Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter- 77

The next morning, a warm buzz of energy filled the breakfast table, though a hint of wistfulness lingered in the air from Mahi's early departure for Ranchi. Determined to start the day with a renewed sense of purpose, everyone seemed intent on making the most of each moment.

Rahul sat beside Athiya, gently placing small bites of food on her plate, earning himself a playful eye roll. Across the table, Rohit was feeding Ritika, who was busy feeding Sammy. Anushka balanced baby Akaay on her knee, trying to coax him to eat, while Virat was just as preoccupied with little Vamika, gently encouraging her to take another spoonful.

Between bites, conversation naturally shifted to cricket as Virat, Rohit, and Rahul exchanged looks about the upcoming Australia tour.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Meera, Arya, Arjun, and Ayan were deep in conversation about the academy, discussing recent updates and training reports. Amidst their discussion, Meera playfully smacked Ayan on the shoulder, laughing, "Khana khao pehle! Tumse toh baatein karwalo bas."

The whole table erupted into laughter, with Virat chiming in, "Never thought I'd see the day Ayan would be getting scolded for talking too much."

As the laughter subsided, Rahul turned to Arya and Meera. "So, you two all set to rejoin the academy?"

The girls exchanged smiles and nodded. "Yep, feels good to be back," Arya replied. "Let's see if they have us on missions or just training the juniors this time around."

Arjun piped up, "And when do you guys leave for Australia?"

Rohit answered, "We'll be flying out in two batches, starting around the 10th."

Ayan nodded thoughtfully. "So that leaves us with less than a week." Rohit and Rahul nodded in agreement.

"We've requested a security report for when you all arrive," Ayan continued. "Depending on the findings, we'll decide if you need one of us to be there. If needed, Meera will join you."

Rohit chuckled. "You know we'll need you there regardless of the security situation."

Meera grinned. "Well, then," she replied, "we'll be ready to go if you need us."

As the meal continued, Arya looked up, asking, "Are the wives joining on this tour?"

At once, Virat, Rohit, and Rahul grew noticeably quiet, their minds flashing back to past rounds of trolling and negativity. Australia was known for its sledging, and the three almost shouted in unison, "No."

Anushka jumped in with a smile, "Nope, we're staying back this time. Ritsy will need us here, and Athiya's not traveling with the baby just yet. And honestly, we're okay giving you boys some space. Besides, Meera's going to have her hands full managing this 'zoo' if she does come along."

Virat shook his head. "Excuse me, we're not a zoo!"

Ritika laughed, "We'll let Gauti bhai be the judge of that! Now shoo-all of you! Get to work!"

Still laughing, Virat, Rohit, and Rahul stood up, and Rohit turned to Arya, Ayan, Meera, and Arjun. "And you four-don't try playing the hero, okay? Stay safe."

Arjun chuckled. "Sir, weren't we always the heroes?" Rahul teased, "Right, hero squad. Now go, or the Colonel will have you all lined up for punishment!"

"Oh, no!" the four chorused, scrambling for their things. Meera called out as they left, "Bhabis, take care! Kids, don't give your moms too much trouble! Boys, keep your heads in the game!"

With a final wave, the four ran out. Virat and Rohit began heading to their car as well, but Rahul lingered, turning back to Athiya. Pulling her close, he placed a gentle hand on her belly and kissed her forehead. "Take care of yourself, okay? Don't worry about me-I'll be just fine."

Athiya smiled holding him back, but Anushka and Ritika couldn't resist chiming in with a playful cough. "Excuse us, lovebirds-kids are still in the room!"

Blushing, Rahul quickly grabbed his kit bag and dashed out with a quick "Bye, bhabis! Take care!" His reaction sent Anushka, Ritika laughing while Athiya was helpless blushing profusely.

When he reached the car, Virat and Rohit were already waiting, smirking at him. As soon as he slid in, Virat nudged Rohit. "Hey, Ro, is it just me, or is our dear Rahul looking a little... pink this morning?"

Rahul shot him a look, and Rohit chuckled from the driver's seat. "Pink, Virat? What's that supposed to mean?" Though Rohit knew exactly what Virat was implying, he played along with a grin.

Rahul rolled his eyes. "You guys... Just drive, B-Ro. Virat's clearly lost it today!" he muttered, laughing despite himself as the car pulled away.

As soon as he settled in, Virat nudged Rohit. "Arre Ro, aaj Rahuliya thoda pink pink nahi lag raha?"

Rahul shot him a look, and Rohit chuckled from the driver's seat. "Pink? Matlab kya? Arey Pink kaha Vi, Rahuliya ne apne aap ko paint kara liya?" Though he knew what Virat was hinting at, he played along.

Virat laughed harder, "Han with a special only for him paint."

Rahul rolled his eyes. "You guys... Just drive, B-Ro. Virat's clearly lost it today and he is turning you mad as well!" he muttered, laughing despite himself as the car pulled away.

As Rohit laughed out, Virat exaggerated, "Ouch Rahuliya, that hurt me."

But Rahul was looking out of the window now, his eyes shining with a content smile.
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Okay, I would appreciate if you people come up what you want next with the story or anything. And, yeah, I have mentioned Australia but to be honest fatt rahi hai, at the mere mention of it. Plus, I have exams around at that point.

And the engagement is too less, that ends up demotivating me clearly killing my dedication or excitement towards this.

Let me know if this chapter was good, if you want to see something else or etc..