Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 71

The next morning, Rahul and Ayan were out on an early jog, their breaths visible in the crisp winter air as they exchanged stories and laughed over last night's antics. Meanwhile, Meera lay sprawled out on the living room couch, freshly showered yet sleepy, groaning from the late night's exhaustion when she felt a tug on her arm.

"Chalo, chalo!" Athiya's voice was both bright and insistent, breaking Meera out of her sleepy haze.

Meera blinked at her, groaning, "Athiya, seriously? It's too early."

But Athiya wasn't listening. She shouted back to the kitchen, "Kaka! Hum aate hai, Rahul aaye toh bata dijiyega ki hum bahar gaye hai."

Meera sat up, eyes widening as she tugged at her wrinkled T-shirt. "At least let me change!"

Athiya waved her hand dismissively. "No time! You're fine, let's go!" She was practically dragging Meera out of the house, who stumbled behind, still half-asleep.

As they reached the car, Athiya tossed the keys to Meera with a mischievous smile. "You're driving."

Meera caught the keys mid-air, looking at Athiya, surprised. "Really?"

Athiya shrugged with a mock-serious look. "Haan toh, mujhe thodi aata hai. I am not putting anyone's risk at life!"

Meera burst out laughing, remembering an old interview where Athiya had said that, "Thik hai, madam," Meera grinned, opening the door, "chalo!"

As they pulled up to a beautiful, cozy bungalow surrounded by a garden, Meera's eyes widened, realizing where they were. "Athiya... I didn't know we were coming here." Meera's voice held a tinge of nervousness.

"Exactly why it's a surprise!" Athiya replied, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Trust me, you'll love it. Just... enjoy today, okay?"

"Athu yaar," Meera whispered, clearly nervous, "look at you, all dressed up... and here I am, looking homeless!" She gestured at her T-shirt, a hint of humor masking her discomfort.

Athiya simply grinned, leaning into the backseat. She tossed a fresh, neatly folded T-shirt at Meera. "Here, change into this. And—" she reached over, gently tugging the hair tie from Meera's ponytail, letting her hair fall loose around her shoulders. "Bas. Now, you're all set!"

Meera managed a shy smile, still fidgeting with the new T-shirt as they reached the doorstep. Her nerves crept up as they rang the doorbell, and she glanced around, trying to calm herself.

When the door opened, Sunil Shetty stood there with a warm smile, greeting both of them. He first wrapped Athiya in a big hug, then turned to Meera with the same welcoming grin.

"And this must be Meera," he said, extending his hand before pulling her into a gentle hug. "Welcome, beta. We've heard a lot about you. Make yourself at home."

Meera felt a wave of relief and warmth at his words, and as they stepped inside, she noticed how natural it felt to be welcomed like family. Mana soon joined them, a warm and calming presence as she brought them into the living room.

She watched Athiya slip easily into a playful conversation with her father, the two of them exchanging gentle jabs and laughter. Sunil teased Athiya about her antics, while she playfully rolled her eyes. It was the kind of family warmth Meera had only glimpsed from a distance. She chuckled along, though she still felt a little reserved, not wanting to intrude too much.

Sensing her hesitation, Mana wrapped an arm around Meera's shoulders. "Chalo, beta, breakfast kare," she said with a smile, pulling her along.

Meera nodded, her eyes lighting up with a small, appreciative smile as she joined them at the table yet she felt shy, unsure where to begin.