The first week since the break up was the hardest for her as every minute felt burdensome while passing by.

But things took a dramatic turn since her trip to Ooty.

With Ashwin.

From strangers with weird, messy, bits and pieces of memories to two friends who gradually grew close as they hung out each day at his restaurant after she ended work.

It started with Sivaangi coming in each day for her free milkshake or so she claimed. But now, 7 months later, not a day passed without meeting each other. To Sivaangi, it's like coming back home after a long day of work. To Ashwin, its like the perfect ending to each tiring day.

Some days they would spend hours and hours chattering late at night in the dark restaurant. Some days they'd be too tired and barely talk for 10 minutes. But no matter what, she would still show up each day because the day would just seem incomplete without seeing the other.

He could be yelling at a staff that just messed up but a full smile would still make it to his face when he sees her walking in with a little wave as she always does.

She could have had the worst day in the office because of her ill-tempered and insatiable boss but the smile he gave her each time she walked in, that was enough for her to breathe in ease and sleep well at night.

He became the family she was missing and she became the family he was craving.

Even the staffs knew her as the milkshake girl or their boss's girl.

She would just be sitting on one of tables, typing away in her laptop, while he would be running around the restaurant, juggling different duties. And when they pause momentarily from whatever they're doing, their eyes would involuntarily look for the other. Sometimes they would find the other already looking at them. Sometimes they would just stare until the other finally looks at them too.

They had no idea what kind of game that was but it sure was fun.

Maybe more than fun but they preferred to leave it at fun.

On one of the nights when Ashwin was out of town for a few days, Sivaangi still stopped by the restaurant and was keeping Rakshan accompanied as he went through some bills like Ashwin always did.

Humming softly to herself, she stared at the man in front of her. From the many conversations they've had, she could tell that he was a loving boyfriend to his long-term girlfriend Azz, an experienced one too. She decided to take the chance.

"How long do I need to wait until I get into a new relationship so it isn't considered as a rebound?"

He put down the bills and curiously looked at her. "Is there anyone you like now?"

She pursed her lips, thinking for a while before safely answering. "I'm not sure if I like someone. But I'm quite sure that I'm over Dhruv. So I was just wondering."

Rakshan stared at her blankly for a moment before he started cracking up at her choice of words that were vague, confusing but still somehow made sense. It reminded him of a certain someone. Amidst his chuckles, she caught him mumbling,"match made in heaven thaan."

Ignoring what he just said, she asked. "Why? You think I moved on too fast?"

Rakshan shook his head. "No of course not. For just a 2 months relationship, it took you almost 7 months to heal. How is that fast? People usually take a month or two to heal after a one year relationship comes to an end."

"So you think this isn't fast?" She really needed to understand this.

Rakshan smiled at her. "Honestly Sivaangi, there's no magic number. Moving on, healing, falling in love again...these are matters of the heart. It's beyond human logic."

He looked at her in the eye, showing her how honest and sincere he was. "Manasuku thonuradha seiyanum instead of worrying about being judged because nee yenna pannalum you are going to get judged by someone. Everyone has different opinions and you're not here to satisfy anyone. Just do what feels right to you."

(Just listen to your heart and do what it says you to because no matter what you do, you would still get judged by someone)

She casted her eyes down and muttered shakily. "W-What if it doesn't feel right to him?"

"Who?"

He knew who it was. Not just him, the entire restaurant knew it. In fact the staffs were always betting on when the two would make it official. They thought they were being slick but everyone knew it, people were just pretending to not notice anything simply out of courtesy. And of course they didn't want to get fired by their boss who he zero tolerance for invasion of his privacy.

As expected, she remained quiet, clearly indicating that she didn't want to answer. Rakshan decided not to push her because the person who needed the push wasn't her, but the man who wasn't there currently.

Rakshan sincerely looked at the woman who he had grown fond of too. From the crazy girl who slapped Ashwin, to Dhruv's ex-girlfriend who got cheated, then Ashwin's long lost crush, and then the brazen milkshake girl, she had definitely evolved to be a sweet little sister to him. She was someone he had started caring for too. He really didn't want her to get hurt.

"Sivaangi," he called her to get her complete attention as he said, "if he doesn't feel this is right, then maybe you need to rethink if he's actually right for you."

....

"Yenaku oru wall venum." She caught Rakshan's attention when she called Ashwin and asked for the most ridiculous thing.

(I want a wall)

"Yedhuku?" Rakshan loudly asked before snatching the phone from her hand. "Yenamo plan panra, nadu theruvula niruthiduva, ushara iru."

(For what?) (she's planning something, you better be careful or you might end up in the streets)

"Yedhuku Ma?" Ashwin's voice was heard through the device.

(What do you need it for?)

She snatched back her phone from the older man and pouted while shaking her head firmly. "Adhulam solla mudiyadhu, yenaku andha wall venum."

(I can't tell you why, I just need the wall)

"Yedhukunu sollama kuduka mudiyathu!" Rakshan knew how to be firm too.

(You're not getting anything unless you tell me why you need it!)

"Neenga yaaru yenna question panrathuku?" She fired back.

(Who are you to question me?)

Rakshan scoffed loudly. "Naa yaara? Indha restaurant owner naanum thaan."

(Who am I? I am the owner of this restaurant too!)

"Unga opinion theva illa. Naa majority shareholder ta pesikuren. Neenga konjam..." she gestured with her hands, asking him to keep his mouth shut.

(I don't need your opinion. I'll talk to the majority shareholder. You can shut it)

"Business details varaikum yellamey solliyacha? Ever heard about secrets?!" Rakshan was fuming as he yelled into the phone.

(You tell her everything?)

"Periya indha secret! Ashwin yen kitta yellamey sollitaru. I even know about the tattoo." She proudly shared with an evil smirk.

(You talk like it's some top secret! Ashwin told me everything)

Ashwin's pleas for through the phone to calm them down were collectively ignored by both of them as the conversation got heated.

"What tattoo?" Rakshan grew worried.

She giggled and her eyes started moving to his lower body. "The one that you got when you were drunk on your-"

Rakshan grew red and snatched the phone to yell at his former friend who was now a betrayer. "Neelam manushan ah da?!"

(You call yourself a human?!)

She grabbed the phone again and talked over Ashwin who was desperately trying to reason on why he revealed the embarrassing tattoo of Rakshan to her.

"I'm taking over this wall, idhu thaan windows ku opposite la iruku, sunlight direct ah reflect aagum."

(This is opposite the window, the sunlight will be directly reflected on it)

With a kind smile, she gave back the phone. "Ippo neenga unga fight ah continue panlam."

(You can continue your fight now)

...

Ashwin returned from his short trip, expecting the restaurant to be in disarray as it always did in his absence.

