Broken I

Bonus

HRIDHAN

I couldn't help but smile whenever her name was mentioned.

"Do whatever you want, but stop reacting like this," Ved snapped, irritation flickering in his eyes.

"Exactly," Dev chimed in.

I wasn't sure if I should be happy or sad that these two were my friends. Ved and Devarsh—always ready to mock me, never missing a chance.

"Nenga thana arambichinga," I shrugged, subtly shifting the blame for bringing her name up in the first place.

"Eppa dei, avan aalu peru sonnathukey reaction tharan da... Avanga vantha namba kalati vittu poiruvan," Ved said, his tone playful yet sharp, while Dev nodded in agreement.

"Athe than. Committeed illa sir married," Dev added, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"Ama, na mattum married, nenga rendum peru single thana ?" I teased, knowing full well Ved was deeply in love with Damini, who happened to be Arna's friend.

Dev sighed, causing my eyebrows to twitch in curiosity. The tease was meant for Ved, but why was Dev sighing ?

"Na solla vanthathey maranthuten," he said, his voice trailing off as he looked away, avoiding my gaze.

"Enna da ? Ethuvum bomb eduthutu vanthutiya enna ?" Ved interjected, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Only he can talk like an idiot in any situation.

Both Devarsh and I shot him deadly glares, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Dev's sudden seriousness had cast a shadow over our usual banter, and a knot of concern tightened in my chest.

"Nee soldra... Avan appidi than," I said, turning my attention back to Dev.

"Ennaku kalyanam da," he said quietly, while Ved burst into uncontrollable laughter.

I shot Ved a glare, but he didn't seem to care and continued laughing.

"Paithiyama ivan ?" Dev asked, watching him laugh like a madman.

"Ama. Ippo than theriyuma ?" I replied, glancing at Ved before turning back to Dev. "Nejama va ?" I asked to confirm, and Dev nodded, his face devoid of any excitement.

"Interest illaya ?" I asked, noticing Ved finally returning to normal, listening intently to our conversation.

"Interest illanu illa da... Na financial aa stable aa kooda illa eppidi ippo poi marriage na enna pandrathu ?" Dev's voice was filled with genuine concern.

Marriage isn't a simple thing. A lot of things have to align perfectly. Being financially stable is also crucial. We have numerous commitments and responsibilities to handle.

"Inga vanthu kelu ellathaiyum.. unga amma kitta keka vendiyathana ?" Ved asked irritably.

Devarsh's family was similar to mine—strict and traditional. Ved, on the other hand, was an orphan. Despite living in the city, Devarsh's family shared a mindset similar to mine. They never respected women.

I understood better now. It's not about living in a village or a city. It's about people and their mindsets.

"Mch... Thangachi life settle agum da... Nala family vera," Dev retorted.

I could completely grasp his feelings. Growing up in families like ours and having a younger sister is tough. Devarsh always tries to support his sister, but his family constantly tries to undermine him.

"Paiyan nalavan mari than theriyuran. Na avanga akka va kalyanam pannikita avanga veetla okay nu sollitanga. Athan nanu..." he trailed off, lost in his thoughts.