**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2) **Chapter 6: Shower of Shadows**
240 Words
Here's Book 2 Chapter 6 (*Shadows of Strides*), focusing on a dramatic homecoming from the babymoon, infused with a baby shower surprise rally from family. It builds joy then twists to bad feelings at the end—Riya's chilling escalation leaving dread.
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**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2)
**Chapter 6: Shower of Shadows**
Train rattled back to Kolkata, Digha's bliss clinging like sea salt. Putha glowed, hand on bump, legs steadier post-rest. Bhabotosh drove from Sealdah, their synced strides hitting Park Circus home with unpacked bags and recharged fire.
Surprise awaited: maashi's baby shower ambush! Behala house festooned—blue-yellow streamers, sweets piled, cousins dancing to "Chhota Bacha Jaan." Putha's uncles grinned; Puthimba beamed via live stream. "Family strides eternal!" Maashi draped garlands, legs bustling with macher chop platters.
Laughter reigned: games pinning diapers, blindfolded spoon-walks mimicking legs races. Putha, saree-clad, waddled freely, talk bubbling. Bhabotosh cradled her in dances, whispers hot: "Babymoon memories fuel this." Family toasted—lawyers updated: Riya's editor sued, quiet.
Gifts unwrapped: tiny booties, silver rattle from Puthimba. Joy peaked—ultrasound pics passed, baby kicking strong.
Twilight faded fest; they scootered home, hearts full. But doorstep doom: package, no sender. Inside—a ultrasound scan, faked with red X over bump. Note: *Your strides end here. -R* Blood drained; bad feelings crashed like rogue waves. Riya's silence? A lure.
Legs froze in fear's grip.
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Homecoming shower delights, ends on ominous bad feelings cliffhanger.
- Writer
