ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟳𝟯: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱

>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

Ananya had been holding it in since morning, but the moment she spotted Anjali alone near the pantry, she couldn’t hold back anymore.

Anjali, Na unkitta pesanum

(Anjali, I need to talk to you)

she said firmly.

Anjali, mid-way through opening her snack box, blinked.

Okay?

In private

Ananya added, already walking ahead, her tone heavy.

They stepped into the deserted corridor near the fire exit — a rare quiet space in the otherwise buzzing office. Ananya turned, arms folded.

Na unkitta solra yellathayum , nee Shakthi kitta solittu irukae, illa?

(You’ve been telling Shakthi everything I say, haven’t you?)

Anjali flinched, blinking rapidly she looked away and stammered,

Ananya—

Illanu mattum solladhe, na unkitta solra yellathayum avan Avi kitta poi apdhiye solitu irukan theriyuma? Avi sollidhan enake theriyum

(Don’t lie. He repeats my words almost word for word, to Avi. The things I only told you. I got to know this only afterAvi told me)

Her voice was calm, but the hurt sat heavily beneath.

Anjali’s lips parted, struggling to find footing.

Ananya, na venumne panla. He... he bugs me till I blurt it out. Enna irritate panradhu, tease panradhunu, na solrae varaikum—

(Ananya, It’s not like I want to. He... he bugs me till I blurt it out. He’ll keep irritating me, teasing, not leaving me alone until—)

That’s not an excuse,

Ananya cut in.

That doesn't make anything right!

Just then, as if summoned, a loud BGM, like the ones played in soap opearas during tense scenes was heard from behind a wall. Anjali rolled her eyes.

Shakthi

she groaned.

Sure enough, Shakthi popped his head around the corner with an exaggerated mischievous grin, holding his phone like a mic.

Go away!

Anjali shouted, pushing him back by the face.

Ananya clicked her tongue, giving him a light shove as well. He stumbled back dramatically but still lingered, eavesdropping as quietly as he could.

Ananya turned back to Anjali, this time softer — but not weaker.

Na yaarkittayum solladhadhelam unkitta sonnen. Life'la first time enakum yellame share panna oruthar irukanganu nenachen, Anjali.

(I told you things I don’t tell anyone. For once, I thought I had someone… someone I could finally share things with, Anjali. I thought I had that with you.)

Ananya had always been surrounded by people—friends, colleagues, familiar faces that filled her world. But never someone with whom she could truly be vulnerable. Never someone she could be raw with. Even after years of knowing someone, that shield around her heart never came off so easily.