Hearts In Harmony | On Hold

02 | Results Day.

| RESHMI |

Ugh! Vikram, the epitome of annoyance. As he jogged to catch up with me after crossing the road, I couldn't help but wonder why he had to be so irritatingly persistent. I mean, seriously, who cares about his goofy attempts at humor and his constant need to be involved in everything?

But then again, despite all the irritation, there was something strangely likable about him. His carefree attitude and those ridiculous attempts at making me laugh - it's infuriatingly endearing. Why am I even acknowledging this?

I rolled my eyes as he flashed a smirk, probably proud of himself for helping me cross the road. Truth be told, I could have managed perfectly fine on my own.

"Why are you still here?" I asked, not bothering to look at him, he seemed unaffected by my attempt to chase him away. "I'm eager to get rid of you too, Chandramukhi, don't worry," he teased, maybe.

The mention of that 'chandramukhi' brought a scowl to my face. I hated that nickname, but deep down, I knew he used it just to get a reaction out of me. I could feel his eyes on me, studying my every move.

"Then leave already," I grumbled, not wanting to admit that I didn't mind his company as much as I claimed.

As we approached my house, I felt a sense of relief. Finally, I could escape Vikram's presence and have some peace. I turned to face him, a forced smile on my lips. "Well, thanks for eating my brain, I guess."

He grinned, seemingly oblivious to the internal battle I was facing. "Anytime, Chandramukhi. Don't miss me too much," he winked, earning an exaggerated eye roll from me.

As I watched him walk away, I couldn't help but smile. I know he just wanted me to reach home safely, "muttal..."

Closing the door behind me, a sigh escaped as I noticed my aunt standing before me. "Who was he?" she inquired. I lowered my gaze, began to remove my shoes, and responded, "Just a classmate from tuition."

She furrowed her brow before gently nodding, "You're aware that your appa is quite strict, right? Please don't even contemplate getting into a relationship with any guy," she advised.

I remained silent, acknowledging her concern with a nod. It's a reality I live with - a life with everything but freedom. It's like being in a gilded cage. Sometimes, I can't help but envy Kiara and Vikram; their family is so supportive and liberating.

I found my gaze fixated on the door until my sister gently placed her hand on my shoulder, "Akka, are you okay?" she inquired. I offered her a smile before standing up. She continued to look at me with a sad expression, and deep down, I have immense hate towards my mother for the choices that led us to this point. If she hadn't left us that day, we might have been closer to our appa.

"Where did you go?" Mayu, my sister, asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I looked at her and said, "Oh, the airport. To say a final goodbye to our tutor." I walked towards our room. We're currently staying in Chandigarh with our aunt while our father stays in Chennai. Our actual home is there.

Entering the room, I dropped onto the bed. "Akka, I saw the guy you came with; he looks so cute! What's his name? Is he your friend? Boyfriend?" My sister excitedly questioned.

I rolled my body on the bed before turning to her, "He's no one-"

"Not even a friend?"

"Not even a friend."