Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 37

Siddharth reacted instantly, grabbing her arm and pulling her close to his side. The bottle slipped from Priya's fingers, crashing to the floor with a loud clink as it shattered, drawing everyone's attention.

The entire lab turned to see the commotion, and Ms. Sharma, who had been assisting other students, hurried over, her face stern.

Ms. Sharma: "What's going on here?" she asked, her sharp gaze shifting from Siddharth and Riya to Priya who quickly adopted an innocent look.

Ms. Sharma: "Riya, I don't believe you're supposed to be at this station. Explain yourself."

Priya seized the opportunity, putting on her sweetest, most apologetic voice.

Priya: "Yes, Mam. I was trying to focus, but it's hard when Riya isn't staying in her place. Accidents like this could be dangerous for all of us, don't you think?"

Siddharth clenched his fists, but Riya gave him a subtle look, indicating she had it handled.

Turning to Ms. Sharma, Riya maintained a calm tone.

Riya: "Mam, I didn't mean to disrupt anyone. I only came over to make sure Siddharth was aware of the potential risks... with his project partner."

Ms. Sharma's eyes narrowed further, as she looked from Riya to Priya.

Ms. Sharma: "Potential risks?" she echoed, clearly curious.

Riya: "Yes Mam. Firstla irundhe Priya gavanama illama Ella things um careless ah handle pannitu iruka. Just now, she 'accidentally' tipped over a vial, and it nearly spilled on me. I wouldn't want her project to be affected by accidents like that. So adha konjam epdi handle pannanumnu sollalamnu vandhen."

Priya's face flushed as she stammered,

Priya: "But that was just- I mean, I didn't mean-"

Ms. Sharma held up a hand, silencing her.

Ms. Sharma: "Priya, this isn't the first time I've seen a lack of caution from you. Riya's concerns are quite valid. Chemicals are not toys to be handled carelessly."

The murmuring around them grew, and Priya's composure faltered as she glanced around, seeing other students exchange knowing looks.

Ms. Sharma continued, her tone firm.

Ms. Sharma: "One more mishap, Priya, and you'll be pulled from this project. Understood?"

Priya, unable to mask her anger, nodded stiffly.

Priya: "Yes, Mam," she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Ms. Sharma turned her attention back to Riya.

Ms. Sharma: "As for you, Riya, I appreciate your concern, but remember to stay focused on your own project. Now back to your workstation, both of you."

Riya nodded respectfully.

Riya: "Of course, Mam. Thank you." She returned to her station with a small, satisfied smile, knowing that Priya had received a taste of her own medicine.

As she settled back into her work with Arun, she noticed Siddharth watching her with an amused smile. Riya gave him a quick thumbs-up, proud of having turned the tables on Priya.

After Ms. Sharma returned to her duties, Priya tried to shake off the embarrassment. As she saw Siddharth still working quietly beside her, she decided to switch tactics, and leaning closer to him.

Priya: "Siddharth," she began softly, her tone honeyed, "Na avaluku endha kedudhalum nenaikala, you know. Neenga enna thappa purinjitu irukinga." She looked up at him with wide eyes, attempting to appear as genuine as possible. "I know you care about her, but you don't see the way she always looks for attention."