Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 76

The day was alive with the sound of laughter and the warm glow of family chatter spilling through the house. Ritika stood at the porch, calling out to Rohit, "Come on, we have to wish Tilak!" Rohit turned to MS, Virat, and Rahul, signaling for them to join. They gathered the kids, herding them inside as they settled in the living room, with Meera already seated at the dining table, her eyes intently focused on the paperwork spread out before her.

Ritika, Anushka, and MS took their seats while Rohit, Rahul, Athiya, and Virat stood behind them, eagerly waiting for the call to connect. Virat raised a curious eyebrow, turning to Ritika. "But Ritsy, isn't his birthday tomorrow?" he asked.

Ritika shot him a playful glare. "Yes, I know it's tomorrow. But I'm wishing him today too. You have a problem with that?"

Virat swallowed, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "No, absolutely not." Everyone burst into laughter, while Virat's sheepish grin only fueled the teasing.

In the midst of the laughter, Rahul's gaze drifted over to Meera. She was flipping furiously through reports and academy documents, her brow furrowed with concentration. He walked over quietly and leaned in. "Hey, you okay?"

Without looking up, Meera replied, "Yes, just going through stuff. I'll be joining tomorrow, and even Aru Di is back from her trip." Rahul nodded in understanding, but before he could respond, the call connected, and suddenly Tilak's face appeared on the screen.

"Happy Birthday!" they all shouted in unison, their voices a cheerful, chaotic symphony. Tilak's face lit up, and he laughed, a bit overwhelmed by the enthusiastic chorus. His smile widened as he took in each familiar face on the screen, visibly touched.

In the middle of the noise, MS interjected, his hands on his ears. "Bas, my eardrums are going to burst!"

Everyone laughed, joining in with Tilak's grin. "Thanks, everyone," he chuckled, "I wasn't expecting this!"

Rahul added his voice to the chorus of well-wishers, and even Meera paused her work long enough to look up and say, "Happy Birthday, Tilak. Hope your eardrums are holding up better than MS's." Her comment had everyone chuckling once more, and Tilak's eyes crinkled with amusement.

Rohit leaned in close, a warm smile on his face. "Tilak, I just want you to know how proud I am of you. Keep doing what you're doing and making all of us proud. We love you, buddy."

Tilak's face softened at Rohit's words. He nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Rohit bhaiya. That means a lot coming from you."

Ritika added, her voice soft but filled with affection, "You're like a little brother to me, Tilak. I hope this year brings you nothing but happiness and success. Happy Birthday, and remember, we're all here for you."

Tilak's eyes misted just a bit as he smiled, touched. "Ritika bhabhi, you always make me feel special. Thank you so much."

The group, caught up in the warmth of the moment, all chimed in, shouting together, "We love you, Tilak!"

On the other end of the call, Harry and Surya entered Tilak's room, looking confused. Harry smirked, "Wait, isn't your birthday tomorrow?"

Tilak shrugged, trying to keep a straight face. "Yes, but that's a secret between Ritsy bhabhi and me. What's it to you?"

Harry raised his hands in mock defeat. "Fine, fine." His gaze fell on the screen, noticing Meera for the first time. "Hey, bestie!" he called out, waving.

Meera's face softened into a fond and grateful smile. "Hello to you too, Harry. All set for the series?"

The question sparked a fresh wave of enthusiasm, and the whole family chimed in with "All the best!" Meera face-palmed at the sudden outburst of support, while Harry, Surya, and Tilak chuckled, nodding their thanks.