HAPPY SUNDAY🌻

⚠️Warning : explicit language ahead (nothing that bad, just a mild usage of profanities)

~~~•••~~~

All the happenings of the day ever since she started her journey to Bangalore had been unfavourable so the moment she learnt about the bar in the ground floor of the hotel, Aditi decided to get a drink.

It didn't take her long to spot the familiar figure sitting by himself, gulping down some liquor shots. Inviting herself to his table, she greeted him with a crooked smile. "Hi darling."

Surya and Aditi have only met a few times in total ever since they signed up for this project but they instantly clicked and had been decent acquaintances. After all pretentious people of the elite status would always feel safe around people of their own kind.

He quietly offered her a drink but she couldn't remain quiet especially when the huge difference in his mood during dinner in the restaurant and about half an hour later in the bar now was way too obvious to not address.

"Yenna problem?"

(What's the problem?)

Placing the glass with a loud thud, he looked at her in frustration. "Problem? Everything was going according to my plan, inniki night would have sealed the deal for Sivaangi and me aana andha naayi kuruka vandhuttan!"

(tonight would have sealed the deal between Sivaangi and me but that bloody dog came between us.)

Aditi frowned and asked. "Yaara pathi pesura?"

(Who are you talking about?)

Rolling his eyes, Surya muttered the powerful name with so much distaste. "Ashwin."

That caused Aditi to laugh out loud, further riling up the young producer. "The fuck? This is funny to you?"

Still laughing, Aditi shook her head. "No no your misery isn't funny but your statement is. I just think kurukka vandha naayi avan kedayathu, it's actually you."

(Ashwin isn't the dog that came in between, in fact that's you.)

"Excuse me?"

Aditi who still isn't over the interesting meeting she had with the singer in the washroom tried to explain. "Don't get me wrong, I hate that bitch. But she's fucking in love with him that she could commit murder for him. So technically Ashwin was always one step ahead of you in the game, appo kuruka vandhadhu nee dhaney?"

(so you are the dog that came in between them,right?)

Surya hated that he couldn't argue back because she truly had a point. He definitely can't deny that especially after witnessing a scene in the hallway that would be too rated for children or family audience.

His blood was still boiling. How dare she act all innocent and pure when he asked her to come to her room but few minutes later pulls a complete whore with Ashwin in the hallway? So if it's Ashwin, she's up for anything? Surya banged the table loudly, his temper taking over him the more he dwelled on it.

"Okay darling you need to chill, Sivaangi onnum avlo worth illa. You're cute, you can do so much better. Just get over her." Aditi attempted to comfort in vain.

(Sivaangi isn't that worth it.)

"Hey look, naa yenna Sivaangi ah love panrana? Sathiyama kedayathu. The influential family background, the fame and good name she's earned throughout the globe...she's a fucking treasure! Associating with her, both professionally and personally, would be a straight road to success. First day meeting went perfect but yeppo Ashwin pathi pesinano appovey it was a bit shaky and now it's completely ruined!"

(You think I really love Sivaangi?  I swear I don't. We hit it off well on the first day but the moment Ashwin became part of the conversation, it was a bit shaky.)

Aditi was quite impressed. "Smart plan but poor execution. You know if it makes you feel better, my plans have been torn down by your fucking treasure! Guess we're both screwed."

They fell into a silence full of thoughts before Surya spoke up. "Or we can help each other out."

"Care to elaborate?"

"Very simple. I need Sivaangi for whatever reasons I already said and you need Ashwin for his fame obviously. We can work together and we'll get what we want." Surya proposed the plan with hopeful eyes.

Aditi thought for a while. "It's not as easy as you think. They used to date and were like really in love. Now I'm not sure about Ashwin but Sivaangi definitely isn't over him yet."

Surya stared with bored eyes. "So what if they used to date? They broke up. Avlo strong love na why did they break up in the first place? Oru thadava pirinjavangala easy ah pirichi vidalam if we do it the right way. Are you on board or not?"

(If it's such a strong love, why did they break up in the first place? It's easy to break apart two people who has already been separated once.)

Regardless of how the outcome would be, the deal was worth trying at least so Aditi agreed. With a victorious smile, Surya said,"Ashwin's greatest weakness is Sivaangi so ripping her away from him would break him apart emotionally. Adhuku aprom paakren avan yepdi indha career ah continue panranu."

(I'll see how he continues his career after that.)

Sipping the wine, Aditi couldn't help but notice the intense hatred that was filling up his eyes. "Damn I feel that more than wanting to get Sivaangi, you just wanna bring Ashwin down."

Gritting his teeth, he admitted. "Low class. Avana madhri low class aalunga just disgust me. Yedho konjam talent irundha, yenaku equal ah avan ninnu pesuran, yen kuda table la ukkandhu sapduran. He needs to know his place. Fucking street dog."

