Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 36

With a week having passed since the chaos of their trip, everything at school seemed to be getting back to normal. The familiar routine resumed, but today was special. It was Riya's first day back after her full recovery. Though she'd been feeling fine for days, her parents had insisted she take a week off, making sure she was completely well-rested.

The morning of their science exam was filled with tension. Students spread out across the school grounds, books open, trying to cram in as much information as possible. The air buzzed with last-minute reviews, friendly reminders, and a bit of nervous excitement.

Siddharth sat with Riya under a tree, where she was patiently explaining a complex biology concept. But rather than focusing, Siddharth was busy adjusting her tie with a mischievous grin.

Riya: "Sid!" she laughed, swatting his hand away. "Can you please focus? Iniku nammaku science exam nadakudhu, not a fashion rehearsal!"

Siddharth: "Relax madam, I'm listening," he assured her with a smirk, giving her tie one last tug. "Nee enna gavanichikum bodhu, na unna gavanichikuren avlodhan simple, Riya."

Riya rolled her eyes, laughing at his antics.

Riya: "Ohh apdingala sir, Enna gavanichadhula, konjam na sonnadha gavanichirundha exam la pass ayiralam."

Siddharth: "Yaaru sonna na gavanikalanu?" he grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I've got all the details stored up here," he tapped his forehead, "thanks to my amazing tutor."

Riya chuckled, shaking her head as she went back to explaining the concept, this time keeping a close eye on him to make sure he was actually listening.

Just a few feet away, Sruthi and Arun were in their own study session. Arun was passionately explaining photosynthesis, his arms waving around as he mimed the process of chlorophyll at work. Sruthi was trying not to laugh, highly entertained by his dramatic style.

Sruthi: "Arun, nee idhe mari hand gestures oda Namma class ku solli kuduthen uh vechiko, needhan best teacher!" she said, barely containing her laughter.

Arun struck a dramatic pose.

Arun: "Sruthi, this is serious stuff! Chlorophyll is the hero of the plant world. Respect it!"

Sruthi: "Alright, alright," she replied with a grin. "I get it, 'Professor' Arun."

A short distance away, Rahul, Vikram, and Nisha were supposedly studying, but Rahul's attention kept drifting to the students passing by. He nudged Vikram, nodding toward a girl he recognized.

Rahul: "Machan, andha ponna pathiya?" he grinned, giving a slight nod toward the girl.

Nisha noticed, her eyes narrowing as she delivered a quick pinch to his arm.

Nisha: "Rahul, keep your eyes on your book, ponnunga mela illa!"

Rahul winced, rubbing his arm.

Rahul: "Ow, Nisha! I was just-"

Nisha: "Just wasting time as usual," she finished for him, shaking her head.

Vikram laughed, setting his book aside for a second.

Vikram: "En da... thevai illama ponnunga pinnadi suthitu, Anga paaru, already rendu per epdi mattikittu irukanunganu, neeyum poi vilundhuradha."

Rahul: "Says the guy who's probably secretly writing anti-love slogans somewhere," Rahul joked.

Vikram: "Maybe I am," he replied with a smirk. "Let's just say, staying focused on studies never disappoints."

Before they could continue, the bell rang, and a wave of nervous excitement swept over the students as they packed up and headed to their exam hall.