Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 5 - Parting Shadows

Days passed slowly in the hospital, each moment heavy with the weight of grief. Meera's body was healing, but the emotional scars of Ayan's death lingered like shadows. The stark white walls began to feel like a cage, stifling her spirit. As she lay in the bed, memories flooded her mind—the laughter, the plans, the sense of camaraderie that now seemed lost.

On the day of her discharge, Arya and Arjun arrived early, their expressions tight with unspoken concern. Meera could sense the tension but chose to remain silent, focusing instead on her recovery. Rahul stood nearby, conversing with the doctor, his posture relaxed yet alert. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope at the sight of him.

Once the doctor had left, Arya stepped forward, her brow furrowed. "Meera, we need to talk."

"What is it?" Meera asked, bracing herself for the news.

"We've decided to go dark for a while," Arjun said, his voice steady.

 "The Colonel ordered it after... after Ayan. It's not safe for us to be together." Meera's heart sank. She started thinking, the colonel was he disappointed in her?  "So, what happens now?" 

"You'll be staying with Rahul and the others. We'll keep in touch, but it's too dangerous to stay together," Arjun explained, trying to offer reassurance."

When do we leave?" Meera inquired, determination creeping back into her voice. "As soon as you're ready," Arya affirmed. "The safe house is secure."

Before they left, Arjun handed her a small black case. Inside lay her polished revolver alongside Ayan's watch—its leather band worn but familiar. 

Tears pricked her eyes as she held it tightly, a bittersweet reminder of everything she had lost.

"Stay strong," Arya whispered, hugging her tightly. "We'll get through this." With a final embrace from Arjun, they departed, leaving Meera to confront her solitude. Meera nodded again, her movements slow and heavy. Arya and Arjun stepped aside, watching her with a mix of concern and affection. Meera knew they hated leaving her behind, just as much as she hated being left. But this was the reality of their lives—always on the run, always looking over their shoulders.

Rahul stood beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Let's get you out of here."

 As they drove away from the sterile confines of the hospital, the fading city lights flickered past, and Meera's mind raced with thoughts of uncertainty. 

Upon arriving at the safe house, she was struck by its warmth—a cosy structure nestled among trees, surrounded by a vibrant garden. Rahul turned off the engine, a hint of a smile lighting his face. 

"Welcome home, Meera."

"Home?" she echoed, feeling an unfamiliar flutter in her chest. 

Inside, Athiya and Virat awaited her arrival. Athiya enveloped her in a tight embrace. 

As she stepped into her new room, she halted, taking in the soft wooden floors, muted tones, and a writing desk by the window that overlooked the garden. "How...?" she stammered, overwhelmed.

"Rahul always believed you'd come back," Athiya replied, her voice warm with sincerity.

Meera turned to Rahul, who was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Anna, How did you know it was me ? I know Arya would have never taken my name" she asked, curiosity piquing her interest. 

Rahul's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with understanding. "When she talked about you, it was clear. The way she described 'her'—it could only be you."

"Really?" Meera's heart raced. "You felt it, after all this time?"

"Absolutely," he said, his tone earnest. "You've always been part of us. The moment I heard 'her,' I just knew."

Touched by his words, Meera felt a flicker of warmth break through her despair. In that moment, surrounded by friends who cared, she realized she wasn't as lost as she had thought. She still had people who believed in her, who were willing to fight alongside her. As laughter echoed from the living room, she knew that while the road ahead was uncertain, she wouldn't have to walk it alone.