Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 12 - Slow Mornings

The phone buzzed in Arjun's hand, Arya's name lighting up the screen. He answered quickly, her familiar voice crackling through the line, a rare moment for them to talk amidst the chaos.

"Where's our Disney princess?" Arya teased lightly, and Arjun chuckled, the sound easing some of the tension for a moment.

"She's around," Arjun replied, but the laughter faded, his face growing serious. "Not doing so well, though, Arya. She's been restless, barely sleeps, and last night... she slipped up and mentioned Ayan. You know how hard it's been for her."

Arya's voice softened. "She's tough, but everyone has their breaking point. Keep an eye on her for me, alright? She can't do this alone, no matter how strong she pretends to be."

"Any updates on the mission?" Arjun asked, shifting the conversation back to the pressing concerns at hand.

"Still in the reconnaissance phase. We need to gather more intel on the group manipulating the games before we make our move," Arya replied. "Your dad is keeping a close eye on everything. He's as intense as ever, making sure every detail is perfect. How are you holding up?"

Arjun sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's tough. I'm managing, but the pressure is mounting. Everyone's relying on me, and with Meera struggling, it makes it harder. I just want to make sure we don't lose anyone else."

"Just remember, you're not alone in this. We'll get through it together. Just keep checking in on her, and let your dad handle the operational side. You've got enough on your plate," Arya encouraged, her tone steady and reassuring.

"Thanks, Arya. I appreciate it," Arjun replied, his voice softening. "How about you Rockstar? How are you holding up out there?"

"I'm managing," she said, fondly laughing at the name with a hint of fatigue creeping into her voice. "It's intense, but I'm staying focused. The mission is crucial, and I know we're close to uncovering something big."

"I just hope we can wrap this up soon. It's getting more dangerous by the day," he said, a trace of worry lacing his words.

"Agreed. We'll find a way to pull through. Just stay sharp, okay?" Arya urged, her concern evident.

"Will do. Just take care of yourself out there," Arjun replied, feeling a sense of camaraderie despite the distance.

Meera sat cross-legged in a chair by the window, her laptop resting on her knees as she typed furiously, headphones plugged in.

Just then, Virat walked in, engrossed in a video call with Nush. As he turned the camera toward Meera, Nush remarked to Virat, "Looks like she's sneezing! And her hair's all damp!"

Before Virat could react, Rohit strolled in, chatting animatedly with Ritika. Their playful banter filled the room with laughter, the tension of the mission momentarily forgotten.

Rahul ambled past them, his demeanor heavy. "Can you keep it down?" he muttered before plopping onto the couch, his head resting on the table.

"Another headache?" Ritsy asked, concern evident in her voice.

Virat shot a glance at Rahul, shaking his head with feigned annoyance. "This idiot. I'll check on him." As he turned to leave, he called back to Rohit, "Ro, grab a hairdryer for Meera. She needs it."

The friends exchanged playful goodbyes to their wives before moving about the room.
Virat reached out to Rahul, running his fingers gently through his hair while pressing his forehead against his brother's. Rahul snuggled closer, muttering, "Thanks, Virat bhaiya," a sentiment only Virat could hear.

Meera turned at the commotion, concern flashing across her face for her brother. Just then, Rohit walked in, catching her worried gaze. "Vi will take care of him. You come here; I'll dry your hair," he offered, pulling her away from the window.

"Really, Bhaiya?You're going to dry my hair?" Meera grinned sheepishly.

"Of course! You're not going to catch a cold on my watch," he replied, a playful grin on his face. "Besides, I have got experience with Sammy and about your grumpy brother this is nothing. He's fine and right now all Virat's Rahuliya."

Just then, the aroma of filter coffee wafted through the air as a hotel staff member entered with a tray, followed closely by Ashwin. "Thank youuu, Ash Anna!" Meera sang, her voice lightening the mood. To which Ashwin replied with an equally contagious smile.

"Seriously, how do you guys love coffee so much?" Siraj joked as Ash, Rahul, and Meera shouted in unison, "Nothing against coffee!"

Arjun strolled in, chuckling as he took in the scene. Spotting Rohit diligently drying Meera's hair, he rolled his eyes. "Are you a two-year-old kid, Meera? You'll fall sick, idiot."

"Shh, let me get pampered," Meera shot back, a playful smile on her lips.

"You're too much!" Arjun said, shaking his head. He turned back to Ashwin, "So, what's the weather looking like for practice today?"

As they discussed, Subhman and Rishabh entered, their eyes immediately landing on Meera's Disney T-shirt. Rishabh leaned closer with a teasing smirk. "Nice shirt, princess! Are you going to fight crime or just wait for Prince Charming?"

Virat chimed in, "Hey, I should tell you what T-shirts you wear off the field! Bet they aren't as cute as hers!"

Meera couldn't help but laugh, rolling her eyes playfully. "You guys are just jealous of my royal attire! Plus, this is Mulan, Rish she is a warrior- princess!"

The room filled with laughter as Rishabh, Siraj, Jassi, Akashdeep, Yashasvi, Subhman, Kuldeep, and Axar filtered in, the lively chatter blending with the clinking of utensils. Rishabh waved a card from the Uno game. "Hey, who's up for some friendly competition?"

Virat shielded Rahul from the noise while feeding him. "Stay calm, little one. We've got enough chaos here for ten kids!"

Rohit tried to feed a stubborn Meera, who was determined to look away. "Come on, Meera! Finish eating this."

Meanwhile, Jadeja and Ashwin were deep in strategy discussions with the coach, mapping out their next moves while keeping a watchful eye on the playful banter around them. In the midst of this, Arjun received an urgent call and slipped out, his expression grim as he walked away, leaving the warmth of the room behind him without informing Meera, who was too engrossed with Rohit to notice his absence.

Before long, Virat and Rohit found themselves engaged in a friendly battle, feeding each other bites of breakfast while simultaneously managing their two little charges. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie, creating a comforting sense of belonging that wrapped around everyone present.

As the hours passed, the room transformed into a hub of activity. Two hours later, as everyone began gathering their gear for the net session, the bonds forged during breakfast lingered in the air, setting a hopeful and energetic tone for the day ahead. The chatter and laughter blended with the anticipation of practice, reminding everyone that they were not just teammates but a family united by a common goal.

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I love Disney and I had to add it somewhere.  Sorry if you find it annoying.

I know this book is about missions and everything but such moments are necessary to notice how bonds get built.

Do you like the bonds? Whom do you like the best? Is there anybody I'm missing out on someone you'd like to see more of?

Do you like the book?

Keep voting and encouraging me.

Plus we will soon move towards the serious sections of the book.