Unedited- so if you find any typos sorry in advance🙏🏻

Enjoy! You might really like this one😌

~~~•••~~~

Rakshan sat cross legged on his bed and watched his friend standing in front of the mirror for the past 20 minutes, still working on his hair that really didn't require this much of efforts at all.

"Seven." He counted out loud, causing Ashwin to twist his head and give him a look.

"Yenna seven?"

(What seven?)

"It's the seventh round of torturing your hair. Adhuku vaai irundha aludhurom, nee yenda adha ipdi paada paduthura? Pakathu street la ulla restaurant ku dinner porom, yedho un kalyanam reception ku kelambura feel kudukura?"

(Your hair would beg to be left alone if it has the ability to talk, why are you torturing it like this? We're just gonna have dinner at the restaurant down the street, why are you making it seem like you're getting ready for your wedding reception?)

Ashwin still focused on his reflection, adjusting his hair in a way that made him look more appealing according to his mind. "Adhulam unaku sonna puriyathu. Naa unna coffee vaanga sonnana, vaanguniya? Thala vali uyir podhu."

(You won't get it. Anyways did you get coffee? My head is killing me.)

"Restaurant la vaangi kuduchikalam, nee seekiram vaa." Rakshan groaned as tied his shoelaces.

(We can get coffee at the restaurant, let's go quick.)

He took out his phone and called up his beloved sister who was just a door away. "Yenna thangam ready ah? Naa ready thaan. Inga oru loosu kita matikitu iruken, sevullaya naalu vecha seri aayidum. Indha vandhurren."

(You ready sweetie? I'm ready but I'm just stuck here with a man who has gone nuts. Giving him a few tight slaps might bring him back to normal. I'll see you soon.)

Glaring, he put down his phone and looked at his friend who was still busy with his hair while pretending that he never heard a single word of Rakshan. "Yebba dei ava ready aagi veliya wait pannitu iruka, andha bollywood artist vandhu perform panrathuku munnadi olunga nee vandhudu. Ipdiye pannitu irundha, avan correct panni kalyanam panni honeymoon ke kelambiduvan."

(She's all ready, waiting for us outside. At this rate the bollywood artist might woe her, get married and leave for his honeymoon.)

After a few more times of messing and setting his hair, Ashwin was finally dragged out of the room by Rakshan.

Ashwin's eye immediately stopped at Sivaangi who was leaning by the wall, looking like an actual doll in her simple but chic outfit which consisted of skinny jeans and a burgundy layered top. Looks like he wasn't the only one who put in so much effort for merely a team dinner.

Her eyes locked with his and that's how they greeted each other. Words were pretty much useless when eyes can do all the job.

Quietly, she handed a paper cup to him and he raised his eyebrow. She simply responded,"coffee."

Rakshan gasped. "Ipdi oru wavelength ah?"

(What a wavelength?)

Her lips curved into a tiny smile at that but she quickly hid it and  gently pushed the cup into his palm.

However Ashwin knows it's not simply about their wavelength. It's only because she knows him. Despite having a career that requires him to travel and fly overseas often, his body never got used to it. He would always end up with a headache after an airplane journey.

She still remembers. And most importantly she still cares.

"Naangalam unga kannuku theriya maatum? Ivan oruthanuku thaan vaai iruko?" Rakshan purposely tried to pull her legs.

(You forgot about me. I have a mouth too.)

She rolled her eyes. "Yenaku rendu kai thana iruku, yethana cup thooka mudiyum? Ungaluku aprom vaangi tharen."

(I only have two hands to carry the coffee cups. I'll get you one later.)

Ashwin suddenly handed the cup of coffee to Rakshan. "Idha kudi machan."

(You have this.)

Her smile vanished as she stared while Rakshan himself was confused. "Dei ava unaku vaangitu vandhurka." He lowly said but Ashwin still persuaded him to take the cup and he reluctantly took it.

(She got it for you man.)

Without another word, Ashwin now took away the other cup that was in her hand which was only half full as she had been drinking. "Yenaku inga iruku."

