"Good morning na." Ashwin greeted the security officer before walking through the door, mentally praying for everything to go well.

Heading straight to the reception counter, he signed the attendance register oblivious to the receptionist who ogled at the sight of the handsome employee - the latest addition to their company.

"You don't look like a fresher. Idhuku munnadi yenga work panninga?" She asked, not exactly curious about his history. It was just a classic strategy to make him lift his head so she can take a look at those dreamy eyes once again.

(Where did you work before this?)

To her delight, he immediately looked up at her and handed back the pen. "Coimbatore branch la work pannitu irundhen. Ippo thaan Chennai ku transfer aagiruken."

(In the Coimbatore branch. Just transferred to Chennai.)

She nodded in awe. "7th floor ponga, someone will guide you from there." She sweetly instructed before adding on,"yedhavudhu help venumna, just give me a call."

(If you need any help, just give me a call.)

He grinned before sticking out his hand to formerly introduce himself. "Ashwin"

She fluttered her eyelids. "Iniya." Gently rubbing his palm, she did a little wink. "See you around, cutie."

Chuckling loudly at the nickname, he shook his head and walked off to the lift lobby. Noticing an elevator that was just about to close, he jogged and pressed harshly on the button. The doors quickly opened back, multiple irritated faces inviting him inside.

He barely found space for himself among those workers who were desperately rushing to clock in.

The elevator got gradually lighter as it halted at every level for people to alight. Ashwin scrolled through his phone, waiting for the long ride to come to an end. Only after a few seconds passed, he realised that the lift was almost empty already. It was just him and a woman he hadn't bothered looking at.

"Arivu illa?"

(Do you have any sense?)

Ashwin flinched and turned towards the voice, feeling offended. He sighed in relief when he noticed the phone pressed against her ear.

"Yenna panna sonna, neenga yenna panni vechirkinga? If you can't do something, just tell me beforehand. Why are you bloody wasting my time?!" The woman angrily spoke, with no mercy towards whoever that was at the receiving end.

(What have you done?)

Amused and weirdly intrigued, he keenly focused on her form. The long sleeve chiffon blouse nicely tucked into the mid waist slacks, her jet black bouncy hair that neatly framed her face, the way her rosy lips protruded with her entire face shrinking sullenly.

Elegant.

Sexy.

Adorable as hell.

Ashwin wondered how can a woman possibly be all three at the same time?

He was so invested in staring at her that he failed to notice the lift that had finally brought him to his destination. She hastily moved out, still yelling into the phone while a blushy smile spread across Ashwin's face.

Just when he looked around for someone who should direct him to enter since he was still yet to receive his access card, his eyes widened when he noticed her holding out the door. Not once her eyes moved towards him, but she had used her own card and held the door open.

For him.

A panicked Ashwin scampered in when her little finger signalled him to enter. He was marvelled at the way she just knew what to do despite how occupied she seemed with the call. Before he could mutter a thank you, she walked off, still talking away in the phone.

He intently stared, hoping she'll turn to glance at him at least once. But all he got was the view of her back.

...

"Yenna bro Colgate advertisement la vara model madhri ipdi pallu ah katitu irukinga?" His colleague questioned, pulling him back to earth.

(You're smiling through your teeth like the ambassador Colgate?)

Ashwin chuckled at how well fate had played out for him. Maybe he had saved the nation in his past life so it was good Karma or maybe it was just pure luck.

It's been 2 weeks since he joined the company and this has been the happiest he had been ever to show up to work.

Ashwin didn't even feel the misery of being an under appreciated slave to the corporate world anymore. Every morning, he felt the thrill of going to Disneyland. Or if he were to be blatantly honest to himself, he felt like he won a free ticket to the Victoria's Secret runway show.

Except the show took place 5 days a week, 8 hours a day and the best part was it only consisted of one model who instead of walking down the runway, simply sat across him inside her cabin, typing away and occasionally yelling at people.

Sivaangi Krishnakumar.

The infamous HR manager that he still had not spoken a single word to. Something about the woman captured his attention since the very first day he saw her in the elevator.

To make matters worse, or probably better according to Ashwin, he was allocated a cabin that was very conveniently located as he got a clear view of her through the glass door. All he had to do was to look up from the computer screen and tilt his head slightly upward and it's a straight ride to heaven.

Upon noticing his eyes that were still fixed on the feisty woman who was busily arranging some papers on her desk, his team member sighed in pity. "Yenna bro neenga innum adha vidalaya? Naa annikey yenna sonnen? Adhu seriyana thimiru pudichathu. Indha office la oruthavanaga kitta kuda moonji kuduthu pesathu."

Ashwin clicked his tongue, not being able to agree despite witnessing her monstrous nature himself. "Angel madhri yevlo cute ah irukanga, avangala poyi..."

(Just how cute of an angel she looks like...ow could you say that about her?)

The other man sneered. "Angel ah? Adhu oru rakshasi bro, adhu ungalta pesadha varaikum ungaluku nalladhu. Pesunichu, kili kilinu kiluchurom. Sathiyama work out aagadhu, aprom unga ishtam."

(Angel? She's a whole devil, you're lucky as long as she doesn't talk to you. Because if she does, she's gonna blast you off. I swear this won't work, ultimately it's up to you.)

Ashwin rolled his eyes, his gaze still fixed on her. "Work out aagurathuku lam onnum illa. Avanga azhaga irukanga, naa paakuren. Only sightings. Uyire kuduthu velai pakurapo oru chinna happiness. That's it."

(There's nothing to work out. She's pretty, I'm admiring. It ends there. In the middle of working like crazy, this is a little happiness.)

