Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 57

As the group settled down after the playful chaos, the sound of the front door opening silenced the room. All heads turned toward the entrance, and Meera's eyes lit up at the sight of  Colonel. His presence was powerful yet warm, a figure who carried both discipline and compassion in equal measure.

"Colonel!" Meera called, her grin spreading wide as she rushed over to him. She wrapped her arms around him, embracing him with a rare tenderness—a softness she only reserved for moments with him. Their bond went far beyond duty; he had become more than a superior officer to her—he was family.

The colonel chuckled as he patted her back affectionately. "Look at you, all settled in civilian life," he teased, though the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.

Meera laughed, stepping back but keeping close. "Trying, sir. But you know me—sitting still isn't exactly my thing."

The colonel shook his head with mock exasperation. "That's exactly what worries me."

After a beat, Meera turned to the others, gesturing toward the colonel with a warm smile. "Everyone, meet  Colonel Batra —my mentor, boss, and unofficial dad."

The group greeted him warmly, and when Virat stepped forward to shake his hand, the colonel's grin widened. "Ki haal hai, veere?" he said in fluent Punjabi, catching Virat completely off guard.

Virat's brows shot up in surprise. "Oye, Meera, kitne Punjabis ke saath rehti thi tu?" he teased, looking half-impressed and half-amused.

The colonel let out a hearty laugh. "Not her fault! I'm not a Punjabi myself, but my best friend, Arpan—Amayra's husband—was. So, you could say the Punjabi effect rubbed off on me." His voice softened for a moment at the mention of his late friend, but the lightness quickly returned.

Rohit, Rahul, and Hardik leaned in eagerly, unable to hide their curiosity. "We've heard a lot about you, Colonel," Rahul said with a grin. "How are Arya, Arjun, and Ayan?"

The colonel gave a warm, nostalgic smile. "They must be doing well—away on a mission, as you know." He paused, a twinkle in his eye as he added, "And of course, this one here—" he gave Meera a fond nudge "—along with those three, are the best lot I've ever trained."

Ritika, Anushka, and Athiya exchanged proud glances, their hearts swelling at his words.

"We miss Arjun the most, though," Athiya said fondly. "Arya, Ayan, and Meera are pure chaos when they're together. But Arjun—he carried all your charm, Colonel."

The colonel's smile deepened, his voice touched with pride. "Well, yes," he said with a chuckle, "he had to."

The group shared a warm laugh, the room buzzing with an easy camaraderie. Anushka, cradling Vamika in her lap, leaned in and teased, "Don't let it get to your head, Meera. Colonel's playing favorites."

Meera rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't hide her grin. Moments like these reminded her that no matter how hard it was to balance both worlds, she had found a family—both on the field and off it—that would always have her back.

Ritika nudged Meera with a smirk. "So this is where you get all those hidden tricks up your sleeve?" 

 The colonel shot a playful glance at Meera. "Speaking of tricks, how about we visit the Mumbai academy, Meera? I could test if you've still got what it takes." 

He gave her a conspiratorial wink. 

 Meera grinned, matching his playful energy. "Oh, you know I do. Let's go!" 

 Rahul, curious and eager, leaned forward. "Can I come too?" 

 The colonel raised an eyebrow but smiled at Rahul's enthusiasm. "Sure. In fact," he added with a sly grin, "how about you, Virat, Rohit, and Hardik join too?"