Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 109

It was early morning, and the room was wrapped in a soothing calm. Meera lay fast asleep, curled up beside Athiya, who was gently patting her back while immersed in a book. The rhythmic strokes of her hand on Meera's shoulder were tender, protective. Athiya's free hand rested on her growing belly as if unconsciously cradling the life inside her.

The soft click of the door broke the silence as Rahul walked in, holding a glass of orange juice. He placed it on the bedside table and bent down, his voice barely above a whisper. "Good morning," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Athiya's forehead.

She glanced up at him and wrinkled her nose. "I don't want it, Rah," she whispered back, trying not to wake Meera.

Rahul smirked, his voice teasing but firm. "Piyo chup chap."

Athiya pouted, crossing her arms with a soft sigh. "You're overfeeding me. Ye kahan likha tha that just because I'm pregnant, you get to boss me around?"

Rahul chuckled quietly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Husband Rule Book, page one. You didn't read the fine print."

Athiya rolled her eyes but took the glass reluctantly, sipping it as she kept her gaze on Meera. "She's still knocked out," she whispered. "Must be the first time she's had proper rest in days."

Rahul followed her gaze, his expression softening. "She deserves it. She's been through a lot. Let her sleep as long as she wants."

Before Athiya could respond, the door burst open, and in came Harry and Virat, filling the room with their usual energy. Harry made a beeline for the bed, flopping down dramatically at Athiya's feet.

"The only thing you're allowed to do is pamper her!" Harry declared, holding out a single rose to Athiya like he was in a cheesy romantic film.

Athiya couldn't help but laugh, accepting the rose with an amused shake of her head. "You're ridiculous, Harry."

Rahul groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Good morning, Harry," he said, his tone exasperated but affectionate.

Harry sat up with an exaggerated flourish. "Good morning, Scowliya!"

Rahul shot him a warning glare. "Don't call me that."

Virat, leaning against the doorway, added fuel to the fire. "Han, and if Athiya doesn't want to drink the orange juice, she shouldn't have to." He winked at her, earning a high-five as Athiya burst into laughter.

Rahul raised an eyebrow at both of them. "Did you two really come here just to team up against me?"

Harry grinned shamelessly. "Of course. It's our moral duty."

Athiya laughed, holding her sides. "See? My brothers are here to save me from your tyranny."

Virat stepped forward, producing a bar of chocolate from behind his back and handing it to Athiya. "But I know my Twinnie. She'll drink that juice because it's good for her and the baby, right?"

Athiya sighed, defeated but smiling. "Fine. You win," she said, taking the chocolate and finishing the juice.

Rahul shook his head in mock disbelief. "He's using the tricks he uses on Vamika on us, isn't he?"

Harry leaned back against the headboard, laughing. "Hey, if it works, it works."

Virat smirked, ruffling Rahul's hair. "You'll thank me later, Rahuliya. Parenting pro tip: chocolate and emotional blackmail. A killer combo."

Rahul shook his head in mock disbelief as Athiya happily munched on the chocolate Virat had handed her. "This is unfair! Virat's manipulating you with his fatherhood tricks, and you're falling for it."