Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 35

In the hotel hallway, everyone was resting in their separate rooms with their parents, taking a much-needed breath after the events that had unfolded. The hall was filled with quiet murmurs and occasional laughter as parents checked on their kids, their relief palpable.

But outside, near a quiet corner, Arun stood alone, his head lowered, and his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He leaned against the wall, trying to stay out of sight, but the weight of being alone amidst the others’ families hit him harder than he had expected. No comforting hand, no soothing voice—he was truly by himself.

Just then, Sruthi stepped out of her room in search of him. She noticed Arun standing there. Quietly, she walked over and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Sruthi: “Arun?” she called softly.

He turned to her, his face barely hiding the sadness in his eyes. Before he knew it, he reached out, pulling her into a hug. Sruthi was caught off guard, her eyes widening momentarily, but she quickly wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back gently.

After a long moment, he pulled back abruptly, clearing his throat and hastily wiping his eyes.

Arun: “Uh, sorry about that…” he mumbled, forcing a smile. “Guess I just needed a hug.”

Sruthi tilted her head, concern etched on her face.

Sruthi: “Enna achu unnaku? En oru maari iruka..” she asked, her voice gentle but persistent.

Arun waved his hand dismissively.

Arun: “Me? I’m fine, totally fine!” He tried to sound casual. “Just… you know… taking a break from all the ‘parental love’ in there.”

Sruthi crossed her arms and gave him a look, her eyebrows raised.

Sruthi: “Arun, don’t try to fool me. Nee ipdi nalla english la pesumbodhe theridhu edho prechana nu.” She paused. “Are you scared? Worried about Riya?”

He shook his head quickly, chuckling as if it were the most absurd question.

Arun: “Riya va, Illa illa. I know she’ll be fine. Nothing scares that girl.”

Sruthi didn’t buy it.

Sruthi: “Aprm edhuku ipdi iruka, edho... well, like you just lost a friend?”

Arun looked away, his voice almost a whisper.

Arun: “Na onnum apdilam illa,” he muttered.

Sruthi: “Apdidhan nee iruka!” she insisted, crossing her arms again. “If it’s not Riya, then what is it?” She waited for him to answer, her gaze unwavering.

He laughed again, though it sounded hollow.

Arun: “Onnume illa Sruthi nee vidu. Just… just something got in my eye or something.”

She let out a sigh, softening her stance.

Sruthi: “Alright. Unnaku solla ipo ishtam illana vidu. But you don’t have to pretend with me, Arun. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.”

Arun hesitated, glancing down as if debating with himself. After a long pause, he took a deep breath and finally spoke, his voice barely audible.

Arun: “Fine. Na ipove solren…”

Sruthi’s face softened even more as she listened, giving him her undivided attention.

Arun: “Suthi paaru sruthi,” he began, his voice trembling. “Ellaroda parents um irukanga. The moment they heard about what happened, they came running.” He clenched his fists, swallowing hard. “Aana enga vitla yaarume varala. Not a single person even thought to call or check if I was okay.”