Author's note

Hey guys, hope you all are doing good. As informed prior, I'm sorry for not updating all these days. I'm feeling better than before. Thought I'll not keep you all waiting. So, here I'm with the next chapter.

Also, I'm thinking whether I should continue writing new book or quit.

It has nothing to do with Ashaangi. Still an Ashaangian. Thank you so much to all those who have supported my book so far. It means a lot. I have another plot ready and I have figured out storyline and all that. But I don't think I would be able to write. 

Writing a book means huge commitment. I held back myself from writing Bewitched after Entwined because a part of me was scared that I might not write anything as good as Entwined. It took me a lot of self affirmation, inner turmoil, sleepless nights and speaking with Ashaangi friends to start this book. 

Whenever I go to my profile page, I see the stark difference in reader engagement between Entwined and Bewitched and it instantly puts me down. It was my nightmare coming true.

After being so worn-out in life recently, I turned to writing and seeing this difference made me felt I have lost my touch with writing and I'm not as good as before. I started questioning myself. This got me more depressed and that's why I stopped writing all these days.

I'm doing better now but I don't know if I could handle feeling that way again. I already feel I'm not good enough in life and if this tops on me, I don't think I will be able to take it well. This is what I feel right now. It may or may not change in the future.

For now, thank you to all those who have read and supported "Bewitched". You have no idea how much it means to me. Let's get into the chapter.

~ * ~

Ashaangi SS Bewitched

Chapter Forty Three

(Note: Please read the author's note)

Hot and bothered, Sivaangi flushed and closed the book she was reading. Heaving a deep sigh, she shook her head and put the book. With a groan, she took a pillow in her arms and buried her face in it.

Rubbing her face on the pillow, Sivaangi sighed, "God! I miss you so much, Ashwin!"

Sivaangi was home early that day. Only Kaleeshwaran and Vinayak was at home and they had an early dinner before she went to her room. She knew Ashwin was yet to reach home and she didn't have much to do. That's when she decided to continue read the book.

But what Sivaangi didn't expect was for the book to turn spicy the next chapter. Earlier she used to read such chapters even with a straight face. But now, whenever she read such chapters, she can't help but picture her and Ashwin together and that was enough for her to get burn up.

How amazing it would be to just hide herself in his arms, with her head pressed against his chest while arms wrapped around him. He can warm her up with his presence. To hug, cuddle and to loss herself in his lips. Sivaangi sighed.

'Cha, avlo ah kaanju poe irukom!'

(Cha, am I that desperate!)

Sivaangi's mobile buzzed with text notification. Her lips curled into a smile on seeing Ashwin's text. She texted him, asking when he would call. He instantly replied that he will call her in an hour.

Sivaangi's mobile blared with a call from Abin. With a smile, she picked his call and greeted him. She squealed in excitement when he informed her that the reel with her and Ashwin will be posted tomorrow and the music label of that said songs will post in their official Instagram handle as well.

That was what Sivaangi excitedly conveyed to Ashwin when he picked up the call. She was so excited that it took her couple of minutes to realize that Ashwin went silent.

"Yenna achu, Ashwin? Onum solla matringa?"

(What happened, Ashwin? Why aren't you saying anything?)

"Ma" Ashwin sounded hesitant, "To be honest, koncham bayama iruku ma" He paused and heaved a sigh, "I enjoyed the process of being in front of the camera. I enjoyed what we did. It made me feel alive"

(To be honest, I'm bit scared)

Ashwin continued while Sivaangi listened keenly,

"Acting epdi oru vidha bodhai oh adhe mathiri namma acting ah people pathu rasikuradhu, paraturadhu adhey mathiri equal bodhai. Adha na once taste paniruken enoda short film trend aana apo, even though it was short lived and the reach wasn't on a larger scale. Ipo ivlo years aprm Makkal epdi react pannuvanga nu nenacha nervous ah, bayama, insecure ah iruku ma"

(Just like how acting is addictive, to look at people enjoying and appreciating my acting is equally addictive. I have tasted it once when my short film went viral, even though it was short lived and the reach wasn't on a larger scale. Now, after all these years, to think how people would react makes me nervous, scared and insecure)

They both fell silent for a minute. Sivaangi could understand Ashwin's inner turmoil. She herself hasn't come out of her insecurities completely. She still isn't owning up that she is Sivani. She is just putting herself out as just someone who has sung a cover song.

