Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 53

Please read the note at the end. I want you all to leave comment about the story.

_____

The football ground was filled with cheers and murmurs as the deciding penalty shootout began.

The match between the White Team led by Siddharth and the Blue Team led by a guy named Prakash had been intense, with both sides giving their all. Now, the fate of the game hung on this crucial shootout.

From the sidelines, students gathered to watch, their excitement palpable.

Riya, standing with Nisha, Vikram and Sruthi, clasped her hands tightly in prayer, her heart pounding in anticipation. Beside them, Priya cheered enthusiastically for Siddharth.

Riya's eyes flicked over to Priya, who was loudly chanting Siddharth's name. Annoyance flared in her chest, but she chose to ignore it.

Riya : "Focus on the game, Riya. Don’t let her get to you." She said to herself, muttering.

As she continued to watch, her eyes caught something unsettling. The Yellow Team Captain, Kishore, standing near the sidelines in support of the Blue Team, kept giving her lingering glances every time she cheered for Siddharth.

At the same time, she noticed Prakash, throwing Siddharth odd looks from the field, his expression laced with something sinister.

Riya: "En ivanga rendu perum orumari pakkuranga..."

From the field, Siddharth’s tension was evident. Earlier during the match, Prakash had muttered something about Riya while passing him on the field. Though Siddharth had clenched his fists, his self-control prevailed as he let it go, knowing that everyone closely watching.

___

The shootout began, and the pressure was at its peak. The Blue Team scored their first penalty, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Next, Arun from the White Team stepped up confidently and scored a flawless goal, tying the game.

Riya: "Come on, Sid. You’ve got this."

Siddharth’s turn came, and the entire field held its breath. He struck the ball with precision, sending it soaring into the net. The White Team erupted in celebration as Siddharth’s goal secured their victory.

Riya: "Yes! Well done, Sid!"

But her celebration was cut short when she noticed Prakash glaring at Siddharth, his jaw tight with anger.

The coach and PE master congratulated the White Team on their victory and left the field to prepare for the next games. But the tension between Siddharth and Prakash simmered beneath the surface.

Siddharth approached Prakash, his voice low but firm.

Siddharth: "I don’t care if we’re on the field or off it. Aana inime Riya va pathi edhachu pesuna na summa irukamatten."

Prakash smirked, taking a step closer.

Prakash: "Why? Did I hit a nerve? You’re too sensitive, Siddharth. Nanga dhan pathome neeyum avalum onna storage roomla irundhu veliya vandhadha... Enna Kishore aana dhana?"

Rahul: "Prakash, vena... It's none of your business!"

Prakash: "Enna friend ah sonnadhum kovam varudha..."

Kishore: "Adhana, Unmaiya sonna kovam varadhana seiyum..."

Vikram: "Sid, nee va polam. Avanunga kitta pesuna nammakudhan time waste."

Siddharth’s fists clenched, his jaw tightening as he tried to keep his temper in check.

Siddharth: "Watch your mouth, Prakash. You don’t know what you’re talking about."