Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 48

It was nearly midnight, and Siddharth’s room buzzed with a chaotic energy.

Arun, Rahul, and Vikram had decided to stay the night, refusing to leave their friend alone on his birthday. All four of them were sprawled on Siddharth’s bed, a mobile propped up on a pillow as they watched a random action movie.

Siddharth was sandwiched between Arun and Vikram, and his annoyance was evident.

Siddharth: "Konjam thalli padunga da, na onnum pillow illa..."

Vikram: "Well, technically, you are right now." He quipped, elbowing Siddharth playfully.

Arun laughed, deliberately leaning more on Siddharth.

Arun: "And a very comfy one, I must say."

Rahul joined in, dramatically flopping on Siddharth’s legs.

Rahul: "Idhudhan da vaazhkai!! The king-sized Sid cushion."

Siddharth groaned, shoving at them half-heartedly.

Siddharth: "Unga thollai thaangala da yebba...Apove sonnen enga ammata ivanungala sekkadha ma nu..." He ranted.

Arun: "Sid darling!!! Ipdilam sollalama... Nanga illama unnala iruka mudiyadhunu theriyum. Anaalum nee ipdi pesuradhu kashtama iruku..." He chirped in girly voice.

Vikram and Rahul bursted out in laughters.

But no amount of teasing could distract him from the storm brewing in his mind. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, he grew quieter, his thoughts spiraling.

Did Riya faint again, like during the trip?

Is something bad happened to her?

What if she’s with Raghav?

What if she is having fever and can't use mobile?

Is she still angry at me? Is that why she hasn’t messaged or called?

Each thought stung more than the last. His friends, however, were determined to keep him from sulking.

Arun: "Deii vicky!!! Thalli padu!! I called dibs on lying beside Sid!" He declared, pushing Vikram aside.

Vikram: "Excuse me, Arun, but I am the senior friend here. So, enakudhan first priority..." He retorted, refusing to budge.

Rahul: "Neenga rendu perum illa,  Siddharth clearly loves me more," He chimed in, flopping over Siddharth’s chest with exaggerated affection.

Siddharth: "Kaduvuleyy!! Ipo thalli poringala illa thalli vidatuma..." He yelled, trying to push all three off the bed.

Arun: "Deii, ivan idhuve Riya va irundha katti pudichitu irundhurupan, hmmkoom. Namma enna avlo kevalama poitoma ipdi pandran."

Siddharth: "Seruppu pinjirum, avala pathi pesuningana..."

Rahul: "Ohh, apdiya sid!! Iniku fulla unna sandhosama vechikita engala vida avandhan mukkiyama?"

Arun: "Oora therinjikittan ulagam purinjikittan kanmani en kanmani!!!" He sang but seeing Siddharth taking a pillow to hit him.

Arun: "I need to use the restroom," he declared, hopping off the bed.

Rahul: "Nanum," he said, following him.

Vikram: "Wait for me!" He added, trailing behind.

Siddharth waved them off.

Siddharth: "Finally, some peace," he muttered, lying back down. He picked up his phone, scrolling to Riya’s contact for the umpteenth time. Still no message. No missed calls. Nothing.