**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2) **Chapter 6: War Council**
261 Words
Here's Book 2 Chapter 7 (*Shadows of Strides*), launching a tense family war council in response to the chilling package. The gathering at the Chakraborty home unites clans for strategy, blending emotional support with plot pushes, ending on heightened resolve amid bad feelings. Kolkata family dynamics shine, with legs/thoughts motifs.
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**Shadows of Strides** (Book 2)
**Chapter 6: War Council**
Dawn pierced Park Circus curtains; the faked ultrasound X glared from the table. Putha trembled, legs curled fetal on couch, bump vulnerable. Bhabotosh paced, thoughts storming: *Riya's endgame—baby?* He dialed: "Family now. War council."
By noon, Behala house brimmed—maashi commanding kitchen, uncles in lungis debating, cousins on laptops. Puthimba joined in-person, Pune leave burned, legs striding purposeful. "My ally confirms: Riya's unhinged, Priya's shadow fueling her."
Maashi clutched the note. "Demon! Threatening our blood?" Eyes teary but fierce.
Lawyer uncle spread docs: "Stalking escalation—restraining order, cyber traps." Tech cousin nodded. "Trace her IP—Salt Lake again. Bait post incoming."
Putha rose, legs shaky but firm. "Her thoughts: steal my stride, our joy. We counter united." Family nodded; Bhabotosh gripped her hand. "Council plan: expose her fully. Puthimba's media pal leaks her forgeries."
Debate raged—over chai, rosogollas: surveillance, cop tips, safehouse if needed. Maashi vowed: "No shadow clips our legs." Resolve hardened; hugs sealed it.
Dispersing, Puthimba pulled Putha aside. "Your free walks saved me once. Now mine guard you." Gratitude swelled.
Homebound, council's fire warmed—but bad feelings gnawed: Riya's silence screamed louder.
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Family war council strategizes solidarity, sustains tension.
- Writer
