ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟴𝟯: 𝗨𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗲

>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

The waves crashed gently against the shore, scattering salt-scented mist into the cooling evening air. The three of them—Shakthi, Mithra, and Anjali—found a spot on the sand where the tide didn’t quite reach. As always, Mithra wriggled herself into the middle, wedging between Shakthi and Anjali.

403 rolled his eyes but didn’t comment, pulling his knees up lazily while 601 silently fixed her gaze on the horizon.

Ippo Ananya ku call panlama?

(Shall we call Ananya now?)

Mithra asked suddenly, glancing at Shakthi. Her voice was casual, but there was a little lift of eagerness in it.

Shakthi chuckled and nodded. She quickly dialed Ananya’s number and put the phone on speaker.

The call rang a few times before Ananya finally picked up.

(Before Ananya sat by the pool in chap 80)

Hello?

Happy birthday, Ananya!

Mithra and Shakthi chorused together.

601 didn’t budge. Her arms wrapped around her knees as she kept staring at the shifting sky. The golden streaks of sunset were deepening into shades of purple, but she looked at them like someone who wasn’t really seeing.

Yenga da poitinga rendu perum?

(Where are you guys?)

Ananya asked,

En kitta oru vaartha solala? Avi kitta ketta theriyadhunu solraru. I’ve been worried the whole day

(You disappeared without telling me anything. Avi doesn’t know either. I’ve been worried the whole day.)

Mithra exchanged a quick, mischievous look with Shakthi before leaning toward the phone,

Unga rendu per'uhkum konjam privacy tharlamnu dhan. Avi worked so hard preparing everything for you, after all.

(We thought you two deserved some privacy, no? Avi worked so hard preparing everything for you, after all.)

Shakthi grinned and added,

Aprom? Yepdi en bro panna yerpadhulam?

(So? How is my bro's preparations going on?)

On the other end, silence. Ananya then composed herself, the blush in her cheeks betraying her facade as she nonchalantly answered,

Yea, yea… okay dhan

Mithra and Shakthi shared a knowing glance, letting the teasing carry the mood. But as the conversation flowed, Mithra suddenly looked at Anjali—still refusing to acknowledge the call, still lost in her own world. With a quick decision, Mithra disabled the speaker, thrusting the phone into Anjali’s startled hands.

Anjali blinked.

Pesitu irunga

(You talk)

Mithra insisted firmly. Before Anjali could argue, Mithra stood, tugging Shakthi along.

Va anga poi yelaneer vangitu varlam

(Come, we’ll get coconuts.)

she added cheekily, and then they were gone, leaving Anjali staring at the screen in disbelief.

She hesitated, then slowly pressed the phone to her ear.

…Hello?

There was silence for a heartbeat, and then Ananya’s voice warmed with surprise.