ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟳𝟱: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁

>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

Avi sat in his cabin, absently tapping a pen against his palm, eyes fixed on the blank notepad in front of him. He'd been trying to plan something for Ananya's birthday for the past hour, but nothing felt right. Balloons and cake, A surprise party? And a luxurious gift maybe? A car? A trip? Still, something about it didn’t sit well with him.

His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet knock on the glass wall. He looked up just in time to spot Anjali standing outside Ananya’s cabin, holding what looked like a folder. Her face was unreadable, but there was a nervousness in her stance—shoulders slightly hunched, hands fidgeting with the file's edges.

Just then, Ananya stepped out of her cabin. Their eyes met for a brief second.

But Ananya didn’t stop. Her gaze hardened instantly, lips pressing into a thin line. Without a word, she turned on her heel and walked off down the corridor, her steps brisk and her face unreadable.

Anjali remained rooted in place, guilt radiating off her. She swallowed, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, the file now clutched tightly against her chest. Avi, who had watched the whole exchange through the glass, felt a heavy click in his mind.

So that’s what yesterday had been about.

Without thinking, Avi stood and stepped out of his cabin. The corridor was unusually quiet for a weekday. Most of the team was out for lunch. It gave him just enough privacy to walk up to Anjali.

Avala thappa yeduthukadhinga

(Don’t take it to heart)

he said calmly, not accusing, not angry—just honest.

She really likes you. She just… needs some time.

Anjali looked up, startled. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of him—Avinash, speaking on someone else's behalf. Him? Of all people?

She blinked, still processing it. There was no trace of sarcasm in his voice, no smug grin or dry wit. Just a quiet sincerity she had never associated with him. A kind of concern… a softness she didn’t think he was even capable of.

As Avi turned to leave, she called out.

Naaliki ava birthday'kaga yenna plan pannirukinga?

(What have you planned for her birthday tomorrow?)

He stopped mid-step, turned slightly to glance at her over his shoulder.

Yosichitu iruken

(I’ve been thinking)

he admitted, scratching the back of his neck.

Maybe veliya kutitu poi yedachum vangu tharuven nenaikiren. Avakitta car illa, so maybe something like that? I don't know.

(Maybe I’ll take her out somewhere and buy her something, I’m thinking. She doesn’t have a car, so maybe something like that? I don’t know)

Anjali shook her head gently.

Stay home with her.

Avi frowned.

What?

Avala yengayum kutitu pogadhinga

(Don’t take her out anywhere)

Anjali said, voice calm but firm.

Let her stay. At home

He turned fully now, brows furrowed, clearly confused.