| 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕀𝕟 𝕄𝕪 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕖 |

5: Love Enigma's Trail

Ashwin clutched the couple's keychains tightly, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through him. The small trinkets, featuring the beloved characters Mickey and Minnie, represented his unspoken affection for Diya. The mere thought of Diya carrying the other half of the couple's keychain made his heart flutter. 

It was his way of subtly hinting at the depth of his feelings, hoping that she would understand the unspoken message they carried and grant him the opportunity he longed for – a chance to open up and speak his heart to Diya.

As he weaved through the bustling crowd in the cafeteria, Ashwin's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of Diya but he couldn't see her. He spotted Sabitha sitting at a nearby table. Eagerly, he approached her, his eyes filled with curiosity.

Sabi, Diya'va paathiya?

( Sabi, did you see Diya?)

Sabitha's gaze flickered down to the keychains held tightly in Ashwin's hands, and a mischievous smirk formed on her lips. She couldn't help but tease him a little. 

Adhu un vela dhane?

( I assumed that was your thing)

Ashwin looks down and glares at her incorrect timing to tease him. 

Seri moraikadha, ava phone pesitae veliye ponna.

( Fine, I saw her going out while talking on phone)

He twisted his lips, muttering an uninterested 'thanks' as he strode out of the cafeteria.

>>>>———— 💫 ————<<<<

As Ashwin wandered through the lobby, his eyes scanning the surroundings in search of Diya, he unexpectedly collided with Sarath. Ashwin, slightly taken aback by the sudden collision, glanced at Sarath curiously, 

Nee inga yenna da panrae? Saapdha porennae? Seri Diya'va paathiya?

( What are you doing here? I thought you were going to eat? Never mind, did you see Diya?)

As Ashwin noticed Sarath's unusual behavior, a flicker of concern crossed his face. The silence between them grew heavy, and Ashwin couldn't help but feel a knot of unease forming in his stomach. He gently placed a hand on Sarath's shoulder, hoping to elicit a response. 

Yenna da? Yenna achu?

( What's wrong?)

Partner, adhu...

( Partner, that's...)

Sarath hesitated for a moment, his eyes avoiding direct contact with Ashwin's. His usually jovial demeanor had transformed into a mask of unease. Finally, he let out a sigh and met Ashwin's gaze,

En kudha va...

( Come with me)

As Ashwin trailed behind Sarath, their steps growing quieter as they approached the secluded corner of the lobby, a knot of anxiety twisted in his chest. In that hushed space, his eyes fell upon Diya, sitting on a couch beside a tall, enigmatic man. The two of them shared a connection, evident in the way their hands were intertwined.

A mixture of confusion and unease flooded Ashwin's thoughts, causing him to murmur under his breath, 

Yaarta'yo p-pesitu iruk-ka, solla v-vendhiya dhane?

( She's t-talking to s-someone, w-whats wrong with that?)

He stuttered, a sign that he was not okay. Sarath rests his hands on Ashwin back,