Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 3 - A Fragile Reunion

Location: Hospital Parking Lot,

 Midnight

"Crossfire?" Rahul echoed, his voice a whisper. "What happened to her?"

Arjun's expression softened as he parked the SUV. "There was a terrorist attack during a high-stakes match. She and her team were there to provide security, but they were ambushed. Meera was injured while protecting others."

A hollow sensation settled in Rahul's chest. He had spent years searching for Meera, and now, learning she had been living this dangerous life felt like a betrayal. The air around them felt heavy as silence enveloped the car. Rahul's breath hitched. "She is fine... right?"

Arjun glanced at the rear view mirror and nodded silently, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. Virat and Rohit pulled Rahul into a side hug, sensing his distress.

"I'm sorry," Arjun said softly. "We didn't want you to find out like this."Rohit leaned forward, eyes fixed on Arjun. "What does this mean for her? For us?"

"Right now, our priority is to get you to her and ensure her recovery. The mission is over, but there are still loose ends to tie up. You'll need to be prepared for what you might see."

As the SUV slowed, Rahul's heart raced with a mix of fear and anticipation. He was about to see Meera again after all these years. Would she remember him? Would she be the same?

"Let's go," Arjun said, leading them toward the entrance. Each step felt laden with the weight of danger and loss. Finally, they reached a door marked "Restricted Access." Arjun knocked before entering, and a knot tightened in Rahul's stomach.

Location: Hospital Room, 

Midnight

Inside, the room was dimly lit, machines surrounding a single hospital bed. Meera lay unconscious, her pale face framed by a tangle of dark hair, tubes and wires connected to her. Monitors beeped rhythmically, a cacophony that felt like a siren call of despair.

"Meera..." Rahul whispered, stepping closer, heart aching at the sight of his sister in such a vulnerable state.

Rohit and Virat quietly exchanged glances and stepped out, giving Rahul space. Alone, he felt a mix of relief and sorrow wash over him. "I'm here, Meera," he murmured. "I've missed you so much." He reached out, gently taking her hand. 

It felt warm, but her fingers were limp, a stark reminder of how close he had come to losing her forever. The door creaked open, and Arya stepped in, her expression a mix of determination and concern. 

"Rahul, we need to step outside for a moment," she said gently yet firmly. "The doctor is going to check on Meera. "Rahul reluctantly released Meera's hand, feeling a sudden emptiness. "Is she going to be okay?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper. 

"We're doing everything we can," Arya replied, offering a reassuring nod. "Come on. Let's talk."
They walked down the sterile hallway, fluorescent lights flickering overhead as they approached a small coffee table.

 "Sit," Arya instructed, pulling out a chair for him. Rahul noticed her anxiety mirrored his own. Rohit and Virat soon joined them.

 "What's going on?" Virat asked, crossing his arms. 

Arya took a deep breath. "I believe I owe you an introduction. I'm Officer Arya. Me, Arjun, Ayan, and Meera were on a mission to provide security for a high-profile event. Everything seemed smooth until we received a tip about a potential threat."

Rahul felt his stomach twist. "What kind of threat?" "There was an ambush," Arya continued, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her emotions. "In the chaos, Meera and her partner, Ayan, were separated. Ayan was killed. Meera tried to save him, but it was too late." 

Silence hung heavy in the air. Rahul's heart shattered at the thought of his sister witnessing such horror. 

"How could this happen?" he murmured. "Why didn't anyone tell us?""Because she didn't want you to worry," Arjun chimed in, handing Meera's phone to Rahul, his voice laced with grief. 

"She was proud, always wanting to protect her family, even from the truth."

Anger and sorrow swelled within Rahul. "Protect me? She's my sister! How could she think I wouldn't want to know?" 

"Meera always carried that burden," Arya said softly. "She lost her family first. I didn't know how much she missed you until I became a part of her life." Rohit leaned in, brow furrowing. "Wait, what do you mean partner?" "Ayan loved Meera and he was one of our closest friends," Arya explained. "They shared a bond forged in danger. She considered him family."

Virat's eyes widened. "What? How could this happen to him too?"

"Ayan was brave," Arya continued, emotion thick in her voice. "He always put others before himself. In that moment, he was trying to protect Meera."

Rahul's heart swelled with sorrow. "I should have been there for her. I should have tried harder to find her." 

Arjun placed a hand on Rahul's shoulder. "You did what you could. It's not your fault. Meera made her choices." 

"Do you think she ever mentioned us to her team?" Rahul asked.

"Absolutely," Arya said, emotion thick in her voice. "You were her anchor. She shared stories of your childhood together—how she looked up to you and wished to see you succeed."

"Why didn't she reach out?" Rahul's heartache twisted deeper. "Because she thought she was doing what was best," Arya replied. "She wanted to shield you from her world."

Frustration and sadness battled within him. "But family should share everything!"Virat squeezed Rahul's hand. 

"You're here now, Moi. We'll face whatever comes together."

As they sat in silence, Rahul felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. Though he had lost precious years with Meera, they had a chance to rebuild. He would not let her go again.