As the day progressed, the tension between Arun and Siddharth still lingered. Neither had spoken about the fight, and the usual lighthearted banter between them felt forced.
Arun tried to keep things playful, but Siddharth remained distant, still weighed down by his emotions. Riya, too, was hurting—her feelings bruised by Siddharth's cold rejection earlier during lunch.
By evening, the group gathered at the football ground. Arun, Vikram, and Rahul, who were all part of the school's football team, naturally gravitated towards the field. Sruthi, who had quickly bonded with them, tagged along, enjoying their camaraderie.
As they reached the field, they noticed Siddharth and Riya's younger brother, Sanjay, already practicing. Sanjay was a lively with energy, darting across the field with a grin plastered on his face.
Siddharth, however, was more focused, his movements sharp and controlled. Football had always been his escape, and today, it was especially needed.
Arun waved to them both as they approached, but Siddharth barely acknowledged him, his gaze fixed on the ball. The tension between them was clear, but neither addressed it.
Riya and Sruthi settled themselves on the sidelines, deciding to work on their homework while the boys practiced.
After sometime, Arun approached Riya and Sruthi as they sat on the sidelines, their books spread out in front of them. With a mischievous grin, he dropped down beside Sruthi, leaning back casually.
Arun: "So, what are you doing, Riya darling?" Arun teased, his tone light.
Riya, looked up from her notes, not so surprised by the playful remark. But before she could respond, she noticed Sruthi's face flushing slightly at Arun's proximity. Riya's eyes darted between them, something clicking in her mind. She stayed silent, watching the interaction unfold.
Arun, completely unaware of the effect he had on Sruthi, turned his attention to the both of them.
Arun: "Do you two know how to play football?" he asked, his voice filled with energy.
Sruthi's face lit up instantly, her eyes sparkling.
Sruthi: "I like football!" she exclaimed, turning to Arun.
Arun: "Vilayada theriyuma?"
Sruthi: "No, Will you teach me?"
The enthusiasm in her voice was unmistakable, and for a brief moment, Riya felt a pang of hesitation.
She loved football too, and the thought of joining in was tempting. But watching the way Sruthi's excitement grew with every word Arun spoke, Riya bit her tongue.
It seemed like there was something more going on with sruthi, and Riya didn't want to intrude.
Arun: "Sure," Arun said, grinning at Sruthi. "Na unnaku basics sollitharen come on. Ree nee variya?"
Riya: "Illa nee avaluku sollikudu, Na ingaye iruken."
Sruthi's excitement was contagious, but Riya quietly pulled her gaze away, focusing back on her homework, despite the twinge of longing she felt.
As Arun and Sruthi headed toward the field, their laughter carried across the empty space, filling the air with a sense of lightness that contrasted sharply with the tension between Siddharth and Arun.
Sruthi’s enthusiasm was infectious, and it wasn’t long before she was running across the field with Arun guiding her through the basics of football.
Vikram and Rahul joined in, teasing Sruthi and Arun good-naturedly as they practiced, while Sanjay darted around them, his energy never fading.
Siddharth, meanwhile, kept his distance. He stayed on the other side of the field, his focus entirely on the ball at his feet, but it was clear to Riya, even from where she sat, that his mind was elsewhere.
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Fragile Hearts
Fanfiction~ When two young hearts destined to heal eachother ~ A High School love story