Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 6

Riya hurried through the corridors, searching for the principal's room. Her mind was racing with thoughts of what she might find. As she neared the door, she saw Anjali standing there with her father, her face pale, eyes darting nervously between the office and the hallway.

When their eyes met, Anjali subtly motioned for Riya to stay where she was. Without saying a word, Riya stood still, watching as Anjali exchanged a few words with her father. Riya noticed the tension in Anjali's shoulders, the way her fingers trembled as she talked.

After a moment, Anjali stepped forward, away from her father. Without a word, she grabbed Riya’s hand tightly, her grip cold and firm. She pulled Riya along, her pace hurried, not even sparing a glance back at her father or the office.

They walked in silence through the empty corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoing. Anjali didn’t stop until they reached the bathroom.

She pushed the door open, and they both entered the quiet, dimly lit space. Anjali quickly checked to make sure no one else was there, then locked the door behind them.

Riya, now even more concerned, turned to her friend

Riya : "Anjali, enna aachu? Nee yen ipdi iruka? Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft but urgent.

Anjali let out a shaky breath and leaned against the sink, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and frustration.

Anjali :"Riya... Enaku enna solradhunu therila, enga vitla ena ennamo solranga. I am scared Riya" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Riya’s heart sank as she looked at Anjali, realizing just how deep her friend’s struggles went. She stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Riya : "It’s okay, Anju. You can share with me. Whatever it is, naan iruken."

Anjali nodded, her eyes filled with unshed tears, as she prepared to share what had been happened.

She took a deep breath, her voice low.

Anjali : "Riya, naan school ku inime varamaaten. Ennoda appa ennai enga mama paiyanuku kalyanam panna mudivu pannirukanga."

Riya's eyes widened in shock, her heart racing as she processed what Anjali had just said.

Riya:  "What? But... you're still in school! Nee innum 12th dhan padikura? How can they do this?"

Anjali looked down, her hands trembling slightly as she fiddled with the hem of her skirt.

Anjali : "I know, Riya. Kalyanam ipo kedaiyadhu they are just fixing now. Na school mudicha oru varushathula kalayanamnu soldranga."

Riya stared at her, speechless for a moment.

Riya : "But... this is your life, Anjali! How can they decide something this big without asking you? Nee edhuvum sollalaya?"

Anjali shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears.

Anjali : "Riya, enaku theriyum, but they won’t listen. My parents think this is best for me. And... and I don’t have the courage to fight them."

Anjali's tears spilled over as she clutched Riya's hand tightly, her sobs quiet but filled with helplessness.

Anjali : "Riya, ennala edhuvum panna mudiyala... I don’t know what to do." Her voice trembled as she tried to compose herself, but the weight of her situation was overwhelming.

Suddenly, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, crumpled piece of paper. She pressed it into Riya's hand, her eyes pleading.

Anjali : "Please... idha Siddharth ku kuduthudu. It’s important. Avana enna nenachitu iruka venamnu solliru."