The team member hummed in response and said something which Ashwin failed to hear as he was too engrossed in watching her gather all her hair gently to put them in a ponytail.

"Ivlo lam azhaga ponnunga irupanganu yenaku ivlo naalu theiryama poiduchu." He mindlessly muttered.

(All these days, I never knew a girl could be this beautiful...)

"Therinjirindha yenna pannirpinga?"

(If you had known what would you have done?)

"Appovey Chennai ku vandhurpen." He breathily said.

(I would have come much earlier to Chennai.)

"Paathu bro, thirumbi Coimbatore ku pack up pannitu odura madhri aagidapodhu."

(Let's just hope you don't end up running back to Coimbatore now.)

...

They say 8 hours but it's not uncommon for your day to get dragged to meet deadlines. And that's how Ashwin ended up working late one of the nights with his team and several other staffs too.

He noticed the clock struck 11.30 p.m. Unable to take it anymore, he decided to take the 2 minutes break that he had promised himself earlier. He angled his head carefully for some heaven time only to pout when he noticed her seat empty.

But he immediately smiled when he saw the lights still on and her handbag that was on her desk.

She hadn't left yet. She must have gone to the washroom.

Despite the overtime hours his brain had been squeezed, it still came up with a random but brilliant idea that he quickly ran off to put it into action.

He returned with two cups. Coffee for himself and hot chocolate for her since he is aware that she never drinks coffee. Carefully making sure no eyes were looking, he sneaked into her empty cabin and placed the cup on her desk before scurrying back to his own table.

With intent eyes, he watched her returning back to her cabin and freezing at the little treat that had appeared magically. Confused, she turned towards the glass door and Ashwin immediately brought down his gaze, not wanting to be caught.

When he was sure that she wasn't looking anymore, he looked up again and saw her hesitating on what she should do.

It wasn't easy for her.

She can't just come out and ask the people whom she has never bothered even smiling at if they had given her the drink.

At the same time, she can't just enjoy a drink that she had no idea who it came from either.

After much contemplation, she ended up drinking anyways. Ashwin smiled like an idiot, feeling victorious as if he had won the World Cup.

"Velaya paaru man, sight adikirathuku oru neram kaalam illama poiduchu unaku." His colleague complained to which he responded with a loud hush before he turned back to admire her indulging the drink.

(Focus on your work, there's a time to flirt around.)

And that's how he developed this habit.

To get her a drink every chance he gets. Late nights or early mornings...Sivaangi often found hot chocolate waiting for her on the table.

Ashwin absolutely found pleasure in watching her series of reactions every single time. From surprise to confusion to hesitance before a spark of joy in her eyes when she finally drinks, something that one can only notice if they look closely into her eyes.

They were several meters apart, separated by a glass door and many other tables; but somehow he could still see through her eyes and tell that she really wasn't the cold devil she had painted herself out to be.

There was more to her. Hidden, isolated and lost. Secretly yearning to be found.

...

"Sakthi, unga team peer evaluations ah compile panni yenaku mail panna solli irundhen, what happened?"

(What happened to the team peer evaluations that I asked you to compile?)

The entire room went quiet, not daring to even look at their HR manager who had bothered coming out all the way from her cabin to blast off the trainee who had just joined a week ago.

"Vandhu oru varathulaye soli mudinchu..." the staffs whispered among themselves, making sure it's not loud enough to reach the ears of the devil who was not so patiently waiting for the young man to respond.

(It's literally been only a week...)

He nervously stood up. "Madam, innum mudikala-"

(I'm not done yet-)

"Mudikalaya? Oru simple task. You had a whole of yesterday. Nethu full ah yenna kilichitu irundhinga?" She spoke through her teeth with unforgiving eyes, causing him to almost tremble.

(Not done? What the hell were you doing yesterday?)

Gulping hard, he tried to apologise and explain. "M-Madam nethu oru emergency-"

(There was an emergency-)

"Sakthi you need to stop giving reasons like a school kid! Indha silly excuses ah naa poyi higher-ups ta solla mudiyuma?!" Her voice boomed, moving him close to tears.

(Do you think I can bring these silly excuses of yours to the higher-ups?!)

Chattering away happily, Ashwin headed towards the cabin after a heavy birthday lunch Sarath had treated him to. But the smiles on their faces vanished when they arrived to the chaos.

Sakthi's voice trembled and all he managed to utter was a pitiful sorry that she didn't even bother acknowledging.

She continued lashing out. "Look, if you are not interested, just resign. Thousands of people are waiting to take your place. But ungaluku indha opportunity kuduthurkangana, adhuku neenga deserving ah nadanthukanum. Unga naala mudiyathuna, just resign!"

(You've gotten this opportunity. You better make yourself a deserving person. If you can't, then just resign!)

Realising what the commotion was all about, Ashwin ran to his team member's rescue. "Madam one second!"

She paused to turn as he pushed Sakthi aside to explain. "Actually nethu naa thaan avana kelamba sonnen, and naaney yellathayum compile panni last night eh ungaluku mail panniten."

(Actually I was the one who asked him to leave yesterday, and I finished compiling everything and emailed it to you last night.)

She blinked, her anger slowly dissolving to be replaced by confusion. Ashwin quickly stated,"avan Amma ku udambu sari illa, she was hospitalised so he had to go."

(His mother was no well)

Instant regret hit her as she briefly looked at Sakthi who avoided her eyes in fear. She shut her eyes momentarily, not being able to formulate a response.

She turned on her heel to leave but was stopped by the team leader when he softly said,"I think you should apologise to him."