(Low class people like him disgust me. Just because he got some talent doesn't mean he is equal to me and can eat in the same table as me.)

As always, protected royal breeds would never understand the pain and struggles of street dogs. They bark the loudest and bite the hardest. Nothing brings them down because survival instinct runs in their blood.

"Yet she prefers the low class, street dog over you." Aditi amusingly pointed out earning a deadly glare from Surya.

...

If there was a place in the world that Sivaangi didn't mind being stuck in for hours, it would undoubtedly be the recording studio. A place that always excited her, allowing her to express her artistry and at the same time enhance her outstanding singing ability that had been passed down in her family for generations.

Despite the endless talents she possesses in various areas, Sivaangi as a singer is superior and trumped anything else.

Yet, the scenario at the studio on that particular day wasn't justifying all the hype around her at all. She sighed, shutting her eyes in defeat when the music director pointed out her mistake for the umpteenth time.

"Sivaangi just breathe and focus, try to feel the lyrics." Yuvan encouragingly said but she could easily tell how his patience was dropping every minute.

Through the glass door, she caught sight of a concerned pair of eyes asking her if she was okay. How is she supposed to respond to that? She surely can't explain to him about the phone call she got from Simbu earlier in the morning and how since then her mind is completely occupied by endless worries for Ashwin.

Being an only child born into a well-off family, her entire life she's always been on the receiving end of unlimited love and attention. One glimpse into her pampered life, anyone would think that she would turn out to be the spoilt, uncaring princess.

And that was pretty much who she was until Ashwin became a part of her life. For the first time in her 21 years of life, Sivaangi found herself being on the giving end and surprisingly she found so much pleasure in it.

The idea of taking care of someone, worrying for someone, crying for someone, loving someone until it overwhelms them, Sivaangi didn't even know she had any of that in her.

It wasn't just about being a partner or girlfriend. It was more than that. He brought life to the motherhood in her that she never even knew existed.

Like a mother, she yearned to protect him at any cost. And the feeling has only gotten more intense over the years despite the separation. She knows life is never meant to be easy and everyone will have to fight their own battles but she could not breathe in ease after knowing someone is out there to ruin his life.

A precious life that matters to her even more than hers.

She snapped out of her thoughts when Yuvan's phone rang. "I need to take this one." He informed and stepped out.

Taking off the headphones, she walked out of the glass door to join the rest of her team. Karthik immediately came to her side. "Yenna da aachu, is everything okay? Usually you'd ace this within half an hour, inniki nee seri illa."

(What happened? Today you seem off.)

With a plastic smile, Surya tried to not display all the judgemental thoughts that was running in his mind. He simply assumed that Sivaangi was just another overrated star kid with sub standard skills but got lucky and managed to build a stable career with the aid of media and PR team. "I think you need to train better Sivaangi. Don't worry, for tomorrow at least I'll get someone to help you practice."

Sivaangi pursed her lips unable to really argue since she undeniably did a terrible job that day. But Ashwin spoke up. "Let her take a short break, nalla padiduva."

(She'll sing well.)

Surya clicked his tongue, instantly disagreeing. "We have a schedule to follow, break yeduka lam time illa."

(We don't have time for breaks.)

Ashwin wouldn't give up, especially when it's about Sivaangi. "Outcome nalla varanumna avanga nalla padanum. It's not gonna work if you pressurise her to sing within a limited time."

(If you want a good outcome. she needs to sing well.)

"Ashwin un attitude lam mathavangalta vechiko. I'm doing my job, I don't need your advice or suggestion. Un velaya mattum nee paaru." Surya snapped, causing both Sivaangi and Karthik to stare in horror.

(Don't show your attitude to me Ashwin. You mind your business.)

On a normal basis, a short tempered man like Ashwin would have lost it by then and jump down Surya's throat but since it involves his girl, he willingly swallowed his pride. Gathering every ounce of composure he had in him, Ashwin calmly tried again. "Look this isn't about me or you, Sivaangi can surely-"

But he never got to complete his sentence as she suddenly grabbed his hand. Confused, he turned to find her shaking her head sternly at him.

Stop.

He easily understood what her eyes were fiercely conveying. Before he could say anything else, she took her Ipad and made her way to into the vocal booth without forgetting to give Surya a stinky eye.

Surya instantly regretted for providing her more reasons to dislike him now. But it was too late. He already touched a wrong nerve and now nothing is going to pacify the irritated woman in front of the mic.

