Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 5

Siddharth's face turned serious as he finally asked, "Riya... Anjali eppadi iruka?"

Riya’s heart skipped a beat, knowing the depth of his concern. She quickly composed herself, trying to keep her voice calm.

Riya: "Anjali? She's okay, Siddharth. Avanga parents konjam strict ah irukanga, but she’s holding up well. Naan avakitta pesunen, don't worry."

Siddharth wasn't entirely convinced, his eyes searching Riya's face for any signs of worry.

Siddharth : Nee sure ah? Enaku ava romba upset ah irundha maari thonuchu...

Riya forced a reassuring smile, wanting to ease his worries.

Riya : "Trust me, Siddharth. Ava okay dhan, Naan iruken la, naan paathukuren. Nee kavala padama irunga."

Before Siddharth could ask anything further, Riya's eyes darted to the approaching bus. She seized the opportunity to change the subject.

Riya : "Hey, paaru! Namma bus vandhuruchu! Let’s go!"

Siddharth's attention shifted as he noticed the bus, the tension slowly fading from his face. He nodded, letting out a small sigh.

Siddharth : "Seri, polam."

The three of them quickly boarded the bus, the earlier conversation left hanging in the air, as Riya subtly steered the mood back to something lighter.

As they boarded the bus, the trio got caught up in their usual banter. Arun couldn't resist flirting with Riya, his tone playful.

Arun: "Riya, nee school uniform la kooda romba azhaga iruka theriyuma! Namma class la yaarum unaku match illa... I am impressed!"

Riya rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips.

Riya : "But I am not impressed with you."

Arun pretended to look hurt, his face falling into a dramatic frown.

Arun : "Aiyyo! Did you rejected me indirectly? Idhukku mela enaku bad luck vera iruka?"

Siddharth, who had been quiet for a while, smirked and joined in on the fun.

Siddharth: "Unnaku epo Machan good luck irundhuruku, Ethana ponnunga kitta idhe reel ah ottirupa."

Riya glared at him.

Riya : "Apo Ella ponnukittayum idhedhan pannitu irukiya!"

Arun's frown deepened as he sighed dramatically.

Arun : Ayioooo, Riya darling nee enna thappa purinju vechitu iruka... Indha Siddharth neeyum nanum onna irukardhu pudikama.. unkitta ipdi solran.

Siddharth slapped his back when he went to touch Riya hand.

Riya : Namma epo onna irundhom first ?

Arun : Rendu perum sendhu en heart ah break pannite irukingaley...

Riya giggled at his antics, shaking her head.

They continued their lively conversation until the bus reached their stop. As they got down and started walking towards the school, Riya suddenly froze.

Riya : "Wait... Oh my God!" she exclaimed, looking down at her hands. "Poonai kutty! Na kutty ah marandhuten!"

Arun and Siddharth stopped in their tracks, looking at each other in surprise.

Arun : "Ayyo!" Arun said, his eyes widening.

Riya looked around in panic.

Riya : "School kulla kondu poga mudiyadhu! Enna panradu?"