Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 91

The soft morning light poured into the room, wrapping everything in a warm embrace. Meera was still fast asleep, curled close to Rahul like a child, clutching a pillow tightly. Her features were peaceful, almost innocent, a stark contrast to the tough officer she was during the day. Rahul, already awake, sat leaning against the headboard, his phone in hand, his face lit up with a quiet smile as he talked to Athiya over a video call.

Panning the phone toward Meera, Rahul chuckled softly. "Look at her," he said, his voice full of affection. "Who'd believe that she's an officer in the force?"

Athiya laughed on the other end, her joy evident. "She looks like she's seven. Honestly, Rahul, it's good she's let her guard down with you. I can already tell—you're going to be on feeding-and-sleeping duty for her regularly now."

Rahul grinned, shaking his head. "Seems like it. Guess we've got two babies to look after now," he teased.

At his words, Athiya instinctively placed a hand over her belly, her expression softening with love. Rahul caught the movement, and his gaze filled with tenderness. "I miss you, Athu," he said quietly, sending her a flying kiss through the screen.

"I miss you too," she replied, her voice as warm as the morning sun.

Just then, a faint stirring caught his attention. Meera shifted, her arms tightening around the pillow as her lashes fluttered open. She turned toward him, her voice still thick with sleep. "Good morning, Anna," she murmured in her baby voice, the same one she used when she was younger.

Rahul smiled warmly and handed her glasses. "Good morning, Meera. Slept well?"

She nodded groggily, still half-asleep, as Athiya's cheerful voice came through the phone. "Good morning, Madam Officer."

Without thinking, Meera mumbled back, "Good morning, Ma," before burying her face back into the pillow.

The words hung in the air for a moment, and both Rahul and Athiya froze, exchanging wide-eyed glances. Athiya's hand was still on her belly, her lips parting in surprise.

A beat later, Meera blinked herself fully awake, sitting up with a sheepish grin. "What?" she said defensively, as if daring them to challenge her logic. "If an elder brother is like your father, then his wife has to be the mother. It's only fair."

Rahul let out a laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

Meera shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, Athiya. I'll mostly call you Athu. But sometimes, 'Ma' slips out. It just feels... right. Sorry."

Athiya's laughter rang out, light and warm. " Oh shut up! I'll take that as an honor, Meera. And for the record, I'd be proud to be called that."

Rahul leaned over, ruffling Meera's hair affectionately. "Looks like we've got ourselves a full house now."

Meera grinned, leaning into the gesture before throwing the blanket over her head dramatically. They continued chatting for a few moments, the warmth of their bond filling the air.

Then, suddenly, Meera peeked out from under the blanket and shot Rahul a pointed look. "Alright, out now, Anna. I need to shower and prepare for a briefing with Maithili. Go do your kuchiku session with Athu somewhere else."

Before either of them could respond, she was already nudging Rahul toward the door, her hands on his back as she shooed him out. With a final push, she closed the door firmly behind him, but not before calling out, "Love you both!"

Standing outside the door, Rahul sighed, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "Well, that softie mode didn't last long."

Athiya's laughter bubbled through the phone again. "Go get ready, Rahul. You've got practices, remember?"