Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 28

The group stood in the thick of the woods, the vibrant sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting a shadow over them.

Sweat dripped down their faces as they realized the gravity of their situation. Siddharth crouched beside Riya, who grimaced in pain, her leg wrapped in a makeshift bandage made from a white cloth torn from her shirt. The tension in the air was palpable.

Arun: “Ayiooo, naan nenaikuren, Namma vazhi maari vandhutomnu!” he exclaimed, wiping his brow as he surveyed the surroundings. “Kannuku ettuna dhoorathula yarume illa!

Vikram: "Adhuve unnaku ipodha theriyudha..."

Sruthi: “I’m really scared,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "Ipo enna pandradhu, yaarachu phone eduthu mam ku call pannunga..."

Nisha pulled out her phone and glanced at the screen, her expression quickly shifting from hope to despair.

Nisha: “No signal... nothing at all.” Fear flickered in each of their eyes, and the reality of their isolation began to sink in.

Siddharth: “Sonna pecha kettadhana? He snapped, frustration evident in his tone. “Eppavum vilayatu thanam dhan... If you had stayed close, we wouldn’t be in this mess!” His anger masked the worry gnawing at him.

Vikram: "Seri vidu Siddharth, Ipo enna pannnalam...Namma ellarum ingaye dhan irukaporoma?" he interjected, trying to lighten the mood despite the anxiety swirling around them.

Siddharth: "Vera vazhi, nammaku Edhume theriyadhu... neenga kudutha map ah yum tholachitinga...ingaye iruka vendiyadhudhan..."

Rahul: “Apo ellarum saaga porom ah?” He earned a glare from everyone, especially Siddharth.

Riya: “Rahul, this isn’t the time for jokes!” She exclaimed, trying to keep her composure as pain shot through her leg. She leaned against Siddharth for support, who instinctively wrapped an arm around her.

Vikram: “We need a plan,” he said, looking around at the trees towering over them. “We can’t just stay here. We should try to find our way back.”

Arun: “Maybe, Namma innum konjam ulla nadandhu papom, we’ll find a trail or something,” he suggested, glancing at Riya with concern. “But Namma ingaye iruka mudiyadhu. Riya, can you walk?”

Riya: “I’ll try,” she replied, gritting her teeth as she pushed herself up with Siddharth’s help. “But we have to be careful...”

As they walked deeper into the woods, the boys—Vikram, Rahul, an stayed close, leading the way with cautious determination. The girls followed behind, with Sruthi and Nisha with Arun keeping an eye on Riya, who leaned heavily on Siddharth.

Siddharth held Riya's waist to support her while she grasped his arm. The forest was dense, with shadows looming around them. The air was thick with tension, and everyone was hyper-aware of the rustling leaves and snapping twigs underfoot.

Suddenly, a loud rustle pierced the silence, causing their hearts to race. An unexpected sound echoed through the trees—like a low growl mixed with a whimper. They froze, rooted in place, their breaths caught in their throats.

Arun, trying to lighten the mood despite his own fear, whispered,

Arun: “Maybe it’s just a squirrel... or a rabbit?”

Vikram’s eyes darted around, scanning the foliage.

Vikram: “Adhu Anil-oda satham mari illaye!” he whispered urgently, his voice low.

Nisha stepped closer to Sruthi, her face pale.

Nisha: “What if it’s something dangerous?” she asked, trembling slightly.