Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 49

Meera changed into her favorite oversized hoodie and shorts, letting out a contented sigh as she curled up on her bed. Just as she pulled the blanket over herself, her phone buzzed with an incoming video call. She adjusted her glasses, propped the phone against a pillow, and smiled as four familiar faces filled the screen—Athiya, Anushka, Ritika, and Sanjana.

"Meera!" Anushka greeted brightly. "Tell me you've eaten."

Meera grinned, drawing out the suspense. "Yes, yes, I ate. And..." she leaned closer to the camera, lowering her voice mischievously, "I had ice cream."

Athiya gasped. "Ice cream?! Right before the match? Are you serious?"

Meera shrugged playfully. "Rishabh and Shubman said it was necessary pre-match fuel."

Anushka groaned through a laugh. "Let me guess—Virat walked in and blew a fuse."

Meera's eyes sparkled. "He was not happy. First thing he said was, 'If even one of you sneezes tomorrow, you're done for.'"

The girls burst into laughter, already imagining Virat's exasperated expression.

"That sounds so Virat," Ritika chuckled. "Always the disciplinarian."

"He also made us promise to drink warm water before bed," Meera added with a laugh.

Anushka shook her head, amused. "He acts all strict, but he secretly loves that you all hang out."

The playful atmosphere mellowed as Athiya's expression shifted, a hint of concern crossing her face. "Meera, how's Rahul? With all the changes in the playing eleven... it's been hard, hasn't it?"

The mood on the call softened as everyone waited for Meera's response.

"He's doing okay," Meera said gently. "But you know Rahul. He doesn't say much, even when something's bothering him. I can tell it's been tough."

Athiya sighed, biting her lip. "I just wish he'd open up more with me."

Anushka's smile was warm. "He's lucky to have you, Athiya. Just be there for him. Even if he doesn't say it, it means everything."

"Exactly," Ritika added. "He knows you're his person—he just needs time."

Athiya nodded, visibly comforted by their words. "Thanks, girls. It really helps."

Sanjana, sensing the mood needed some lightening, grinned slyly. "On the topic of sweet husbands—Jasprit wins! He actually asked Meera how Ayan was doing when they met."

Meera smiled warmly. "He was so thoughtful. Asked if I needed anything, too."

Sanjana crossed her arms, mock-annoyed. "And yet, you haven't met me in person, Miss Meera."

Meera laughed. "That's your husband's fault. Blame him and his tight schedule."

The girls giggled as Ritika chimed in. "Jasprit running your social calendar now?"

"Absolutely," Meera said dramatically. "I'm responsible for taking care of the national treasure!"

The group exploded into laughter again.

Sanjana shook her head, feigning indignation. "You're still not off the hook, Meera. I expect a meet-up soon."

Anushka laughed. "Ritika, maybe you should arrange an official 'Sanjana-Meera Summit.'"

They continued chatting and teasing each other—Anushka sharing funny anecdotes about Vamika and Akaay, Ritika complaining about Rohit's late-night snacking, and Sanjana poking fun at how Athiya missed Rahul already. But slowly, Meera's replies started to slow, and her head began drooping to the side.

"Uh-oh," Sanjana whispered, holding back laughter. "She's falling asleep."

Meera's head bobbed, her glasses slipping down her nose.

"She's going to hurt herself sleeping with those on," Sanjana whispered, grinning.

Anushka smiled warmly. "Hold on, I'll call Virat."

A few minutes later, the door to Meera's room opened quietly, and Virat and Rahul tiptoed in. They exchanged knowing glances at the sight of their sister curled up under the blanket, phone propped up, and glasses askew.

"She never stops, does she?" Rahul whispered, shaking his head affectionately.

Virat chuckled softly. "Nope. Agent Meera—always on duty."

Rahul gently removed her glasses, folding them carefully and placing them on the nightstand. As he pulled the blanket higher over her, Meera stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open.

"Just us, Meeru," Rahul whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Recognizing them, Meera gave a sleepy smile and sank back into the pillow.

Rahul bent down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Sleep tight, Bacha."

On the screen, the girls watched with fond smiles.

"Look at them," Athiya whispered, her eyes soft. "You two are so sweet with her."

"Someone has to look after her," Rahul replied quietly, glancing back at Meera.

Virat smirked at the phone. "What? Miss us already?" he teased Anushka, blowing a playful kiss toward the camera.

Anushka rolled her eyes, but her smile was warm. "Always, bubs."

Ritika and Sanjana burst into laughter. "Look at these two!" Sanjana teased. "So whipped."

Virat shrugged with a grin. "What can I say? I aim to please."

Rahul blew a quick kiss to Athiya. "Go to sleep now, Athiya. I'll call you tomorrow."

Athiya smiled sleepily. "Goodnight, love."

Ritika and Sanjana exchanged mischievous glances. "We'll definitely remind you two of this sweetness the next time you act all tough," Ritika teased.

"Oh, don't worry," Virat shot back with a mock-serious face. "I'll make sure Rohit and Jasprit call you two tomorrow."

Sanjana erupted into giggles. "See, Rits? Even you are getting a special call."

Ritika laughed, nudging the camera. "Careful, Sanj—you are also getting a special call."

"Bring it on," Sanjana grinned. "I live for this."

Virat rolled his eyes, amused. "Goodnight, ladies."

As Virat and Rahul exchanged a final smile at the sleeping Meera, they quietly slipped out of the room, closing the door behind them, the soft glow of the phone illuminating Meera's peaceful face.

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Wrote a little too much today let me know if you guys like it. And, I'm disappointed yaar, I'm not getting the response I hope to get. Nobody apart from rohulratxlove is responding.  And I'm very grateful for her.