With a sharp glare, she turned back to face Ashwin. She just stared at the man in front her, unable to comprehend the audacity he had that she's never seen in anyone in the office.

With an unreadable face, she marched pass him to Sakthi and spoke loud enough to be heard by Ashwin. "If you're having an emergency situation, two things."

She opened one finger. "Number 1, neenga yen kitta inform pannanum."

(You should inform me.)

She opened another finger. "Number 2, if you are unable to inform me then your team leader should inform me on your behalf."

Pressing her lips tightly, she continued. "Mistake started from there. Avara yen kitta apologise panna sollunga, adhuku aprom naa vandhu unga kitta panren. Okay?"

(Ask him to apologise to me first, then I'll apologise to you.)

Shooting Ashwin a stinky eye, she walked off but once again paused when the team leader loudly declared,"sorry."

She turned to look at him just to confirm if he was really the one who spoke. He smiled at her, a smile she could not read or understand at all. "Oru leader position la irundhutu, thappu panna sorry kekurathuku yenaku ego kedayathu. Ungalukum irukathunu nenakiren."

(When I'm holding a leader position, I don't have any ego to apologise if I make a mistake. I think it's the same for you.)

Sivaangi just stared for a minute, not knowing what to even feel towards this man.

Never had she come across a person who held her accountable and pointed out her mistake in a sharp but polite way. She truly didn't even know such a thing was possible.

Breathing in and out, she walked back to Sakthi. "School kid ah irundhalum, work pannitu irundhalum, Amma mukkiyam thaan. Sorry for not hearing you out."

(Regardless of whether you're a school kid or you're working, your mom is important.)

She was about to walk off but remembered something and decided to add on. "Company provides healthcare privileges. I'll send you the details, look through and see if you want to apply for it. Might be helpful."

A gentle and contented smile made its way to Ashwin's face as she went back to her cabin without batting an eye towards him.

Even if she never really noticed him before, at least now he'll be remembered by her for something.

That was considered a progress by Ashwin. Not the ideal one but it was still something.

...

After months of sucking the energy out of the employees, with Diwali around the corner the company decided to hold a celebration the day before the festival.

They gave them half a day off, and asked them to show up in traditional wear for the day to set a festive mood.

Wearing a veshti was something Ashwin was quite used to so he didn't have any problem with it. As his team gathered together to take pictures for memory's sake, the excited buzz in the room suddenly died.

He followed the direction of everyone's eyes and that's when he noticed his favourite HR manager walking in.

Amidst all the fun, the idea that Sivaangi would be showing up in a saree completely slipped his mind. But now that he was seeing her beautifully adorning the burgundy georgette saree, her hair skill fully put into a side fishtail braid, the sound of her heel echoing into his ears, he feels like he is never going to forget his vision of her.

She walked in, oblivious to the all the attention she garnered but paused to look up from her phone when she noticed the pin drop silence in the room as they all looked at her. Like a nervous kitten, she blinked before lowly saying,"happy diwali."

A numerous wishes were said back to her all at once as she quickly went into her cabin to feel safe from all those stares.

"Paravala, nalla thaan iruka. Andha rakshasi kullayum oru azhagana ponnu iruka thaan seiyudhu." Sarath pointed out.

(Not bad, she looks fine. There's a beautiful girl hiding inside the devil.)

Ashwin couldn't take part in the conversation. He just stood there by his desk, not moving an inch as he continued staring at her.

Gulping hard, he had to force himself to peel away his eyes from her and join his team for a picture. His heart that entire day completely forgot what's the normal pace.

He found himself sitting in front of the screen that he hadn't bothered turning on even, and lost himself in her with no regrets.

There is no way he can just limit himself to sightseeing when she's this gorgeous. He needed to at least tell her just how breathtaking she was.

So when he bumped into her in the veranda, Ashwin called out to her but she continued walking away, not bothering to give any sort of response.

Sarath chuckled upon seeing the Ashwin pout sadly like a puppy. "Naa thaan sonnenla bro, adhu seriyana thimiru pudichathu. Yaaru kuptalum thirumbi kuda pakama pogum. Avaluku thevai patta mattum, avaley vandhu pesitu pova. Avaley unna kuptu pesura madhri yedhavudhu try pannu."

(I told you right, she's very arrogant. She wouldn't even bother to acknowledge if someone calls her. She only talks when absolutely necessary. Create a situation that requires her to talk to you.)

And that's what Ashwin ended up doing.

The day after the Diwali holiday, when everyone was reluctantly back to office, the only excited person was Ashwin. After much thinking, he came up with a plan to make her call him over to her cabin.

He emailed to her about his access card that had been "stolen" and requested for immediate help as soon as possible.

Yes. He was desperate enough to stoop down to that level.

Just as he had expected, she asked him to come over to her cabin so she can look into the issue.

Adjusting his hair through his reflection on the computer screen, Ashwin nervously got ready. He touched Sarath's feet who was startled at the sudden gesture. Ashwin grinned in excitement. "Bro yenna asirvadham pannu."

(I need your blessings.)

He inhaled and exhaled, mentally cheering for himself before pushing open the door to walk into her cabin.

"Hi..." he breathed out.

She looked up from her laptop screen and simply nodded, motioning him to take a seat. "When did you lose your card?"

Ashwin spontaneously answered. "Uhh Diwali celebration anniki."

She typed away, her eyes firmly fixed on the screen. "You need to pay penalty fees. I've emailed you the details. Oru 2 days la replace panniduvanga, until then admin la irundhu they will provide you a temporary card."

