Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 27

The sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the breakfast table. The gentle clink of cutlery and the smell of coffee brewing filled the air. Ritika and Anushka buzzed around the table, arranging platters of eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. On one side, the kids-Sammy, Vami, and baby Akku-sat with crumbs on their tiny fingers, already halfway through breakfast.

Virat and Rohit, deep in discussion about strategy for the upcoming the test series, barely noticed their surroundings until Ritika casually slipped in a thought.

"Hey," Ritika said, wiping little Sammy's cheek. "We should visit our families before the series starts. It's been a while since we've been together like this." Anushka agreed to her thoughts she continued while cooing at Akku maybe we all should.

Rohit looked up from his plate, nodding thoughtfully. "Good idea. It'll be nice to unwind at home for a few days."

Virat smiled, chewing on his toast. "Definitely. I'm sure everyone's missing us. And Rahul..." He leaned closer to Rahul, his tone caring. "Maybe it's time you visited Athiya's parents too. Shetty sir will be looking forward to seeing both of you."

Rahul nodded, spooning Vami to Virat's arms. "Yeah, maybe we should..." he trailed off, distracted by the toddler's giggles.

Suddenly, Arjun's voice cut through the conversation. "What about your parents, Rahul? And Meera you are back to Rahul now, don't you want to meet your parents as well?"

The table fell into a sudden, uneasy silence.

Meera stiffened, avoiding Rahul's eyes, her appetite gone. Rahul stared at his plate, his jaw tight. The question seemed to land with the weight of unresolved memories. Meera could feel everyone's gaze lingering on them, waiting for an answer.

"We'll talk about this later," Rahul finally murmured, his tone low and dismissive.

The tension broke slightly when a tiny tug at Rahul's sleeve distracted him. Vami, slipping from Virat's arms, grinned up at Rahul with mischievous eyes. Rahul chuckled and picked her up, planting a playful kiss on her cheek. Vami erupted into laughter, her little hands slapping his face as his stubble tickled her.

The sight of Vami's laughter spread warmth around the table, lifting the heavy mood. Arya seized the opportunity.

"Well," Arya said, grinning, "we need to head back to the academy soon. Ayan, Arjun, and I have been away too long. Time to get back to duty."

Rohit leaned back in his chair, smiling slyly. "Will you guys be in charge of our security this time too? We'd hate to have anyone else handle it."

Ayan smirked. "Depends on the officials, Rohit. But we'll see what we can do."

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Athiya leaned forward with a bright smile. "Before we leave, how about a little pool party? One last hurrah before the chaos begins!"

Sammy's eyes lit up, and she squealed, clapping her hands. "Yes! Pool party!"

Ritika laughed, wiping Sammy's sticky fingers. "Looks like the kids are already in."

Virat grinned, ruffling Sammy's hair. "And so are we."

The late afternoon sun shimmered over the pool, its surface glinting like liquid sapphire. Sammy and Vami were the first to dive into the kids' end, their giggles filling the air. Baby Akku sat in a colorful float, splashing happily as Anushka and Ritika lounged nearby with towels and snacks.

Virat cannonballed into the pool with a loud yell, sending a massive splash in every direction. "Beat that, Rohit!" he challenged.

Rohit chuckled, standing at the edge. "Watch and learn!" With a theatrical leap, he landed with a splash that drenched everyone in the vicinity. The kids shrieked in delight.