Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 27

The bus rumbled along the winding roads as the students' laughter echoed within. They were en route to Kolli Hills, a scenic yet thrilling destination chosen for their school trip.

Nestled in Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills was famous for its dense forests, misty mountains, and legendary tales surrounding the place. Known for its challenging terrain, it offered the perfect balance of adventure and natural beauty—ideal for a group of energetic teens seeking thrill and new experiences.

It was 8 in the morning, they had started their journey from school just a few hours ago, right after midnight, at 3 a.m.

Most of the students were slumped in their seats, lost in the haze of sleep after the restless night.

But, as with any school trip, the troublemakers of the school were wide awake, already stirring up their mischief.

Riya: "Deii, pathu...Vilundhuradhinga rendu perum.” Riya said,

But it was swallowed by the loud music playing through the bus speakers, but it didn’t seem to matter.

Arun and Vikram were already halfway down the aisle, pretending to act a dramatic dance from the latest movie, their exaggerated moves drawing laughter from those who are awake.

Vikram, in his best over-the-top fashion, threw his head back and spun around, crashing straight into the seat in front of him. The bus lurched, and he collapsed in a fit of laughter.

Mrs. Meenakshi: "Careful!" their favorite teacher's voice called from the front. "We don’t need anyone getting hurt before we even reach the hills!"

Siddharth, who was sitting quietly couldn’t suppress a smirk as he glanced up from his phone.

Siddharth: "Idiots," he muttered, shaking his head slightly. His eyes, however, found Riya, who was seated adjacent to him. She was laughing again—a genuine, unguarded laugh that he hadn’t seen in days.

Riya glanced back at him, her amusement lingering. It has been a  week since they sorted out their argument. A moments like these made it seem like they were moving past it, even if the air between them still buzzed with unsaid words.

Arun: "Riya, Inga vaaa!" His playful shout snapped her attention away from Siddharth. He was beckoning her to join the ridiculous dance-off he had started.

Riya: “No way!” she shook her head, though her smile was wide. "Neenga rendu perum aadunga ennaku en uyir mela aasai iruku..."

Arun: "Come on, Riya darling... na unna bathrama pathukuren. Indha Arun mela unaku nambikai illaha..." he said with a playful grin, already moving in exaggerated dance steps.

Riya raised her eyebrows, amused, but shook her head.

Riya: “Nee enna vidu, Sruthi kuda aadu. Ava ready ah iruka,” she replied teasingly, glancing toward Sruthi who sat beside her.

Sruthi rolled her eyes dramatically at the suggestion.

Sruthi: “Ivan kuda yaru aaduva nu ninaikira?” she muttered, giving him a sharp glare. But Arun, undeterred, walked up to Riya with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Arun: “Podi! Na en darling kudave aadikuren,” he teased, winking at Sruthi, who only glared harder in response.

He straightened his posture, decided it was time to be a gentleman. With a cheeky smile, he looked at Riya straightening his invisible collar and bent down on one knee, his expression serious despite the laughter around them.

Arun: “Milady,” he began, dramatically extending his hand, “would you grant me the honor of a dance?”

Riya burst out laughing, her eyes welling up.