Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 32

The night breeze carried the sound of their laughter, the campfire glowing softly in the center. Arun suddenly broke the light conversation with a mischievous grin.

Arun: "Hey guys, let's talk about something interesting. What's everyone's take on marriage? Expectations and all?"

Everyone glanced at each other, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. But Nisha, always the practical one, started first.

Nisha: "Well, in my case, I don’t have much choice. Kandippa arranged marriage dhan, My family traditions."

Then Rahul, chimed in.

Rahul: "Hmm... Ennaku marriage pathi ipo avlova endha yosanaiyum illa... But apdi panna, kandippa love marriage... Oru ponna pathu pudichu love panni..." He said with a dreamy smile.

Nisha: "Aprm Vikram? You."

Vikram leaned back, arms crossed, his expression playful but determined.

Vikram: "Ennaku adhulalam interest illa pa. I’ll be single forever. That’s what I like."

Rahul: "Naangalum adha pakkadhana porom...Aduthu yaaru?"

Everyone chuckled,  while Arun leaned forward with a wide grin, turning to face Riya.

Arun: "En Riya darling dhan ennaku illaye… So naa kadaisi varaikum sanyaasi dhan!"

Riya gave him a sheepish smile, while Sid glared him and Sruthi, sitting beside him, rolled her eyes before playfully hitting his arm.

Sruthi: "You and your Riya darling! You're impossible."

He then reached over, pinched Sruthi's cheek, and grinned even wider.

Arun: "Fun, fun! Serious ah edukaadha ma!"

Sruthi, smiling, swatted his hand away.

Everyone still buzzing with laughter, When Nisha turned to Siddharth.

Siddharth: "Alright, Siddharth, your turn. What’s your take on marriage?"

Everyone fell silent, curious to hear what Siddharth would say. They all knew there was something going on between him and Riya, even if neither of them had officially said anything yet.

Siddharth, feeling the weight of their attention, locking eyes with Riya for a brief moment before speaking in his usual calm, thoughtful way.

Siddharth: "Marriage... Adha pathi ipo edhuvum yosikala but...?" He paused, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Adhu epdi enga nadakumnu lam sollamudiyadhu.... But marriage apdindradhu oru periya vishayam... Nammaku pudicha oruthar, Nammala fulla purinjikitta oruthar, Nammala support pandra oruthar, Endha situation layum vittu kudukadha oruthar,nammala nammalave accept pandra oruthar kedacha podhum. The life will be happy... Adhulam solli nadakakudadhu, adhuvave nadakum... Maybe en lifela andha person already vandhutanga nenaikuren. That's it. Idhukumela endha question um kekakudadhu solliten."

His words hung in the air, carrying a deeper meaning that everyone in the group could sense. Riya, on the other hand, tried to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

Sruthi, always quick to pick up on things, smirked and leaned toward Riya, nudging her playfully.

Sruthi: "Hmm, interesting, Sid.... Yaraiyo un manasula vechita pesura maari la iruku... Maybe someone we all know?"

Riya shot her a warning look, her face turning a deeper shade of pink as the rest of the group chuckled.

Riya: "Sruthi, stop it!" she whispered, trying to keep her cool.