Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 19

Meera woke up with a start, drenched in sweat, heart racing, the echoes of Arif's chilling words still reverberating in her head. The nightmare had been so vivid, almost as if he was right there, taunting her, reminding her of the recent chaos. She was shaken but knew there was no room for weakness. The tour wasn't over, and the team had to play today.

She forced herself out of bed, dressing in another pair of sleeveless t-shirts and cargos, trying to suppress the fatigue weighing on her body. As she made her way to the hallway, the chatter of the cricket team filled her ears. It was incoherent, but comforting in its normalcy, a stark contrast to the tension of the previous day.

Meera smiled as she approached them, trying to shake off the heaviness. "What's up, boys?" she asked, her voice still a bit hoarse.

Rishabh grinned, "We're making strategies!"

Jassi pointed at the mobile in his hand, "Yeah, real hardcore strategizing here."

Meera laughed, the first genuine laugh in what felt like ages. Jadeja, however, saw through her. "You okay, Meera?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Meera nodded, grateful for the support. "Yeah, I'm fine."

The banter continued, lightening the mood in the room, but Rahul, Rohit, and Virat approached her more cautiously, their eyes filled with worry.

"Is it still paining?" Virat asked gently.

"Yeah, but less than yesterday." She shrugged.

Rahul wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "You're not coming to the ground today, Meera. You need rest. No arguments."

Rohit chimed in, his tone firm but caring. "He's right, Meeru. Stay here. Rest up."

Shubman's voice called out from the back, "We'll finish early and come back to you. Promise!"

Meera smiled, but before she could respond, Colonel's gruff voice interrupted. "Morning, everyone. While the immediate threats have been neutralized, we're still taking no chances. Arya, Ira, and the rest will be in charge of security today."

Meera walked over to Arya, tension still hanging between them. "Di... be safe, okay?"

Arya's relief was palpable as she nodded. They hadn't spoken since yesterday, and this small exchange felt like a step toward healing.

As the players left, Meera turned to head towards Arjun's room, but Colonel stopped her.

"Officer Meera," his voice was soft but firm. "A word."

Meera hesitated but agreed.

"I know you're angry, but maybe you should hear his side once. He might have suffered, too. Take your time, but talk it out."

Meera nodded, her throat tightening. "I will. Thank you."

With that, she made her way to Arjun's room. He was sitting up, but clearly still recovering.

"How are you, Genius?" Meera asked, trying to mask her exhaustion with a smile.

Arjun saw right through her. "Better than you, princess. Come here. Let me take a look at that arm."

"It's fine," she muttered, but her voice betrayed her as she sank down beside him, her head resting in his lap.

Arjun's gentle hand began tapping her forehead, soothing her. It wasn't long before her eyes fluttered shut, the weight of everything finally taking its toll.

Ayan entered the room quietly, his eyes immediately finding Meera asleep. Arjun gestured for him to check her arm, and Ayan moved closer, his breath catching in his throat when he saw the extent of her injuries. His fingers lightly grazed the aggravated wound, and tears filled his eyes.