Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 15 - Day 3, Kanpur

Meera stirred at the sound of rain against the windows. Her eyes opened to find Arjun slumped on the couch, looking pale and weary in the same rumpled clothes from yesterday. Relief and anger surged within her. He's here. He's safe. But why didn't he tell me sooner?

She sat up abruptly, waking him. "You didn't think I deserved to know what was happening? I've been worried sick! You just vanished! Do you have any idea how terrified I was?"

Arjun winced at her words. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"Didn't mean to what?" Meera snapped, her voice cracking. "Leave me in the dark? You promised to tell me when something was wrong!"

"Meera, I didn't want to drag you into this," he pleaded.

"You think keeping me in the dark helped? I was terrified!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sank onto the bed, shaking with sobs. Arjun crossed the room, pulling her into his arms. She resisted but soon buried her face in his chest.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured. "I should have told you."

After a moment, Meera pulled back, wiping her face. "I'm sorry for reacting like a brat. I didn't mean to take it out on you."

He nodded, understanding. "I know. I should have been more open."

In a childlike voice, Meera said, "Can we promise no more secrets?"

Arjun smiled softly, mirroring her tone. "Okay, no more secrets. From now on, we're in this together."

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Later that day, the storm outside raged on, and the team remained confined to the hotel. The match had been officially canceled due to the rain, and the players were trying to make the best of their unexpected break.

Rohit and Virat were lounging in the lobby, laughing over a game of cards. A few of the younger players were engaged in a foot volley match in the corridor, their shouts and laughter filling the air. Meera sat in a chair nearby, attempting to focus on the present moment, but a nagging feeling of unease lingered in the back of her mind.

Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of gunfire shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Meera's heart lurched, the loud crack reverberating through the hallways. The players froze, the color draining from their faces as the gravity of the situation sank in.

"What the hell was that?" Rohit muttered, standing abruptly, his eyes wide.

Before anyone could respond, Arjun appeared at Meera's side, his expression grim. "We have a situation. Armed extremists have breached the hotel."

Panic rippled through the group, but Arjun's calm presence held them steady. "We need to keep the team safe. Everyone stays here. No one moves."

Meera stood, her instincts kicking in. "I'll go check it out. You stay with the team."

Arjun's face tightened with concern. "Meera, no. It's too dangerous. I'm not letting you go out there alone."

But she shook her head. "We can't both leave. The team needs you here. Trust me, I can handle this."

Arjun hesitated, his jaw clenched, but he knew she was right. "Be careful," he said quietly, his voice thick with worry.

Meera gave him a small nod before grabbing her phone and earpiece. She slipped out into the hallway, the sounds of shouting and gunfire growing louder as she made her way cautiously toward the source. The once lively hotel now felt like a labyrinth of danger.