Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 14 - Day 2, Kanpur

Meera stirred awake, her head nestled in Rahul's lap, the gentle thrum of his heartbeat a soothing rhythm beneath her cheek. The lingering haze of exhaustion from the previous day's chaos still clung to her body, but the sound of her phone buzzing broke through the fog of sleep. She blinked her eyes open, squinting at the harsh light of the screen.

It was a message.

Arjun: "I'm out due to an urgent matter. You're in charge today. Everything will be fine."

Meera's heart quickened, but not with panic. The weight of responsibility fell onto her shoulders, but for once, it felt empowering. Arjun trusted her. It was not her first time but it was first time after that incident.

"Today will be good," she whispered to herself, determination seeping into her bones. The mirror reflected a version of herself she hadn't seen in a while—sharp, alert, in control.

Downstairs, the team was already gathering in the lobby, their energy infectious despite the early hour. As she stepped into the room, her confidence felt tangible, and the chatter around her only fuelled it further.

"Ira, make sure the bus is ready," Meera instructed, her tone firm but calm. "We can't keep the guys waiting."

Ira flashed her an excited smile. "Got it, Ma'am!" she chirped before dashing off.

Meera took a moment to absorb the atmosphere. The players were in good spirits, exchanging banter and laughs as they prepared for the day ahead. Rishabh, as usual, was the loudest, mimicking a dramatic dive that sent the others into fits of laughter.

"Did you see that meme on us last night?" Rishabh exclaimed, eyes gleaming with mischief.

Virat, sitting next to Rohit, chuckled. "I don't know where people get the creativity for these things. It's sweet but at the same time something I would not imagine doing ever."

"Did you see the one with us having the same expressions?" Rohit added, rolling his eyes, but the grin on his face betrayed his amusement.

Even Rahul, who was usually more reserved, was caught in the playful mood. "As long as they're not talking about me speaking in Hindi, I'm good," he said, earning a round of laughter from the team.

The bus ride to the stadium was filled with more laughter and jokes, the guys poking fun at each other as they unwound from the tension of the previous days.

The pitch was drenched from an unexpected downpour, and the officials were quick to announce the cancellation of the match. The news hit like a shockwave, and chaos erupted in the dressing room as the players processed their unexpected day off.

"Can you believe this?" Rishabh groaned, throwing his hands up. "I was ready for this!"

"Guess it's foot volley in the hotel lobby then," Ashwin suggested, and the others immediately jumped on board.

Alright, let's not turn this into a circus!" she shouted, trying to regain some semblance of control. Gambhir joined her, hands on his hips, his face stern but his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"Alright, everyone! Back to the hotel, but no messing around. I mean it!"

The team groaned playfully but complied, their spirits still high as they piled back onto the bus. Meera settled into her seat, focusing on the arrangements for their return. Arjun's text replayed in her head, the vague explanation for his absence gnawing at her. Why hadn't he told her more? Where was Arya? Both of them going dark at the same time was unsettling.

Once they returned to the hotel, the chaos only escalated. The team quickly took over the lobby, turning it into an impromptu playground. Rishabh, Siraj, and Jadeja started a game of foot volley, while Virat and Rohit sat off to the side, still strategizing about something as they nibbled on snacks.

Once back at the hotel, she glanced around, noting the joyous chaos around her as players engaged in playful banter. Rishabh, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Siraj began a spirited game of foot volley in the lobby, while Rohit and Virat strategized over snacks.

"Okay, listen up," Virat said, looking serious. "If we are anyway chilling let's do one round of training at the gym."

Rohit retorted, "And if you're going to keep suggesting such ideas, you get another session of mock punching, this time real though." And soon those two had engaged in a stupid banter whining and complaining.

Rahul leaned over to Jassi, laughing. "Honestly, it's like they're kids. I'd pay good money to avoid a 'Rohirat' fight."

Everyone burst out laughing, but Meera's mind was far away. The noise, the laughter, the playful chaos—it all felt distant. The bubble of anxiety around her grew tighter with each passing minute.

Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. She slipped away, her heart pounding in her chest as she hurried to her room. Once inside, she grabbed her phone and dialed Arjun's number, her fingers trembling slightly as she pressed the call button.

Determined to reach him, she excused herself from the joyful chaos and headed to her room. She called Ira to give her a set of instructions before retreating to her sanctuary. 

Once inside, she dialled Arjun's number again, her heart racing.

"Come on, Arjun. Pick up," she whispered, pacing the room as the phone rang over and over again.

After what felt like an eternity, the call connected.

"Arjun?" she said quickly, her heart racing.

"Put it on speaker," the man's voice said, muffled not clear enough for her to hear. Arjun looked at Arya, before he put the call on speaker.

"Meera," his voice came through, but there was a tension in it she couldn't ignore.

"Where are you? What's going on? I've been trying to reach you all day!" Her words came out in a rush, the worry that had been building inside her finally spilling over.

There was a pause on the other end, and she could feel the weight of it through the phone. Arjun finally sighed, "Meera, it's complicated. But I promise you, I'm safe. I just need you to trust me on this."

"Everything's fine," Arjun replied, but she could hear the strain in his voice. "I just... had to deal with something personal."

Meera frowned, her chest tightening. "What do you mean, personal? Is Arya with you? Why haven't either of you answered my calls?"

On the other side of the call, Arjun exchanged a glance with Arya, who stood beside him, her expression grave. He hated hearing Meera like this—so vulnerable, so afraid. He hated knowing that he couldn't offer her the certainty she needed right now.

"Yes Meera," he said gently, "I'm handling some things with Arya, but I promise, nothing's wrong. You don't have to worry."

"Just tell me you guys are safe," she whispered, barely able to keep her voice steady.

"Yes we are, Meera," Arjun said softly, his tone soothing, but the worry still lingered in her chest.

"Okay,  I am sorry, I can't help but worry, Arjun. You know I—" Her voice cracked, the desperation spilling over. "I can't lose anyone else, not again."

As the call ended, Meera stared at her phone, her hands trembling. 

Arjun closed his eyes, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He knew what she meant—her past losses haunted her like shadows that wouldn't let go. First, her family, then Amayra, who had become like a second mother to her. And then, Ayan. She had barely recovered from that. And now, here he was, making things worse by not being fully honest with her.

The mysterious man standing beside Arjun spoke again, this time quietly, his voice filled with an odd sort of empathy. "Is she alright?"

Arjun shook his head slightly, as if trying to shake off the weight of the moment. "You know her better than I do," he murmured, his gaze distant, as if trying to keep the creeping fear from showing on his face.

 With that, he stepped away, leaving Arya and the mystery man to share a silent understanding of the weight Meera carried.

Returning to the lobby, she was met with the sight of the team still engaged in their carefree games and conversations. The laughter that had once been infectious now felt distant, almost hollow to her. She forced a smile, blending back into the group, trained enough not to give away her emotions.