"TU_MANE_YA_NA_MANE"

21."HER CONFESSION "

Authors pov......

The Tension at the Tuition Center
Anant’s heart raced as he stepped into the familiar confines of the tuition center. Siya’s absence weighed heavily on his mind. Where could her uncle have taken her? The other students settled into their seats, and the tuition teacher began the attendance roll call.

“Where is Siya?” The teacher’s voice cut through the room.

"Here I am "

All eyes turned toward the door. There stood Siya, her presence arresting. Clutches in hand, she balanced on her feet, defying her recent fracture. Anant’s breath caught; he was astonished by the view in front of his eyes.

Siya’s arrival was a revelation. Her eyes, wide and unyielding, met Anant’s. In that charged moment, they communicated more than words ever could. But then, reality intruded—the teacher’s voice snapped their gaze apart.

“Wow, Siya, a swift recovery!” The teacher’s admiration echoed. Siya’s reply was matter-of-fact: “The fracture was minor; the doctor said no wheelchair, but I can’t walk without these crutches.” Her eyes flickered to Anant, who had been watching her all along.

Anant came near Siya and took bag from driver who was standing behind her. Anant offered his hand to Siya and siya took it with a soft smile on her face. He helped siya to walk till her seat. But then she saw that girl who was sitting with Anant in the library.

And there it was—the memory of their last encounter, the anger that had simmered between them. Siya withdrew her hand from his, turning her face away. Anant’s heart sank; he had hoped for forgiveness, but perhaps it was too soon.

In that tuition center, amidst the hushed whispers and curious glances, Anant vowed to mend their fractured connection.

Three hours of tuition classes come to an end. The students disperse, each heading home. Siya clutches her bag, attempting to stand. But suddenly, her hand slips, and she teeters on the edge of falling.

Just in time, someone catches her by the waist. She opens her eyes to find Anant, his grip firm. A relieved breath escapes her lips; she doesn’t tumble. “Let me go,” she snaps at him, her annoyance palpable.

Anant smirks, his eyes dancing. “Think twice; you might fall,” he retorts. Siya glares at him, but he steadies her as she tries to stand. Her bag rests in his hands. Siya attempts to walk, but her legs refuse.

“I can’t walk with these clutches,” she frets. “Well, you’ll have to learn,” Anant replies matter-of-factly. Siya pouts, scrutinizing him. Anant raises an eyebrow, as if saying, I can’t believe this.

He takes her bag and hoists Shaurya onto his shoulder. Siya hands the crutches to Nitin, who accepts them with a nod. Anant lifts Siya into his arms, and she widens her eyes.

“What are you doing?” she protests.

“Not my first time carrying you; why are you so surprised?” Anant teases.

They descend the stairs together, drawing curious glances from onlookers.

“Everyone’s watching us,” Siya murmurs.

“Let them,” Anant replies, unfazed.

Then they came near the parking side and Anant said " Nitin give me your scooty keys .” and Nitin passes keys to
him.

Anant settles Siya on the back seat, then hops on the scooter himself. Fifteen minutes later, they arrive outside Siya’s house.

“Guard, take Siya inside,” Anant instructs. “Why aren’t you coming?” Siya questions.