Ashwin nodded, barely paying attention to what she was saying. "Thank you."

She nodded and inserted her ear pod into her ears again, and when she realised he wasn't moving from the chair, she gave him a questioning look. "Is there anything else you need?"

"I need your time."

She frowned, not able to track where this conversation was leading up to. "Care to elaborate?"

"Inniki night or nalaki night or actually any nights, unga time kedaikuma? I would love to go for dinner with you."

(Tonight or maybe tomorrow night or any nights, can I get your time?)

He looked at her with hopeful eyes but the lack of response from her side made him panic so he tried to persuade. "Indha company, aprom us being colleagues idhalam maranthudunga."

(Just forget about this company, about us being colleagues.)

He stuck out his hand towards her, shooting the most charming smile he could muster. "Ashwin Kumar. A fellow Indian citizen. Oru Indian citizen ah indha Indian citizen kuda dinner ku vaanga."

(As an Indian citizen, join this Indian citizen for dinner.)

With a stoic face, she took his hand and shook it gently. "Nice to meet you. I'm married."

With a loud gasp, Ashwin immediately snatched back his hand. "Indha parunga, pudikalana pudikalanu sollunga. Indha madhri poi solli yen heart ah breaking pannathinga!"

(Look if you don't like me, say you don't like me. Don't come up with such lies and break my heart!)

She stared with emotionless eyes. "Pudikalana pudikalanu solluven. I am married."

(If I don't like you I would have told you.)

Ashwin was about to accuse her of lying and make a big fuss, but he couldn't. Because he could tell through her eyes that she was being serious. No hint of lies. Not hint of jokes. Not hint of pranks.

Just a bitter truth.

"Please go back to your seat." She said and turned back to her screen.

With shaky legs, he slowly turned to make his way to the door when she suddenly called out to him. "Oru nimisham."

(One minute.)

He turned to find her handing him a banknote and he looked up at her with questioning eyes to which she casually responded. "Ivlo naalu hot chocolate vangi kuduthathuku."

(For all the hot chocolate you bought for me.)

"Ungaluku theriyuma naa thaan-"

(You knew it was me-)

"Ivlo naalu theriyadhu, inniki therinjiduchu. Vechikonga."

(Not until today. Please take it.)

His face turned sour with a glare as he put up his hands together in a pleading way. "Podhum. Naa asinga pattadhu podhum. Neenga extra effort potu ippo paduthathinga!"

(Enough. I feel embarrassed enough. You don't have to put in extra effort to further embarrass me.)

She didn't respond to that and he walked out, promising himself to not look back anymore.

When Sarath excitedly enquired how it went, he shot him a deadly glare. "Appovey nenachen indha madhri ponnungalam hitler kalathulaye alinju poyirpanganu. I thought she was an exception. But yevano thookitu poitan!"

(I knew girls like this were already extinct since Hitler's time. Some idiot got lucky before me.)

His eyes naturally travelled to her cabin out of habit and for the first time, she was looking at him too. That made him even infuriated.

"Nasama povan!" He cursed out her husband.

(I hope he rots in hell.)

"Yaaru bro nasama ponum? Yenna thaan sonna?" Sarath curiously asked.

(Who should rot in hell? What did she even say?)

"Indha paaru, inimey yaarum kedayathu! Yenaku nee, unaku naa! Avlo dhaan! Mudikitu velaya paaru!"

(Look, there's no place for anyone else anymore. It's just you and me! Now shut up and do your work!)

...

And the next few days, Ashwin went through the five stages of grief.

Denial. There was no way she could be married. Shes so young, pretty and freaking adorable. She's a lot younger than me, why would she  be married when I'm not?

Anger. How dare she be married? And she still drank all the hot chocolate? How dare she be married? And she still go around looking that attractive? How dare she?!

Bargaining. Well, she's married. So is Deepika Padukone. So is Nazriya Nazim. So is Ariana Grande. If I am allowed to crush on them, I can crush on her too right?

Depression. Never gonna get to hold her hand and play with her tiny fingers. Never gonna get to feel her in my arms with a tight hug. Never gonna get to kiss those lips. Never gonna get her. I am going to die single, in an old rundown house, with no one but Sarath beside me.

Acceptance. At least her presence alone kept me happy all this while. She will be a fond memory. There are plenty of fish in the sea. I'll catch one or I'll jump down.

It's almost been a week since the tragic conversation he shared with her. What he struggled the most with was to break out of the habit that he had been diligently enjoying for the past 6 months; staring at her.

He had put up a sticky notes at every corner of his table with the same words written all over them. "Do not look up!"

He sighed to himself, wondering if he should request for a different cabin that will completely block his view.

But he didn't want her to feel like she's the cause of it even though she obviously is. Plus he couldn't bear the idea of sitting away from Sarath who he had grown very close to.

But lately though, he didn't completely hate the idea of moving away from the friend who had been getting on his nerves.

"Crush crush nu sollitu irudhiye, nee ipdi crush aagi ukkaruvanu naa edhir paakala bro."

(You were flaunting so proudly about your crush. But look at you, completely crushed.)

Ashwin rolled his eyes. "Naa kuda thaan edhir paakala. Yellam yen neram!"

(Even I didn't expect this. It's all my luck!)

Sarath thought hard before making a harmless guess. "Oru vela annan nu kuptalo?"

(Did she address you as brother?)

Ashwin stared blankly, secretly thinking even that would have been better than what she had said.

"Uncle?" Sarath continued guessing.

(Uncle?)

"Unna adichey kondruven. Odiru." He warned.

(I would seriously kill you. Get lost.)

