Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 81

Day 6

Early Morning

The teams were still separated but in constant communication. Meera and Arjun had located the main hideout. Inside, the terrorists were assembling explosives—proof of their desperation to cause as much destruction as possible.

"Looks like they're ready for their last stand," Arjun said grimly.

"Then we make sure it's their last," Meera replied, signaling for him to move in.

At the same time, Ayan and Arya were descending the ridge to regroup with Meera and Arjun when they heard the first explosion.

Mid-Morning

A powerful blast ripped through the hideout Meera and Arjun were targeting. The ground shook violently, and a column of smoke rose into the sky.

"Arjun!" Meera shouted as she was thrown to the ground. Her ears rang, and her vision blurred as debris rained down around her.

Arjun, bleeding but conscious, pulled Meera to her feet. "We need to move! Another blast could come any second!"

But before they could escape, a secondary explosion detonated nearby, knocking both of them unconscious.

Meanwhile: Arya and Ayan

Hearing the explosions, Ayan and Arya quickened their pace.

"They're in trouble," Arya said, her voice tinged with urgency.

"They're tough. They'll hold on until we get there," Ayan replied, though his grip on his rifle tightened.

As they approached the area, a sudden ambush forced them to take cover. A group of terrorists, likely survivors from the hideout, launched a last-ditch attack.

"Stay low!" Ayan ordered, firing back with precision. Arya covered his flank, taking down two attackers.

"We need to keep moving," Arya urged, glancing toward the rising smoke.

But just as they broke cover, another massive explosion erupted, sending them sprawling.

Ayan shielded Arya as debris rained down, but the force of the blast was too much. Ayan's arm lay protectively over Arya as everything went black.

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Mumbai, India

Rohit's Residence

The evening at Rohit's home was calm, a stark contrast to the turbulence of his thoughts. He sat on the porch, staring at the Mumbai skyline, lost in contemplation. Inside the house, Ritika was asleep, her body and mind drained from the final stages of her pregnancy. In the same room, Athiya rested beside her, cradling the tiny life growing within her. Upstairs, the children had finally drifted off to sleep, giving Anushka a moment of respite.

Anushka descended the stairs, carrying two cups of coffee. Spotting Rohit on the porch, his figure shadowed by the dim glow of the evening, she shook her head with a small smile. 

Approaching him, she nudged him gently as she handed him a cup."What's up, Sharma? Kya soch rahe ho?" she asked, her voice light yet concerned. 

 Rohit laughed softly, breaking from his reverie. "Hello to you too, Sharma sis."

 Anushka took a seat beside him, sipping her coffee. 

The night air was quiet, but its stillness only amplified the unspoken worries between them."Have you talked to Virat yet?" Rohit asked after a moment, his voice carrying a note of hesitation.