Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 111

That evening, the hotel was lively with laughter and conversation. The entire cricket team had gathered for dinner. Kabir had managed to blend in effortlessly, though a hint of unspoken tension lingered between him and Rahul.

As plates were being passed around, the dining area doors opened, and Harry and Meera walked in. Meera, clutching a soft toy she had just won from a claw machine, was laughing at something Harry had said.

"You're just salty because I beat you fair and square," Meera teased, holding up the toy like a trophy.
Harry groaned. "Fair? You stole my turn!"
"You snooze, you lose!" she shot back, grinning mischievously.

Before Harry could retort, Kabir, who was standing beside Arjun, called out with a fond smile, "Noor!"

Meera froze for a second, her head snapping in his direction. The moment she spotted Kabir, her face broke into an even wider grin. "Kavuu!" she exclaimed, abandoning Harry mid-argument and rushing over to him.

Harry blinked in surprise, turning to Jasprit, who was watching the scene unfold with an amused smirk. "Yeh kaun hai?" Harry whispered, his confusion evident.

Jasprit chuckled, leaning in slightly. "Tera competition," he said teasingly, referencing the feelings Harry had been too hesitant to voice about Meera.

Harry's face flushed, caught off guard by the jab, as Jasprit smirked knowingly. Rahul, seated nearby, caught the exchange and furrowed his brows. "What's going on?" he asked, looking at Harry, who froze momentarily.

"Nahi, kuch nahi," Harry said quickly, waving his hand dismissively. Jasprit backed him up, suppressing his laughter, "Haan, bas aise hi, kuch nahi."

Meanwhile, Meera reached Kabir and threw her arms around him, her excitement palpable. "When did you get here? Why didn't anyone tell me you were coming?" she demanded, still holding onto the soft toy.

Kabir laughed, his tone teasing. "I didn't feel like, after all my welcome is best unannounced."

Meera pulled back, rolling her eyes but smiling fondly. "Yeah, yeah it's good to see you anyway."

___

As Meera chatted animatedly, her laughter lighting up the room, Kabir gently nudged her plate toward her. "Finish your food first, Noor," he said, his tone soft but firm.

Meera paused mid-sentence, blinking at him before turning to Rahul with an almost childlike pout. "Anna, why aren't you feeding me today?" She was practically sitting between Rahul and Kabir and right now was absolutely curious.

The air seemed to shift immediately, the subtle tension between Kabir and Rahul growing palpable. Kabir's gaze flicked toward Rahul, sharp but unreadable. Rahul, caught off guard, hesitated for a moment, his expression neutral but his fingers twitching slightly as if to respond.

Virat, seated beside Rohit, sighed quietly, sensing the brewing undercurrent. Meera, noticing the sudden change in the atmosphere, quickly turned to Arjun for reassurance who just smiled, blinking his eyes as if telling her that's all okay.

Before the moment could stretch any further, the younger players leaped into action, eager to diffuse the tension.

Shubman grinned and leaned forward. "Arey, Meera di, woh toh humne plan kiya tha! Aaj hum aapko khilayenge," he said with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Exactly!" Rishabh chimed in, grabbing a spoon and holding it up dramatically. The entire table burst into laughter at Rishabh's antics, the heaviness of the moment dissipating instantly.

As the youngsters took turns pretending to serve Meera, Kabir leaned back in his chair, the faintest of smiles tugging at his lips. Rahul, meanwhile, relaxed slightly, his gaze softening as he watched Meera being pampered by her "brothers."