But he had no time to go haywire with his staffs because something else managed to obtain his undivided attention.

His jaw dropped at the wall that was opposite the large windows. The wall that had been transformed drastically since he left. And the changes were all made by the tiny fingers that had the magical powers to turn everything divinely beautiful when she touched it.

"How's it?" Her voice broke him out of the trance the newly painted wall managed to send him into.

Ashwin couldn't find any words at all. No words were adequate to describe the painting on the wall, the emotions that were stirred up in him.

He fumbled with his words and mindlessly uttered."Azhaga iruku...romba azhaga iruku. Yenaku sea, lake, falls, beach, indha madhri water bodies romba romba pudikum. Unaku yepdi theriyum Sivaangi?"

(It's beautiful...so beautiful. How did you know I love water bodies like the sea, lake, falls or beach?)

She simply smiled, facing the wall she had turned into a masterpiece. "People who are drawn to water are known to be a gentle, comforting, giving soul with a sensitive nature. Ungala pathaley kandu pudichidalam."

(I can tell just by looking at you)

The plain white wall was completely lost and forgotten. Now it was the sky and sea, splayed with different shades of blue. Both connected and blended into one, Ashwin couldn't even see where was the line that parted them.

He couldn't believe she had single-handedly spent hours to paint the large wall. "Yedhuku ivlo kashtam pattu-"

(Why so much trouble-)

"Ungalukaga thaan." She easily answered.

(For you.)

"Yenakaga vaa?" His voice faltered.

(For me?)

"Aama." She nodded confidently. Sivaangi would never spend this much of time, effort and energy for anyone or anything even if you pay her a billion. It was undoubtedly for him.

(Yes)

She pointed to the wall and cheerfully asked. "Do you see the two boats there?"

He narrowed his eyes. "I thought they were supposed to be ships."

She rolled her eyes. "Seri okay ship ney vechikalam. What do you feel when you look at the ships?"

(Okay fine let them be ships then)

"Avlo periya kadal la thaniya iruku." He said the fist thing that came to his mind.

(They seem to be alone in the large ocean)

"But thaniya illaye. Indha ship kooda andha ship iruku, adhey madhri andha ship kooda indha ship iruku. Aprom yepdi thaniya irukunu solla mudiyum?" She sounded like a teacher as she explained with the most gentle smile.

(But they're not alone. This ship is with that ship. And that ship is with this ship. Then how can you say they're alone?)

When Ashwin was still trying to process what she just said, she further elaborated. "Both the ships are scared and lonely. But they are not alone in the sea. Kadal la irukura oru oru ship andha loneliness ah feel pannum."

(Every ship in the sea would feel this loneliness)

Some ships leave from the harbour in a group, but some ships take off on their own. But that's the thing, it doesn't matter. Because each ship would be off on its own path and route. Every ship will seep into a terrifying loneliness in the middle of the dark sea at least once during it's journey.

"There's solidarity in solitude. There's solitude in solidarity. This makes us all humans. It feels like a curse but it's also comforting. Isn't it weirdly comforting to know that you're not the only one feeling lonely?"

Ashwin only realised how his body pitifully trembled until her hand gently grazed his arm, in an attempt to calm him down. And it somehow worked.

"And one more thing." A meaningful smile formed on her face as she eyed the little ships. "No matter how large the sea is, no matter how stormy the weather is, sometimes the waves will bring two ships together regardless of how far they wander."

"All the ship needs to do is, turn and look around. Because there's probably a ship standing beside it  already, waiting for it. Oru thadava thirumbi pathura matiyanu yekathoda pakkathulaye oru ship wait panlam."

(A ship might be waiting right by its side, just tearing for it turn and look at least once)

"Adha thirumbi patha..." She turned to his side. "At least we can be lonely together. A little less lonely together."

(If you turn and look...)

Instinctively, he turned to look at her. She felt layers of unsettling emotions bubbling in her chest when she noticed his eyes pricking with tears.

A great pang gripped her heart and she didn't think she could watch a single teardrop land on his cheek. The lingering pain and sadness in his eyes as he stared at her were enough to rip her apart.

He looked at her like she was everything. Literally everything. Like she was the remedy to every pain he had been blessed with since birth. Like she was the spell that broke through every curse casted upon him. Like she was the angel that dragged him out of the pits of hell.

As if she could read his mind, she did exactly that. Without thinking much, she leaned in and stood on her tippy toes. He could feel her warm breath as she moved in. She lingered momentarily and his heart started racing like a mad man.

Before Ashwin could register what she was about to do, he already felt her soft lips on skin.

Sivaangi's lips alighted on his cheek like a dew freckled petal caught in a breeze, so soft and with the smallest hint of coolness.

It was soft and light. And quick. In fact too quick. Like a tiny feather than brushed against his cheek before his it flew far away.

She pulled away within seconds. Ashwin's entire body went stiff, he couldn't move, speak, breathe or function at all.

Fear arose in him as he thought she might say something now. But she never did. At least not verbally. But Ashwin couldn't feel relieved.

Because, her eyes at that moment told him something even more. An emotion that emanated from her soul. A tender care that he's never seen in anyone before.

What she displayed wasn't the adoring eyes they usually shot each other with every time m their eyes met.

This was a serious emotion that could go deep, deep into a space where it's dark and she needed him there, as the only light to perceive; to understand; to see, clearly.

She was in love.

And it wasn't gravity that held him on this universe anymore but her. Her love did.

She walked away without another word.

The very next day when she came to the restaurant as always, he kept avoiding her eyes even when she talked about things that were completely unrelated to the recent incident.

Finally when the business hours were over and the staffs were busy in the kitchen, she grabbed hold of his arm, stopping him from walking into the kitchen with some lame excuse.

He could easily shake her hand off, he had enough strength to do that. But he didn't.

As breathless he felt, he stood in front of her like how she wanted. Leaving a decent distance between them, she started speaking.

"I'm someone who believes that man and woman should be treated equally, it applies in everything. Consent is necessary for both man and woman. Naa nethu ungala kekama thaan kiss pannen. Thonuchu pannen. Thappu thaan."

(I kissed you without asking if you're okay with it. I felt like it, I did it. I know it's wrong)

Her eyes finally looked up at him, with the same look as yesterday. The very look that kept him awake for hours, the look that he just couldn't forget even for a second. "Ippo sollunga, naa adhuku apologise pannava illa yen manasula irukuradha sollava?"

(Now tell me what to do? Should I apologise or confess?)

"Maranthudu." He breathed out.

(You should forget)

"Yedha?"

(Forget what?)

"Kiss pannadhu, aprom un manasula irukuradha, yellathayum. Yenakaga nee adhu mattum pannu, podhum." He kept his usual poker face as he said those words that was eating him up alive.

