Fragile Hearts

C h a p t e r - 58

The next day:

At afternoon, the group was gathered around their usual table, laughter echoing as they teased Vikram. The subject of their amusement sat red-faced, clutching a folded letter.

Rahul: "Come on, Vikram. Open it already! Apdi enna irukapodhu adhula... Will you marry me ya irukapodhu..Unaku avlo scene lam illa."

Vikram: "Vaaya moodra naaye! Unnaku sonna puriyadhu. I think… I think it’s her."

He glanced nervously out the window.

Nisha: "Ohhh!! The mysterious girl from the exam hall, right?

Vikram nodded vigorously, and the group burst into laughter.

Sruthi: "Kaadhal vandhuruchu pahh!! Namma paiyanuku..."

Vikram: "Enakahhh illaye...adhu modhal love letter ah neyy therila.." He voice became low.

Riya: "You’re such a drama queen. Just open the letter, Vikram!"

Rahul snatched the letter from Vikram’s hand, pretending to open it.

Rahul: "Dear Vikram, your handwriting sucks, but I love you anyway—"

Vikram: "Give it back, idiot!"

Vikram tumbled over the table, dragging Rahul to the floor. The room erupted in laughter as they scrambled to their feet.

Nisha: "Careful, Vikram! Andha ponnu inga engaiyachu irundhu unna pathutu iruka pora. Don’t embarrass yourself more than you already have!"

Riya and Sruthi looked around of anyone watching them. They all laughed harder as Vikram covered his face.

Sruthi: "Vekkama Vikram?"

Vikram: "I hate all of you."

His face turned bright red, his shy demeanor growing more evident.

Meanwhile, Siddharth walked into the canteen, his eyes scanning the table before landing on Arun. Without a word, he turned and walked to a distant bench, sitting with his back to the group, his expression blank.

The laughter died down as everyone noticed Siddharth’s retreat, but Arun remained silent. The others exchanged worried glances.

Rahul: "Here we go again. Deii Sid!! Elundhu inga vaa..."

Vikram: "Machan... Nee iru. Namma kupta nammalaiyum kathuvan. Hey Nisha nee poi kupdu..."

Rahul: "Hey vena vena, edhuku ava thitu vangava. Riya nee po ma... Un purushandhana..."

Riya: "Wait. I’ll talk to him."

Riya stood and walked toward Siddharth. He didn’t look up as she approached, his fingers drumming lightly on the table.

Riya: "Sid, edhuku inga ukkandhuruka. Ellarum unakudhana wait pandrom."

Siddharth: "Illa na ingaye iruken, nee poi sapdu."

Riya: "No, nee vaa enkuda. Anga paru ellarum unaku dhan da waiting. Sapdu vandhu.. Na unaku pudicha lunch kondu vandhuru ken vaa..."

Siddharth’s gaze flickered to the table. His eyes met Arun’s for a brief second before they both quickly looked away.

Riya: "See? Even Arun is—"

Siddharth: "Don’t. I don’t want to talk about him."

Riya bit her lip, trying to stay calm.

Riya: "Sid, you’re being unfair—to everyone. Unga rendu per sandaila enga ellartaiyum en ipdi nadandhukura. It hurts, Sid."

Siddharth: "Riya, na solradha kelu di. Neenga ellarum sapdunga poi. Ennaku vena. Na anga vandha, aprm sanda dhan varum."