(Mine is here.)

Staring intently at her, he brought her cup of coffee to his lips and slowly sipped without breaking the eye contact even for a second.

Sivaangi doesn't know if she was feeling all flustered because of the way he was looking at her or because of the fact that he was drinking from her cup.

Or maybe both of it happening at the same time triggered the butterflies in her stomach as she looked away in defeat, trying her best to hide her smile that was yearning to be released.

"Indha hotel coffee romba kevalama irukuda, inimey inga vaanga kudathu." Rakshan commented as he drank.

(The coffee in this hotel is pretty terrible, we shouldn't get from here anymore.)

Ashwin who's gaze was still embedded on his ex-girlfriend made the most cliche statement. "Yennoda romba sweet ah iruku, best coffee I ever had."

(Mine is really sweet.)

Rakshan frowned and was about to argue but was quick to catch what was going on. Scoffing loudly, he said,"idhulam romba over da, onnu nai madhri aduchikringa illana ipdi romeo juliet padam kaaturathu. Olunga oru moodivuku vaanga solliten."

(This is too much. Either you guys fight like street dogs or you act like Romeo Juliet. Make a decision already!)

Rakshan started walking off towards the elevator. Sivaangi cleared her throat and said,"nalla illadha coffee kudika vendam, naa onnum nenachika maaten."

(You don't have to drink a coffee that doesn't taste good, I won't feel bad.)

Ashwin frowned. "Sathiyama nalla iruku."

(I swear it tastes amazing.)

She crossed her arms, unable to play along with his flirting. "Velayadatha Ashwin, thooki podu. Restaurant la vera coffee vaangiko."

(Stop playing around Ashwin, just throw it. Let's get coffee later in the restaurant.)

He handed the cup back to her. "Nambalana, nee kudichi paaru."

(If you don't believe me, why don't you try for yourself?)

"Naa first eh kudichiten."

(I already tried just now.)

"Ippo kudichi paaru."

(Try now.)

She plainly stared at him, knowing very well the little trick he was sneakily trying to pull. He kept urging her until she gave in and took a sip.

Being someone who rarely drinks coffee, Sivaangi really couldn't tell how a good or decent coffee should taste. As she looked up at him to respond, she found him already fixing his eyes on her. It was the kind of gaze she just couldn't look away from because it was full of a particular emotion that touched her soul.

They silently stared, completely lost in each other's eyes that their heartbeats synchronised. That's when Ashwin very softly questioned in his base voice that still sent tingles down her spine. "Ippo nalla irukula?"

(Must be good now?)

If it's him, anything is heaven.

Of course she isn't gonna say that to him. Wordlessly, she handed back the cup to him to continue drinking and headed for the elevator while Ashwin grinned like an idiot in love.

...

The main members of the team sat around the huge table in the restaurant, scanning the menus to get something to fill their stomachs already.

What used to be the favourite part of  the day for Sivaangi was causing her so much discomfort as the stinky eye from the actress sitting right in front of her wasn't putting her in ease.

Maybe Sivaangi should have thought through before lashing out at Aditi in the washroom because now there's this awkward tension surrounding the air between them and it will only get worse as they will be seeing so much of each other for the upcoming days.

After all, Ashwin will still be sharing the screen alongside Aditi regardless of her attitude or opinions about him. She hoped she didn't cause any trouble for him while thinking that she was protecting him.

But Sivaangi truly didn't wanna regret what she did. She definitely can't stand aside and watch someone badmouth about the man that she knows more than anyone else on the earth right?

She did what she had to do.

"You okay?" She heard Ashwin leaning in slightly to check on her. Of course he can sense her edginess.

She breathed out softly and nodded though it didn't seem convincing. Before he could further interrogate, Rakshan asked the waiter loudly. "Unga restaurant la romba kevalamana dish na yedhu?"

(What's the worst dish in your restaurant?)