(The kiss, your feelings...forget everything. Just do that for me)

"Unga naala maraka mudiyuma?" She asked even though she knew very well he wouldn't be able to. She just wanted to hear what he had to say.

(You think you can forget it?)

"Try pannuven." He truthfully said.

(I'll try.)

"Mudilana? Kadasi varaikum maraka mudilana?"  He went quiet, really unsure on what he could possibly say.

(What if you can't? What if you never forget until the end of your life?)

"Maraikalam, aana maraka mudiyadhu." She smiled as darkness gathered in her eyes and filled it.

(You can hide it, but you can never forget it)

She walked off to the door, probably afraid of breaking down in front of him.

Just before she pulled open the door, she turned to him. The bitterness in her face had faded to weary sadness. Her face contorted as though she was struggling not to cry.

"Poramaya iruku. Indha madhri oru friend yenaku illayenu poramaya iruku."

(I'm just jealous that I don't have a friend like you.)

Finding a friend who is willing to sacrifice their life is difficult. But finding a friend who is willing to sacrifice their love is impossible. Because there's only one Ashwin. And Dhruv had already found him.

...

When Sivaangi didn't show up at the restaurant the whole of next day, Ashwin was naturally worried.

He even messed up the meetings with a few investors that were unfortunately scheduled on the same day.

As tempting as it was, Rakshan refrained from making any comments until later that night when the restaurant was almost vacant except for the security guard who was standing outside the door, waiting for his cue to leave.

He motioned the security to retire for the night and turned to his friend who was again looking far worst than the time his dog died, the first and biggest grieve he had to ever face in his life.

His head rested on the table, his eyes filled up with too much of exhaust that they were drooping like he was almost passed out. Except he was very much awake and conscious which only meant that he was feeling. All the pain, agony and anguish, every inch of his mind and heart throbbed in all that.

And the pain would get worse if he just closed his eyes for a moment as the image of her eyes, her broken eyes, the eyes that lost its sparkles, because of him, it would just flash in his head, and an intense sense of weariness swept over him sucking his energy with it.

When he heard Rakshan's loud sigh, his head lifted up for a second but his eyes didn't focus on anything in particular. He weakly said,"ava varala inniki."

(She didn't come today)

"Varalana yenna? Nalladhu thana...yepdiyo tholayatum. Unaku yenna vandhuchu?" Rakshan bitterly retaliated.

(So what? Isn't that good. To hell with her. Why do you care?)

His voice cracked midway as he tried to say. "Nee poyi veetula paaru."

(Go to her house and check on her)

"Naa yedhuku pakanum? Yedhuku da pakanum?!" Anger glared across Rakshan's face. "Adikadi solluviya...she's Dhruv's ex girlfriend. Why must I bloody look after Dhruv's ex girlfriend? Why must you worry if Dhruv's ex girlfriend doesn't show up here? She's not our business Ashwin."

(Why must i? Why must I check on her?) (don't you always say that she's Dhruv's ex girlfriend?)

The look in his eyes was desolate. "Yenakaga pannu please. Yennala poga mudiyathu. Nee poyi paaru."

(Do it for me. I can't go. You have to go please.)

Rakshan slammed his hand harshly against the hard surface of the table as a wave of frustration overcame him. "She loves you goddamit! She loves you! Yenda neeyum kashtam pattu, avalayum kashtam paduthura?! Yenda ipdi iruka?"

(Why do you hurt yourself and hurt her too?! Why do you do this to yourself?)

The words were strangled in his throat as all he could say was the same thing over and over again. "She is Dhruv's ex-girlfriend. Idhoda indha topic ah vidu-"

(Just leave this topic-)

"Naa theriyama thaan kekuren avan ex girlfriend ah irundha yenna? Ex wife ah vey irukatumey! Adhunala yenna da? They are not together now! She doesn't love him anymore! You're not taking away anything that belongs to Dhruv, she's a person on her own! And she loves you, yenaku theridhu ava unna yepdi paakuranu but unaku therila? Paithiyakaran kuda namba maatan nee solra kadhai yellam!"

(And so what if she's Dhruv's ex girlfriend? She can be his ex wife too. So what? I can see the way she looks at you but you can't?! Even a mad man wouldn't believe your stories!)

The Ashwin he knew would have tossed the tiny flower pot on the table against the wall just to show furious he was. But his face was ravaged with nothing but despair as a sob rose in his throat.

"He loved her! He fucking loved her! She never slept with him but he still dated her for 2 whole months! Why do you think? Because he loved her! Yes he fucked up big time and she deserves someone better than him. She deserves the best! But this isn't about her! This is about Dhruv!"

Rakshan just froze, completely stunned and shaken. The most level-headed, calm and composed man he had ever known just broke down and was sobbing like a baby. 

He cried bitter tears. But spat a few words here and there amidst the tears. "He's fucked up. Vazhkai full ah love kedaikatha oruthanuku thidirnu ivlo love kudukurana, how would he be able to easily accept it?! He didn't even know how to receive it, he didn't even know if he deserved it! He didn't even know that it was love because he has never known what it was like. And he did what he did!"

(He has never received love even once in his life, and he's suddenly getting all that from a girl, how would he be able to easily accept it?!)

Rakshan tried to bring his arms over the crying man but he brushed it off harshly. "And you know what Rakshan? I wish I was like you, I wish I was like her, I wish I was like the rest of the world! I wish I could just blame him and shame him for his mistakes!"

He chocked on his own tears as he cried out. "But mudilaye...yen friend ah poitaney. Yellamey puridhey! Avan sollamaley puridhey!"

(But I can't! He's my friend! And I understand him, I understand everything. Even though he never explained once!)

His words broke up and all he could say were stuttering sounds. Hot tears streamed down his face, and he squeezed his eyelids shut in the hope his tears would stop. His choppy breathing and watery eyes remained for quite some time, and he sat there unmoving.

"Yenakunu indha ulgathula mulusa 10 peru kuda illa. Chinna vayasula irundhu yenna koodavey irundhu pathukuta oruthana yepdi da thooki poda solra? He's the closest thing I ever had to a family-"

(I don't even have 10 people in this world for myself. How can I just toss away a person who had been with me since I was young?)

Rakshan couldn't let him finish that. He engulfed the shaking man as his own eyes started tearing up. He himself had always pointed out how closed off his friend was, always bottling up and dissimulating his emotions. But now he understood exactly why he chose to never open up.

Because if he were to showcase his pain and sufferings, the world would crush in guilt for making him go through all of that.

He was being generous and kind to others by hiding away his pain.

"Avanuku vazhikumnu therinji yepdi da idha seiya solra?" Ashwin's muffled voice came out.

(How can I do this even though I know it'll hurt him?)

