Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 138

The morning sun streamed through the windows as Athiya, Rahul, Meera, and their little one prepared to leave the hospital. Excitement buzzed in the air as they finally made their way home, where their family eagerly awaited them.

As soon as Rahul rang the doorbell, the door swung open to reveal Mana, a welcoming smile on her face. In her hands, she held a thali, the soft glow of the diya flickering as she did a small aarti for Athiya, Rahul, and the baby. Meera stood right behind them, watching with a fond smile.

The moment Mana finished, Sunil wasted no time reaching for his granddaughter, lifting her gently from Athiya's arms. "Come here, little one," he murmured, his face lighting up with joy.

Ahan immediately leaned in, cooing at the baby. "She's so cute! And so tiny!"

Athiya crossed her arms, mock glaring at them. "Wow, Appa, too much love for your granddaughter, huh? I see where I stand now."

Everyone burst into laughter as Sunil, still completely enchanted by the baby, didn't even pretend to deny it.

Meera wrapped an arm around Athiya, grinning. "It's okay, Tithi, you'll get over it."

Rahul swatted both of them lightly. "Drama tum dono." Then he turned to Athiya, a knowing look in his eyes. "You go freshen up. Aur tum bhi, Meeru."

Meera nodded and walked away, while Athiya lingered for a moment, watching Sunil, Mana, and Ahan fuss over the baby. She sighed dramatically. "Well, guess I'll survive."

Sunil finally looked up, shaking his head at her antics. He walked up and gave her a light swat before pulling her into a warm hug. "How can I celebrate my granddaughter without celebrating my daughter, huh?"

Athiya chuckled, hugging him back. "Hn hn, I knew you'd say that."

Sunil smiled, squeezing her shoulders. Then, turning to Rahul, he said, "Jao, freshen up, tum bhi."

Rahul grinned, casting one last glance at his family—all gathered around the newest addition, Luna included, her tail wagging as she sniffed curiously at the baby. His heart swelled at the sight.

Home. This was home.

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As Athiya walked out of the shower, drying her hair with a towel, she paused at the doorway, a soft smile spreading across her face. Rahul sat on the bed, their daughter cradled gently in his arms, looking down at her with complete adoration.

"Arey, kya hua?" Athiya teased, stepping closer. "How did everybody let you bring her here?"

Rahul chuckled. "Arey, I was changing her nappy. And now that you're here, you feed her, fir ready bhi kardena. I'll take a shower, fir we have to go downstairs for the puja."

Athiya nodded, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her daughter's forehead. "Alright, papa has spoken." She cooed at the baby, whispering sweet nothings as Rahul got up and disappeared into the bathroom.

A while later, as Rahul walked out, fresh from the shower, his eyes fell on the baby as she lay on the bed, her eyes wide open, Rahul sat beside her, gently cooing at her with an adoring smile. He traced a light finger over her impossibly small hands, watching as her fingers curled instinctively.

Athiya walked over, handing him a fresh pair of baby clothes. "Here, papa. Time to get her ready."

Rahul took them but hesitated, just staring at the tiny fabric in his hands. Athiya raised an eyebrow, nudging him lightly. "Kya?"