Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 69

The evening air was cool on the balcony, the soft whisper of the breeze mingling with the distant sounds of the city settling into the night. Ayan and Meera sat together, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the weight of the week slowly lifting from their shoulders. The chaos of the attacks, Athiya’s emotional outburst, and Meera's panic attack had left them both drained, but now, in this quiet moment, they could finally breathe.

Ayan pulled her closer, the warmth of his body a comfort against the chill in the air. “You good?” he asked softly, his eyes searching hers for any hint of lingering worry.

Meera nodded, a small smile creeping onto her lips. “I am now,” she admitted, leaning into him. “It feels nice to just be here with you.”

Ayan's expression shifted, a mix of seriousness and affection washing over his face. He reached into his pocket, and after a brief hesitation, produced a small box. “I have something for you,” he said, his voice low and slightly shy.

Meera raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? Ye kya hai?” She took the box from him, her heart racing a little at the unexpected gesture. “Kholke toh dekho, bubba.”

With anticipation building, she opened the box to reveal a stunning watch, heavy and beautifully crafted. Her eyes lit up. “Ayan, this is… amazing! But why? ”

Ayan leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Because I know how much you love watches. I wanted you to have something special.” He glanced at the old watch on her wrist, the one that had become a symbol of their connection. “But this one needs to be preserved now.”

Meera's heart swelled at his words. “I know, but this watch makes me feel close to you…”

“But this one will do the same,” he replied, his tone earnest. “And don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. I’ll treasure it forever, just like I treasure you.”

Slowly, he reached for her wrist, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he unclasped the old watch. She felt a pang of nostalgia as he removed it, but Ayan's gaze was steady, filled with love and determination. “It’s time to give this one a rest,” he said softly, replacing it with the new watch.

The moment was intimate, and as he fastened it snugly against her wrist, Meera felt a rush of emotion. The weight of the new watch felt significant, a reminder of their strength and resilience.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, her voice thick with gratitude. “Thank you for this. It means so much.”

"I love it,” she finally said, her voice a soft murmur. “And I love you.”

Ayan kissed the top of her head, a gesture filled with warmth and reassurance. “I love you too, Meera.”

Breaking the quiet, Ayan leaned in, his eyes filled with a mischievous glint. “You know,” he murmured, “Dil, jigar, nazar kya hai…” He reached out, catching her hand, pulling her up as he continued, voice warm with affection, “Main toh tere liye jaan bhi de doon.”

Meera laughed, her cheeks flushing. “Ayan, stop! You’re so dramatic!” But her laughter was bright, filling the air as he twirled her around, pulling her closer with each step. Her hands instinctively landed on his shoulders, her laughter only growing as he dipped her slightly, his gaze locked onto hers.

“Only for you,” he said with a smile, brushing a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. She rolled her eyes, but her smile softened, and she held him a little closer, her heart brimming with happiness.

Just then, the door to the balcony creaked open. Rahul and Athiya stepped in, Athiya leaning against Rahul’s shoulder, her laughter catching in her throat as she saw them.

Rahul’s face softened, a genuine warmth lighting his eyes as he watched his sister laugh so freely, so joyfully. After the difficult week, seeing her like this brought a surge of relief and pride to his chest. He looked over at Ayan, giving him a small nod of approval.

“Am I interrupting the filmy love scene?” Rahul teased, his tone light.

Meera straightened up, cheeks flushed. “Bhai, what are you doing here?”

Rahul chuckled, pulling her into a quick hug. “Just wanted to see you happy. And I was right—you’re practically glowing.” He glanced at Ayan, raising an eyebrow. “Looks like you’re the reason.”

Athiya gave Meera a wink. “Honestly, it’s about time you two took a moment for yourselves. You’ve both earned it.”

Rahul gave her shoulder a squeeze, his voice softer. “Meera, I’m just glad you have someone who gets you. Someone who’d do anything to see you happy.”

Ayan nodded, holding Meera’s hand firmly. “Always.”

Rahul looked between Ayan and Meera, a smirk forming on his lips. "Aur abhi ke liye," he announced, slipping his arm around Meera’s shoulders, "me and my sister are going on a drive. I need time with her… away from the chipkoo boyfriend."

Ayan’s eyebrows shot up in mock indignation. “Chipkoo boyfriend? Yeh kab se?” He crossed his arms, shaking his head with an exaggerated sigh. “You’re really gonna take her away just when we’re finally getting some time together?”

Rahul shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Haan, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Bhai hone ka kuch toh haq hai.”

Athiya chuckled, nudging Ayan with a knowing smile. “Honestly, Ayan, you should be grateful you even got this much time with her. For all you know, Meera has a whole team of extra-possessive brothers waiting to claim every spare minute.”

Ayan groaned, running a hand over his face. “Don’t remind me. It’s like every time I think we’re finally going to have a quiet moment, one of you guys swoops in.”

Athiya gave a sympathetic laugh. “Get used to it, chipkoo boyfriend. She’s got a family who loves her like crazy—and that includes me,” she added with a wink.

Meera chuckled, patting Ayan’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon,” she said, looking up at her brother, warmth in her eyes.

As Rahul guided Meera towards the door, he shot a playful look over his shoulder at Ayan. “And maybe take this time to work on not being so clingy,” he teased, earning another laugh from Athiya.

Ayan just rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hide the smile tugging at his lips. He watched them walk out, feeling grateful for the moment—for the laughter, the love, and the family they had all come to cherish in each other.

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