Rakshan's breath shook as he gently patted his back. "Unaku vazhikuthey...adha pathi yosichiya Ashwin? Un kannu la therira vazhi, adha patha yenakey vazhikuthu. Yepdi da thangitu iruka?"

(But it's hurting you too, why aren't you thinking about it? It hurts me to see all the pain in your eyes. How are you able to bear it?)

He pulled away from Ashwin and looked into his miserable eyes. "Dhruv friendship ah value panra, okay. What about her? Ava manasu, ava feelings, idhukulam value illaya?"

(It's great that you value Dhruv's friendship. What about her? Her heart, her feelings, do these not have any value?)

With the most gentle eyes, Rakshan told him a simple fact that he hadn't realised. "You can make sacrifices for your friend. But the love she has for you...you have no right to sacrifice it. Not for Dhruv, not for anyone. You can refuse to accept her love, you can refuse to love her back. But you just cannot tell her to stop loving you."

And the rest of the night was filled with his painful whimpers and cries as Rakshan tried hard to comfort him while simultaneously knocking some sense into his head.

After tucking his friend in his bed at home, he left the apartment to walk over to hers.

It was simply impossible for him to just go home without checking on her after the countless requests and pleas of Ashwin to make sure she's fine.

Rakshan knew she wouldn't be fine and that's exactly why it felt necessary to visit her place. In addition, he was also curious about the intensity of her despondency, especially after seeing Ashwin in his worst state.

If the person who had rejected was choking in his tears, then it's high likely that the person who got actually rejected would be drowning in her own tears.

And he wasn't wrong at all obviously.

He tried to ignore the absolute mess her apartment was and simply sat by the side of her bed as she blowed her nose into a tissue and tossed it into the rubbish bin that was already brimming with all the crumpled tissues.

"Yenaku purila...yenaku purila..." that's all she kept saying while crying her heart out, head still buried in her pillow.

(I don't get it...I just don't...)

When the sound of her wails came to a pause, Rakshan though it might be a good time to talk.

"Nammaluku puriyadhu Sivu..." He slowly started. "We can never understand because we never went through what he did."

(We won't get it Sivu)

He went quiet for a moment, remembering the words of his friends on the rare occasions when he opened up. "He had a phone, but he had no one to call. When he felt hungry no one was there to feed him. When there's a festival he had one to celebrate it with. When he achieved something he have no one to share his success with. When he failed, he had no one to give a shoulder. When he had dreams no one was there to give him the confidence that he can do it. When he was sick no one was there to look after him. At some point, he believed that when he died, he wouldn't have anyone to cry for him too."

No one can understand Ashwin's wounds and it's not their fault because only the bearer can feel the weight.

He has never slept on the same bed with his parents.

He has never laid on their lap as they lovingly ran their fingers through his hair.

He has never been kissed goodnight or hugged by his parents.

He has never been thrown up and caught by a father.

He has never been grounded or punished for his mischief acts.

He has never asked his parents to go to on a trip and fought with them when they refused to.

He has never cajoled his parents to buy him something

And he has never seen his parents, how they would smile when he does something cute or how they would tear up in happiness when he makes them proud.

He could become the most successful man on earth, he could become a millionaire or even a billionaire. He could get married and lead the happiest life with his wife and children. But the emptiness in his heart that always wondered what it would feel like to have parents, it will never leave him.

Rakshan tried to not let her pained tears affect him as he continued. "The only person who was there for him was Dhruv. His father, his mother, his brother, his companion, his family, his friend...it was all Dhruv. Avan mattum dhaan."

(Only Dhruv)

Sivaangi knew it.

Her ex boyfriend did a lot of questionable things but if he did one right thing, it was to befriend Ashwin when they grew up in the orphanage. He was the best friend that stood by Ashwin through thick and thin.

And when they both were of age and left the orphanage, he practically raised Ashwin. He used his money that he had received from his late grandmother's inheritance to make sure Ashwin continued studying. Dhruv never went to college but he made sure Ashwin did. He would work part time jobs day and night to earn extra money to support them both so that Ashwin didn't have to work and could focus on his studies.

Finally when Ashwin was employed and became financially stable, Dhruv freed himself from responsibilities and lived the hedonistic life he always yearned for.

The Dhruv that the world saw and the Dhruv that Ashwin saw were completely different. And that's why Ashwin could never bear to let go of his Dhruv. Because he was solely his.

"Yenaku oru 7 years ah thaan Ashwin ah theriyum, avanukaga naa yenna venaalum seivan. But yenaku theriyum, if there comes a question of me or Dhruv, he would choose Dhruv. Dhruv kaga yedha venaalum vittu kudupan but yedhu kagavum avanala Dhruv ah vida mudiyathu. Because that's equivalent to losing a part of himself."  Rakshan honestly told her.

(I know Ashwin for about 7 years now, I'd do anything for him. But even I know, if there comes a question of me or Dhruv, he would choose Dhruv. He would sacrifice anything for Dhruv but he just won't be able to sacrifice Dhruv for anything.)

His eyes got increasingly tender as he stared at the woman who was still tearing up like the innocent baby she was. "It's really unfortunate that you got entangled between them."

She nodded quietly but shortly after she brokenly said. "Yenakaga Dhruv ah vida sollala, yenna vidathinganu thana solren."

(I'm not asking him to sacrifice Dhruv for me, I just don't want him to sacrifice me.)

He leaned in and gently kissed on top her head. "Just know that unaku yevlo vazhikutho, yevlo bayam ah iruko....adha vida pala madangu adhigama avanuku irukum. He's waited for you when he didn't even know your name. He's waited for you when you barely noticed him. He's waited for you when you didn't even remember his existence."

(Just know that he's going through at least a hundred times more pain than you, he's a hundred times more afraid than you.)

And now he's walking away from the one thing he had waited for so long because he chose his friend's love over his own.

...

The very next day, Sivaangi showed up at the restaurant in the evening after her work.

She was initially in a dilemma but she weighed her options.

She could either come to the restaurant, see him and enjoy his presence, and then get back home to cry in bed.

Or she could go straight home and then cry in bed.

Both her options had the same end result, that is basically tears. She might as well meet him so she wouldn't miss him later at home.

They didn't talk much, she occupied one of the tables and sat down to complete some of work that was pending while he just ran around the restaurant as usual, making sure everything was organised.

The night was still young but they were almost ready to call it a day since there were not many customers coming in due to an unusual surge in the pandemic cases.

Sivaangi was typing away the last email when a tall glass of milkshake that she didn't remember ordering was placed on her table. She looked up to see him staring at her nonchalantly.

"Yen nethu varala?" He suddenly asked.

(Why weren't you here yesterday?)

Her eyes were still fixed on the laptop screen. "Yen wallet veetula marandhuten."

(I left my wallet at home.)

