Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 23

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the school grounds, excitement buzzed through the air in anticipation of the boys’ football match.

Inside the preparation room, players hurriedly organized themselves, the atmosphere thick with nervous energy. Their coach, a tall figure with an authoritative presence, gathered the team for a final pep talk.

Coach: “Alright, everyone! Remember, teamwork is key. Keep your spirits high, and let’s show them what we’ve got! It’s game time!”

With that, the coach exited, leaving the room buzzing with chatter and anticipation.

The girls...Riya, Sruthi, and Nisha who is a new girl on their gang, entered the room to talk with the boys. They went inside and exchanged glances, each feeling the excitement in the air.

Sruthi: "Hey boysss!! Enna pandringa, theevirama poitu iruku pola discussion..."

Arun: "Vandhutingala... Unna yaru ipo vara sonna..."

Riya: "Ohh apdiya Arun?"

Arun: "Unna illa Ree... Na ivangala sonnen."

Nisha: “Nadikadha da, enga support ungaluku thevai marandhuradhinga...”

Vikram: "Ayiooo... Aama ivanga support pannalana nanga jeikamattom paru."

Rahul: "Sandai pottu energy ah waste pannama irunga da. Enna achu kaathu indha pakkam veesudhu..."

Nisha: "Ungalalam cheer up pantu polamnu dhan.."

Riya and Sruthi nodded, but a knot tightened in her stomach. Automatically, her eyes searched for Siddharth.

The whole day, they had been avoiding each other, and now, with the event approaching, confusion and hurt clouded her thoughts.

Riya could feel the tension in the room, especially from Siddharth, who met her gaze briefly before turning away, a flicker of pain passing through his expression.

Sruthi: “You guys are going to do amazing! Just remember to have fun out there!”

Nisha: “Yeah, we believe in you! Just play your best!”

The boys exchanged glances, a few smiles breaking through the tension, but Siddharth remained distant, clearly still caught in his emotions. Riya felt a pang in her heart. She wanted to bridge the gap between them, but he was pulling away.

The sounds of the crowd cheering grew louder, signaling that the match was about to begin in half an hour.

A few boys from the team started to move toward the door, their faces set with determination. Sruthi stepped forward, beaming with encouragement.

Sruthi: “All the best, Arun! Show them what you’ve got!”

Arun grinned, and then Sruthi turned to Vikram and Rahul, Siddharth offering them similar heartfelt wishes. Nisha followed suit, her enthusiasm infectious as she wished each boy good luck, her bright smile uplifting their spirits.

Riya stood still, her heart racing. She felt a mix of pride and anxiety for the boys. Taking a deep breath, she approached Arun and playfully pulled his cheeks.

Riya: “You better score a goal, or I’m coming for you!”

Arun laughed, and she wished Vikram and Rahul the same, her voice tinged with warmth. One by one, the boys returned her wishes with grateful smiles.

As the last few minutes dwindled, everyone started to move out of the room, each ready to take the field. Riya lingered, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, her eyes drifting back to Siddharth, who remained quiet and withdrawn.