Sarath cackled and grabbed his things as the clock struck 9. "Seri seri, late aayiduchu. Naa kelamburen, neeyum romba neram irukama seekiram kelambu. Aprom coffee, tea, hot chocolate nu waiter vela paakama un velaya mattum olunga paaru."

(Fine fine it's late anyways. I'm leaving, you don't stay out too long also. And you better not do waiter jobs and get her coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Just do your job.)

"Yengaluku theriyum, nee po." Ashwin sulkily nodded as he only then he remembered that he won't even be able to do these sweet little things that gave him joy anymore during his long night shifts.

(I know that, just go.)

No more Disneyland. No more runway show.

Work is just going to be painful, maddening slavery as it had been back in Coimbatore.

Pushing away those pathetic thoughts, he fixed his eyes on the screen, determined to get things done quickly.

One by one, everyone else who had stayed behind started leaving. It was way past midnight and he was left with only two other people in the office. Kavin, a team leader just like him and the HR manager it seems considering Ashwin could see the light from her room still turned on.

"Bye da Ashwin." Another hour passed when finally Kavin was leaving too. Ashwin stretched his arms, yawning loudly as he wondered if he should just finish up the little bit of work left tomorrow in the morning.

But the lights from the cabin in front of him unknowingly pressured him to stay. So got up to get himself a cup of coffee before he end up falling asleep.

It took him so much strength to not get another cup of drink for the only woman in the office as he walked back to his cabin, sipping on the hot beverage.

Just when he was saving the files that he had successfully completed, the lights of her cabin went off and he could hear her footsteps as she came out and the sound stopped for a second when she paused on her heel to look at him. He forced himself to not look up. And then the sound of her footsteps resumed before she took the elevator and went down.

Ashwin waited for his files to be saved which took about 20 more minutes, he shut down the computer and exited the building.

Just when he was about to take off, he noticed her still standing by porch, her tensed eyes busily looking through her phone.

After a few minutes of debate with himself, he gave up and walked to her. She looked up as he softly asked,"yenna aachu?"

"Just trying to book a cab. You go ahead."

"You drive right? Car ku yenna aachu?"

(What happened to your car?)

"Service Center, nalaki thaan ready aagum."

(I'll only get it tomorrow.)

Ashwin awkwardly scratched the back of his head before offering,"naa drop pannava?"

(Shall I drop you?)

"Illa illa vendam. Neenga ponga, romba late aayiduchu." She was quick to dismiss him.

(No, no thanks. You go ahead, it's very late already.)

Ashwin sighed. This was more difficult than what he had thought. "Yenga, indha time la cab kedaikathu. Romba kashtam. Please vaanga."

(It's very hard to hail a cab at this hour. Almost impossible. Please come with me.)

She avoided his gaze and firmly stood her ground. "It's okay, naa pathukuren. Neenga kelambunga."

(It's okay I'll handle. you go first.)

Ashwin shook his head, too tired to deal with her adamant self. He thought for a while before trying one last time, hoping this will work. "Indha company, aprom us being colleagues, plus anniki naa pesunadhu, idhalam maranthudunga."

(Just forget about this company, about us being colleagues and especially about what I said that day)

He pointed to himself as he continued. "Ashwin Kumar. A fellow Indian citizen. Oru Indian citizen ah innoru Indian citizen veetula drop panradhu thappu illa."

(As an Indian citizen, it's not wrong to drop off another Indian citizen at home.)

She blinked, least expecting him to pull something like that. Upon seeing her not rejecting anymore, he sighed in relief and dragged his motorcycle over.

Her eyes widened. "Bike..."

Ashwin sighed once again. "Sorry nga, naa ungala madhri HR manager kedayathu. Naa oru sadharna team leader, yennala indha two wheeler thaan afford panna mudiyum."

(Sorry I don't earn as much as you do. This is all I can afford.)

When he saw her hesitating for a moment, he started,"indha paarunga oru Indian citizen ah ipdi two wheeler ah disrespect panrathu romba thappu-"

(As an Indian citizen, don't you dare disrespect two wheelers-)

"Ayyo podhum, pesiye kollathinga. Naa varen." She stopped him before he could get carried away with his speech.

(That's enough, your talking might actually kill me. I'll come.)

Smiling, he nodded his head as she perched on the space behind him, leaving a little bit of gap between them.

The ride was filled with silence, with only Sivaangi giving out directions every now and then. When he heard her asking him to stop, he immediately obliged only to notice that they've reached a bus stop.

"Yenga, neenga yenna bus stop laya thangirukinga?" He questioned feeling confused.

(Do you live in the bus stop or something?)

She rolled her eyes and alighted. She pointed towards an alley nearby. "Apdiye ulla pona yen flat vandhurom."

(My flat is down that alley.)

"Appo vaanga ulla polam, naa angaye drop panren."

(Then let's go in, I'll drop you there.)

She shook her head, and insisted him to leave. "Neenga kelambunga, late aayiduchu. Naa inga irundhu poiduven."

(You should leave, it's late already. I'll go from here.)

"Sure?"

"Very sure."

He purses his lips, nodding in agreement. "Seri okay, I'll leave then."

Just when he was about to start the vehicle, she called out. "Oru nimisham."

(One minute.)

He looked at her doubtfully. "Yenna? Hot chocolate ku kaasu kudutha madhri, dropping fees kuduka poringala?"

(Are you gonna pay me for the ride?)

She giggled at that, and his heart skipped a beat. "Sorry about that. Adhu yen ungaluku insulting ah irundhurkumnu appo purila, aproma purinjichu. Sorry. And thanks for tonight. Really."

