Shuttles And Stars

Sia

I woke up early today, feeling the cool morning air drift in through my window. It was one of those quiet, still moments before the world fully awakens, and I felt a calm determination settle over me as I dressed. Nothing fancy—just a casual outfit, but something that made me feel ready for the day ahead. My phone buzzed next to me, but it was nothing important. Today, I had one focus: heading to the Officer’s Mess to meet Vikram and hand over the report I had worked on all night.

I tied my hair back, grabbed my things, and stepped outside, hoping to catch a taxi. But, of course, the road was completely empty. Typical. I glanced at my watch, feeling time slipping away, and sighed.

I thought about calling Meera, but she was busy with her own session, and I didn’t want to disturb her just for a ride. So, I waited, pacing a little, trying not to get anxious. That’s when I heard the smooth hum of a car engine pulling up beside me. I turned and, to my surprise, there was Neeraj, sitting in his black Audi, rolling down the window with a familiar smile.

“Need a lift?” he asked, casual but with a teasing glint in his eye.

I hesitated for a second. I shouldn’t rely on him for everything, but then again, it was getting late, and I really didn’t want to wait any longer. So, I slid into the passenger seat. The air inside the car felt charged, but it wasn’t uncomfortable—just... different. Neeraj’s hands rested on the steering wheel, but every now and then, I caught him glancing at me, his expression soft.

“Looks like you’ve been busy,” he commented, half-teasing, half-concerned. “Always working, even when you should be resting.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, though my heart skipped a little at how much he seemed to care. “Someone’s got to keep things running,” I shot back, trying to play it off.

He chuckled, his eyes staying on the road ahead, but there was a warmth in his voice when he replied. “Good thing you’re around, then. But don’t overdo it. I’d hate to see you hurt again.”

That sincerity caught me off guard. For a moment, I just stared at him, trying to keep my pulse steady. Why did it always feel like there was more to everything he said? Luckily, we pulled up at the Officer’s Mess, and I quickly busied myself with getting out of the car.

“Should I pick you up later?” he asked as I grabbed my things.

I smiled, shaking my head. “Netra’s meeting me later. I’ll be fine.” I tried to sound nonchalant, but part of me almost wished I’d said yes.

“Alright, if you say so,” he replied, that playful gleam still in his eyes.

Inside the Mess, Vikram was already waiting. I handed him the report, feeling a small sense of pride. I had put my all into it, and it felt good to finally deliver it.

“Thanks for this,” Vikram said as he skimmed through it. But then his tone shifted, and I could tell something was weighing on him. “About the attack... it wasn’t random. It was meant to distract us. They’re planning something bigger.”

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart sank. I had been hoping we’d figured things out by now, not that we were facing an even bigger threat.

“You’d have been on the intelligence team if it weren’t for your injury,” Vikram added, his voice laced with sympathy. “We could use someone like you right now.”

I bit my lip, frustration bubbling up inside me. “I’ll see the doctor again. Try to speed up my recovery.”

He gave me a knowing look, his hand resting on my shoulder for a moment. “Just don’t push yourself too hard. We need you in top shape, Sia.”

After we wrapped up, I met Netra outside, and we headed home. As soon as we walked through the door, there was Meera, lounging on the couch with a grin that told me she knew something.

“How did you get to the Officer’s Mess, Sia?” she asked, clearly enjoying whatever tease she had planned.

I tried to play it cool, but my cheeks betrayed me, flushing pink as I mumbled, “I took a lift.”

Netra and Meera exchanged glances, their laughter bubbling up instantly. “A lift, huh? With Neeraj, by any chance?” Meera teased, raising an eyebrow.

My face grew even warmer, and I quickly excused myself to my room, though I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. These two knew me far too well.

Later, Vikram stopped by the house with good news. “Your report? It was a hit. Col. Rajput was impressed. You’ve helped us take some big steps forward.”

I felt a rush of pride, and maybe a bit of relief too. Despite everything—despite being sidelined by this injury—I was still making a difference. And even if the teasing from Meera and Netra was relentless, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging, of being right where I needed to be.

Maybe Neeraj wasn’t the only one who cared more than he let on. Maybe, just maybe, I was ready to let myself feel something more too.