Yuvan came in right then and this time magically she managed to sing it perfectly, perhaps even surpassing the initial expectations of the music director. With a pleased smile, he praised her. "Ippo thaan you're back to form! Sathiyama I became worried at first. Kalakitinga!"

(Now you're back to your form! I was seriously worried at first. You rocked!"

Sivaangi muttered a thank you before turning her gaze to the man who was beaming with pride as he silently clapped. His eyes twinkled and he inaudibly mouthed a 'wow'. Not even a complement from the lauded music director made her feel as thrilled as that 'wow'.

The way he looked at her, the way he always uplifts her and admires her for who is wholeheartedly, Sivaangi was almost convinced that she's the most phenomenal creation of God. He had the power to make her feel special even on the worst days.

Yuvan announced a short tea break before they continued recording the following portions of the song. The team members, one by one scampered out for some fresh air.

Sivaangi was freeing her hair from the ponytail, adjusting the smooth curls when Surya brazenly came to her. "Sivaangi sorry konjam tension aagiten. I'm just very dedicated when it comes to my job. We don't have a lot of time so I got stressed. Yosikama unna yedhavudhu hurt pannirndha I'm very sorry. Let me get you a drink."

(I'm sorry I got a bit tensed up. If I accidentally hurt you, I'm sorry.)

"You were not rude to me. Neenga sorry keka vendiyathu yen kitta illa." She phrased her words carefully, and clearly implied that she's not the one who he needs to apologise to. Her eyes briefly landed on Ashwin for a moment before looking at Surya again.

(I'm not the person you need to apologise to.)

The young producer laughed uneasily, trying his best to not lash out once again. "If someone is out of the line, I have to point it out. Yenaku yaara pathiyum kavala illa except you. Nee hurt aaga kudathu so I'm apologising."

(I don't care about anyone else except you. I don't want you to get hurt so I'm apologising.)

Sivaangi gave him an insincere smile, almost a mocking one. "Don't worry. I don't get hurt by people that don't matter to me."

His face immediately dropped at her bluntness. The urge to just put her in her place was punching through his mind but he knows she's far too valuable to give up on. Silently assuring himself that he'll fix her rotten attitude in the future, he forced out a smile and mumbled,"I'll talk to you when you're in a better mood."

Shooting a glare towards Ashwin, he stormed out leaving the duo alone in the studio. Ashwin silently stood away, gazing at her when she blurted out aggressively. "Yenna?"

(What?)

Hiding a smile, he shook his head. "Nothing."

He wordlessly made his way towards her and perched on the chair beside hers. Ignoring the lack of distance between them, she turned to face him with a sternness that he has only seen in his mother before her. "Yenakaga yaaru kittayum nee pesa theva illa."

(You don't have to stand up for me to anyone.)

Ashwin's eyes filled with annoyance as he recalled Surya's taunting words towards her singing. "He's the co-producer and he's misjudging your ability, pathutu iruka solriya?"

(You except me to just watch?)

Sivaangi rolled her eyes. "Avan misjudge panlaye, I did screw up quite badly at first. Anyways yedhuva irundhalum naa pathukuren. Avan kitta lam nee pesadha. You're an established actor, moonu padam already naduchita, innum rendu padam sign pannirka. Konjam gethu kamikalam. Yenakaga nee yaar kittayum yerangi poyi pesa vendam. Okay vaa?"

(He didn't exactly misjudge,....whatever it is I'll manage on my own. You don't have to talk to him. You've completed 3 films already and have signed 2 more films. Have pride and ego. Don't humble yourself and talk to anyone for my sake."

"Cook With Comali time la yaaravudhu un singing ah mock panna yepdi yenaku kovam varumo adhey madhri dhaan ippavum. Moonu padam naduchitanaala yedhuvum maridadhu." He quietly reached for her hand and caused her head to jerk up to look at him. He softly emphasised. "Maaravey illa."

(Just like how during CWC show, I would get pissed when someone mocks your singing, the same way I got mad even today. 3 films didn't change me....at all.)

"Dinner polama?"

(Can we go for dinner?)

Maybe it wasn't the most ideal way to continue the heartfelt conversation but Sivaangi was still bothered by the things she heard from Simbu and she needed to have a proper talk with Ashwin.

As tempting as she felt, she didn't want to have the talk in the studio despite the free time they had. Sivaangi needs him to be in a relaxed, good mood and feel comfortable enough to open up. Because cracking that hard rock of a man is never easy. She has failed too many times so this time she had planned it strategically.

Ashwin blinked, feeling puzzled at the random way she popped that question. Checking his watch, he looked at her. "Morning 10 o'clock yepdi dinner poradhu?"

(How can we go for dinner at morning 10 a.m?)

Rolling her eyes, she got up furiously to walk out but he pulled her back to the chair, laughing out loud in mischief. "Sorry sorry sorry."

Slapping his hand away, she sharply repeated her question. "Inniki night dinner polama?"

