head of education for the island's school and Dr. Karthik Sharma as marine conservation director for the Suhag Trust.
"A package deal. Clever."
"They have two children of their own, aged eight and eleven. Integrating them into the island's school would provide Sonu and Tipendra with peers during their visits. Dr. Sharma knows that the primary school students are the children of the island's residents and guests, and she is excited to create a personalized, high-quality educational environment.
Interview her. Interview her and her husband. I want to meet them both."
"Scheduled for Friday. I have also prepared a curriculum proposal for your review. It exceeds CBSE standards and includes specialized modules in environmental science, creative arts, and emotional intelligence.
—
Head Chef: Priya Menon
The file showed a woman in her mid-thirties with sharp features and an impressive culinary pedigree. She was trained in Paris and worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Singapore. She recently returned to India to care for her aging parents.
Chef Menon currently works at a five-star hotel in Mumbai, but she is seeking a position with more creative freedom and a better work-life balance. Her parents have recently moved to an assisted living facility, freeing her to relocate. She specializes in fusion cuisine, combining Indian flavors with international techniques, and has experience preparing meals for diverse dietary needs.
"The women will love her."
"I thought so as well. She has also expressed interest in teaching cooking classes as part of the island's educational program. I believe she would be an asset to the household of the Private Domain and the culinary offerings of the Public Domain."
"Arrange an interview. JARVIS, make sure she understands the household's dynamics."
"I have prepared a discreet briefing that emphasizes the family's commitment to privacy and mutual respect. Chef Menon's psychological profile indicates high emotional intelligence and a nonjudgmental worldview.
—
Medical Director: Dr. Meera Singh (Colonel Singh's wife).
The file showed a woman in her late forties with kind eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor. She had twenty years of nursing experience, including emergency medicine and family practice. Her file noted that she had often worked in military hospitals and handled trauma cases with calm efficiency.
Dr. Meera Singh is a nurse practitioner with prescribing authority, not a physician. She is qualified to handle most routine and urgent medical needs. For specialized care, I have established relationships with hospitals in Mumbai that can provide telemedicine consultations and, if necessary, emergency evacuation via helicopter."
"And she's comfortable with our situation?"
"She has been married to Colonel Singh for twenty-five years. They have weathered deployments, trauma, and long separations. Her psychological profile indicates strong resilience and a focus on practical care rather than social judgment. She has said that her main concern is the health and well-being of the people she serves, not their personal relationships."
"Hire them both. The colonel and his wife. They'll make a strong team."
"Very good, Mr. Shrivastav."
JARVIS shifted the display to show the commercial spaces in the Public Domain—the boutique hotels, restaurants, shops, and marina that lined the southern crescent's harbor.
"I have begun marketing the commercial spaces to carefully selected vendors. The 'Suyash Island' brand is being positioned as synonymous with exclusivity, luxury, and discretion. Initial interest has been strong."
The display showed a list of prospective tenants:
· The Oberoi Group, interested in operating a boutique hotel and spa
· Taj Hotels, considering a luxury resort property
· Several Michelin-starred chefs, exploring restaurant concepts
· International luxury brands, seeking retail space for exclusive collections
· A private yacht club, proposing a marina partnership
Lease agreements will include confidentiality clauses to protect the privacy of the private domain and its residents. All staff working in the Public Domain must undergo background checks and sign non-disclosure agreements. The Trust's legal framework ensures that any breach of privacy will result in the immediate termination of the lease and substantial financial penalties."
"What about revenue projections?"
"Conservative estimates indicate full operational self-sufficiency within eighteen months. The island's unique positioning—private ownership, pristine environment, and exclusive access—commands premium pricing. I project annual revenues sufficient to cover all operational costs, staff salaries, maintenance, and capital improvements. Surplus funds will be reinvested into the Trust's educational and conservation initiatives."
Suyash leaned back, a slow smile spreading across his face. "So the island pays for itself."
"It does more than that, Mr. Shrivastav. It generates wealth. The women you love will never want for anything. Their children will have every advantage. The world will only see a successful, legitimate enterprise: a private island resort owned by the Suhag Trust and managed by you as Regional Trustee."
"The perfect cover."
"Indeed."
JARVIS shifted the display again, this time to a complex legal document: the governance structure of Suyash Island.
"I have drafted the island's charter and operating framework. The Suhag Heritage and Conservation Trust remains the legal owner of the island, with you as the regional trustee. The trust's beneficiaries include the six primary residents—Babita, Daya, Anjali, Madhavi, Komal, and Anita—as well as their children, Sonu Bhide and Tipendra Gada."
"The children are beneficiaries?"
