Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter -32

Ayan leaned against the cold corridor wall, struggling not to think the worst, but his mind wouldn't stop buzzing as he looked at the lush greens of Ooty.

The chilly air bit through his uniform, and he sat heavily on the steps, elbows on his knees, burying his face in his hands. His thoughts raced, tangled in promises he'd made to Meera-promises that now felt like they were slipping away.

Nearby, Arya was reviewing CCTV footage with the Colonel, her face tense with frustration. Bakshi was out questioning everyone in sight. Every team member was working tirelessly, but nothing felt enough. Ayan's heart pounded, a knot tightening in his chest.

As his head dipped lower, a familiar presence settled beside him. Arjun sat silently for a moment, letting the quiet stretch between them before finally speaking.

"She's still out there, Ayan," Arjun said softly, resting his forearms on his knees.

Ayan clenched his jaw, guilt and frustration swirling inside him. "I promised her... I promised I'd always protect her."

Arjun leaned in, his voice steady. "And you still can. But not like this."

Ayan finally looked up, his eyes filled with determination.

"We bring her back," Ayan whispered, more to himself than anyone else.

Arjun gave a small, encouraging nod. "Yeah. And then you can tell her to stop making you chase her around the whole damn city."

For the first time in hours, a flicker of a smile crossed Ayan's face, faint but real. "You better hope I don't punch you before this is over."

Arjun chuckled, standing up and offering Ayan a hand. "Save it for the bad guys."

Ayan took Arjun's hand, pulling himself to his feet. There was no room for doubt now—only action. And Ayan was ready.

As Ayan and Arjun strode side by side down the corridor, the Colonel's voice cut through their thoughts. "We need to inform Meera's family. We can't do this on our own—and they deserve to know."

Ayan's throat tightened at the thought, but he knew the Colonel was right.

He gave a short nod, the weight of responsibility pressing hard on his chest. "We should call them together. I don't think we can handle it otherwise."

Ayan's chest tightened at the thought. He knew the Colonel was right, but the idea of calling Rahul, Meera's brother, weighed heavily on him. How do you tell someone their sister—their blood—has been taken by a monster from their own family?

Arjun clenched his jaw. "It won't be easy, but they need to know."

Just as Ayan took out his phone, Arya stepped in front of them, blocking their path. "Wait," she said, her voice low but firm. "We can't tell them. Not yet."

Ayan blinked in disbelief. "What do you mean, Arya? They have to know. It's Meera—Rahul's family deserves to—"

"I know that!" Arya snapped, cutting him off. "But listen. They have the Test series against New Zealand going on right now. It's already rough for them, and this—this will break them." She inhaled deeply, clearly trying to stay composed.

Arya took a step closer, her voice low but fierce. "If Rahul or the others find out right now, it's going to show. Their demeanor will change—they'll be wrecked. And worse, if Rahul contacts Meera's parents..." She trailed off, her expression tightening.

Ayan's throat tightened. "But we can't just leave Rahul in the dark," he whispered.

"I know," Arya said. "But think about this—what if Rahul tells their parents? You know what Meera's been through with them."