"Ashwin" Sivaangi said softly, "There are two outcomes. One, things will go right, people recognize you and you will get the recognition you deserve for what you have did so far, and this will help build your career further. And the second is, this reel might not work out and it will be just another reel."

Sivaangi sighed,

"If the outcome is the second one then we can always shoot another reel and if not that, another. We won't back down, alright? I know you have your fears and insecurity but trust me. You've already won when you decided to try after all these years."

Sivaangi knew Ashwin wasn't convinced but she knew she helped clearing his thoughts a little. Rather than talking about this more and make him feel stuffed, she talked about the technical aspects of the reel.

Abin's friend Raahat Sultana is a co-founder of Maison's Media, a production house termed as MM. They have produced reality shows for a popular channel including a singing reality show.

When Abin asked Raahat if their official social media handles could share the cover reel of Sivaangi's and Ashwin and Sivaangi's. Raahat agreed and even appreciated Sivaangi's singing.

Ashwin listened to everything patiently. They spoke for few more minutes before they call it night but it was quite a disturbed sleep for them both. The next day Ashwin was anxious. The reel was dropping by 7 pm and they both have decided that they will give it a day before checking the response.

It was just a mere Instagram reel but it held both their hopes. They wanted to know how audience respond to them. Evening, Ashwin excused from work and decided to distract himself with working on a new dress but he couldn't focus. So, he went home and played PS.

Sivaangi, on the other hand, fly to Mumbai. Georgian was working with Diwali collection and she had some works to complete. So, it took her anxious off for time being.

At night, Ashwin and Sivaangi spoke. Neither brought up about the reel.

"Inaiku traffic la stuck agiruka apo oru vishayam pathen" Sivaangi huffed.

(I saw something when I was stuck in traffic today)

"Yenna pathinga madam?" Ashwin chuckled at her tone.

(What did you see Madam?)

"Window valiya veliya patha left la Dominos irundhuchu, Ashwineyy. See through mirror wall dhan. Anga oru paiyan la, avan girlfriend cheek ah caress panite ava ta pesi sirichutu irundhan. Avalum avanuku pizza ooti vitutu irunda" Sivaangi said in a complaining tone.

(When I looked outside the window, there was a Dominos in the left. It had a see-through mirror wall. There, a guy was caressing his girlfriends' cheek as they laughed and conversed. She was feeding him pizza too.)

Ashwin laughed, "Ma, avanga PDA couple pola ma. Vidu, avangalachum sandhosama irundhutu potum"

(Looks like they are PDA couple. Leave it, at least let them be happy)

"Huh, adhu yepdi? Naa matum enn aala paakama ivlo dhurama iruken" Sivaangi whined, "Poramaiya iruku, Ashwineyy"

(Huh, why so? I'm here away from my guy without seeing him.... I'm feeling jealous, Ashwineyy)

"Achoo, miss panriya ma?" Ashwin asked with a soft smile. He was equally missing her, if not more and it felt good to hear her say that.

(Achoo, are you missing me?)

"Idhellam nee kekanuma?" Sivaangi grumbled and complained, "I miss you a lot! Yellarum jodi jodi ah suthuranunga. Aana nammala paaru, naa inga, nee anga!"

(Do you even have to ask? ... I miss you a lot! Everyone's roaming around in pairs. But look at us, I'm here and you are there!)

"Seri, vidu. Work vegama wind up panitu Chennai vara try panren, seriya?"

(Okay, fine. I'll try to come to Chennai once I wind up my work, okay?)

Sivaangi felt that Ashwin eased up a little. She smiled and rolled on her bed before hugging her pillow. They conversed for an hour more before hanging up.

