Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 19

As they stepped out of the sports shop, the late afternoon sun bathed the street in a warm, golden hue.

Riya walked beside Siddharth, their smiles matching in quiet contentment.

Siddharth: “Alright, Aduthu enna?” he asked, his tone light.

Riya paused, her gaze lifting as if she was deep in thought. She tapped her chin with her finger, lips pursed in mock contemplation, and then a bright idea sparked in her eyes. She turned to Siddharth, her whole face lighting up with excitement.

Riya: “I want to take you somewhere. But…” She grinned mischievously. “You have to trust me. Will you come?”

Siddharth raised an eyebrow, pretending to think it over, though the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile.

Siddharth: “Oh, madam enna plan pandringa therinjukalama?”

Riya nudged him with her elbow, her grin widening.

Riya: “Nope, but you better hurry before I change my mind!”

With that, she began walking quickly, her energy infectious. Siddharth fell into step beside her, his curiosity piqued. He could see the excitement dancing in her eyes, and while he wasn’t sure what she had in store, he was more than willing to find out.

Siddharth: “Okay, Seringa madam varen. Lead the way.”

Riya's pace quickened as she led him down the bustling street, her steps light, as if she couldn’t contain her excitement. Every now and then, she would look back at him, her eyes twinkling with anticipation, making sure he was keeping up.

They walked for a while until they reached a quieter part of town. Riya suddenly stopped in front of the local railway station.

Siddharth’s brow furrowed in confusion, but before he could ask, Riya darted off to the ticket counter, leaving him standing there, bewildered.

Moments later, she returned, holding something in her hand. Her smile was wide as she approached him, and before he could ask what was going on, she tucked the small ticket into the pocket of his shirt.

Siddharth: "Enga porom ma?” he asked, amused but genuinely curious now.

Riya didn’t answer. Instead, she placed a finger on his lips, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Riya: “Shh... no questions. Just follow me.”

Siddharth blinked, surprised by her boldness, but the warmth of her touch lingered as she pulled her finger away.

He stared at her for a beat longer, trying to read the playful mystery in her eyes. But instead of pressing for answers, he found himself grinning.

Siddharth: “Fine. I’ll play along,” he said, his voice soft, his curiosity building.

Riya beamed at him, clearly pleased with his response. She grabbed his hand, her fingers wrapping around his, and began leading him toward the platform.

Siddharth followed, wondering what adventure awaited them on the other side.

The station buzzed with life around them—people hurrying to catch their trains, the faint sound of announcements overhead—but Riya and Siddharth were in their own bubble.

As they moved through the crowd, Riya’s excitement never waned, and Siddharth couldn’t help but be swept up in it.

As they reached the platform, Siddharth turned to her again, curiosity practically burning in his chest.

Siddharth: “You’re not going to give me even a hint?”

Riya shot him a playful look.

Riya: “Nope. You’ll see soon enough.”