(I didn't know how it could have been insulting to you at that point. But now I understand.)

Ashwin took in a deep breath. "Naa onnu sollata?"

(Can I say something?)

She nodded in approval.

"Siringa."

(Smile.)

"What?"

He brought two fingers to the corner of his own lips to cutely demonstrate. "Adikadi smile pannunga. Looks good on you. Really."

(Smile more often.)

She stared blankly before she broke out into a full smile, the fullest he had ever seen on her face in the past 6 months. He quickly added, pointing to her face to prove a point. "Ippo kuda."

(Even now.)

"Podhum." She gently stopped him, exhaling out as she admitted. "Yen kitta yaarum sonnadhu illa."

(That's enough.) (nobody has told me that before.)

Ashwin chuckled. "Adhaan naa solraney. Smile. Ungaluku nalladhu, namma staffs ku nalladhu, naatukum nalladhu."

(Well I'm telling you now. Smile. It's good for you, for the staffs and for the country even.)

She curiously asked,"naa smile panradhu naatuku yenna nalladhu?"

(How is it good for the country?)

"Neenga terror ah suththama, smile panna, namma office la ullavanga bayam illama nalla velai seivanga. Avanga nalla velai senja, economy boost aagum. So your smile will save the economy of this country."

(Instead of wandering around causing terror to people, if you smile , people will work better without fear. If they work better, it will boost the economy.)

Now she couldn't stop smiling, even if she wanted to because this guy here was something she's never experienced in her life. "Neenga yeppdhumey ipdi thaan pesuvingala?"

(Do you always talk like this?)

He thought for a while before nodding with a wide grin. "Porandhadula irundhey."

(Since I was born.)

"Nalla iruku."

(It's nice.)

"Yennadhu?"

(What?)

"Unga pechu."

(Your talks.)

He brought his hand to his chest, and proudly accepted the compliment. "Thank you."

Her smile shrunk, as she suddenly felt a heaviness in her heart. Biting her lips hard, she finally asked the question she's been dying to ask. "Yen varathuku ivlo naalu aagiduchu?"

(Why you took so long to come?)

His eyebrows furrowed at that. "Yenga irundhu varathuku...ohh Coimbatore la irundhu varatha kekuringala?"

(From where...ohh you mean from Coimbatore?)

She stayed quiet, not looking at him. That's when he recalled that he was meant to transfer to Chennai about 2 years ago but due to his bedridden mother, he held it off. Only after she passed away, he accepted the transfer offer and moved.

Would it have made a difference if he had come earlier?

Would she not have been-

"Good night."

Not giving him the chance to finish that question even in his mind, she walked off. Except this time, he wasn't expecting it but she turned back once to look before she disappeared.

...

After a long day of conferences and meetings, Sivaangi walked into the canteen with her stomach rumbling for food only to find the stall shut.

Confused, she looked around and spotted Ashwin waving at her. He was unusually sitting on his own without his team members or random female staffs fawning over him.

"Yen closed?"

(Why is it closed?)

"Annan ku udambu sari illa, adhaan inniki early ah close pannitu poitaru," Ashwin casually explained.

(The wonder was sick so he closed early.)

"Yen kitta inform pannavey illa," she sat down in annoyance.

(He never inform me.)

"Naa inform pannikirenu solten."

(I told him that I'll inform you.)

"Aprom yen pannala?" She frowned.

(Then why didn't you?)

He playfully smiled. "Adhaan ippo inform pannaney."

(I thought I just did?)

She glared as he chuckled and pushed his lunch box towards her, knowing well how hungry she must be after the hectic day she's been though. "Please have mine."

Too hungry to reject, she took a spoonful of the curd rice and ate. She ate a few more spoons and nodded at him with wide eyes that gleamed. "Nalla iruku. You cooked?"

(It's delicious.)

He nodded proudly and lied. "Neenga finish pannidunga, naa already Sarath kuda inga canteen sapadu sapten."

(Finish it, I already ate the food from the canteen with Sarath.)

She happily obliged, thanking him adorably. She ate while he watched in silence. To stop his mind from generating unnecessary thoughts, he took out his phone and tried to distract himself.

"Aprom oru vishyam." She suddenly said so he put down his phone to listen.

(There's something I wanted to tell you.)

"Neenga yennikavudhu kuptu naa respond pannalana, it's probably because I had this on." She pointed towards her earpiece.

(If I didn't respond when you had called me, then it's probably because I had this on.)

Ashwin nodded, realising how she always had them on. "Ahh, ungaluku music na romba pudikuma?"

(So you're love music?)

She swallowed with difficulty and answered. "Noise pudikathu."

(I hate noise.)

When his gaze told her that he couldn't exactly understand what she meant, she decided to explain in the most subtle way as possible. Nervously smiling, she tried. "Yenaku konjam problem."

(I have an issue.)

He raised his eyebrow, hoping for further elaboration.

She breathed in and tried again. "Naa neraya noise ketuten. Kekuren. Veetula."

(I heard too much noise. Still hearing. At home.)

Ashwin blinked, nodding slowly while she continued. "So...veliya vandhalum yen mind la andha noises ketutey iruku. And it's not like a pleasant noise you know? It's like there's a whole war zone in my head where people are just screaming, shouting, crying and killing. Quite horrible and hard to live with. So adha block panrathuku yedho yennala mudinjadhu, music."

(Do even when I'm outside, I keep hearing those noises in my mind. To block it out, I use music.)

She gave him a defeated smile and continued eating while he tried to process all that. All he managed to utter was,"wow...I-I never knew that."

