Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 2

Anjali turned around her voice was barely above a whisper as she asked looking at Arun.

Anjali : Avanuku enna venum Arun, konjam kettu sollu.

Riya's curiosity got the better of her instead of Arun she replied.

Riya : Ennaku therinju avangaluku unkitta pesanumnu nenaikuren anju ma.

Arun : Hmm, Adhedhan. Crct sonna Riya. He said proudly while Riya squirmed at his gaze.

Anjali's eyes narrowed, her jaw setting in determination.

Anjali : Ennaku yarkittayum pesanumnu avasiyam illa. Nee vaa Namma kelambalam.

But Siddharth had already started walking towards them, his long strides eating up the distance.

As he approached, Anjali's grip on Riya's hand tightened, her knuckles turning white.

Siddharth stopped in front of them, his eyes locked on Anjali's, his expression a mix of emotions.

Siddharth : Na unkitta konja neram thaniya pesalama, he asked, his voice low and husky.

Anjali hesitated, her eyes darting to Riya, who nodded her head.

Riya : Na anga wait pandren anju. Riya said, trying to reassure her friend.

Anjali took a deep breath and nodded her head as no, her eyes never leaving Siddharth's face.

Anjali : Illa Riya nee ingaye iru. Unnaku enna venumo sollitu kelambu. She said the later part looking at Siddharth her voice barely above a whisper.

Riya watched rooted to her place, her curiosity piqued. What was going on between Anjali and Siddharth?

Siddharth let out a huff and turned to Riya with a glare.

Siddharth : Konjam apdi poringala, Na Anjali kitta thaniya pesanum.

Riya's eyes widened in surprise, but Anjali's face flashed with anger.

Anjali : No, Riya, pogatha, I don't want to talk to him alone.

Siddharth's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing.

Siddharth : Anjali, please. Just a few minutes.

Anjali crossed her arms, her eyes blazing.

Anjali : No, Siddharth. Riya Inga dhan irupa, pesanumna pesu illana vidu.

Siddharth : Anjali, please. Oruvaati enakaga. He almost begged.

After a long pause, Anjali finally relented, her eyes fixed on Siddharth's face. She seemed to see something there that made her hesitate, and eventually, she nodded.

Anjali : Fine. Only five minutes.

Riya looked at her uncertainly, but Anjali reassured her with a gentle smile.

Anjali : It's okay, Riya. I'll be fine.

Riya nodded, but her eyes lingered on Siddharth's face, searching for anything bad. Seeing none, she slowly moved a few feet away, giving them some space.

Anjali watched her go, then turned back to Siddharth, her expression guarded.

Anjali : Hmm, enna pesanum sollu.

Siddharth nodded, his eyes never leaving hers, and began to speak in a low, urgent tone.

As Riya waited, Arun approached her, a friendly smile on his face.

Arun : Hii, Avanga anga pesatum. Namma Inga pesalama.

Riya smiled back, trying to play it cool.

Riya : Dhaaralama pesalam anna. Sollunga.