Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 22

The early morning light crept through the windows in Riya’s households. She was lying on the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling around the day ahead.

Today was important—a charity event at her school, with a big football match scheduled between her school and another team. Everyone was excited. Everyone except Riya.

Her mind was filled with conflicting emotions. Thoughts of Siddharth, the growing tension between them, and the constant presence of Anjali clouded her usual sense of excitement for such events. She sighed deeply, pulling her blanket up higher, wishing she could avoid the day altogether.

Suddenly, her brother Sanjay came down, already dressed in his football gear. His face was a mix of surprise and confusion as he noticed that Riya, not even remotely ready for the day.

Sanjay: “Akka! Innum en kelambama iruka? The match is today! Siddharth and Arun are going to be looking for you! You can’t miss this!”

Riya glanced at him briefly before rolling over, her back facing him. 

Riya: “Na varala, Sanjay. Nee po.”

Sanjay, ever the enthusiastic brother, wasn't ready to take no for an answer. He sat on the edge of the couch, shaking her shoulder lightly.

Sanjay: “No, Riya! nee vandhudhan aganum... Elundhu kelambu, Nee varalana.. Siddhu anna will be really upset. Arun’s already talking about how you’ll cheer for him. Please!”

Riya let out another sigh, her annoyance growing. The last thing she wanted was to be in that environment, surrounded by people, especially when she didn’t even know where she stood with Siddharth anymore. Just as she was about to respond, they both heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.

Raghav entered the hall, his usual calm demeanor breaking the tension. He noticed the situation at a glance and quickly stepped in.

Raghav: “Sanjay, avala force pannadha. Let her be if she doesn’t want to go.”

Sanjay frowned, looking between Riya and Raghav, clearly disappointed. 

Sanjay: “But mama, ellarum avala expect pannuanga. Can’t she come for a while?”

Raghav shook his head gently.

Raghav: “Vidu da, Sanjay. Avaluku konjam time venum pola. Naan iniku avakuda vena irukken. Let her spend the day with me instead.”

Riya sat up, her frustration bubbling to the surface. She didn’t appreciate being spoken about as if she wasn’t there, and the fact that Raghav always tried to play the protective role irked her.

Riya: “Illa Raghav, na poren. I don’t need to spend the day with you!"

She threw her blanket aside, standing up from her bed. She wasn’t about to let anyone decide what she would do with her day, even if she didn’t feel like going.

Raghav raised an eyebrow, sensing her irritation but deciding not to push further. 

Raghav: “Seri, okay. But at least let me drop you at school. I have my internship near your campus, so I can take you on the way.”

Riya hesitated for a moment. She didn’t like the idea of riding with him, but arguing further seemed pointless. She simply nodded, not in the mood for a debate.

With that decision made, Riya dragged herself through her morning routine. She got dressed in her school uniform.

Her reflection in the mirror showed a girl who was clearly lost in her thoughts. There was no excitement in her eyes, no hint of the joy she usually felt on days like this. She ran a comb through her hair, tying it into a simple ponytail, and grabbed her school bag.