Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 16

Read till the end... I have something for you all...

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Now, Into the story:

Siddharth stood with his arms crossed, watching as Riya sat on the grass, panting exaggeratedly after barely 25 minutes of practice. She wiped her forehead, dramatically sighing.

Riya: "Please, Siddharth, Ennala mudila, Just one break, okay? One tiny break."

She fluttered her lashes and gave him the most exaggerated puppy eyes, hoping for mercy.

Siddharth smirked, leaning down slightly to meet her gaze. His voice dropped low.

Siddharth: "Come on, Riya. Namma start panni 25 minutes dhan agudhu. Adhukulla podhum solra, I thought you had more stamina than that."

Riya: "Ennaku stamina la iruku, thank you very much! Aana this is exhausting."

Siddharth chuckled, standing back up straight and glancing over at the others on the field, before turning back to her with a playful smirk.

Siddharth: "Come Riya, unnala mudiyum. We haven’t even started the real workout yet. Innum nee paaka vendiyadhu neraiya iruku."

Riya groaned, leaning her head back dramatically as she stretched out on the grass.

Riya: "How cruel can you be? Aren’t coaches supposed to be encouraging?"

Siddharth raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

Siddharth: "I am encouraging. Encouraging you to get your act together and dribble properly before you even think about taking a break."

She sat up again, glaring at him.

Riya: "Come on, just a little rest? I promise I'll be better after."

Siddharth grinned, stepping closer.

Siddharth: "Nice try. But I won't give you a break, Riya. For now, you’re all mine."

Riya blinked, her eyes widening at Siddharth's sudden declaration.

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she processed his words, and then, with an amused glint in her eyes, she raised her eyebrows, teasing him.

Riya: "What did you said...?"

Siddharth’s smirk faltered for a moment as he realized what he’d just said. His eyes widened in panic, and he quickly stumbled over his words, trying to correct himself.

Siddharth: "I-I meant for practice! Practice ! Nothing else!"

Riya bit her lip, holding back her laughter, enjoying how flustered he’d suddenly become.

Riya: "Mmmm... practice dhaan?"

Siddharth ran a hand through his hair, clearly embarrassed but trying to play it cool.

Siddharth: "Yes, just practice! Vera edhum sollala...Get up practice pannalam."

Riya finally let out a soft giggle, the tension breaking as she stood up, brushing the grass off her legs.

Riya: "Okay, coach, na ungala namburen. But seriously, can I at least get some water?"

Siddharth, still recovering from his own awkwardness, exhaled, relieved that she let it slide.

Siddharth: "Fine, water break. But only two minutes! And then, back to practice. No more excuses."

Riya grinned and saluted him playfully.

Riya: "Yes, sir!"

As Riya walked over to the sidelines to grab her water bottle, she could hear the others chatting and laughing from across the field.