Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter 36

The ride to Meera's place was heavy with silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Meera rested her head against Rahul’s shoulder, silent tears sliding down her cheeks. Athiya sat beside her, rubbing Meera’s hands gently, offering comfort without words.

Rahul’s mind swirled with the confrontation that had unfolded earlier. The harsh words from their parents echoed relentlessly in his head, fueling his resolve to stand by Meera no matter what.

“None of this is your fault,” Meera whispered suddenly, her voice cutting through his thoughts. “I’m glad you’re here, Anna. I love you.”

Rahul’s heart tightened. He hugged her closer, cherishing the fragile warmth of that moment amid the storm swirling around them.

When they reached home, the familiar comfort of the house greeted them—walls adorned with photographs from Rahul’s cricketing career and Meera’s life at the academy. The warmth of the lights inside contrasted with the emotional coldness that clung to them, reminding them of better times.

Meera slipped silently into her room, her sanctuary, leaving the others to settle in. Arya busied herself guiding everyone to their spaces, while in the living room, Rahul, Virat, and Rohit gathered, weighed down by unspoken worries.

Unable to sit still, Rahul wandered toward the pool, lost in thought. Virat leaned back, eyes closed, as Rohit murmured, “Theek hai woh, Vi. Time lagega. Bohot kuch ho gaya hai.”

Virat sighed, rubbing his face. “Samajh nahi aa raha, sab kaise sambhalenge.”

Anushka and Ritika joined them then, their presence a quiet anchor. “Sambhalna zaroori nahi,” Anushka said, her voice soft but firm. “Bikhrenge tabhi toh phir judenge.”

Athiya appeared with cups of coffee, handing one to Virat. “She’s right. Go to Rahul now,” she urged. “Rohit bhai, aap Ritika bhabhi ko rest karwao. She’s not feeling well.”

Rohit’s concern sharpened instantly. “Ritsy, kya hua? Tum theek ho?”

Virat echoed him, “Ritsy yaar tu theek hai na?”

Ritika winced, covering her ears at their sudden outburst. Anushka swatted both of them playfully. “Stop scaring her, you idiots!”

Ritika shook her head at their fuss, smiling weakly. “I’m fine, just feeling a little off.”

“Bas, chalo rest karo,” Rohit said quickly, guiding her toward their room. He threw an apologetic glance at Virat, murmuring, “Sorry, Vi woh..”

Virat chuckled lightly, swatting his friend’s shoulder. “Ja na, meri behen ka khayal rakh.”

Once Rohit and Ritika left, Virat lingered with Athiya, Anushka, and Arya. Arya glanced at Virat. “Go check on Rahul. We’ll stay here.”

Virat hesitated. “Where are Ayan and Arjun?”

“They’ll be here soon,” Arya replied.

With a nod, Virat turned to leave, but not before Anushka kissed his forehead gently. “It’ll be okay,” she whispered.

Athiya’s gaze fell on a photo frame—a picture of Meera with a middle-aged woman. Arya followed her gaze. “That’s our mom,” Arya said quietly. “Losing her was hard, but it never felt like Meera wasn’t one of us. She even built this house for us, gifting each of us a place in neighborhoods we’d love. This is the space she keeps coming back to, her room upstairs with the balcony she spends hours in.”

Athiya smiled softly. “Should we go check on her?”

Before anyone could respond, Ayan and Arjun walked in. Arya rushed toward Ayan, relief evident as she hugged him tightly.

“I’m okay, Choti. Relax,” Ayan assured, patting her back.

Arjun nodded toward the women. “You all good?”

Anushka answered, “We’re fine—just trying to make sense of everything. Meera’s been in her room since we got back.”

Ayan gave a small nod. “I’ll go talk to her.”

And with that, he headed toward the quiet refuge where Meera awaited, leaving the rest to hold space for each other amidst the chaos.

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We'll go conversation by conversation slow and steady.