Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 123

The five-match India vs. England T20 series had come to an end, with India securing a 4-1 victory. As the team dispersed to their homes before regrouping for the upcoming ODIs, life off the field continued. While the cricketers took some time to unwind, Meera was back at the training academy, working with the juniors alongside Arjun and the Colonel. Kabir had moved back to Australia with little Rumi, with a promise that he would come back soon.

Over time, something had undeniably shifted between Hardik and Meera. He had found excuses to drop by Rahul's place more often, much to Meera's exasperation. He never openly admitted to missing her, but his persistent teasing and constant presence told her everything she needed to know. They hadn't addressed what was brewing between them—neither of them had dared to. But it was there, lingering in unspoken words, in glances held a second too long.

This evening, as Meera walked into the apartment after an exhausting day at the academy, she found Rahul in the kitchen, casually making himself a cup of coffee. He looked up as she entered, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Welcome home, bacha," he greeted.

Meera smiled, setting her bag down. "Give me a minute, Anna. I'll freshen up and join you."

A few moments later, she returned, her damp hair tied into a loose bun. She grabbed a cup of instant noodles from the counter and tore open the seasoning packet.

Rahul leaned against the doorway, watching her with an amused expression. "What happened to your salads today? You probably eat more greens than Virat himself."

Meera chuckled, pouring hot water into the bowl. "Yeah, as if you didn't pick up that habit from him, Rahuliyaa." She stretched his name out playfully, making Rahul groan.

"Stop calling me that," he muttered, shaking his head.

Still grinning, Meera picked up her bowl and followed him to the balcony. The evening breeze carried the distant hum of traffic, and the city lights flickered like tiny fireflies in the distance.

"Where's Athiya?" she asked, leaning against the railing.

"Out with her friends," Rahul replied, taking a sip of his coffee.

Meera nodded before glancing at him. "And what about you? You look rather ghosted."

Rahul let out a small chuckle, but there was something heavier behind it. "Tia's mood swings have increased, and so has my cricket schedule. There are the ODIs, then the Champions Trophy, then IPL... and I feel like I'm staying away from her when she needs me the most." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know it's her hormones. She understands, and she doesn't mean to complain. But I can't stop feeling guilty about it."

Meera's expression softened as she set down her cup of noodles. "You're doing the best you can, Anna. And she knows that. But I get it... sometimes, even when someone reassures you, the guilt still lingers."

Rahul looked at her, his eyes reflecting a quiet understanding. "You know... all this is making me wonder what kind of a parent I'm going to be. I'm not even with my own wife half the time." He paused, his voice dropping lower. "I don't want to be what our parents were, Meeru."

Meera stilled at his words.

She knew exactly what he meant.

Growing up had been different for her. Their parents had never really been fond of Meera—not the way they were of Rahul. Their mother had always looked at her with an air of disappointment, and their father barely acknowledged her presence unless it was to correct or criticize. But Rahul? Rahul was the son they had wanted, the one they showered with expectations and attention.