Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 26

A few days later, the sun had just begun to dip behind the horizon as the front door swung open. Arya and Arjun, back from Shimla, stepped inside, their bags slung over their shoulders. The faint scent of mountain pine still clung to them, a trace of their recent trip. Ayan, lounging lazily by the door, looked up and grinned.

"Look who's back!" he exclaimed, pulling Arya into a warm, sibling-style bear hug.
"Survived without me?" Arya teased.

"Obviously, I had better company," Ayan shot back with a playful smirk, releasing her. Then he gave Arjun a quick, easy embrace. "Good to have you back, man."

Meanwhile, the rest of the group was glued to the TV, oblivious to their arrival. India was locked in a nail-biting T20I match against Bangladesh. Rahul sat at the edge of the couch, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Hardik's at it again," Rahul muttered, leaning forward just as the stadium erupted with cheers on the screen.

On cue, Hardik Pandya executed a flawless no-look shot, sending the ball flying to the boundary with effortless grace.

"YESSS!" Virat shot up, fist-pumping the air in triumph.

"I swear this man was born to entertain," Rohit chuckled, rocking back against the couch. Rahul gave him a high-five with a grin.

Then the commentator's voice boomed, cutting through the cheers: "AND THAT'S IT—INDIA WINS!"

The room erupted with joyful pandemonium. Virat spun Anushka into a playful victory dance, drawing delighted laughter from her. Rohit grabbed Ritika, pulling her closer as they celebrated the win.

Rahul leaned toward Athiya, pulling her hand into a celebratory squeeze, their fingers interlocking as she smiled warmly. Even Meera, who was perched on the armrest, clapped along with infectious enthusiasm.

It wasn't until the euphoria started to die down that they noticed Arya and Arjun standing by the door, their bags still slung over their shoulders.

"Oh, damn!" Virat exclaimed, looking sheepish. "You guys are back! Sorry, sorry—we got carried away."

Arya rolled her eyes with an amused grin. "We figured."

The group scrambled to their feet, rushing over to greet Arya and Arjun properly. A chorus of hugs and "We missed you!" followed before they all headed toward the lawn for dinner.

The cool evening breeze drifted through the lawn, carrying the scent of jasmine from a nearby bush. Twinkling fairy lights crisscrossed above the group, casting a soft, warm glow. The table was laid out with delicious food, and Ritika and Anushka sat cross-legged on a picnic blanket, feeding their little ones.

"Akku, can you please stop flinging your spoon?" Ritika sighed as she wiped the baby's face for the tenth time.

Anushka laughed. "What do you expect? He's Virat's son, after all."

Rohit added, "I solemnly agree with my Sharma sis and I'm pretty sure Ritsy agrees too." And everyone looked at Ritika who was laughing while nodding.

Everyone burst into laughter as Virat pouted dramatically while he threw a tissue paper at Ritsy. "Ritsy yaar, tu toh meri behen hai. At least you take my side!"

"That's exactly why I won't," Ritika teased, making everyone laugh even harder.

Virat's dramatic pout instantly melted into a wide grin as Sammy ran up to him, throwing tiny arms around his leg. "Don't worry, Vi Chachu! I will always take your side."

Virat scooped Sammy up in a playful swoop, cradling him like a trophy. "That's my girl!" he declared, puffing out his chest with exaggerated pride. "Finally, someone who sees the injustice happening here!"