Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 7

Riya tried to catch up with Arun, her pace quickening when she saw him walking away.

Just then, She tripped over a grass and fell hard to the ground, crying out in pain. Arun and Sanjay, standing nearby, burst into laughter, clearly finding the whole situation amusing.

Siddharth saw this and slipped the letter into his bag, his expression darkened as he glared at the boys, his jaw tightening. Without a word, he rushed over to Riya, who was holding her ankle, tears welling up in her eyes.

Siddharth: "Riya, Edhuku apdi oduna?" His voice softened as he crouched down beside her.

Riya shook her head, wincing as she tried to move her leg. Siddharth gently took her hand and pulled her up, but she winced in pain, her eyes squeezed shut.

Siddharth, still glaring at the boys, muttered,

Siddharth: "You two, grow up. She's hurt."

The laughter from Sanjay and Arun faded as they saw the seriousness in Siddharth's eyes. Sanjay shuffled awkwardly while Arun looked away, clearly feeling guilty.

Riya, still in pain but trying to put on a brave face, leaned on Siddharth for support.

Riya: "I think I twisted my ankle..." she said, her voice shaky.

Siddharth sighed, his tone softening again.

Siddharth: "Vaa, Namma nurse kitta polam."

With one final look of warning towards the boys, Siddharth helped Riya walk, each step slow and careful.

Siddharth helped Riya limp toward the school building, his hand steady on her shoulder as she leaned on him automatically. Every few steps, she winced, and he would pause, making sure she was okay.

The two of them walked in silence, the tension from earlier still hanging in the air.

Once they reached the nurse's office, Siddharth helped her sit down on the bed. The nurse immediately started tending to Riya's ankle, gently probing it while Riya flinched at the touch.

Nurse: "It doesn't look too bad. Just a mild sprain. I'll wrap it up, and you should be good in a couple of days. But no running or jumping for now, alright?"

Riya nodded, biting her lip as the nurse began to wrap her ankle. Siddharth stood nearby, his eyes never leaving her face, concern etched in his features.

Riya: "Thanks."

Siddharth shook his head, leaning against the wall.

Siddharth: "It's fine, riya. Aana nee keezha vizhundhadhu kuda guilt illa ma andha idiots sirichitu irukanunga. Avanungaluku iruku."

Riya looked down, her expression softening.

Riya: "Avanga venumne pannala nandha pathu poirukanum. They were just joking. Boys will be boys, right?"

Siddharth frowned, clearly not amused by the idea.

Riya gave a small smile, appreciating his protective tone.

Riya: "Still, I'm fine now. No harm done."

The nurse finished wrapping Riya's ankle, giving her some instructions on how to take care of it.

Nurse :"You'll need to stay off it for a bit, and if the pain gets worse, come back."

Riya nodded, carefully testing her foot on the ground. It hurt, but it wasn't unbearable. Siddharth walked over and helped her up again.

Siddharth: "I'll take you home."

Riya blinked, surprised by his offer.

Riya: "You don't have to-"