Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 39

The next morning dawned lazily over Kudremukh, the hills wrapped in a thick blanket of fog. The chill in the air hinted at the arrival of winter, making it the perfect morning to sleep in.

Ayan stirred first, careful not to wake Meera, who was curled up beside him, her face half-buried in the pillow. He smiled at the peacefulness on her face, brushed a stray curl from her cheek, and quietly slipped out of bed. Pulling on a sweater, he made his way downstairs, his footsteps soft against the wooden floors.

Downstairs, the cozy warmth of the living room greeted him. Arya was seated on the floor, a puzzle spread out before her, Sammy and Vami trying their best to help. They giggled whenever Arya placed a piece incorrectly, which was often.

On the couch, Ritika lay with her head resting on Rohit's lap, her eyes half-closed. Akaay, Virat's little boy, was snuggled beside her, clutching her hand even in his sleep. Rohit absentmindedly stroked Ritika's hair, his gaze distant but peaceful.

"Morning," Ayan whispered, smiling at the scene.

Ritika blinked sleepily, giving him a small wave. "Morning... where's Meera?"

"Still asleep," Ayan replied, sitting down beside them. He watched the kids fumble with the puzzle and chuckled when Sammy proudly announced, "I got this piece!"—only for Arya to shake her head and say, "That doesn't fit."

In the kitchen, Anushka and Athiya stood side by side, still thinking about what they should cook.

"Need any help, guys?" came Arjun's voice from the hallway.

Ayan raised an eyebrow as he stepped in. "Tu khana banayega?" he asked with a grin.

Athiya turned toward Arjun with a playful smile. "You don't know how to cook?"

Before Arjun could reply, Arya piped up from the living room, "Meera and Arjun are the worst cooks among us!"

The kitchen erupted in laughter, Ayan shaking his head as Arjun shot Arya a mock glare. At that moment, Meera appeared in the doorway, still rubbing sleep from her eyes, her hoodie hanging loosely around her.

She leaned casually against the doorframe, smirking at Arjun. "So, Arjun and Arya... did you guys find my special note, you lovebirds?"

Arjun's eyes widened, and before anyone could react, he bolted toward Meera.

"You're dead, Meera!" Arjun yelled as she burst into laughter and dashed into the living room, her socks skidding on the wooden floor.

"Ritsy bhabhi, aap theek ho?" Meera called over her shoulder, dodging between chairs.

Ritika laughed, still lying on the couch. "I'm better now, but you better stop running before you make me dizzy!"

Arjun shouted, "Rohit close her eyes, Meera toh nai bachegi aaj mujhse."

Meera kept running, Arjun close on her heels, both of them laughing like children. Just as she reached the front door, Rahul and Virat walked in, sweaty from their morning jog.

Rahul saw Meera flying toward him and opened his arms with a grin. "Anna, bachao!" Meera cried dramatically, throwing herself into his arms.

Arjun skidded to a halt, glaring playfully at Rahul, but Virat placed a hand on his shoulder. "Arey, ho kya raha hai?" he asked, amused by the chaos.

"She teased him," Ayan called from the kitchen, clearly entertained by the scene.

Arjun shot another mischievous glance at Meera, but before he could make his next move, Rohit's deep voice cut through the room.