He earned a lot of questioning stares from the rest of them. Rakshan simply turned to Ashwin and explained with a shrug,"illada yevlo kevalama irundhalum neenga rendu perum senthu sapta thaan nalla irukomey adhaan ketan."

(I just thought that you guys would still find the most terrible dish here delicious if you ate it together, I was just trying to help.)

Ashwin broke into a series of chuckles while Sivaangi hushed him. Aditi's face visibly got even redder with anger boiling up in her as the trio were having their own jokes that nobody but them could understand.

Suddenly Surya who sat across Sivaangi asked,"nee yenna sapdura Sivaangi?"

(What do you want to have Sivaangi?)

While she may not be the most experienced person when it comes to men, Sivaangi wasn't completely ignorant either.

That was Surya's way of asserting dominance over her in front of the team members. He was trying to make a point that they have a bond which involves him taking care of her. He was making a statement that Sivaangi herself didn't agree with.

She's not even sure if she considers him as a friend so there's no way she is fine with him portraying to others like they have something going on when her heart is obviously leaning towards someone else.

Just when she was trying to stimulate a diplomatic response, Ashwin decided to do it himself. "We're getting lasagne."

Surya's eyebrows furrowed as he questioned. "We?"

Ashwin nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah we're sharing. Pasi illa so oru dish vaangi share pannikalamnu."

(Since we're not that hungry we're gonna share.)

Under Surya's watchful eyes, Ashwin turned to Sivaangi and asked. "Unaku lasagne okay thana?"

(You're okay with lasagne right?)

She nodded as the corner of her lips was curving into a subtle smile at his smart move. The possessive boyfriend in Ashwin peeked out ever so slightly and it warmed her heart because that was a shade of Ashwin she loved the most when they were still together.

Of course who would be able to place any claims on her when a whole Ashwin is right there?

Sivaangi can blindly count on Ashwin to set her free from any sort of dilemma. He would always be ready to jump in and attack when it concerns her.

That man knows how to mark his territory.

She snapped out of her thoughts when their producer, Karthik started laying out their schedules for the next couple of days in Bangalore. He concluded by saying,"so for tomorrow we'll all head to the studio and work on the song. Surya will give you the few sample pieces of lyrics so Sivaangi, you can have a read tonight and understand the theme of the album."

Surya looked at her with an apologetic smile. "Sorry Sivaangi I forgot to bring the papers now, saptutu let's just stop by my room for a while. I'll pass you the lyrics and we will go through together so we have a better understanding."

Forcing out a polite smile, she nodded. "Okay sure." She really underestimated him. Surya way more overbearing than what she had thought.

...

With a loud ting, the elevator door opened and they all got off. Muttering goodbyes each of them stopped at their respective doors while Rakshan, Ashwin, Sivaangi and Surya continued walking as their rooms were located at the very end.

"Are you going to sleep?" Sivaangi found herself asking Ashwin and Rakshan. She wished at least one of them would come along with her to Surya's room because she really did not have the energy to handle that self-centred man. Something about being with him in closed doors all alone made her feel uncomfortable and apprehensive.

Rakshan shook his head. "Naa yen wife ta video call pesanuma."

(I need to make a video call with my wife.)

Ashwin scoffed. "Vandhu oru naalu thaan aaguthu, idhulam over feeling ah iruku."

(It's literally been one day, this is too dramatic.)

Rakshan looked offended. "Yen da neenga matha mathi andha kevalamana coffee ah kudikalam, adhuku peru romance. Aana yen pondati kitta kadal thaandi vandhu oru video call pesurathu unaku over scene ah? Nalla irukuda unga nyayam."

(You guys take turns drinking that disgusting coffee from the same cup and that's supposed to be romantic. But video calling my wife who's miles away from me is dramatic? Justice is dead.)

The duo couldn't help but laugh while Surya kept walking in silence, turning deaf ears to their conversation. Rakshan bid goodbye and excused himself while Sivaangi turned to Ashwin. "Neenga? Thoonga poringala?"

(You gonna sleep?)

