Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 40

In kitchen, Riya hummed to herself as she stirred the hot chocolate.

Riya: "Olunga vandhuru!! First time en sid kaga ready pandren..."

She’d never made it before, but she wanted it to be perfect for Siddharth. She added a bit more cocoa, tasting it, hoping he’d like it.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Siddharth sat on the couch, staring at the kitten, who stared right back.

Siddharth: "Enna da moraikura!!"

They seemed to be sizing each other up, as if they both knew they had competition. Siddharth crossed his arms and leaned toward the kitten.

Siddharth: “Inga paaru, Un kadhai ennanu ennaku theriyadhu, Aana na unna Riya kaga dhan vittu vechiruken, illana eppavo katti pottu odhachirupen.” he said in a low voice, his gaze serious. “So don’t think you’re special or anything.”

The kitten gave him an unimpressed look, as if it could care less about his opinion. It flicked its tail, looking away with superiority, and started to hop off the couch to head towards the kitchen where Riya was.

Siddharth: "Enga odura nillu," he muttered, springing up and quickly blocking the kitten’s path.

He bent down, scooping it up in his arms, even as the kitten squirmed in mild protest.

Siddharth: “You’re staying here,” he whispered firmly, placing it back on the couch. “Stay quiet until I leave, and Riya kitta poganumnu nenacha avlodhan. She’s mine, got it?”

The kitten meowed in response, clearly not pleased, but Siddharth didn’t notice Riya standing in the doorway, two steaming mugs in her hands, with an amused smile on her face.

Riya: “Yours, am I?” she teased, her voice light and filled with humor.

Siddharth turned his head, freezing for a moment as he saw her standing there, her eyes sparkling with mischief. He felt his cheeks warm up, realizing she’d overheard him.

Siddharth: "Epo vandha? Kuptrukalamla."

He said trying to recover, he managed a small smile but glared at the kitten when it purred.

Riya: "Rendu perum apdi enna pesitu irukinganu pathutu irundhen.."

She walked up behind him, setting the mugs down on the table. Then, without warning, she wrapped her arms around him from behind, her face pressed against his back.

Siddharth’s heartbeat quickened.

Siddharth: "Just a simple talk...Needhana paasama iruka sonna adhaan...Aprm."

He reached down, taking her hands in his and lifting them to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her fingers.

Siddharth: “Yeah,” he whispered softly, still holding her hands. “You’re mine.”

The kitten, watching the entire exchange, let out a small disgruntled meow and turned its head away, as if it couldn’t bear to watch their moment.

Riya chuckled and moved to stand in front of Siddharth, wrapping her arms around his waist as she hugged him fully. He held her close, feeling a deep sense of contentment wash over him. They stood like that for a while, neither wanting to let go, just lost in the warmth and peace of each other’s presence.

After a while, Riya pulled back slightly, tugging him toward the couch. She handed him one of the mugs of hot chocolate and watched, curious to see his reaction.

Riya: “Careful, it’s my first time making it,” she warned with a grin, a little bit of nervousness in her eyes.

Siddharth took a sip and smiled.