Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 28

The early morning breeze carried a whisper through the trees, brushing against Meera's face as she stood on the patio, scanning the garden. Golden rays of sunlight pierced through the mist, casting soft shadows on the dew-laden grass.

Inside, the house was a hub of chaotic energy as everyone scrambled to prepare for departure.

Just then, the morning's calm shattered.

Virat, Rohit, and Rahul burst in through the door like a whirlwind, shouting over one another.

Virat: "Yaar, where's my cap?"
Rohit: "Has anyone seen my jacket?"
Rahul: "Athu! Where's my t-shirt?"

The sound of kids' giggles echoed from the stairs, followed by the shrill voices of the women from across the house.

Anushka, Ritika, and Athiya: "Oh God, give us a break!"

Meera couldn't suppress her laughter. The tension from the night before melted away as she watched the three men stand before her, their faces painted with frustration. Sammy and Vami's giggles grew louder, their little faces peeking from behind a pile of bags, clearly amused by the chaos.

Just then, Arya strolled down the staircase, shaking her head with a grin.

Arya: "Relax, boys. Meera has all your stuff right here."

She paused for effect, her smile deepening. "It's just a Meera thing, you know. It's how she keeps everyone close, even when you're not around. She wears your things like pieces of you-her way of making sure she never really has to miss you."

Confused, the trio turned to Meera-and their jaws dropped in disbelief. She stood there, her face bright with a mischievous smile, decked out in every missing item. Virat's cap sat snug on her head, Rohit's oversized jacket engulfed her slender frame, and Rahul's t-shirt peeked out beneath.

Meera shrugged, flashing a playful grin. "What can I say? I make these look good."

The three exchanged exasperated glances, shaking their heads-but the attempt at frustration was short-lived. Within seconds, they burst into uncontrollable laughter, clutching their sides as amusement spread like wildfire through the room.

Virat: "Honestly? You wear it better than I do."

Rohit: "Should we just hand over our wardrobes to you? Save us all the trouble?"

Rahul: "Next time, I'll make sure I buy double-one for me and one for you."

Meera, basking in the moment, gave a playful spin, pulling Rohit's oversized jacket closer to her "Admit it, boys. You'd miss me too much if I didn't do things like this."

Arya, still leaning against the staircase, shook her head fondly, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "She's not wrong. It's just her way. Doesn't matter how many clothes she owns-she'll always end up in something that belongs to someone else."

Her grin turned even more mischievous as she added, "And let's be real-none of your wives mind me stealing clothes. In fact," she smirked, "Athiya, Ritika, and Anushka wholeheartedly approve."

Ritika's voice followed, carried by a laugh from the other room.
Ritika: "If it keeps you guys from driving us crazy, she can have the whole wardrobe."

From down the hall, Anushka and Athiya chimed in unison.
Anushka & Athiya: "We second that!"

The boys exchanged amused glances, feigning defeat as Virat threw his hands up dramatically.
Virat: "See? We can't even argue-we've already lost."