Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 7 - A Gentle Reunion

The rain fell softly as Meera sat on the porch after dinner, letting the cool drops soothe her skin. 

Her body ached, the dull pain a reminder of what she'd been through. The rhythmic sound of the rain calmed her, and for a moment, it was just her and the quiet night.

Rahul was out on a walk with Virat. As they rounded the corner of the house, Virat spotted Meera sitting alone in the rain, her shoulders slouched under the weight of her pain.

"Moi," Virat said, nudging Rahul gently, using his affectionate nickname for him. "You should talk to her."

Rahul stopped, uncertainty clouding his face. "What do I even say? I wasn't there when she needed me most. What could I possibly tell her now?"

Before Virat could reply, Rohit appeared behind them, overhearing the conversation. "Of all the habits you could've picked up from Virat," Rohit teased, "you chose overthinking?" He gave a playful smirk. "Go talk to her. You're here now, and that's what counts."

Virat, with a grin, added, "He's right, Rah. You've always been here, even if you didn't think you were. Just go."

Rahul sighed, nodding as he accepted a blanket from Rohit. With his heart pounding, he slowly made his way to the porch. The rain was still falling lightly, but Meera didn't seem to mind. Rahul carefully placed the blanket over her shoulders, and she looked up, a little surprised.

"Anna, you didn't have to," Meera said softly, her voice tinged with both gratitude and weariness. "I'm fine, really."

"I'm just... being here," Rahul replied, sitting down next to her. "If that's okay?"

She nodded, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. "How's life been for you?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation away from her own struggles. "Your cricket, Athiya, everything?"

Rahul smiled, thankful for the easy question. "It's been a lot," he admitted. "I've cried on Virat's shoulder more times than I care to admit. And, I don't express a lot but he has been a sturdy anchor, the elder brother.  I've vented to Ro bro about the most ridiculous things. And Athiya, she's... well, she's the only reason I manage to stay sane sometimes."

Meera listened closely, her eyes lighting up as he shared the details of his life. She asked questions, laughing at his stories of childish complaints and embarrassing moments. For a while, they fell into an easy rhythm, the conversation flowing like old times.

As the rain continued, Meera grew quiet for a moment, her thoughts drifting. She looked at Rahul, her eyes serious. "Do you want to hear about my life, Anna?"

Rahul nodded, his gaze soft and full of understanding. "Of course, I do."

Meera sighed, as if preparing herself. "After I left home when I was 15, I met Arya and her mother at a dance festival. Mrs. Amayra Singh was... an angel. She gave me a home, took care of me and Arya like we were her own. And then, through her, I met Ayan and Arjun. They became my family too."

She smiled, remembering. "Ayan... he was always doing little things for me, you know? Things that didn't seem like much, but they meant everything. He knew how to make me laugh, how to make me feel like I was... enough. There were so many funny moments—the four of us causing chaos wherever we went."

She shared stories of their adventures, her laughter infectious as she recounted the little pranks they pulled, the impromptu dance sessions, and the close bond they shared. Rahul smiled as she spoke, happy to see the joy in her eyes, even though he could sense the lingering sadness beneath her words.

But then, her expression turned serious again. "How are Amma and Appa?" she asked quietly, her voice hesitant, as if afraid of the answer.

Rahul opened his mouth, unsure how to respond, but before he could say anything, the porch door swung open.

"Did we miss something serious?" Rohit asked, stepping out with two cups of tea, followed closely by Virat, who carried a tray of snacks.

Rohit handed them the tea, and soon the mood lightened. They fell back into easy conversation, Virat teasing Meera about the times when Rahul did not behave his age, went overly jealous and how he used to boss around when Virat did something stupid, and Rohit chiming in with exaggerated stories of how much trouble he used to cause.

Meera smiled, the tension easing from her shoulders. 

She looked at them, her heart swelling with affection. "You know what?" she said suddenly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "From now on, I'm going to be the baby of this group. You guys have to spoil me rotten. "Nakhre uthana and all!"

The trio burst into laughter, and Virat, grinning widely, said, "Don't worry, Meera. We're at your service."

Meera chuckled, her eyes closing for a moment as a sharp pain shot through her body. She winced slightly, her hand instinctively going to her side. 

Virat noticed and, with a soft voice, said, "Come here, Meera. Lie down."

He patted his lap, and without hesitation, she laid her head down, the pain easing slightly as she rested against him.

"Ro bro, don't let Vi wake me up if I fall asleep, okay?" she murmured, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

"Don't worry," Rohit said with a chuckle, sitting next to them. "I won't let him."

As Rohit gently ran his fingers through her hair, Meera's breathing slowed, and before long, she drifted off to sleep, her hand still resting in Rahul's.

The three of them sat there in the quiet, watching over her. Rahul glanced at Rohit, who smiled reassuringly.

"Everything's going to be okay now," Rohit whispered, his eyes soft with affection. And for the first time in a long time, Rahul believed him.