(You wanna go for dinner tonight?)

He thought for a while. "Is this like a friendly dinner, ex lovers reunion or an actual date or-"

"Ashwin I would seriously walk out of this door and you would never see me again." She threatened him.

"Fine fine I'm just trying to make sure here. Aprom nethu night madhri naa yedhavudhu-"

(What if something like last night happens-)

She warningly raised a finger to cut him off. "Don't even dream of it! And by the way, what you did last night was not cool at all."

He raised both his hands in defence and rebutted. "Hello by right nee yenna thank pannanum."

(You should be thanking me by right.)

She frowned. "What?"

"Of course! I sacrificed my lips to save you from that America mapilai. You should be thanking me for that."

Sivaangi simply stared at him, unable to believe just how ridiculous he was sounding. She scoffed loudly. "Sacrifice?"

He nodded confidently. "As a responsible man I stepped up and made that sacrifice. Mathapadi yenaku vera intention lam illa."

(Aside from that I didn't have any other intentions.)

He suddenly leaned forward, inching his face closer to her. "Yen? Nee vera yedhavudhu nenachiya?"

(Why? Did you think of something else?)

Ashwin was an amazing actor but at that moment, keeping a straight face was the hardest for him. But he still managed to suppress the laughter that was dying to crack out as he waited for her to answer.

"Illa." She flatly said.

(No.)

"Yennadhu?" He dared her to repeat it.

(What?)

"Illa." Her voice was louder this time.

(No.)

"Yen kanna pathu sollu." Now he was simply challenging her. He knows she won't be able to look at him in the eye and tell him that last night meant nothing to her.

(Look at my eyes and say that.)

His husky voice smoothly took over as he further pushed him. "Yenna paathu sollu."

(Look at me and say it.)

"Yennada sollanum?!" She looked up at him, eyes masked with anger that didn't seem real as she yelled.

(What do you want me to say?!)

And they just started in silence for the next few seconds with narrowed eyes, not even realising how the gap between them has become even smaller.

As if on cue, they both broke into laughter. It wasn't the kind of laughter one gives when watching a comedic movie. It was a laughter that's shared between two hearts that beat together. Full of blushes and giggles. A symbol of intimacy.

Sivaangi stood up, ready to walk out to avoid the situation from escalating further as she really did not want to recreate the scene from last night in the studio again now especially when they're susceptible to intrusion by literally anyone.

"I'll make reservations for tonight. Be ready by 7.30 p.m." She quietly said to which he hummed cheerfully.

Just as she was about to open the door, she suddenly paused. A few thoughts ran in her head and she slowly twirled. Confused, he stood up from his seat and waited for her to say something.

What he didn't expect is for her to make all the way back to him.

And this time, the gap between them was almost non existent as she had gently moved him to have him pressed against the wall.

A life with Sivaangi would be anything but boring. One moment they're just blushing together sweetly and the next moment, she had slammed him against the wall causing him to sweat in an air conditioned room.

"You know Ashwin, I'm not some damsel in distress and you're not my prince charming to save me," her voice was soft but her tone had an essence of devilish charm, causing him to shiver. "Making up excuses isn't very sexy."

She was so close that she could hear the sound of his breathing. With a tiny smirk, she held his jaw to have a close look into his beautiful brown eyes that were currently filled with shock. "Next time unaku onnu venumna, dhairiyama sollitu yeduthuko."

(Next time if you want something, declare it bravely and take it.)

"Puridha?" She tapped his cheek a few times, her seductive smirk still intact before she finally moved away and walked back to the door.

(Got it?)

Despite how shaken he was, Ashwin still broke out of his hypnotic state and managed to ask out loud. "Next time?"

Hearing that, Sivaangi didn't dare to turn back and expose her silly smile. She twisted her head slightly, he could only see her side view but that was sufficient for him to notice her cheeks flushing.

Containing her smile, she softly repeated his words but it wasn't a question anymore. Now it was a promise. "Next time."

~~~•••~~~

How was it? Any favourite scene or dialogue?

Any guesses about the call from Simbu to Sivaangi?

I hope the convo between Aditi and Surya, especially Surya's dialogues about AK made sense to you all.

Despite how much we've progressed as a society, it's unfortunate that people like Surya exist even today.  Surviving in the cinefield without anyone to back you up is not easy at all.  It breaks my heart that AK might be facing challenges too due to internal politics but that man is a true fighter and I'm glad WE, HIS VERY OWN PEOPLE are here to back him up no matter what!

Sorry for the rant🙏🏻 Just a bit emotional because I think every common person can see a glimpse of ourselves in AK✨

Anyways devils have joint hands so buckle up because it's gonna be one hell of a ride🤫

Thank you for reading💜

PS: Don't forget to stream Adipoli🔥