Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 10

Siddharth and Riya stood there, their eyes locked, emotions swirling between them. Unspoken words hung in the air, heavy and intense. Just as Siddharth opened his mouth to speak, a ball came hurtling toward Riya out of nowhere.

*Thud!*

The ball smacked her squarely on the side of her head, and she stumbled backward. Siddharth reacted instantly, catching her before she could fall. His heart pounded as Riya winced, rubbing her temple.

Siddharth's eyes darted to the direction of the ball. There stood Priya and her group of friends, giggling with malice. Priya's smug expression made his blood boil, her lips curled into a twisted smile as she met his gaze, daring him to react.

Siddharth's fists clenched at his sides, rage building as he took a step toward Priya. His jaw tightened, and his muscles tensed, ready to confront her. But before he could act, he felt a soft hand on his wrist.

Riya, still recovering, had grabbed him. Her touch was light, but her message was clear. She shook her head gently, her eyes pleading: *"No."*

Despite the pain, Riya's gaze was calm, insistent. She didn't want to make things worse. Siddharth hesitated, torn between the fury he felt and the quiet strength in Riya's eyes.

Before Siddharth could decide, Arun, who had witnessed the entire scene, stormed toward Priya and her friends. His face was a mask of fury, and his voice cut through the air like a knife.

Arun: "Hey! Arivu illaya unnaku? Edhukku ippadi panna?"

Priya's smirk began to fade as Arun approached. The other girls in her group shifted uncomfortably, but Priya, always defiant, stood her ground with a evil smile.

Arun came to a halt, inches away from Priya. His eyes blazed with anger.

Arun: "Thittitu iruken asingama sirikura, avala adichuttiya. What's your problem?"

Priya crossed her arms, her tone dismissive.

Priya: "It was just an accident, Arun. Don't overreact."

Arun's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Arun: "Accident? Na unnoda nakkal siripa pathuten! You did it on purpose!"

As Arun's voice grew louder, Sruthi rushed to Riya's side, her face full of concern.

Sruthi: "Riya, are you okay?" she asked, gently helping Riya stay steady.

Riya blinked, trying to shake off the dizziness.

Riya: "Sudden ah pattadhum bayanthuten," she replied, her voice a little shaky.

Sruthi stayed close, making sure Riya was okay. Meanwhile, Siddharth looked at Arun, who was getting more and more agitated.

Siddharth's eyes flicked back to Priya, and for a moment, he considered stepping in again, but Riya, still holding his hand, tightened her grip.

Riya: "No, Siddharth." Her voice was soft but firm. She didn't want him to lose control.

Siddharth took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. He stayed by Riya's side, but the tension between him and Priya was palpable.

Vikram and Rahul joined Arun, flanking him on either side.

Vikram: "Enough, Priya. Konjam achu change agu try pannu innuma apdiye iruka. You can't keep acting like this."

Rahul: "You've gone too far this time. Riya unnaku enna panna?"

The boys surrounded Priya and her friends, their expressions serious and unyielding. Priya's smile faltered when she saw the way Riya was standing close to Siddharth, still holding his hand.