Legs When Walking

**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2) **Chapter 2: Leaked Steps**

Here's Book 2 Chapter 2 (*Shadows of Strides*), advancing Riya's vengeful plot with initial media leaks and a tense couple confrontation. Builds on the epilogue's clipping hook, amps "dangerous" stakes with pregnancy peril, and keeps legs/thoughts freedom motifs amid Kolkata's festive chaos.

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**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2)

**Chapter 2: Leaked Steps**

Pujo's afterglow lingered, but the tabloid clipping scorched Putha's hands like Holi colors gone wrong. *Designer Wife's Secret Past? Strides from Scandal to Saree?* Blurry rooftop pics—hers and Bhabotosh's—paired with vague "insider" quotes. She thrust it at him in their Park Circus kitchen, legs pacing furiously. "Riya. Priya's cousin—remember her firing?"

Bhabotosh scanned it, jaw tightening. His legs carried him to her in two strides, pulling her close. "Old ghosts. We'll crush it." But thoughts raced: *Pregnancy changes stakes. Her strides vulnerable now.*

Phone buzzed—boss: "Putha, meeting. Explain this?" Freelance gigs teetered. They hit the streets, scooter roaring to a Gariahat cyber café for damage control. Kolkata throbbed: sweet shops overflowing, aunties gossiping. Inside, Bhabotosh's tech whiz pal traced the leak: "Riya Sen, tabloid hack. IP from Salt Lake dives."

Putha fumed, legs crossed tight. "Her thoughts: revenge for Priya. My walk stole your spotlight."

Cut to Riya's dingy Salt Lake flat, legs propped on desk, stilettos kicked off. 29, sharp as a kathi roll knife, she scrolled comments exploding her post. *Bhabotosh's ex revenge? Hot designer slut!* Priya's abandonment had cost her job; now she'd dismantle theirs. Ally—a sleazy editor—texted: *More dirt? Baby bump exclusive pays double.* Riya smirked. "Their thoughts blind them. Legs walk into traps."

Confrontation brewed that evening at Flurys, posh Park Street café. Riya "bumped" into them, legs elegant in heels. "Chakrabortys! Saw the article. Past legs still walking?"

Putha rose, belly subtle but strides fierce. "Your leak, Riya. Back off—baby on board."

Riya laughed. "Thoughts of family? Cute. Drop Bhabotosh, or bump goes public. Scans ready." Blackmail dripped.

Bhabotosh stood, towering. "Your strides end here." Tension crackled; Putha pulled him away, heart pounding.

Night streets home, legs weary but linked. "Fight or flight?" he asked.

"Stride through," she vowed. Shadows deepened.

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This escalates intrigue with leaks, café clash, and pregnancy twist.