Love in shadows

A New Threat Looms

As soon as they stepped out of the college canteen, Ramya and Siya were laughing and chatting. Just then, Ramya’s phone rang. She picked it up and smiled, “Yes, Mom, tell me… what mistake did I make now?”

On the other end, her mother spoke in a tone filled with both annoyance and affection, “Don’t even talk about mistakes! You came home and went straight to meet your Siya? Didn’t even think about your mother?”

Ramya playfully replied, “Oh, Mom, you know I can’t stay without you for even a minute! But what can I do? Meeting Siya was important.”

Siya, who was smiling at Ramya’s teasing, spoke in her sweet, cheerful voice, “Namaste, Aunty Ji! How are you?”

Ramya's mother laughed and said, "I’m fine, dear. But who knows what mischief you two are up to? By the way, does this Ramya of yours even come home, or does she spend all day with you?"

Siya chuckled and replied, "Oh, Aunty, don’t worry. Ramya is on her way to you. I’m just bidding her farewell."

Ramya playfully glared at Siya and said on the phone, "Mom, do you see this? She’s plotting to get rid of me!"

Ramya’s mother laughed. "No problem, Siya dear. You both take your time and chat. Anyway, we’re meeting for dinner tonight. You should come too." With that, she ended the call.

Siya laughed and said, “i***t! You should go. Your mother must be waiting for you. At least meet her first.”

Ramya glanced at Siya and replied, “No matter what you say, I’m not leaving you alone.”

Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Siya’s face. That was just how Ramya was—she always stood by the people she cared about.

Ramya remembered how, during her parents’ divorce, Siya had always been there for her. When Ramya fought with everyone and struggled with loneliness, Siya never let go of her hand.

Perhaps that was why today, the thought of leaving Siya alone in a difficult time didn’t even cross Ramya’s mind.

Both of them started walking outside the college, chatting.

As soon as they stepped out of the college canteen, Ramya and Siya enjoyed the light, cool breeze while talking. In her usual playful tone, Ramya said, “You were really planning to get rid of me, weren’t you? You even told my mom on the phone that I was ‘just about to leave!’ Wow, Siya! You’re my true enemy.”

Siya laughed and replied, “If you had seen your mom’s anger, you would have sent me away yourself! And anyway, moms are like gods. I’m not taking the risk of making her angry.”

Ramya pretended to be annoyed and said, “Forget gods, she’s my boss! And I can’t go against my boss. But listen, I’ll tell Mom that Siya was the one who held me back.”

Siya gave her a light push and said, “Oh, Ramya! You’re so dramatic. Now come on, or else your mom will actually complain about me.”

They were walking through a narrow lane when Ramya suddenly pointed at the bag Siya was holding and asked, “What’s in this? Why are you holding it so carefully?”

Siya looked a little nervous and said, “Nothing, just some college documents.”

Ramya eyed her suspiciously and said, “You’re lying, aren’t you? Is it something related to Kartik?”

Siya laughed and said, “Why do you see Kartik everywhere? Let me live in peace!”

Ramya took a deep breath and said, “Alright.”

Siya simply nodded with a slight smile.

Ramya gave her a suspicious look but didn’t say anything. They kept wandering around, lost in conversation, and didn’t even realize when evening had set in.

Ramya’s Home and Siya’s Memories

In the evening, both of them reached Ramya’s house. As soon as the door opened, Ramya’s mother pulled her into a hug. “My girl is finally home! What took you so long today? Or were you planning to run away with Siya?”

Ramya smiled and said, “Mom, you know how time just flies when I’m with my friends.”

Siya, who had been watching this loving moment between mother and daughter, suddenly drifted into her own thoughts. A wave of nostalgia hit her as she remembered her own mother. She tried to recall the last time she had hugged her.

Siya’s family lived in a different city—her mother, father, and younger brother were all there. She had left home to pursue her studies and career in this city. Every month, she sent a significant part of her earnings back home.

But in the hustle of her busy life, she had forgotten the last time she had truly spent time with her family.

She remembered how, when she was a child, her mother would hug her during every little struggle and say, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.” But now, after growing up, no one hugged her like that anymore. As memories of those days resurfaced, Siya’s eyes welled up slightly.

Ramya noticed the sadness in Siya’s eyes. She immediately walked over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong, Siya?”

Siya quickly wiped her moist eyes and said, “Nothing, just… old memories came rushing back.”

Sensing her sorrow, Ramya’s mother placed a hand on Siya’s forehead and asked, “Is everything okay, dear? You seem a little down.”

Siya hid her emotions behind a faint smile and said, “Yes, aunty. Everything is fine. Just a little tired.”

Ramya, who had understood everything by now, placed her hand on Siya’s shoulder and gently said, “You can hide anything, Siya, but not from me.”

Siya didn’t respond. A tear slipped from her eye, which she quickly wiped away.

Ramya, trying to lighten the mood, said, “You know, I think you’re missing a hug. I’m not a monkey, but I can still manage to give you one. Come on, come here. I’ll hug you.”

Both of them burst into laughter. Ramya’s mother, seeing the moment, smiled and said, “You two will never outgrow this childishness.”

But Siya knew that this wasn’t just childishness. It was the bond of friendship that had supported her through the toughest times of her life.

Ramya said, “Alright, let’s eat. And Siya, today you’re having dinner here without any excuses. Got it?”

Siya smiled and said, “Fine. I can’t miss the food at your place.”

Mystery

Outside Ramya's bungalow, a black car was parked.

Someone was waiting for Siya to come out. Was Siya’s life in danger again? What did the report in Siya’s hand contain, the one she wasn’t showing to anyone? Was this a sign of a new trouble looming on the horizon?