He frowned. "Inga varathuku yedhuku wallet?"

(Why do you need you wallet to come here?)

"If I come here I'd at least have a milkshake. Adhuku bill pay panna venama?" She sounded so genuine and innocent when she asked him.

(How else would i pay the bill?)

He was even more confused. "I've never asked you to pay the bill. Yenna pesura?"

(What are you talking?)

She let out a soft gasp and pretended to look surprised. "Is the milkshake still free for me? I didn't know that!"

He wasn't looking amused. "It's always been free. I never gave it for you with any hidden agenda. Namma kulla yenna aagunalum, aagula naalum, always free thaan."

(No matter what happens between us, or whatever that doesn't happen between us, it will always be free)

"Ohh." She blinked innocently but a closer look at her would be enough to detect the tiny smirk at the corner of her lips. "Appo naa future la kalyanam pannitu, yen husband aprom rendu kids, ivanga kooda inga vandhalum free thana? Avanga yellarukum free thana?"

(So if I get married in the future and come here with my husband and two kids, it's still free? Free for all of us?)

"Unaku mattum thaan." He knew what she was trying to do. Yet he hated hearing that. With an unfriendly face, he walked away.

(Just for you alone)

She gasped out loud and dramatically rose up.  "Not even for my kids?!"

"No." He coolly said.

"They're my kids Ashwin!" Now she was actually getting offended for the kids she never had.

"Well they're yours, not mine!" He shrugged irritably.

Her mouth was in a tight pout. "You are one cold-hearted, evil, cruel, ruthless, mean-spirited, inhuman jerk!"

Just before she could walk off with rage, he held back her hand. She immediately stopped. She didn't even struggle or resist. She stopped to listen.

"Konjam time venum." He breathed out.

(I just need some time)

With her hand still safely tucked into his, she turned over to face him. "Take all the time you need. Wait panradhu problem illa, but the reason behind it...adhu thaan yenaku bayam ah iruku."

(I have no problem waiting but the reason behind it, that's what scares me)

"Yenna reason?"

(What's the reason?)

"Dhruv."

He couldn't deny it, not that he intended to. "I just need to talk to him at least once."

She was getting worried. "Neenga ketu, avan pannadha apdinu sollitana-"

(What if he says no when he asks you-)

He gently cut her off to correct her. "Naa keka pola. Solla poren. He deserves to hear from me directly."

(I'm not going to ask him. I'm going to tell him.)

"Do you think he's gonna take it well? He won't. He might hurt you badly, yedhuku indha theva illadha velai-"

(Why this unnecessary-)

"I am going to hurt him. It's only fair if he hurts me back."

Her temper flared up. She just couldn't stand how he allowed himself to feel guilty over a mistake he never did.

"Nee onnum sinner kedayathu, avan onnum saint kedayathu-"

(You're not a sinner and he isn't a saint either)

He gently placed a finger on her lips, shutting her up immediately. But not before pulling her into his arms as he held her back.

He drew a sharp breath. "He's my friend. Best friend. Adhu saint kum mela illaya?"

(Isn't a best friend even greater than a saint?)

His eyes briefly landed on her lips and he felt a constant gravity that was pulling him to close the gap between them. And the way she was looking at him in the eyes weren't easing the tension in the air.

Just when he moved in a little, the door burst open and a frantic Rakshan ran in. "Dhruv...."

They immediately peeled out of each other's hold, hoping the friend never noticed the position they were in. Rakshan panted heavily while they both anxiously waited for him to finish that sentence.

"Dhruv is here!" Rakshan finally exclaimed.

They both exchanged a look that filled with many different emotions that it was impossible to read or understand what the other felt.

The friend who had been missing in action had returned after almost 7 months.

Ashwin had tried to reach him in every possible way, he even travelled out to the towns they've lived in before in an attempt to look for him, but he couldn't find him. Because Dhruv didn't want to be found, not even by Ashwin.

Now what changed his mind? They would never know. Because it's Dhruv. He's crazy, unbalanced and lived the way he wanted.

Dhruv finally walked in, looking as dapper as always but his eyes were glinting with exhaust and slight fatigue even. It wouldn't take a genius to figure out that he wasn't doing great, especially not emotionally.

His eyes lit up when he noticed Sivaangi standing quietly by the counter, watching the hug-filled, heart wrenching reunion of the friends.

The way he was looking at her clearly told her that he was not expecting her there. He got breathless as he tried to figure out something to say.

Right then, the corner of her lips rose slightly to give him a small smile and nod of acknowledgment.

While being away, one of the things he constantly missed was her smile. He kept wondering if he would ever see that smile of hers again.

But now that he got to see it because she had no problem giving him a decent smile, his stomach flipped with panic and fear.

He broke her heart, he ruined her trust and he made her second question her self-worth, and he never gave her a proper apology. Yet, she's smiling at him.

That only meant one thing.

He knew it but he still couldn't bear to let go of the tiny false hope he had within himself. So he walked up to her. "Can we talk in person?"

Ashwin and Rakshan both exchanged a look this time but they remained quiet. Ashwin's own palms were getting wet with sweat as he watched her interacting with her. He just didn't want to see her having another breakdown because of Dhruv. He would hate to see her cry again because of Dhruv.

"Sure." Sivaangi didn't mind that which surprised all three men.

"You wanna step out for a moment?" Dhruv smiled with hopeful eyes.

She slowly shook her head. "I prefer talking here."

After all she lost the relationship in the presence of the two. They knew everything about it. Now what's possibly there to be kept a secret and discuss personally?

Dhruv sighed, his smile shrinking. He ended up nodding in agreement because he couldn't be picky or fussy. He was lucky enough that she agreed to listen and talk to him after everything that went down.

Just before Dhruv could speak, Rakshan suggested loudly. "Why don't you take a seat?"

They all ended up occupying a table of four. Even though Ashwin and Rakshan were going to stay away, probably hang out in the kitchen so Ashwin can settle some matters while Rakshan eavesdropped, she insisted that they both sit along with them too as there was nothing to hide. So Sivaangi and Rakshan sat on a side while the best friends occupied the other side.

With a couple of drinks placed between them, Dhruv stayed quiet for a moment. While his eyes were casted down, Ashwin stared at Sivaangi, his anxiety rising as he couldn't predict what she was about to say or do. She had a straight face and was casually stroking her hair.

Rakshan was just glad he had a drink that could replace a bucket of popcorn that'd make any drama more fun to watch.

Unable to stand the awkward filled silence, Rakshan tried to be helpful. "So do you guys know the world is coming to an end at 2026? Ippo already padhi world poiduchu thanks to climate change, pollution, Covid, aprom-"

Ashwin's deadly glare shut him up as he silently mounted him to keep his mouth sealed. "I was just trying to help! But now I realise me talking might have overpowered the breathing sounds in the room. I'm sorry I'll be quiet, you guys continue listening to the important air." Rakshan dryly commented.

