Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 133

The warmth of home hit Meera the moment they stepped inside. She barely had time to drop her bags before she rushed forward, straight into Athiya's arms.

"Tithiiiii!" Meera squealed, hugging her tight.

"Finally," Athiya mumbled into her shoulder.

Meera laughed, holding her just as tight. "I know, I know, we were gone forever. I missed you too, Athu."

Rahul chuckled from behind, shaking his head as he watched the two of them sway in their hug. His eyes softened when Athiya turned to him next, her face lighting up.

Athiya pulled back just enough to dramatically wipe her eyes. "You don't understand. I have been so emotional these days. You're back, and now I feel like crying, but also, I want ice cream. And also, Rahul!"

Rahul blinked as Athiya turned to him with glassy eyes.

"Rahul!"

"Hey, love," he murmured, stepping forward. Athiya was in his arms a second later, and he breathed her in, pressing a soft kiss to her hair.

"You did it," she whispered against his chest. "You actually did it."

He smiled, resting his chin atop her head. "We did it."

"You won the damn tournament, and I didn't even get to hug you properly."

Rahul chuckled, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around her. "I'm here now, Athu. No more missing me."

"You say that, but you and Meera keep disappearing to different countries," Athiya sniffled, hugging him tighter.

From beside them, Meera sniffled dramatically. "God, you guys are too cute for my liking."

Rahul shot her a look. "Says the girl who—"

"Shhh," Meera waved him off, turning to Athiya's growing baby bump with a grin. "More importantly—hello, my little champion in there!"

Athiya rolled her eyes fondly. "Do you ever enter this house without talking to my stomach first?"

"Nope," Meera said proudly, crouching slightly to press her palms gently against Athiya's belly. "You're already my favorite person."

"Hey!" A voice called from the side.

Meera turned to see Ahan, arms crossed, smirking. "I thought I was your favorite person."

She laughed, grinning wide as she opened her arms. "AHAN!"

"MEERA!" Ahan mimicked her tone, pulling her into a bear hug before greeting Rahul with an arm around his shoulder.

Mana walked over, wrapping both Meera and Rahul into a warm hug. "It's so good to have you both home."

"Feels good to be home," Rahul said, smiling.

Sunil, standing beside them, folded his arms and smirked. "You both do know this isn't your actual house, right?"

Meera grinned up at him. "Eh, minor details."

Meanwhile, Sunil and Mana had joined them, and the moment Mana laid eyes on Meera—her expression turned into full mom mode.

"You," she pointed accusingly, "have not been sleeping enough, have you?"