The uncertainty in her eyes, the squeaky tone of her voice and her slow footsteps, Ashwin observed all that.

The only reason Ashwin didn't create any scene when Surya called Sivaangi over to his room was because it was for professional reasons and Ashwin never lets his emotions take over him when it's about their profession.

But the way Sivaangi was reacting, it didn't feel right. She clearly didn't seem keen to visit Surya's room.

Ashwin thought for a while and said,"illama naa thoongala, yenaku konjam vela iruku. Andha corner la oru sitting area iruku, I'll be there to go through the script for my movie."

(No I'm not sleeping right now, I got some things to do. I'm just gonna be at the sitting area over there to go through my movie script.)

Sivaangi nodded at the information and right then, Surya inserted his card to unlock his room., he turned to Sivaangi. "Shall we?"

She cleared her throat and hesitantly looked at him. "Surya why don't we discuss at the sitting area over there?"

He scrunched his face in disappointment and asked,"anga noisy ah irukom, room would be better-"

(it'll be noisy there-)

"Paada poradhu avanga, avangluku yenga comfortable ah iruko anga discuss panrathu thana better?" Ashwin cut him off and put forth the question, challenging him to further argue.

(She's the one who's gonna sing, I think letting her decide where she wanna discuss is better right?)

Unable to disagree, he nodded and forced out a  fake smile at Sivaangi. "You can wait there, I'll grab the papers and come over." With that, he went into his room and shut the door with a loud thud.

Sivaangi sighed out lucky, pushing back a chunk of her hair behind her ears in relief. Ashwin couldn't pretend to not notice anymore. "Hey, unakku yenna aachu? Nee ipdi lam bayapudra aalu illa, unaku onnu pudikalana venamnu theliva solluviya. Ivan ta mattum yen ivlo hesitation?"

(Hey what's wrong with you? You're never the type to be scared of talking. or saying no when you don't like something. Why you hesitate so much when it's him?)

They slowly walked side by side to the sitting area where several couches and lounge chairs were spread out. It was empty since the time was way past 10 already.

"Yenamo therila avanta no solradhu romba kashtama iruku. Bayam kuda illa, it's more like I don't know how to say no to him because he just never accepts a no for an answer." Sivaangi found herself confiding in him.

(I don't know why it's so difficult to say no to him. It's not even like I'm scared.)

Ashwin glared towards his door as if he was visualising Surya himself standing there. "Appo no sollitiya?"

(So you did say no?)

"Solla try pannen but he said he wants to go out at least on one date before I give him answer. Yennala forceful ah no solla mudiyala because yenna reason explain panradhunu kuda therila."

(Well I tried to but he wants to go out on at least one date before I give him an answer. I can't forcefully say no because I really don't have any explanation to offer.)

Surpassing his irritation, Ashwin helpfully suggested. "Avan moonji ah lam daily paaka mudiyathu so pudikalanu sollu."

(Just say you can't stand looking at his face everyday.)

Sivaangi shook her head at his pettiness. "Nambura madhri yedhavudhu sollanum."

(Something realistic please.)

Ashwin looked offended. "Yen? Adhu nambura madhri thana iruku. Adhu lam oru moonja? Imagine waking up to that everyday."

(How is that not realistic? Is that even a face?)

Sivaangi tilted her head with a cheeky smile. "Do you really want me to imagine a married life with him?"

Ashwin immediately shook his head. "Okay no. Stop! No imagination."

Sivaangi suppressed her laugher while he seriously thought for a while. "Committed nu sollu."

(Tell him you're already with someone.)

She rolled her eyes. "Avan apdiye yenga veetula poi solluvan, aprom avanga yenna kepanga. He knows I'm single, adhula seri varadhu."

(He'll then bring that up to my parents and they'll start interrogating. He knows I'm single so it won't work.)

Ashwin hummed thoughtfully. "Basically you just need to give that bugger a valid reason for rejecting him?"