Sivaangi pursed her lips, her discomfort rising every second while Dhruv was staring at the wall like it was the most exquisite piece of art he had ever seen, even for someone like him who had no knowledge at all in art.

Miraculously, the painting in the wall transfused an optimistic energy to him, Dhruv managed to muster enough courage and blurt out. "I...I still love you. And I only realised how much I love you and need you after I lost you. Keka yenaku romba asingama iruku, but idha kekama naa poitana, life full ah regret pannuven."

(I feel embarrassed to ask this but if I don't ask this now, I'd forever regret this.)

Without any warning, he gently took hold of her hand that was resting on the table. "Sivaangi, can you give me another chance? This time you won't-"

"No. I can't."

With the same gentleness, she released her hand from his hold. She could feel Ashwin's eyes on her but she didn't look up to catch his expression.

"Oh." Dhruv certainly sounded like he saw this coming. "Can I know the reason?"

Maybe if she talked it out, expressed her anger and pain, he'll be able to apologise and coax her into changing her mind.

But she didn't cooperate. "No."

Dhruv nodded, chuckling lightly except there was no hint of humour in his voice. "I guess I was hoping for too much."

Now the tension in the table had exacerbated and there was no way Dhruv could sit there and pretend a smile to interact with his friends.

Sivaangi was wondering if she should leave as the three friends probably had things to catch up about. But before she could move, Dhruv mumbled to the guys about seeing them later and got up to leave.

But he was abruptly stopped when Sivaangi decided to enlighten him one of the reasons why she could never give him another chance. "I love someone else."

Dhruv wobbled with shock at the brand new information she generously gave out. But there was another person who was even more shocked than Dhruv himself.

His best friend.

Ashwin felt a deep sense of uneasiness that held him rigid. His heart was clenching with dread as he eyed Sivaangi with growing horror and subtly begged her with his eyes to not say anything. Nothing that will hurt his friend terribly.

She took a deep breath and calmly looked at her ex boyfriend whose eyes were flat with resignation.

"I don't wake up crying in the morning anymore because of you. I don't cry myself to sleep anymore because of you. I'm not miserable anymore because of you. I'm fine. I'm okay. Im happy. And most importantly I love...I love someone else."

Dhruv's throat clenched as a tingling dread crept through his body. When he came back, he was not expecting Sivaangi to forgive or accept him. But he had a tiny ray of hope that he will work hard to regain her trust and make himself worthy for her love again. That was why even when she refused to give him another chance, he didn't feel completely defeated because he was confident that he would find his way into her heart surely.

But now his heart was void. No hope. No confidence. No courage even. Just crushed with lots of regrets prickling him every second he breathed.

Her eyes were not on Dhruv anymore. She ignored Rakshan who looked comically shocked with his hand against his mouth. Instead her eyes were directed at the man whose heart was knocking at his ribs.

She felt a stirring in her chest just by the sight of his eyes. "I'm not sure if he will return back my love but I still love him. A lot. Sollanumnu thonuchu solliten."

(Just felt like telling you this)

....

Not a word was spoken about the indirect or quite direct confession Sivaangi made that night with Dhruv and Rakshan as witnesses.

Ashwin still held on to what he said, that he needed time. He needed to talk to Dhruv before making any move with Sivaangi. And now that Dhruv was back in town again, he technically had no reason to stall for time anymore.

Sivaangi wasn't bothering Ashwin with any of her advances either because according to her, she had done her part already. Now it was completely on him. She promised to wait so she'll wait even if she doesn't get the result she was hoping for.

Ashwin made up his mind that he would surely talk to Dhruv over the weekend. So until then, they were both in a silent but mutual agreement to pretend nothing ever happened. And they've gotten really good at the pretending game so it wasn't an issue at all.

They sat opposite each other on the table and did their own work like absolute strangers. Strangers who made eye contact every 2 minutes only to brush it off like it never happened.

She was typing away busily but suddenly stopped when a thought occured to her. "Ashwin?"

He looked up at her. "Hmm?"

"You took the lift every day, but orey oru day mattum neenga varala. Yen?"

It took him some time to recollect which day she was talking about. Then it occured to him. "I had to go to the station to get Dhruv."

She nodded and wordlessly went back to her laptop screen. Not feeling at peace when he couldn't understand what was going on in her mind, he called out to her and asked.

"Why are you asking about that?"

She explained with a nostalgic smile that reached her eyes. "That was the day I was going to move out. Andha neighbourhood la somewhat therinja orey aalu neenga thaan. Yenamo therila sollitu polamnu thonuchu but neenga varavey illa. I even stopped at the 7th floor and waited for a while in case you were late but varala. Kelambiten."

Ashwin was speechless. He couldn't believe just how twisted fate was for him to not take the elevator on the day she actually wanted to meet him. Again because of Dhruv.

"Anniki I thought I was never going to see you again. But now look where we are." Her dimple that peeked out proved just how grateful and happy she was that they met again. Not in the most ideal circumstance but they still did.

Right then, the security guard walked in. "Sir, unga friend veliya irukaru. He says he wants to meet you."

(Your friend is outside)

Perplexed, Ashwin immediately rose up to get outside. With panic in her eyes, she asked. "Varuvingalla?"

(You'll come back?)

"Yenna?" He turned to her with confusion. "Varama yenga poga poren-"

(What? Where else would I go?)

"Iluthutu odida poran." Her tone was serious but Ashwin could see the joy of mocking him in her eyes.

(What if he elopes with you?)

Shaking away his head at her ridiculous jokes, he walked out to find his friend waiting for him. He couldn't understand why he came all the way to restaurant when he could have just waited at home until he came back. And that's when he noticed his backpack.

"Yenga pora?"

(Where are you going?)

"Ahmedabad." Dhruv smiled weakly. "A-Amma release aagi 2 weeks aachu. I'm gonna meet her."

(Mom's out of prison like 2 weeks ago.)

Ashwin's eyes widened when he heard that. He never knew there would come a day when Dhruv would voluntarily meet the very woman he had been despising and blaming his entire life.

"Are you okay?" He found himself asking, heart and voice dripping with concern.

Dhruv nodded slowly. "I want to be okay. And I think the first step is to go back to where I started not being okay. Naa neraya yelandhuten, adhu ulagathula yenga ponalum I won't be able to retrieve it back. I need to go there. I need to meet her. And maybe I'll be okay soon."

(I lost a lot and no matter where I go I would never get it back.)

Quietness filled the night air. Ashwin just wasn't sure what to say anymore because he was overwhelmed with guilt. Guilt for what exactly, that he wasn't sure but he felt it.

