Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 35

The musty air in the dimly lit room burned Meera’s throat as she struggled against the sharp pain in her ribs. Her wrists were swollen and raw from the tight ropes that had bound her, and bruises dotted her arms like shadows of violence. Each breath came shallow, labored—but she couldn’t give in now. Not yet.

She touched the watch she had hidden beneath her sleeve—Ayan’s watch—and prayed that the signal had gone through.

Amir stepped inside, his dark eyes gleaming with hatred. He was lean and deadly, his every movement deliberate, carrying the weight of years of grief and rage. Behind Amir, Raza appeared, his hulking frame filling the doorway. His eyes roamed over Meera’s injured body with a sick hunger, and a twisted smile curled his lips. The rope burns on her wrists and the bruises on her face were his doing, and he made no effort to hide how much he had enjoyed it.

Amir’s hand shot out, grabbing Raza by the collar and shoving him hard against the wall. “You can have what’s left when I’m done,” he spat. “But I get her first. She killed Arif. That debt is mine to collect.”

Raza’s grin widened, unfazed by Amir’s fury. “Don’t take too long. A pretty thing like her shouldn’t be wasted on vengeance.”

Amir turned back to Meera, his expression hardening. “You took my brother from me,” he said, his voice low and steady. “You don’t get to walk away from that.”

Meera met his gaze, forcing herself to stay calm despite the terror clawing at her insides. “Arif died in the field,” she said, her voice hoarse. “He made his choice. So did you.”

Amir’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists. “He was my brother,” he hissed. “And you took him from me.”

Before Meera could react, Amir lunged forward, his hand wrapping around her throat. Pain shot through her body as he slammed her back against the wall, knocking the air from her lungs.

Meera clawed at his hands, struggling for breath, but she refused to give him the satisfaction. Even as darkness edged her vision, she focused on the knife tucked into Amir’s waistband. It was her only chance.

Before he could recover, Meera launched herself at him, ignoring the searing pain in her ribs. The knife found its mark again, sinking into Amir’s side with brutal precision.

He gasped, eyes wide with shock as the blade twisted inside him. Meera could feel the resistance give way under her hands—the same way it had with Arif.

Amir crumpled to the ground, choking on his own breath.With one final, rattling breath, Amir went still.

Meera staggered back, the knife slipping from her fingers as exhaustion threatened to drag her under. But she couldn’t stop. Not yet.

She clung to the wall for support, each breath a jagged reminder of how close she had come to death. But she wouldn’t stop.

Raza, moved closer to her neck, as Meera closed her eyes in disgust "You won’t make it out of here alive, you little—”

The sound of footsteps thundered outside. Raza’s head snapped toward the doorway just as it burst open.

Rahul was the first to rush in, his eyes wild with panic as he scanned the room. The moment he saw Meera—bruised, battered, and barely standing—everything else ceased to matter.

“Meera!” he cried, running to her without hesitation.

“Anna...” Meera’s voice was hoarse and faint, her knees buckling.

Rahul reached her just in time, catching her in his arms and holding her close. “I’ve got you, Meera. I’ve got you.” His voice cracked, thick with emotion as he cradled her like a lifeline, feeling the tremor in her fragile body.