Shadows Of The Stumps

Physics - Access Denied

Two weeks later, life had found a new rhythm. Rahul and Shubman were off in England, leaving a noticeable gap in the daily chaos. The Colonel had gone off to a meditation camp — probably seeking a little peace and quiet after a lifetime of military life, while Maithili had returned to the force. It was just the rest of them, figuring out the next step in the grand scheme of things.

Arjun, now officially out of the force, had finally crossed a new milestone: he could cook without burning things. The other day, he proudly served everyone a barely recognizable meal that, according to Hardik, could've been “eaten if you didn’t think too much about it.” The fact that Arjun was able to make food without his signature “charred” touch was a mini triumph.

Hardik, on the other hand, had become the world’s most doting boyfriend. He was always there for Meera, hovering over her, offering help for anything — even if she didn’t ask for it. And Meera, now deep into her physiotherapy routine, was making progress... though, as expected, she wasn’t the most cooperative patient. It had been difficult to make her follow instructions, especially with Rahul being away and her usual stubbornness in full force.

One afternoon, Meera sat in the garden with little Eva in her lap, softly kissing the baby’s chubby cheeks, her gaze distant as she cuddled the little one. There was a tranquility in the moment, but also a quiet tension.

From the window, Hardik let out a long sigh, watching her.

Athiya, strolling in from the kitchen, noticed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Sup? Looking at bhai ki chamchi and papa ki chamchi?” she teased.

Hardik chuckled a little. “Yeah, it’s a little hard to get her to do things these days. Rahul’s off in England, and even Arjun is busy with the Colonel, even though he’s here like 80% of the time.”

Athiya’s jaw dropped. “EXCUSE ME?” She turned dramatically to Sunil, who had just entered with a towel over his shoulder. “Dad! Do you hear this?”

Sunil grinned, walking over to Athiya. “Mana’s not wrong,” he teased, leaning down to kiss Athiya’s forehead. “But that’s fine. You’ll always be my little baby.”

Mana groaned. “Bas karo, Sunil. Don’t encourage her. She’s a mom now!”

Sunil laughed. “So? Moms can’t be loved like babies? She’ll always be my child.”

Athiya stuck her tongue out at Mana, who rolled her eyes, muttering, “Men are hopeless.”

Hardik laughed, shaking his head at the exchange, the lightness of the moment dissolving some of the tension. “Seems like everyone’s a chamchi around here, huh?”

Athiya smirked, continuing. “She’s got the charm, and I’m not complaining,” she said, “but seriously, this stubbornness...”

Hardik sighed, glancing at Meera. “She’s been through a lot. Rahul’s not here, Arjun’s preoccupied, and all of us trying to help… It’s not easy.”

Athiya’s tone softened. “I get it, but if anyone can get her to listen, it’s you, Hardik.”

Hardik shrugged, a hint of worry in his eyes. “Maybe. But sometimes, even I don’t know how to get through to her.”

Mana, overhearing, called out from the hallway with a mischievous grin, “Oh, come on, don’t act like you’re the only one trying! We’re all on this team, you know.”

Hardik laughed. “Yeah, yeah. Team Meera, right?”

“Good morning, mad house!”

Sunil, who had been folding a towel nearby, didn’t miss a beat. “Tu pagal nahi hai kya? Bas hum hi pagal hain?” He tossed the towel in Ahan’s direction with mock annoyance.