Legs When Walking

**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2) **Chapter 4: Rally of Roots**

Here's Book 2 Chapter 4 (*Shadows of Strides*), centering a heartfelt family support rally that unites Putha's and Bhabotosh's relatives against Riya's threats. It provides emotional respite post-airport fight, weaves in Kolkata home vibes (Behala family gathering), and advances drama with a new ally twist. Legs/thoughts motifs persist amid pregnancy glow.

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**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2)

**Chapter 4: Rally of Roots**

Airport bruises faded, but adrenaline lingered like post-Pujo dhunuchi smoke. Putha and Bhabotosh crashed at her Behala family home—maashi's insistent call: "Come. Family fights together." Legs weary from the dash, Putha leaned on him entering the para house, scents of macher jhol wafting. Pregnancy's curve drew hugs; maashi fussed, "Beta, sit—your strides carry too much."

Living room swelled: Putha's uncles, aunts, cousins; Bhabotosh's brother from Ballygunge, even Puthimba via video from Pune. "Heard about the airport tamasha," Puthimba grinned sheepishly. "Thoughts with you, di. My contacts trace Riya—tabloid scum."

Maashi rallied first, legs planted like oaks. "This Riya? Poison. We shield our girl." Uncles nodded, pulling phones—network activating: delete campaigns, lawyer uncles drafting defamation suits. Bhabotosh's sister-in-law, a media pro, smirked. "Her thoughts exposed—fake scans? Career over."

Putha, perched lotus-style, legs tucked protectively, shared the saga: Flurys blackmail, airport brawl. Laughter mixed tears. "Your free talk inspires," cousin quipped. Bhabotosh squeezed her hand. "Family strides stronger."

Twist dropped: Puthimba's screen flickered. "Riya's editor? Connected to Priya still. But I found an ally—her old colleague, hates the sleaze. Leaking dirt back." Cheers erupted; mishti doled out.

Night deepened into adda—ghazals, stories of old scandals survived. Putha glowed, legs stretching freely now. Bhabotosh whispered, "Our thoughts aligned—with backup."

As they left, maashi blessed: "Walk bold." Family rally armored them—shadows dimmed.

But a text pinged: Riya. *Family can't save strides forever.*

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Family rally bolsters support, adds plot momentum with Puthimba's ally.