Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 66

As Athiya's eyes fluttered open, the first thing she saw was Rahul, seated by her bedside, his face etched with a mixture of relief and concern. He leaned closer as she sat up, gently supporting her.

"Athu, you okay? Feeling better?" he asked softly, his hand still steadying her.

Athiya nodded slowly, and as her gaze met his, memories of the previous night flooded her mind. The words she had hurled at Meera replayed, and guilt twisted in her chest. She looked into Rahul's eyes, a whisper of regret escaping her.

"Rahul... I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Mera woh matlab nahi tha. I didn't mean to say those things to Meera." She took a deep breath, struggling to gather her thoughts as the others looked on in quiet anticipation. "It's just... I got so overwhelmed with everything on social media. And then, I overheard someone blaming the security team, saying they should've been able to prevent it... I just... I didn't know what to do, and I lashed out."

A heavy silence settled in the room as the others absorbed her words. Anushka exchanged a quiet glance with Virat, and Rohit looked to Ritika, sympathy and understanding on each of their faces.

Rahul took a deep breath, looking away for a moment before responding. "Athiya, I can't say it's okay," he said finally, his voice steady but heavy. "But... what's done is done." He turned, excusing himself briefly, and stepped out.

Virat placed a comforting hand on Athiya's shoulder as she looked down, her face a mixture of regret and self-reproach. "Sab theek ho jayega," Anushka murmured softly, her gaze filled with understanding.

Athiya lowered her gaze, her fingers knotting together. She looked up, her voice almost a whisper. "Where's Meera?"

Just then, Rahul returned, holding a glass of juice for her. He offered it gently, his face softer now. "She hasn't come back yet, but she will. Don't worry. You freshen up," he said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Ritika leaned over with a reassuring smile. "Yes, Athiya. We'll make it up to her. She'll understand."

With a nod of determination, Athiya took a deep breath and stood, heading to freshen up. As they all gathered afterward, stepping out of the room together, a hotel staff member approached Rohit.

"Sir, the officials and the security team have arrived," he said politely. "You have a meeting scheduled with them."

Rohit acknowledged with a quick nod, his expression shifting to one of focus. "Let's get this sorted, then," he said, glancing at the others.

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The morning sun cast a warm glow over the group as they walked, each of them dressed in sharp uniforms that lent an air of resolute authority. At the front, the Colonel led with Ayan and Arjun flanking him, their strides confident and focused. Just a few steps behind, Arya walked in step with Meera, her gaze flickering with quiet concern.

Arya leaned in slightly, her voice low but insistent. "Are you really sure about this, Meera?"

Meera's eyes lingered for a moment on the faint bruise from the injection on her hand. She glanced up, a determined gleam in her eyes. "Yes, I am."

Arya nodded, studying Meera's face. "How do you feel, though? After everything... you know after what happened last night."

Without hesitation, Meera replied, her tone steady and resolute. "I'm not angry, Arya. I'm not hurt either. I understand where all of this is coming from." She took a steadying breath, her gaze softening just a little. "The only thing that stung was the 'running away' comment. But, honestly, I can't blame them... They didn't know everything."