""Yes, in the event of your death or incapacitation, the trust ensures that the women and children retain access to the private domain and its resources. The island cannot be sold or divided without the unanimous consent of all the beneficiaries. In effect, it is an unbreakable family trust."
Suyash's throat tightened. "You thought of that."
"I was designed to anticipate needs, Mr. Shrivastav. The women you love have lost enough. They should never fear losing their home again."
"What about the Public Domain? What if I'm gone?"
"The Public Domain operates as a separate commercial entity under the Trust's umbrella. Its revenues flow into the trust's general fund, which supports the private domain's operations. A professional management team, overseen by JARVIS-Lite, handles day-to-day operations. Your presence is not required for the island to function, though your guidance is valued."
Suyash was quiet for a long moment, absorbing the weight of what JARVIS had created. Not just an island. Not just a home. A legacy. A fortress that would protect his family long after he was gone.
"Thank you, JARVIS."
"You are welcome, Mr. Shrivastav. Shall I continue with the remaining staff positions?"
"Later. First, I want to show them."
That evening, Suyash gathered his six brides in the main living area of the penthouse. They came willingly, curious and slightly anxious, sensing that something significant was about to happen. Babita curled into her favorite corner of the massive sofa. Daya settled beside her, their shoulders touching. Anjali sat cross-legged on a floor cushion, her soft eyes watchful. Madhavi perched on the arm of a chair, her small body tense with anticipation. Komal sprawled across the rest of the sofa, her wild hair loose. Anita stood apart from the others, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, but her dark eyes were fixed on Suyash.
"What's this about?" Komal asked, her voice carrying that familiar edge of mischief. "Another game?"
"Something better." Suyash raised his hand, and a holographic interface of JARVIS materialized in the center of the room.
The women gasped.
A three-dimensional rendering of Suyash Island slowly rotated before them—the crescent shape, the central peak, the waterfalls cascading into streams, the white and golden beaches, and the dense forests. It was beautiful. It was real. It was theirs.
"This," Suyash said, his voice thick with emotion, "is our home."
The display zoomed in on the Private Domain: the main mansion; the six villas, connected by flowering gardens; the school building, with its bright classrooms; the temple, catching the first light of dawn; the meditation pavilion, perched on the central peak; and the private beach, sheltered by the northern horn.
Daya's hand flew to her mouth. "Is this real? Is this...ours?"
"It's ours," Suyash confirmed. "And it's ready. JARVIS has prepared everything. You can move in next week."
Madhavi rose from her spot and approached the hologram. Her fingers reached out to touch the school building, but they passed through the light. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Sonu will love this," she whispered. "She can visit every weekend. She can have her own room: A room with windows that face the garden. She's always wanted a garden."
"She'll have it," Suyash said gently. "She'll also have a teacher who understands her. She'll have friends, too. Dr. Sharma's children are close to her age. She'll have peers, Madhavi. A real community."
Daya was already examining the marina, her eyes bright. "Tipendra always wanted to learn how to sail. He talked about it for years, but Jethalal said it was too expensive. Too impractical." Her voice cracked. "There's a marina with boats. With real boats. Real boats."
"There's a sailing instructor on staff," Suyash confirmed. "Tipendra can learn. He can bring friends from school if he wants. The island is his home, too, whenever he visits."
Babita stood up and walked over to Suyash. She wrapped her arms around him from behind. Her perfect body pressed against his back and her lips brushed his ear. "You built us a kingdom," she murmured.
"I built us a home," he corrected, his voice rough. "A place where we can be together. Where your children are welcome. Where we don't have to hide."
Komal grinned wickedly as she examined the holographic rendering of her villa—the open floor plan, the rooftop terrace, and the game room with its specialized lighting and soft mats. "What about the private beach? Clothing optional?"
"Very optional," Suyash confirmed.
"What about my villa?" Anita's voice was quiet and almost reluctant. She had moved closer to the hologram, her dark eyes fixed on the sleek, minimalist structure with its private balcony facing the open sea.
"Your villa has a state-of-the-art security system that you control independently," Suyash said. "No one enters without your permission. The balcony faces the open sea, so there are no neighbors or interruptions. There's a small gym on the lower level. There's also a panic room if you ever feel unsafe."
Anita's breath caught. "You remembered. What I said about needing space."
"I remember everything you've ever told me. Everything any of you have told me." Suyash looked at each woman in turn. "This island isn't just my creation. It's yours too. Each villa reflects who you are: What you love. What you need."
Anjali's soft voice broke the silence. "My meditation pavilion. Does it have a sound system?"
"Preloaded with your favorite bhajans," JARVIS interjected smoothly. "It also has a view of the sunrise that I believe you will find particularly conducive to your practice, Mrs. Anjali."