He couldn't help but feel like he had failed Dhruv as a friend. Dhruv's entire world came crumbling down when the one person who always stood by him went against him and expressed censure.

Ashwin let him down. For the right reasons but Dhruv was still let down.

Dhruv may appear to be a villain in someone's life but at some point he was just a victim that society neglected.

He had a story that was never told.

Ashwin sounded like a child asking his mother if she would come back home. "Thirumbi varuvalla?"

(You'll come back right?)

Dhruv chuckled at that. "Unna vittutu yennala romba naalu iruka mudiyathu."

(I can't be without you for too long.)

That managed to bring a smile to Ashwin's face. His eyes moved around nervously, fear squeezed the air from his lungs. His mind kept screaming that it was time.

Now. Now. Now.

"Sivaangi...Sivaangi ulla thaan iruka." He breathed out.

(Sivaangi is inside)

"Oh." That's all his response was.

"She didn't come with her friends or anyone else to have dinner." Ashwin shot him a quick nervous glance as he started in the most subtle way as possible. "She came to hang out. With me."

His insides tightened as he waited for his friend to react. To his surprise, Dhruv nodded with a tiny smile. "I know."

His eyes told Ashwin that he knew. Not just the fact that Sivaangi was inside but he also knew that Sivaangi had been inside there almost everyday since the last 7 months. And it was not for the free milkshake. It was for Ashwin.

He knew it all. He didn't know at first but he eventually did.

Masking an encouraging smile, he squeezed his friend's shoulder and turned to leave. "Paathuko. Varen."

Ashwin's eyes were big and worried to see his friend just leave like that. That's all? No reactions? No questions even? No accusations at all?

Dhruv stopped himself midway and turned back to Ashwin. "Aprom oru vishyam."

"Yenna?"

"Give it to her."

"What?"

"The earring."

Ashwin just stared with wide open eyed cannot shut, like the whole world was crumbling around him.

Meanwhile Dhruv still had his smile intact. "Annaiki yennala thaan kuduka mudiyama pochu. Inniki varaikum kudukama irukuradhum yennala thana?"

(I'm the reason you couldn't give it that day. I'm the reason you still haven't given it till today)

Tears started pooling Ashwin's eyes the more he observed his friend's broken smile. He wanted to respond, he wanted to apologise, he wanted to say something but the words were caught along with his tears in his throat.

"Kuduthuru Ashwin." Dhruv confidently said, ignoring the way his own eyes were getting misty.

(Give it Ashwin)

But he couldn't take it anymore when a sob rose in his friend's throat. He threw his arms around his friend who was slowly breaking down.

There was the normal people's hug of gentle arms that still gave the space to breathe; then there was Dhruv's hug of strong arms that told Ashwin that everything that he was - body, brain and soul - that Dhruv was with him.

The tightness in his grip was a promise from Dhruv that he was okay, and he wanted Ashwin to be okay too.

For a moment, all that could be heard were Ashwin's cries that had turned into whimpers. He sounded nothing lesser than a child that was afraid of being abandoned in school by his parent.

Dhruv just stood there, trying his best to hold back his wails, to be the stronger one as always.

Unlike people who usually pat your back and tell you to calm down when you cry, Dhruv just held him tightly, letting him cry his heart out. To cry it all out. To let go of all the pain and fears he had been keeping inside. To let him be vulnerable because he's a man who puts up a strong facade to survive in the world.

Finally when his cries started dying down, Dhruv pulled apart to face his friend. "Ashwin who's side are you on?"

"Yours. Always yours." Ashwin answered in a heartbeat.

"If you are truly on my side, you should never walk away from something that makes you so so so happy. Because yenaku Ashwin oda happiness ah vida yedhuvumey perusu illa."

(Because nothing is more important to me than your happiness)

Dhruv was shaking from the inside but he still sounded firm because this came straight from his heart. To him, nothing was more important than Ashwin's happiness. And he needed Ashwin to prioritise it too.

"Yenaku avala romba pudikum." Dhruv's face became etched with sadness but he still fought to put a smile for Ashwin. "But there is love in letting go too right?"

(I like her a lot)

His hand gently reached for Ashwin's shoulder to assure him. "I don't deserve her...but you do. She was always meant to be yours."

Ashwin might have been ready to sacrifice anything for his best friend. But Dhruv was not ready to let his best friend sacrifice anything for him.

...

When Ashwin walked into the restaurant much later, he noticed her standing by the wall. Their wall, eyes particularly focusing on the two ships stranded in the middle of the sea.

She shuddered for a moment when suddenly realised him standing right by her. She must have been so deep in thoughts that she didn't even hear the sound of the little bells jiggling when he opened the door to walk in.

She turned to question him about the spontaneous rendezvous he just had with his dearest best friend. With a few bitter jokes ready at the tip of her tongue, she faced him.

But his eyes were misty and his face had turned grey. The track of tears on his cheeks made her heart whimper.

She held his bearded cheeks and worriedly asked. "Yennachu? Are you okay? Ashwin what happened?"

(What happened?)

He moved her hands away from his face only to grip it tightly in between his fingers. He shakily breathed and nodded. "I'm okay."

One look into her eyes and she instantly calmed his soul. She was his safest place. She was his solace. She was his cornerstone. She was his backbone. She was his pulse.

Only she could steady him yet stir him all at once.

He didn't respond much after that except to repeat the same thing over and over again, that he was okay when he clearly didn't seem to be.

They closed down for the day and instead of saying goodbye to him outside the restaurant, she insisted that she'll walk him to his apartment. Ashwin knew there was no use arguing with her so he didn't even try.

They both walked side by side down the quiet streets.

They didn't mind the silence.

In fact he was the only person Sivaangi enjoyed silence with because there's no pressure or tension to desperately converse and make small talks. They could gladly indulge in the calming silence and drown in the tranquility that both naturally exuded. Somehow they both were able to hear each other's hearts in the silence. Without her saying a word, he could still grasp her moods.

And interestingly she was the only person Ashwin enjoyed casual chatters and banters with because there's no pressure or tension to behave a certain way and react accordingly. She was so easy to talk to because she never judged. From the lamest topics like his workout routine to serious ones like his investment and business plans, he could say anything and she would listen with utmost fascination.

He was fluent in the language of her silence while she was fluent in the language of his mind.

And that was why she didn't compel him to talk about what went down with Dhruv earlier. She could tell that he would rather not say.

Sivaangi felt that Rakshan was wrong. She was not the one who got entangled. Ashwin was the one who got entangled between Sivaangi and Dhruv. He had it the hardest. And she did not want to make it harder so she stayed by him but kept mum.

When the apartment arrived, Ashwin was expecting a goodbye hug or if he got lucky, even a peck on the cheek out of sympathy since he was in a pitiable state.

