Love in shadows

A Tangled Web of Emotions

Under the Shade of the Tree

Ramya noticed that Druv kept shaking his head repeatedly. The impact of the car crashing into the tree had caused him a slight jolt, and shards of glass were tangled in his hair.

Ramya wasn’t injured because the car had collided with the tree on Druv’s side.

She asked him with concern, “Are you okay?”

Druv rubbed his forehead, looked at her with a faint smile, and said in a teasing tone, “I’m with you, what do you think? You’re a headache. I mean, I get hurt, but the way you ask is as if I’m the one to blame!”

Ramya ignored his remark and said, “Alright, save the sarcasm for later. Give me your phone now.”

Druv asked in surprise, “Why on earth should I give you my phone?”

Ramya replied sharply, “Because thanks to your kindness, my phone fell during our argument. My mom must be worried about me.”

“Now either hand it over directly, or I know how to take it my way. Keep that in mind!”

Feeling her stern tone, Druv sighed and said, “I don’t want to argue with you.”

Saying this, he reluctantly handed her his phone.

Druv moved closer, staring deeply into her eyes, and in a slow but captivating tone, he warned, “Don’t tell anyone about this.”

Ramya’s gaze seemed to linger on his face.

After a while, she picked up the phone and called her mom.

On the other end, her mother’s worried voice came through, “Who is it? Ramya, is that you?”

Ramya replied softly, “Yes, Mom, it’s me.”

Her mother’s anxious voice bombarded her with questions, “Where are you? It’s almost morning, where are both of you? And why is your phone off?”

Ramya smiled and said, “Mom, relax. Don’t worry.”

She glanced at Druv with a faint smile and jokingly said, “Mom, nothing much. Some dogs chased us on the road, and my phone fell. And Sia’s phone was left at home.”

Druv suddenly looked shocked, “What? Dogs?”

Ramya glared at him and whispered, “Shh, my mom is listening.”

“I thought you had gone to bed, so I decided to drop Sia home. But I’m here, at Sia’s house. Don’t worry, I’ll be home by morning.”

Her mom lovingly scolded her, “You’ll never change, will you? When will you stop worrying me?”

Ramya jokingly said, “Mom, it’s not good for your age to be this worried.”

Her mom knew her habits well and understood that Ramya could take care of herself.

Finally, Ramya said, “I’ll hang up now, Mom. This phone isn’t mine.”

Her mom slowly ended the call, and Ramya took a deep breath, looking at Druv.

Druv replied in a teasing tone, “Drama queen, huh? What was this ‘dog excuse’? Are you throwing shade at me? Who told you to butt in?”

Leaning toward him with a sarcastic tone, Ramya said, “I made up the excuse for your sake. Otherwise, you’d be in jail, and I’d be the one testifying.”

The person Druv had called finally arrived with his car. Both of them sat in the car. As the car gained speed, Ramya said without any preamble, “Druv, take me to Sia. I need to make sure she’s safe with that crazy Jon.”

Druv tightened his grip on the steering wheel, raised an eyebrow, and asked, “What did you say to her again? Learn to speak with some respect. How much do you even know about him?”

Ramya rolled her eyes, but this time she was a little calmer. There was a slight pause in her voice.

She folded her arms and sat upright, facing forward, trying not to irritate Druv too much, especially since he was already injured.

“Look,” Ramya took a deep breath and said in a calm tone, “I don’t care about him. I just want to make sure my friend is okay.”

And, yes, don’t try talking too much, my mind is already messed up.”

Druv chuckled and teased her, “I’m amazed! Someone’s actually talking calmly? This must be so difficult for you. Sitting quietly for so long, huh?”

Ramya snapped back, “Don’t get too happy, got it? Just drive me, or I’ll get out of the car and go on my own!”

Druv laughed lightly, shook his head, and said, “You really never change. Alright, your highness, I’m taking you. But don’t think this calm act of yours will last long.”

Ramya shot him a glare and said, “You should strangle your jokes. Don’t try to be funny, it doesn’t suit you.”

Ignoring her comment, Druv increased the speed of the car.

Ramya decided to remain silent, but her eyes kept glaring at Druv. As for Druv, completely unfazed by her, he was smiling while driving as though playing with a storm.

In the open fields, unfamiliar emotions.

Druv looked at her and in a playful tone said, “We’ve arrived, madam. Now you can struggle to get out of the car.”

As soon as Druv and Ramya got out of the car, Ramya paused for a moment. She looked around at the beauty of the surroundings. In the open fields, this place felt like a piece of paradise. The cool mountain breeze was brushing through her hair.

Ramya glared at him and, without saying anything, walked toward the inside. Druv, smiling, followed her.

As soon as they entered, they saw Sia sitting comfortably on the bed. There was food in front of her, and zion was forcing her to eat.

Ramya quickly ran to Sia and asked, “Are you okay? No problems?”