Sivaangi nodded with a sigh as she tried to think too. In all honestly she doesn't want him because he simply didn't appeal to her. Despite having common areas of interest, his personality was a big turn off especially the way he talked about Ashwin in a demeaning manner. On top of everything, she hates how he keeps pressuring her despite her outwardly saying that she isn't into him.

Meeting such men is both a curse and a blessing.

A curse because obviously they are a complete pain in the ass to handle.

A blessing because these are the times that reminds her of what a gem Ashwin is.

Lost in her thoughts, she did not hear Surya's door opening or him walking towards the seating area to join them. But Ashwin who stood opposite of Sivaangi had a clear view of his nemesis.

Without wasting another second, he snaked his arms around her back and closed the gap between them. He did not give her a chance to utter another a word as he crashed his lips into hers.

Her first instinct was to push him off and fight his hold but nothing worked as his grasp was too tight for her to even dream about escaping.

His fingers touched her neck, and the way her hair was moved away sent her chills down her spine. His hands moved from the sides of her head and down to her neck, out to her shoulders and down to her waist. His hold on her waist was gentle yet firm.

That was it.

She felt safe. A kind of safe that no other man has given to her except Ashwin himself in the past. It didn't take long for her to give up and melt in his embrace.

After all those were a pair of lips that she had been missing for two years. The exact pair of lips that introduced her to physical intimacy. It robbed her off the innocence and purity she always had and did she regret one bit?

Hell no.

If given a chance, she'd do it all over again.

And that's what she was doing now. Letting him have her. Again.

She shut her eyes, slowly losing herself in him. Her lips quivered as he invaded it with a burning passion. His touch ignited a fire in her as a strong desire to have him took over her mind.

Her heart thrummed in her chest and she felt her knees growing weak. If not for his strong arm around her, she thought she might actually slip to the floor.

It was almost as if they were possessed by the demon of love and desire, hearts and minds enslaved by each other.

But the enchanting spell broke when the elevator arrived producing the standard ting. Her eyes opened wide, awaking herself from the dreamlike situation. It took more than physical strength for Sivaangi to pull away from him and she desperately gasped for air.

After she could finally breathe, she glared at him with her sharp eyes and bruised lips that were parted. "What-What the hell was that for?!"

His voice came out hoarse due to the very recent deed. "I gave him a reason."

She blinked, unable to comprehend his absurdity only to understand that Surya must have come and obviously left after seeing what was going on. "Adukunu? Yenna venalum pannuviya?"

(So? You'd go to any extent?)

He nibbled on his bottom lip, as if he could still taste her lips. "Yedhuku ippo ivlo reaction? It's not like we haven't done this before."

(Why are you overreacting?)

She glowered, pointing a finger against his nose as a warning before she spoke through her teeth. "That. Is. Different. We were dating at that time."

The corner of his mouth turned up. "I don't see much difference now."

She gasped, unable to believe what she just heard. "Naa un kuda yendha commitments-um pannala."

(I don't remember making any commitments with you.)

He leaned in slightly, his eyes almost twinkling in delight. His voice was so soft that it almost felt like a whisper. "Vaarthayala sonna thaan commitment ah? Un kannu solludhey, adhu podhum. I can feel it."

(Words are not always necessary to commit. The look in your eyes says it all, that's enough.)

Before she could argue, he strongly said."And I know you feel it too."

His finger tenderly rubbed her cheek that was covered with traces of crimson all over. "Surya or Arya, whoever it is...yevan vandhalum inimey gate ku veliya thaan. Because saavi yen kitta iruku."

(Surya, Arya whoever it is, they won't be able to enter your heart. Because the key is with me.)

Sivaangi was tongue tied and Ashwin was satisfied. Smiling from ear to ear, he walked off to his room. Then just before he went into his room, he turned to look at her. With eyes that glowed with love, he said,"I missed you so much."

~~~•••~~~

How was it?

I'm not really the best at writing kissing scenes, I tried hard to make sure it isn't too cringey or cliche. So you be the judge. Any criticism is welcomed.

Thank you for reading 💜