Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 136

Rahul was pacing across the living room, rattling off instructions at a speed that would put auctioneers to shame. "Meera, don't let her walk too much. And make sure she eats on time. Athu, please don't skip your meds. Also, if you need anything, just call me, okay? Even if it's the middle of the night, I'll—"

"—be on the next flight home. We know, Rahul," Athiya cut in, amusement lacing her tired voice. She was curled up on the couch, head resting against Meera's shoulder, a soft smile playing on her lips as she exchanged a knowing glance with her.

Rahul paused for a second before continuing, "And also, the hospital bag is packed, but if you need—"

"—extra clothes, they're in the second drawer. And your travel bag is in the hallway closet. And if I feel anything unusual, you'll be the first to know. Yes, Rahul, I know." Athiya finished, barely holding in her laughter.

Meera smirked. "Anna, she's got your whole script memorized at this point."

Just then, Arjun stepped into the house, about to greet them, but Meera quickly signed at him to stay silent and just listen. Arjun raised an amused brow but leaned against the doorway, watching as Athiya whispered to Meera, "Now he's going to check if I have enough water bottles near me."

Right on cue, Rahul spun around. "Athu, where's your water bottle? Are you staying hydrated?"

Arjun clamped a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing while Meera and Athiya grinned.

"Next, he's going to remind you about emergency contacts," Meera whispered back.

"And then he'll double-check the hospital's number on speed dial," Athiya added, barely holding in her laughter.

Rahul turned toward Meera. "Meera, you have the hospital number saved, right? And the driver is on standby if needed?"

That was it. The trio burst into laughter.

Rahul stopped mid-step, eyes narrowing. "Hassi aa rahi hai tum logon ko?"

Meera, wiping a tear, nodded. "A lot, actually."

Athiya, still giggling, reached for Rahul's hand, pulling him down onto the couch. "Rahul, love, you've given these instructions so many times that I could probably recite them in my sleep. We're fine, I promise."

Rahul exhaled, finally letting out a reluctant chuckle. "I just—" He rubbed his face, looking at all of them. "I don't know how to walk out that door."*

Arjun, finally stepping in, patted Rahul's back. "You don't have to 'walk out' like you're abandoning her, bhai. You're going to play cricket, not vanishing forever. And if she needs you, we will drag you back before you even realize you've left."*

Meera nodded. "And in the meantime, we'll keep annoying her enough that she won't even have time to miss you."*

Athiya smiled, squeezing Rahul's hand. "Go, love. I'll be okay. And I'll be waiting for you to come back with a trophy."*

Rahul sighed, finally pulling her into a gentle hug. "Fine, but if anything happens—"

"—you'll be on the next flight home. Yes, yes, we know!"* the trio chorused together, making Rahul groan while they laughed again.

Rahul narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms. "Itna funny hoon kya main when I am very serious?"

"Bohot," Meera teased, wiping away tears of laughter. "Anna, you're acting like you're leaving for war, not IPL."