She shrugged. "Nobody does."

Ashwin found it unfair. "Neraya peru ungala idhu naala thappu ah nenakiranga. Since you don't even respond when they call out, they think you're arrogant."

(Many people misunderstand you as being arrogant.)

Sivaangi chuckled in the middle of drinking water, she paused and put the glass down. "Avanga nenakiradhu pathi I'm not bothered. Yellar kittayum poyi sollitu iruka mudiyathu."

(I'm not bothered about what they think. I can't be telling this to each person.)

Ashwin curiously asked,"yedhuku yen kitta mattum sonninga?"

(Then why did you tell me?)

She thought for a while before shaking her shoulders. "Therila, sollanumnu thonuchu."

(I don't know, just felt like it.)

He smiled at that. They remained silent as she finished eating. When she was done and ready to leave, he said,"can I say something even though I don't know the full context?"

She eyed him intently before nodding. "Sure."

"Noise ah block panradha vida, noise yenga irundhu varudho, andha source ah kandu pudichu block panradhu thana better?"

(Rather than blocking away the noise, wouldn't it be better to find the source of the noise and block it?)

Sivaangi's lips parted in shock at what she was hearing.

Eyes still embedded on her shocked ones, he continued. "Noise kulla irukanumnu avasiyam illa. Ulagam romba perusu. Amaidhiyana, nimmadhiyana yedam neraya iruku. Move yourself out of that war zone, find a place you love. Kandipa kedaikum."

(There's no need for you to continue staying in noise. The world is vast. There's many peaceful, serene places in the world. You will find a place for yourself.)

Her lips trembled as she struggled to form any word. Her eyes did not leave his even for a millisecond.

She looked at him in a way she's never looked at anyone because he's told her something nobody ever did.

Ashwin gulped, fearing to explore what the look meant. To save both of them, his phone rang. "Canteen la thaan iruken, I'll be there."

(I'm in the canteen.)

He ended the call and looked back at her. In a soft apologetic tone, he told her. "Some technical issue in the team, I have to go now."

She nodded in understanding, casting her eyes down. He found it hard to leave but he couldn't tell what would happen if he stayed.

There was a line they can't cross.

So Ashwin walked off, leaving her alone with the life-changing piece of advice he had effortlessly given her.

...

"Yeppo thaan Achu yen kooda date ku varuva?" Iniya shot him heart eyes, playfully poking his shoulder.

(So when will will you ever go out on a date with me Achu?)

Ashwin sighed, leaning by the reception counter as he sipped on his coffee. "Naa irukura nelamaila kadasila un kooda thaan date ku poven pola iruku."

(At this point I might really end up dating you.)

She glared, slapping his shoulder harshly. "Naa yenna unaku second option ah?"

(Am I a second option for you?)

Before he could correct her that she's her last option, a tall, well-dressed man approached them. "Excuse me, I'm here to meet Sivaangi."

Ashwin eyed him and overtook the receptionist to question him being the nosy person he was when it comes to Sivaangi. "Neenga yaaru?"

(Who are you?)

The man hesitantly looked around. "Uhm it's quite personal. I don't think I can disclose anything. Avangala konjam kupta podhum."

(Just call her over.)

Iniya was about to pick up the phone when Ashwin stopped her. "Naa mela thaan poren, I'll inform her."

(I'm going up now, I'll inform her.)

He kept his word and went up to her. She was busily guiding Sakthi with something as he intervened. "Sivaangi you have a visitor."

She frowned. "Yaaru?"

(Who?)

"Young, tall, quite handsome," Ashwin described before adding on. "I think it's your husband."

Her eyes widened at that as worry was written all over face. Anxiously she turned to Sakthi. "Just complete what I've told you so far."

Without waiting for Sakthi to respond, she sprinted off as Ashwin and Sakthi exchanged a look of puzzlement.

They both went back to their cabins. Ashwin could not forget the sudden anxiety that reflected through her eyes at the mention of her husband possibly visiting which was oddly unsettling for him. Just when he was contemplating if he should go down and get a sneak peak to make sure everything was fine, Sivaangi marched over to his desk with a grave look.

With a loud thud, she placed a thumb drive on his table as he innocently blinked. "He is not my husband. He is my lawyer."

His lips formed an 'O' shape as he nodded. "Naa konjam avasaramana velaya ponum, I got some files opened in my laptop. Adha indha thumb drive la save panni, drop it in the executive office."

(I have to rush out for something. Save those files in this thumb drive and drop it in the executive office.)

He tilted his head, amused at how she was rightfully asking for a favour. Smiling, he nodded. "Amidst my busy schedule, I'll allocate time for this only because as an Indian citizen innoru Indian citizen ku help pannanum-"

(As an Indian citizen, I'll help another Indian citizen-)

"I know you're done with your projects. Neenga vetti nu theriyum." She cut him off.

(I know you got nothing to do right now.)

He looked offended as she said, "sonnadha correct ah pannitu yenaku message pannunga."

(Please do whatever I told you correctly and message me once I'm done.)

He showed her a thumbs up. "Okay naa pathukuren Madam."

(Okay I'll take care Madam.)

She gratefully smiled, and Ashwin could see through just how jittery she seemed though he wasn't sure about the reason behind it. She went over to her cabin, grabbed her handbag and was ready to leave.

Just as she entered the elevator, Ashwin walked over to wish out loud. "Jai Hind. Victory will be yours whatever you're fighting for."

"Adhuku yedhuku Jai Hind?"

(Why Jai Hind for that?)

"Indian citizens!" Ashwin pointed out like it was such an obvious fact.

