Shadows Of The Stumps

Bonus.

The lights flickered back on, illuminating the room as everyone's attention turned to the two little figures in the center. Sammy and Vami stood there, delicate and graceful in their pristine white anarkalis, their little feet adorned with ghungroos that jingled as they twirled. With every step, their anklets chimed, filling the room with a soft, rhythmic melody that brought smiles to the faces of their parents and family.

Rohit and Ritika exchanged a proud look, unable to hide their joy as they watched Sammy revel in her tiny twirls. Virat and Anushka beamed at little Vami, who mirrored her Sammy's moves with charming innocence.

Virat called out to Rohit, "They look so pretty, Ro."

Rohit nods teary eyed, "Yes, they do."

MS, unable to resist the kids stepped forward with a warm grin, reaching down to scoop them both into his arms. The girls squealed with delight as he held them, giggling and urging him, "Bade Papa, chalo chalo bahar!"

With laughter in his eyes, MS set the girls down, and they each took hold of one of his fingers, dragging him eagerly toward the door. Meanwhile, Rohit reached out to gently steady Ritika, who gave him a warm smile, and Rahul held Athiya's hand, guiding her tenderly with an expression that held both pride and care. The rest of the family, bubbling with curiosity, followed them outside, forming a line that reflected the deep bonds they shared.

As they stepped into the evening air, the lawn awaited them, a serene setting bathed in the soft glow of twilight. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the edges of the garden, casting a warm, ethereal light over the carefully arranged flowers and delicate fabric draped on the sofa.

Sammy and Vami led Rohit, Ritika, Rahul, and Athiya to a beautifully adorned sofa set at the center of the lawn, guiding them with the enthusiasm only children can exude. Just as they took their seats, the opening notes of "Sawar Loon" from Lootera began to play softly in the background, each beat carrying a touch of nostalgia that tugged at the heart.

It was then that Arya and Meera appeared, stepping into view dressed in matching anarkalis similar to the girls'. They moved gracefully, each step synchronized, holding silver thalis in their hands with aarti essentials. Arya handed one thali to Rohit and the other to Rahul, her face radiating warmth and encouragement.

As the music played softly around them, Rahul and Rohit held the aarti thalis, glancing down at their wives with affection that needed no words. Rahul took a gentle step toward Athiya, his eyes warm with admiration. "Tia," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, "I can't believe I get to do this with you... always." Smiling, he performed the tilak, his hand steady, a quiet promise of love and devotion.

Rohit, standing beside Ritika, placed the thali in his hand and leaned closer, his voice tender yet teasing. "Ready to be spoiled even more?" he whispered with a grin, earning a soft laugh from Ritika as he completed the tilak. "You deserve every bit of it," he added, his voice filled with warmth.

As the moment settled, Arya couldn't resist any longer. The rhythm of "Sawar Loon" pulled her in, and she stepped forward, her arms swaying gracefully as she began to dance to the melody.

"हवा के झोंके आज मौसमों से रूठ गए..."

Her movements were fluid and full of joy, drawing everyone's eyes. Not missing a beat, Arya reached for Meera, gently pulling her into the dance. Meera hesitated for a second but soon found herself swept up in the music and Arya's infectious enthusiasm.

Sammy and Vami watched with wide eyes, then, in their tiny anarkalis, they started twirling and mimicking Arya and Meera, the family watched, clapping along, their hearts full.