Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 82

The hospital corridor was a silent witness to two entirely different worlds. At one end, shadows danced in a dimly lit room, heavy with grief and pain. Meera and Arjun lay unconscious, their bodies wrapped in bandages, their faces pale from the toll of their recent mission. The Colonel stood near, his usual stoic expression betraying the depth of his worry. Beside him, Bakshi paced anxiously, his military bearing barely masking the weight of loss.

At the other end of the corridor, laughter and joy echoed softly. In a room bright with celebration, Rohit and Ritika cradled their newborn son, surrounded by Anushka and their closest friends-SKY, Tilak, and Harry-who had rushed to the hospital straight from the airport. The air was alive with congratulations and the soft coos of the baby, but none of them were aware of the quiet tragedy unfolding just a few doors away.

---

Meera's return to consciousness was slow and disorienting. A dull, throbbing pain pulsed in her head as she tried to move. Her hand was wrapped in a crepe bandage, her ankle supported by another. She blinked against the harsh overhead light, her vision swimming.

Her eyes landed on the figure beside her-Arjun. Her breath caught as she took in his condition. He was hooked to IVs, his body adorned with bruises and fresh bandages, his chest rising and falling faintly. Her heart clenched, a wave of panic threatening to overwhelm her.

"Meera," came Bakshi's voice, calm but rushed. He approached her bed quickly, relief evident on his face. "I'm glad you're awake. Let me call the doctor." Before she could respond, he was out the door.

Meera tried to sit up, but dizziness swept over her. Her movements were sluggish, and her body felt leaden. Suddenly, a familiar hand steadied her.

"Ek minute, Noor," the Colonel said, his voice gentle as he helped her sit upright. For a moment, she saw the father behind the soldier, a rare softness in his demeanor. "I'm glad you're awake."

She took a deep breath, her mind struggling to catch up. "The mission?" she asked, her voice hoarse.

"It was successful," the Colonel replied, his tone steady. "The hostages were rescued. The blast destroyed most of the terrorists, and the few who tried to escape were caught by the backup team."

Relief washed over her, and she allowed herself a brief moment to exhale. "And Bhai?" she asked, her gaze darting to Arjun.

The Colonel sighed, his eyes lingering on his son. "This hero is dismantled for now," he said, attempting a lightness that didn't quite land. "He took more hits than he should have, but he'll make it."

Meera nodded faintly, but her worry persisted. "Ayan? Aru Di?"

The Colonel's expression shifted, his silence heavy with unspoken grief. Meera's chest tightened.

Before the Colonel could answer, Bakshi returned with the doctor. The doctor greeted her briefly before conducting a thorough examination, checking her vitals and assessing her injuries. Meera complied in silence, but her eyes stayed fixed on the Colonel.

Once the doctor left, Meera turned to him again, her voice more insistent. "Colonel, where are Ayan and Aru Di?"

Bakshi and the Colonel exchanged a glance, the air between them growing heavier. Finally, Bakshi spoke, his voice steady but laced with sorrow. "The blast... they didn't make it. They were killed in action."

The words hit her like a physical blow. Meera's heart raced as her mind tried to reject the truth. Her vision blurred with unshed tears. She turned to the Colonel, whose usual stoicism cracked ever so slightly.

His voice was soft, filled with uncharacteristic emotion. "We need to go to the academy, Noor," he said quietly.

The meaning was clear. The academy was waiting for them to bid a final farewell to their fallen comrades.