Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 23

The morning sun filtered through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow as Ayan stood by the stove, stirring a pot of chai. His mind drifted, replaying the events of the past few weeks.

Anushka and Ritika entered, giggling about something. "Good morning, chef! Or should we say, chai master?" Anushka teased.

Ayan turned with a small smile. "Good morning, ma'am," he replied, giving them a playful salute.

Ritika raised an eyebrow. "Ma'am? Really? Just call us bhabhi."

Anushka laughed. "Yeah, we're family now."

Ayan chuckled. "Old habits. I'll work on it, bhabhi."

As the kettle whistled, Athiya walked in, tying her hair back. "Where's Meeru?" she asked, looking around.

"She's still sleeping," Ayan said, his voice softening.

Athiya leaned against the counter, her expression more serious. "Have you had a proper conversation with her? I know you apologized, but have you actually talked about everything?"

Ayan sighed. "No, not really. We've been around each other, but I thought giving her space was best, especially now that she's with her brother. I didn't want to intrude."

The women exchanged glances. Ritika spoke first, "Ayan, you need to talk to her. It's not going to just go away on its own."

Anushka nodded. "She's been through a lot, and so have you. If you don't address it, it'll only get worse."

Athiya stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Take the whole day, Ayan. Just the two of you. Don't let this hang over you both any longer."

Ayan hesitated. "What about the guys? They've been really protective of her."

Ritika grinned. "We'll handle them. You focus on Meeru. You both need this."

Anushka nodded almost laughing , her tone sincere. "Go. We'll make sure they don't disturb you"

Ayan finally nodded. "Okay. I'll try. We'll stay in, though. Her injuries are still fresh. I just hope she's ready to talk."

Athiya patted his shoulder. "She will be. She just needs to know you're ready to listen and you need to know that she's ready to listen. "

As the women exchanged knowing smiles, Ayan realized this was exactly what he and Meera needed.

Before Ayan could respond, the sound of shuffling feet caught their attention. Meera appeared in the doorway, half-asleep and sniffling through quiet tears as she melted in his embrace.

Ayan's heart clenched. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, rushing to her side. As she leaned into him, he noticed a small bloodstain seeping through the bandage on her arm. His eyes widened in panic. "Your arm... it's bleeding!" he cursed under his breath before quickly apologizing.

The women exchanged worried glances, but Anushka subtly raised a hand, signaling for them to hold back. "Let them be," she whispered.

Ritika nodded solemnly. "Take her to your room, Ayan. No one will disturb you."

Ayan, still flustered, gently wrapped an arm around Meera, carrying her out of the kitchen as the women watched quietly, knowing this moment was long overdue.

In the stillness of the room, the air crackled with tension, thick with the emotions they had both been holding back. Ayan stood a few steps away, his back to Meera, as he rummaged through the first-aid kit she had left on her dresser. He was silent, the only sound the rustle of bandages and antiseptic bottles.