But instead, she insisted to come up all the way to his house and leave after he goes to bed.

"Sivaangi you don't have to..." he said, already feeling bad for the trouble he had put her thorough.

"But I want to." She firmly said and smacked the tiny elevator button.

The elevator arrived much faster than usual, the doors opened and they both got in. She pressed level 7 for him and her phone buzzed suddenly so she intently checked it.

Doors closed. Lift starts moving from level 1.

The gentle but rustling sound of the elevator along with her soft breaths that he could hear from the little distance, Ashwin felt like he just remembered and rediscovered a song he used to be crazy about.

His heart pounded against his chest as the one month of lift rides with her flashed into his mind, the memories came in waves and engulfed him completely.

And those were the kind of waves that would make the ship sail in the right direction, through the thunderstorms in the sea of love.

So he turned to look at her, and who he saw wasn't anyone's ex girlfriend but his 14th floor lift hogger, his very own Anamika and now perhaps his Sivaangi too.

Lift starts moving from level 2

Sivaangi was hastily typing away a text to an annoying intern who kept pestering her with questions even after work hours but she couldn't focus. She kept making typos and forgetting what she intended to send.

She could feel his eyes on her and she just could not focus on anything else as the urge to look up at him was suffocating her.

Defeated, she decided that the intern can wait and gave in to her desire. She lifted her head up and turned to look at him.

His gaze. His strong but gentle with a touch of affection and a sincerity-filled gaze.

It was disturbing. It was unsettling. It was perturbing.

There was no blankness, no shields or cover to conceal his emotions like he always did. This time it was bare and raw. Like he had nothing to hide away. He laid it all out for her to see. And feel.

She knew what those eyes meant. She's seen it once or twice when he had unknowingly let his guard down around her when they're alone.

She could see it well but she also wanted to hear it. Just once.

"Yen kitta yedhavudhu sollanuma?"

(Do you have anything to tell me?)

Lift starts moving from level 3

He froze for a second, his mind wandering back to the day he was trying to talk to her. Almost wanting to laugh at the memory of his train of thoughts, he suppressed his smile.

This time, he calmly nodded. "Maybe I do."

She tilted her head to stare at him, eyes lighting up with intrigue. She wondered where he was getting this sudden confidence. Did Dhruv inject some sort of drug in him?

"Sollunga."

"I have something that belongs to you-"

She giggled loudly without even letting him finish. "Innum adha vidalaya?"

Sticking her hand towards him, she gestured him for the earring. "Seri kudunga."

He sulkily rolled his eyes and turned away.

Like a child, she held his arms to coax him. "Okay sorry sorry! Naa interrupt panna maaten. Neengaley sollunga."

Lift starts moving from level 4

She helplessly tugged on his shirt sleeve as she pouted. "Ashwineyyy sollu."

That did the trick.

The way she called out his name never failed to make him go weak in the legs. It was just an ordinary name until she made it sound so damn special.

He never knew it was possible for him to smile so wide just by hearing his name being called.

He sucked in a deep breath and tried again. "I need to return a few things to you. But yedhavudhu onnu thaan kuduka mudiyum. Earring or-"

(But I can only return one thing. Either earring or-)

"Earring venam."

(I don't want the earring)

"Venama?" He tilted his head to the side.

(You don't want?)

"Vendam." She shook her head firmly.

(I don't want)

Cinderella never bothered about her glass slipper that she left behind, what she wanted was the Prince Chraming.

Lift starts moving from level 5

"Vera venum." She blurted out.

(I want something else)

"Vera yenna venum?" The corner of his lips lifted slightly to form a smile.

(What else do you want?)

"Yena yenamo venum." Traces of red dusted her cheek, her fingers reached for his collar and started fumbling with it. She looked up to meet his eyes. "Kedaikuma?"

(There are a lot of things that I want.) (am I allowed to ask for it?)

His hand rested against the small of her back, bringing her dangerously close to his chest. "Sollu."

(Say it)

She pressed her lips together, stifling the blushy smile that's about to crack out loud under his gaze.

"Earring ah vida mukkiyamana oru vishyam unga kitta thaan iruku."

(There's something you have that's even more important than the earring)

His eyebrows perked up at that. But before he could say anything, her fingers now moved down from the collar to his chest and gently rested her palm against it.

"Ulla thedi parunga, irukum." She whispered out.

(Search for it inside, I'm sure it's there)

"Iruku." His eyes were strongly embedded on hers. It was his turn to swallow back the blush that's eager to erupt. "But adha kuduka mudiyathu."

(It is) (but I can't give it to you)

"Yen?"

(Why not?)

"Sila vishyangal apdi thaan. Kudutha kuduthadhu thaan. Thiruppi keka mudiyathu."

(Certain things cannot be returned. Once you give something, it becomes mine. You can't ask for it back)

Lift starts moving from level 6

She let out her giggles once again, loving the feeling of being in his arms, wishing that she'll never have to move out of it. Never have to part away from it.

"Neenga adha vechikonga." Brushing her fingers against his chest once again, she bargained like a kid. "Yenaku vera kudunga."

(You can have it) (give me a different one)

He chuckled lightly, rubbing his nose against hers. "Adha nee appovey thukitu poita."

(You seized it long ago)

Doors opened. Lift stops at level 7.

They both remained inside the elevator, simply because the position they were in was too comfortable.

The elevator where it all started, where he lost his heart. And when he asked for it back, she gave her own.

His tall finger pushed back a loose strand of her hair behind her ear as he stared at her with tender eyes.

"Listen, I know sometimes I'm a disappointment. I rarely know what I want. I think too much before I act. Still I want you to know that in my 30 years of misjudged choices, wrong turns and awful messes, you're the first thing that felt right ever since the moment I saw you here."

He brought her hand close to his lips and placed a kiss on a finger. "Yenaku nee venum."

(I want you)

On another finger. "Inniki venum."

(Today)

On another. "Nalaki venum."

(Tomorrow)

And one more. "Yennikum venum."

(Every single day)

Maybe one more. "Yeppodhum venum."

(All the time)

When he realised that he had run out of fingers to kiss, he leaned in and softly pecked her cheek, right there on the dimple that was on display.  "Nee mattum thaan-"

(You're all I-)

"Venum." Without any warning she brought her lips close to his.

(Want)

"Venuma?" It came muffled against her lips.

(Want?)

"Venum."  Her word was lost in his lips. And so it became his too. Not hers, not his, but it was their word. Their vow. Their promise.

(Want)

~~~

I'm not entirely satisfied with this but I'm not in the state to write and make much changes either so I just wanted to wrap it up.

Hope it wasn't too bad😅

And thank you everyone for all your well-wishes. I'm slowly getting better❤️‍🩹