The next afternoon, Sanjay raked his fingers through his hair as he stepped inside the office building. He smiled at the workers who greeted him and walked towards the office room he shares with Ashwin. The door was open and Sanjay frowned.

Ashwin had his mobile pressed against his ear while he was looking at his laptop with teary eyes. Sanjay's frown deepened as he stepped in only to watch Ashwin wipe his tears.

"Ashwin?"

Startled, Ashwin looked at Sanjay with a jerk. Quickly mumbling something, Ashwin hangs up the call, stood up from the chair and hugged Sanjay. Hugging his friend back, Sanjay patted Ashwin's shoulder.

"Yenna achu da?"

(What happened?)

"Sanjay" Ashwin pulled back from the hug and dragged Sanjay to the table. Placing the laptop in Sanjay's hand, he urged, "Idha paaru da!"

(Look at this!)

Sanjay's eyes lit up with joy as he scrolled down the comment below Ashwin's solo reel that he shot with BLU team. There were four categories of people in the comment section.

The first knew who Ashwin was and ranting about things like how they were glad to see him on digital spaces after a long time and remembering the short films which he did. The second category comments were filled with girls who were gushing over Ashwin's handsomeness.

The third was adoring Sivaangi and her singing and the last but not the least was the category that ranted about how good they both looked. There were very few negative comments too which didn't stand in front of the other positive ones.

Of course, Sanjay has already seen the response his friend has got but he wanted Ashwin to see it for himself rather than Sanjay tells him. So, Sanjay kept quiet and he was glad to see Ashwin's overwhelmed reaction.

"Thank you" Ashwin breathed out shakily as he hugged Sanjay, "Thank you for believing in me, macchan!"

"Ssh! This is your moment, Ashwin. Enjoy it" Sanjay hugged Ashwin and patted his back. He pulled back from the hug and added, "Seri, vaa. Polam"

(Okay, come. Let's go)

"Yenga da?" Ashwin asked wiping his tears.

(Where?)

"Dude, this calls for a celebration! Come, let's go"

Sanjay grabbed Ashwin's mobile from the table and thrusted it in Ashwin's hand before pulling Ashwin out of his cabin. Ashwin let his friend drag him while his mind was with Sivaangi.

Sanjay asked Ashwin to bring out the car to front. So, Ashwin dialled Sivaangi and got inside the car. Just as he put the seatbelt on, he shrieked when he felt two arms wrapping around his neck.

Hearing the giggle behind him, Ashwin had a huge smile on his face as he turned around to see Sivaangi grinning at him. She was here, in person, just for him! A gush of warmth filled his heart. His hand fumbled with the seat beat as he unbuckled the seat belt, leapt out of his seat and pounced on the petite woman in the back seat.

Sivaangi laughed and fell on the back seat with Ashwin over her. She patted his arm and caressed his thick mane,

"Yepdi enoda surprise?" Sivaangi chirped.

(How's my surprise?)

"I love you!" Ashwin nuzzled in her neck, peppering small kisses before resting his head on Sivaangi's collar bone. She is here!

"I love you" Sivaangi rested her head on top of Ashwin's for a couple of seconds before she pulled back and with a chuckle, she patted his arm, "Yovv! Nera okaru ya. Mudhugu odaya pogudhu paru, Ashwineyy"

(Straighten up, man. You'll end up breaking your back, Ashwineyy)

Groaning, Ashwin pulled back from Sivaangi and sat on the front seat. He then stood up, crossed to the back seat and sat next to Sivaangi before enveloping her in his embrace. She giggled at his excitement to be with her. With closed eyes, they breathed into each other's presence.

"Sivaangi, I don't know if I'm happy with everything that happened but I'm hopeful, especially with you in my life." Ashwin breathed out.

Sivaangi's lips curled, "And that's more than enough for now", She pulled back from the hug and looked at Ashwin, "I know we both are overwhelmed but now we should give ourselves some much needed quality time. So, go, take the wheels. You are taking me out"

Ashwin caressed Sivaangi's cheek before leaning in and kissed her cheek.

