ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟴𝟮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

403 had a blissful night. The kind of sleep where the world could be crumbling outside and he still wouldn't stir. 403 sprawled across the hotel bed like a king, snoring softly, wrapped in his cocoon of dreams. Peaceful, content, and absolutely oblivious.

But the same could not be said for 601.

When 601 finally stepped out of her room in the morning, she looked as though she had gone twelve rounds with her own thoughts. Her hair was neat enough, but her eyes gave her away—dark circles heavy, her face pale, expression unreadable. 403 spotted her immediately as he closed his own door, frown deepening.

What even happened to you?

he asked, genuine concern cutting into his voice.

601 lifted her head, meeting his eyes without a word. The poker face was flawless, but those dark shadows beneath her eyes were impossible to hide.

403 gasped dramatically, clutching his chest but her glare silenced him. That sharp, wordless look could have frozen fire.

He cleared his throat, looking away, mumbling, 

Right... never mind.

Just then, Mithra appeared, fresh as morning dew, humming as she locked her door. 

Ready ah? Polama?

(You both ready?)

she asked, her cheerful tone slicing through the tension. She motioned for them to follow, and together the three of them made their way toward the elevators. Mithra naturally slipped into the middle, walking between Shakthi and Anjali.

As the elevator dinged open, Shakthi leaned slightly toward Mithra, lowering his voice. 

Yenna achu avaluku? yedho pei'ya maatha madhiri iruka?

(What's wrong with her? Why does she look like someone saw a ghost?)

Mithra glanced at Anjali discreetly, then shrugged. 

Therila, ana night full'ah thungala'nu nenaikiren. Ingayum angayum thriumbitu irundha. Pudhu yedham nala pola

(I don't know. She was tossing and turning the whole night. Maybe she just had trouble sleeping in a new place.)

Shakthi nodded, quite convinced.

They checked out of the hotel smoothly and soon piled into the car, setting off for their road trip. It was meant to be a calm, easy drive. Nothing rushed, no schedules—just the three of them winding through roads until they returned home later that night.

As the car eased onto the highway, Mithra suddenly asked,

Ananya'ku call pani wish panvoma?

(Should we call Ananya and wish her?)

Shakthi quickly shook his head. 

Vena, vena. Unga anna innum namba mela kadupula irupaaru. Evening pole call panvom

(No, no. If we call now, your brother will still be sulking in anger. Better to call in the evening, when he's cooled down.)

Mithra chuckled, shaking her head. 

En annan'ah pathi enna vida unaku dhan nalla theriyum polae

( Seems like you know my brother even more than me)

403 grinned and the moment her attention shifted, he risked a glance into the backseat mirror. His heart skipped. 601 was staring at him, eyes sharp as knives, her glare daring him to say one more word.