Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 65

The cool air of the hotel lobby hit Meera like a wave, sharpening the ache in her chest. She moved in a daze, her body on autopilot as she pushed through the doors and into the dimly lit space. Each step was heavier than the last, her mind replaying Athiya's words with brutal clarity. Her breath hitched, her vision blurring as she tried to steady herself.

Ayan noticed her first, his gaze sharpening with worry as he saw her shoulders slump, her hands shaking. He reached her just as her knees gave way, catching her in his arms. "Meera," he murmured, his voice soft yet steady, pulling her close. He rubbed her palms, his warmth grounding her even as her chest tightened further, her breaths shallow and erratic.

"She's having a panic attack," Ayan muttered to Arjun, "Let's get her somewhere quiet. A room," he added, but Meera clutched his hands, her fingers digging in as she shook her head.

"No," she managed, her voice barely a whisper. Tears slipped from her eyes, spilling over as she met his gaze. The pain in her eyes felt like a weight pressing down on his chest, the sight breaking something inside him. He took a deep breath, pushing down his frustration, and forced himself to remain calm for her sake.

"Okay, okay," he whispered, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her hand as he looked over at Arjun. "Let's take her to your place. She won't argue there."

Arjun nodded without hesitation, his face set with quiet resolve as he watched Meera struggle to hold herself together.

At that moment, Arya stepped forward, her gaze filled with concern. She glanced at the two men before nodding toward the lobby doors. "You guys go," she said, her voice a mix of resolve and worry. "I'll stay here and handle security until the backup team arrives."

She turned to Ayan, her voice faltering slightly as she added, "And, bhai... please, take care of her."

Ayan met her gaze, his expression softening as he nodded. "I will," he promised, his voice firm. "Take care here, Arya. Apna bhi dhyan rakh. We'll be back soon."

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As the headlights cut through the quiet darkness surrounding the Colonel's house, Ayan and Arjun hurried out of the car, Meera still clutching Ayan's hand in her semi-conscious state. Her breaths were shallow, her chest tight as she struggled against the waves of anxiety and pain. The Colonel opened the door, eyes widening as he took in Meera's pale, fragile state, and without a word, he stepped aside, letting them inside.

Ayan rushed Meera to his room, carefully laying her down on the bed. He gently removed her glasses, noticing the way her face contorted with pain, and heard her whisper, barely audible, "Pain..."

"I know, princess," Ayan whispered, his voice low and steady as he leaned close, his hand running soothingly over her forehead. "I'm right here. Just breathe with me. I'll get you some help."

He began to rise, but her grip tightened, pulling him back, her eyes widening in a silent plea for him not to leave her alone. The fear was too intense, and he knew she wasn't ready to be left, even for a second. Watching them from the doorway, Arjun stepped forward.

"Ruk tu, Ayan," Arjun said softly, giving his friend a reassuring nod. He slipped out of the room and returned moments later with a portable oxygen cylinder, his movements calm and practiced. Kneeling beside her, he gently placed the mask over her face, adjusting it until the oxygen started to flow, and her breathing steadied slightly.

Meera's tear-filled eyes turned to Arjun as he worked, her gaze full of unspoken words, walls crumbling in his presence.

But despite the oxygen, her body remained tense, her breaths shallow, as though her pain refused to leave, clinging to her like a shadow. Arjun glanced up at Ayan, a silent conversation passing between them. She needed more than this, something that could calm her fully and help her breathe.