"Enga polam nu solllu, polam" Ashwin wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling Sivaangi closer.

(Tell me where you want to go, we will go)

"Nee, naa, Ooty. Two days, yaru disturbance and distractions ilama namma matum" Sivaangi snaked her arms around Ashwin's neck and her voice dropped octaves as she added suggestively, "Let's get warmed up"

(You, me, to Ooty. Two days, with no disturbance and distractions, it will be just us)

Ashwin was too tempted to say right away but he thought for a second and opened his mouth, "Aana-"

(But-)

"Uh-huh, no! Yedhuvum yosikadhinga. I've everything planned out. Ipo good boy ah onga amma ku call panni velai vishayama Chennai poren nu poi solradhu matum dhan onga velai. Kelambalam"

(Uh-huh, no! Don't think anything. I've everything planned out. Now be a good boy and call your mother. Just lie to her that you are going to Chennai for work. That's your only job. And then we can leave)

"Adhu illa ma, Sanjay..."

(Not that, ma, Sanjay...)

"Ada, Ashwineyy, Sanjay anna dhan enoda partner-in-crime una surprise panradhuke. Unoda duffel bag kuda ready. Work lam Anna pathuparu. Nee aunty ta call panni uruttitu vandha na namma kelambiraa"

(Ashwineyy, Sanjay brother was my partner-in-crime to surprise you. Even your duffel bag is ready. Bro will take care of work. If you call aunty and spew a lie then we can leave)

Ashwin chuckled and knocked Sivaangi's head making her pout and whine his name.

"Idhu veraya! Seri, nee ulla va. Naa Amma ta pesitu, Sanjay ta pesitu varen. Nee adhukulla refresh agiko. Aprm namma kelambalam, seriya?"

(Is that so! Okay fine, you come inside. I'll talk with Amma and Sanjay. You refresh yourself in the meantime and then we will leave, okay?)

Sivaangi nodded and before Ashwin could open the car door, she pulled him by his bicep and kissed the corner of his lips. He pursed his lips looking at her naughty smile as she had her hand on the door lock.

"Ena romba seendura ma nee" Ashwin sighed heavily.

(You are tempting me too much)

"Oho, apo workout agudha?" Sivaangi bounced her eyebrows with a smirk.

(Oh, is it working then?)

Holding her gaze in his, Ashwin's voice dropped octaves as he said, "Naa solla maten, night senju katren"

(I won't say it now. I'll show it off tonight)

Sivaangi couldn't help but blush as she averted her gaze from Ashwin. Fumbling with the door lock, she grabbed her bag, quickly opened the door and stepped out, muttering she will head inside leaving a smirking Ashwin behind.

'Cha, ivaru base voice keta matum vaithu kula pulu poochi ellam dance aadudhe!'

(Cha, I can't help but feel funny in my stomach whenever he talks in his base voice!)

Sivaangi went to a small room with attached bathroom in the office. By the time she refreshed and came back, she saw Ashwin's arm wrapped around Sanjay's neck. They were laughing and talking.

On seeing Sivaangi, the guys smiled and Sanjay greeted Sivaangi with a side-hug. She thanked Sanjay again for his help which he shrugged off.

"Pathu poetu vaanga, have fun" Sanjay waved as Ashwin drove the car while Sivaangi waved back at Sanjay.

(Get going safely, have fun)

Sanjay was happy that finally good things are happening in Ashwin's life. He has seen how much broken Ashwin was when he gave up his dreams. It was as if Ashwin was normal at outside. He carried on with his life as before after putting an end to his acting career.

But Sanjay knew better. Ashwin had lost a part of his soul back then and Sanjay was happy that his friend is finally getting to work on his dream again. With a content smile, he walked inside the office.

~ * ~

So, how was the chapter makkaley? Do let me know what you think about the chapter.

Quick question, in the last few chapters, there were many English dialogues rather than Tanglish dialogues. Do you feel it interfered with the flow of the story?

Thank you for reading,

Nan ~