She burst out into a small laughter, shaking her head. The elevator doors were about to shut as she managed to utter right in time. "Thanks."

...

One of the days Ashwin ended up being late work, he clocked in and jogged his way to the cabin only to find a hot cup of coffee sitting on the table.

Instinctively, he turned to question his friend. "Yenna da coffee lam vangitu vandhurka?"

(Wow you got me coffee?)

Sarath stared at the friend. "Coffee ah? Naa yenakey selavu panni adhulam vaanga maaten, un kaasu la thaan kudipen. Naa unaku vangitu varuvana?"

(Coffee? I don't even get myself coffee, you are the one who pays for my coffee. Why would I get you one?)

"Logic correct thaan. Appo idhu yaaru vecha?"

(That makes sense, then who got this for me?)

"Yella corner la yum oru 4 fangirls irukalunga. Adhula yedhavudhu vechirkum. Araichi pannama yeduthu kudi man."

(There's 4 fangirls for each on each corner. One of them might have gotten it. Instead of researching, just drink it.)

He slowly brought the cup to his lips and took a sip, his eyes unknowingly moving to the cabin in front of him. His eyebrows did a little jump when she smiled over at him, shaking her head slightly to enquire if the coffee was good.

Surprised, he pointed his finger towards her direction to confirm if it was indeed her.

She nodded, and moved her head slightly forward confirming that it was from her for him.

Curious, lines formed on his forehead as he asked the reason behind it.

She just shrugged casually. But he noticed the glow in her eyes, and the freshness in her entire face. She seemed different.

Like a butterfly that finally escaped the dark walls of pupa and got to show itself freely to the world.

...

On February 13th, Sivaangi made up her mind. She adjusted her hair through the reflection on the laptop screen and after making sure she looked flawless, she made her way out to his cabin.

He was focused on his desktop as she stood in front of his desk. "Ashwin..."

With surprised eyes, he looked up to find her giving a tiny smile.

Before saying anything, her eyes momentarily paused at Sarath who was sitting dangerously close to Ashwin. Clearing her throat, she said,"Sarath, ungala pathi project manager yedho pesitu irundhanga."

(The project manager was talking something about you.)

"Apdiya? Naa odaney poi yennanu pathutu varen."

(Are you serious? I'll go over and see what is it about.)

Just like that, she got the privacy she longed for.

Ashwin could easily see through her little move. Intrigued, he asked. "Yenna aachu? Yedhuku avana ippo kelapuninga?"

(What's going on? Why did you get him out of here?)

"Nalaki night free ah?"

(Are you free tomorrow night?)

Ashwin thought for a moment. "Yedhuku kekuringa? Theva patta free pannikalam."

(Why are you asking? I mean I can free myself if there's a need.)

She hummed in satisfaction. "Can we have dinner tomorrow night?"

A soft gasp escaped his lips as he narrowed his eyes in bewilderment. "Dinner ah?"

She nodded innocently. "Oru Indian citizen innoru Indian citizen kuda dinner poga kudatha?"

(Can't an Indian citizen go out for dinner with another Indian citizen?)

He gulped harshly. "Polam..."

(Can...)

"Aprom yenna?"

(Then?)

When he struggled to answer, she stuck out her hand for him to take. "Sivaangi Krishnakumar. Nice to meet you. I'm single again."

Now a loud gasp escaped his lips as he brought his hand over his mouth so he doesn't end up screaming in delight.

Before she could say something, he stopped her with a finger and started taking off all those ugly sticky notes around his desk.

"Yenna panringa?" Sivaangi asked as he tore every piece of that note into shreds with heart full of content.

(What are you doing?)

After disposing them inside the rubbish bin under his table, he faced her with the widest smile ever. "You were saying?"

Sivaangi scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "2 months ago it was finalised."

Ashwin looked at her like she had gone complete nuts. "2 months?! 60 days?! Ivlo naalu yenna pannitu irundhinga?!"

(What the hell were you doing all these days?!)

"Neenga sonna madhri andha noise oda source ah kandupidichu, I escaped the war zone. I needed some time to find my peaceful, calming place that I love."

(Like you said, I found the noise source, I escaped the war zone.)

The corner of his lips twitched. "So did you?"

She nodded, staring at him with the kind of eyes that she had always desperately tried to hide away. "That's where I'm standing."

A dimpled smile made its way to his face. "Nalaki night varaikum yennala wait panna mudiyathu."

(I don't think I can wait till tomorrow night.)

"I waited 2 months." She argued.

He stubbornly shook his head. "Inniki night eh polam."

(Let's go tonight.)

"Dinner is tomorrow. Inniki night oru Indian citizen innoru Indian citizen ah veetula drop pannanum."

(An Indian citizen have to drop off another Indian citizen at home tonight.)

That lit his eyes up. "Your car?"

"Divorce is not cheap." She explained about the car she had sold off a week ago to settle the lawyer fees.

But that only further brightened Ashwin's face. Because now he's gonna be able to ride with her every single day of the week.

He tried hiding that mischievous smile but was failing desperately. She called him out. "Yenaku theriyum yedhuku sirikiringanu."

(I know why you're smiling.)

"Neengalum thaan sirikiringa Madam," he pointed out.

(So are you, Madam.)

"Economy ku nalladhunu orutharu sonnaru." She retorted as she walked back to her cabin, her smile still intact.

(Someone told me it's good for the economy.)

He came in late, she ended up in the war zone. But he came just right on time to get her out of it.

Now it's too late, they had fallen, never meant to get up.

~~~

Very first attempt at one-shot, how was it?