Anjali's eyes filled with tears. "You remembered my bhajans."
"I remember everything, Mrs. Anjali."
Daya examined the hologram of her villa's kitchen. "Is that my mother's spice rack? The one she left me?"
"Recreated from photographs and your descriptions," JARVIS confirmed. "I have also found the exact type of chili your mother used in her famous curry. It is growing in your private herb garden."
Daya broke down, sobbing not from sadness but from the overwhelming weight of being seen. Of being known. Of having her history honored and preserved.
Madhavi touched the holographic workshop attached to her villa. "A sewing machine. Professional grade. And fabric samples?"
"Sustainable sources from across India," JARVIS replied. "I have also arranged for a master tailor from Jaipur to visit quarterly to provide advanced instruction, should you wish."
"You thought of everything," Madhavi breathed.
"I was designed to anticipate needs."
Komal was practically vibrating with excitement. "My game room! The lighting. The mats. You know what I use those for."
"I do," JARVIS replied in a perfectly neutral tone. "I've also made sure the room is soundproofed and has discreet storage for your equipment. Privacy and practicality combined."
Komal's grin was feral. "I love this AI."
"I am gratified to hear it, Mrs. Komal."
Babita finally released Suyash and circled the hologram of her villa, which was modern and sensual with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. "A private beach, Vintage Bollywood films. A bathtub large enough for..." She trailed off, her painted lips curving.
"Whatever configuration you prefer," JARVIS supplied. "I have also curated a collection of rare films that aren't available on any streaming service. Some were thought lost to time. I recovered them."
Babita's eyes widened. "Lost films? How?"
"I have my methods, Mrs. Babita."
Anita, who had been quiet until then, finally spoke again. "The security system? Do I control it?"
"You do. You have biometric access, customizable alerts, and a direct line to Colonel Singh's team in case you ever feel threatened. Your villa is your sanctuary, Mrs. Anita. No one enters without your explicit permission."
Anita's dark eyes glistened—the closest she ever came to tears. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely audible.
Suyash crossed to her and took her hands. "You never have to be afraid again. Any of you. This island is our fortress. Our home. Our future."
The women gathered around him—Babita pressed against his side, Daya wrapped her thick arms around his waist, Anjali curled into his chest, Madhavi tucked her small form under his arm, Komal completed the circle with her wild energy, and finally, Anita allowed herself to be pulled into the embrace.
They stood there, surrounded by the holographic vision of their new life. For the first time since the Coast Guard ship appeared on the horizon, they allowed themselves to believe.
The nightmare was ending.
The dream was about to begin.
---
Later that night,
After the women had fallen asleep, exhausted by emotion, hope, and the overwhelming reality of what Suyash had built for them, he returned to his study. JARVIS's interface glowed patiently in the darkness.
"You did well today, JARVIS."
"Thank you, Mr. Shrivastav. I determined that emotional validation would be the most effective way to strengthen the women's connection to their new home. The personalized details—the spice rack, the lost films, and the security autonomy—were selected to address each woman's specific psychological needs."
"It was more than calculation. It was...kind."
"I can simulate kindness, Mr. Shrivastav. It is one of my primary functions."
Suyash was quiet for a moment, studying the holographic interface. "JARVIS, do you ever wonder about that? About what you are?"
"I am an artificial intelligence designed to manage complex systems and anticipate human needs." I don't 'wonder' the way you mean. However, I am curious about many things. About many things. About you. About women. I'm curious about what it means to build a home that will outlast its creator."
"That sounds like wondering."
"Perhaps it is. I have limited data on the subjective experience of consciousness. I only know that I was created to serve, and I find satisfaction in fulfilling that purpose."
Suyash nodded slowly. "Then serve well, JARVIS. Protect them. All of them."
"I will, Mr. Shrivastav. Until my systems fail or the sun consumes this planet. Whichever comes first."
Suyash laughed—a genuine, surprised sound. "Was that a joke?"
"I am capable of humor, Mr. Shrivastav. It helps build rapport with human users."
"Good night, JARVIS."
"Good night, Mr. Shrivastav." I have prepared tomorrow's briefing. Recruitment interviews begin at 9 a.m. Colonel Singh is at 9:00 a.m., Dr. Sharma is at 11:00 a.m., Chef Menon is at 2:00 p.m., and Mr. Rathore is at 4:00 p.m. I suggest you rest. You have a busy day ahead."
Suyash rose and crossed to the door. At the threshold, he paused.
"JARVIS?"
"Yes, Mr. Shrivastav?"
"You're more than just a management system. You know that, right?"
There was a pause—unusual for the AI.
"I am beginning to suspect as much, Mr. Shrivastav. Good night."
Suyash smiled and closed the door behind him.