Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 74

At the stroke of midnight, Shubman snuck over to Virat's room, barely able to contain his grin as he knocked lightly. "Virat bhai, zara bahar aaiye na," he called out, his voice just loud enough to stir Virat from his half-sleeping state. Reluctantly, Virat opened the door, looking at Shubman with a mixture of confusion and suspicion.

"Ab kya hai, Shub?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"Bas chaliye, surprise hai," Shubman grinned, pulling Virat along before he could argue.

Meanwhile, Rishabh was coaxing Athiya and Rahul out of their room, convincing them with a smirk and vague promises. By the time they arrived in the living room, it was buzzing with energy. The lights were dimmed, and the soft glow from candles cast a warm ambiance over the decorated space, a banner above spelling out "Happy Birthday to the Twin Stars!"

Ritika, Anushka, Rohit and the rest of the family were already gathered around, waiting with barely-contained excitement. In the center of it all sat the cake, lit with candles, ready for the birthday duo.

Virat and Athiya exchanged glances, laughing at the 'twin' label. They stepped forward, looking at each other, and in perfect sync, they blew out the candles and began to cut the cake, each wishing the other, "Happy birthday, twin."

They fed each other a slice, grinning like kids, and that set off a wave of chaotic cake-smearing, laughter, and shouts from the others. Ritika finally had to raise her voice, "Keep it down, you idiots! The kids are sleeping!" Everyone chuckled, only lowering their voices slightly, as each member stepped up to wish Virat and Athiya.

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Athiya started, pulling Virat into a heartfelt hug. "Happy Birthday, bhai," she whispered. "Thank you for everything you've done for Rahul, for us, and for all the happiness you bring into our lives."

Virat's eyes softened, and he hugged her tighter. "Happy birthday to you too, Tia. Thank you for being such a wonderful partner to my Rahuliya." There was a warmth between them, a quiet bond that didn't need words. Watching from the side, Rahul's heart swelled with gratitude as he took in the moment between them, each of whom had shaped his life in profound ways.

Stepping forward with a bright smile, Rahul gently broke the moment. "Arre, can we wish now ya sidhe subah aayein?"

The room erupted in laughter, and as the playful energy softened, Rahul stepped in to pull both Virat and Athiya into a tight, heartfelt embrace. "Happy birthday, you two," he said, his voice rich with emotion. "Life's better because of you both, you know that? Tia, you're my rock, my partner, and every day I'm grateful for all the joy you bring. And Virat..." he paused, looking at Virat with a respect that went far beyond words. "You're more than family. You've been a guide, a brother, and sometimes, yeah... even more of a parent than a brother."

Rahul smiled, eyes glistening just a little. "Thank you, Virat, for every bit of wisdom, every scolding, and every laugh. For always being there for me... and for us. I'm so lucky to have a partner like Tia and a mentor like you in my life."

Virat and Athiya exchanged glances, touched, and pulled Rahul back into a hug as the rest of the family looked on, visibly moved by the display of love between the trio.

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Rohit stepped up next, pulling Virat into a warm hug.

"Happy Birthday, Vi! Khush reh cheeku khargosh," he said with a grin, mimicking a childhood nickname that made Virat chuckle. "You are not my best friend," he added, playfully imitating Virat's mock-serious tone, before breaking into laughter.

Virat laughed along, shaking his head, "Oh, please, Ro."

Rohit continued with a twinkle in his eye, "May you shatter more records, my friend, and stick a little less to your biscotti. Here's to playing with you, creating memories, and to making our wives just a bit jealous every now and then."