Written by :  Karthiiwritess

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Coimbatore,

The simple compact but beautiful two story house with a green front yard was all decorated with flowers and lights. The paint smell, the new uncovered furniture, the unpacked boxes that laid on the corners were telling that it was a newly built one. People were all around the house talking, smiling, giggling and laughing, kids were running around and the whole place looked so lively. It was the most important day of two people, it was

Their dream came true that day.

Arjun stood leaning on the door frame of the pooja room with a plastered smile on his face staring at his love of life who was seated on the floor of the pooja room with her mother and her sister who is also his sister-in-law of three years on either side and his aunt and cousin opposite to them.

Arjun as usual stood mesmerized as she sat there like a goddess draped in the purple shade Silk Saree that he gifted her earlier that morning, with closed eyes doing his most favorite action of her's, singing. He would love to hear her sing any time, anyday , anywhere but she being here in his dream place, praising the god with her soulful voice was giving him a surreal feeling.

He smiled remembering the same scene that took place years back when he met her for the first time.

***

Back then when Arjun was in his eleventh grade, he was the cultural incharge of his school along with his other three friends Nishanth, Catherine and Mithra.

That was the time when the practices for the intra school events were happening and in the name of incharge the friends gang were enjoying their time roaming around the school.

Arjun bent down to tie his shoe laces while the other three walked ahead without noticing him.

" Kangal neeye kaatrum neeye

Thunum nee thurumbil nee

Vannam neeye vaanum neeye

Unum nee uyirum nee

Pala naal kanave

Oru naal ninaive

Iyakkangal theerthaaye

Enaiye pizhinthu unai naan eduthen

Naan than nee verillai "

His hand just stopped its activity when he heard a soulful voice. He stood up frowning and walked to the classroom from where the voice was heard. He stood near the window, frozen , seeing her standing there with closed eyes and singing in a mesmerizing voice, gaining all the attention of the students from different classes who were there for practice. He was frozen not because of her physical appearance but because of her voice and mainly because of the song she was singing.

" Mugam vellai thaal

Athil mutha thaal

Oru ven paavai naan seithen kanne

Ithazhai selli

Enum theertha thaal

Athil thiruthangal nee seithaai kanne

Kangal neeye kaatrum neeye

Thunum nee thurumbil nee

Vannam neeye vaanum neeye

Unum nee uyirum nee

Indha nimidam neeyum valarnthu

Ennai thaanga yenginen

Adutha kaname kuzhainthaayaga

Enrum irukka vendinen

Tholil aadum selai

Thottil thaan paathi velai

Pala nooru mozhigalil pesum

Muthal methai nee

Isaiyaale pala pala oosai

Seithidum raavanan

Eedilla en magan

Enai thallum un kuzhi kannathil

En sorgathai naan kanden kanne

Enai killum un viral methaikul

En muthathai naan thanthen kanne

Ennai vittu irandu ettu

Thalli ponal thavikiren

Meendum unnai alli eduthu

Karuvil vaika ninaikiren

Pogum paathai neelam

Kuraiya neela vaanam

Suvar meethu kirukidum pothu ravivarman nee

Pasi enral thayidam thedum

Maanida marmam nee

Naan kollum karvam nee

Kadal ainthaaru malai ainooru

Ivai thaandi thaane petren unnai

Udal sevvaathu pini ovvaathu

Pala nooraandu ne aalvaai mannai

Kangal neeye kaatrum neeye

Thoonum nee thurumbum nee

Vannam neeye vaanum neeye

Unum nee... uyirum nee "

His eyes welled up when she continued to sing, how would he stay unaffected when he was hearing a song which his mother had sung for him umpteenth time as a lullaby. It has been more than a year since he heard this song, he heard it the last time when his mother put him to sleep before the day he unfortunately lost her to a tragic accident.

His eyes shed a lone tear while felt a hold on his shoulders. He wiped his tears and turned to find his friend Catherine raising her eyebrows questioningly. He nodded a no and looked back at her who by the time had already finished her singing with a round of applause.

He was not at all a person who would initiate a personal conversation with a stranger, saving for what he does in accordance with his responsibility. But now he felt the urge to speak to her, she did not feel like a stranger to him, definitely not after she sang this particular song just exactly resembling his mother's voice.

Once the music teacher who was guiding the students left the room when the practice session was over, he walked straight into the class and found her surrounded by some apperciting her.

Once they saw him, the trio who was surrounded by her moved away making her frown and look at him.

" un Peru enna ? " He asked with a stern voice which almost made her gulp in fear while the others in the room were surprised.

He was a guy who was known by almost all the students in school for his looks, charm and attitude. He was the one who most of the girls would like to be at least in his list of hi- bye friends while the boys were jealous of him because of that. But he never took any of it to mind neither the flirty talk of the girls nor jealousy of the boys. He had never spoken to any other girl other than a few in his circle, he did not do it to show his attitude, it was just that he could not overcome his introverted nature, save for the fact that he was an extreme extrovert for his close circle.

A person like him, coming up and initiating a conversation with a girl was completely surprising.

" un Peru enanu ketan" he asked with sternness in voice making her jerk. He understood he sounded rude and sighed.

" Sorry, Ipa solu Peru ena? " he asked in a calm tone.

"Sh.. Shalini"

" entha class?"

" 8th "

" thanks " he said , her face which was indicating the fear now frowned.

" athu..nee padunathu enga Amma paduna Mari irunthuchu... " he explained.

" athuku ethuku thanks ? "

Arjun sighed when his eyes were again filled with tears " avunga paadu natha ketu 1 varusham Mela aachu ipa Ella avunga paadu rathu Ila.. Un kural almost en Amma odathu Mariya iruku athuku "

" yen paadu rathu illa.. Keta paada poranga" she asked innocently.

" paada rathuku avunga illa " He said with a half smile while she felt super bad for asking such stupid question.

" sorry" She genuinely apologized to him.

Arjun just smiled and left the place.

***

" super ah padringa akka " voice of his cousin brought him out, from reliving their first ever meeting.

He saw her smiling at his cousin. He wondered how much she had changed in these years. When he first saw her she looked so calm, innocent and naive girl which was the complete opposite to her chirpy, playful but bold self of hers in present.

She raised her eyebrows questioningly seeing him grin at her like a fool for which he nodded a no.

She smiled at him, even though he did not say anything, she very well knew what was running through his mind. The same memory flashed through her mind bringing a smile to face.

This one may be a beautiful memory for both today but was not one before a couple of years and definitely not all for her as this incident had only brought hatred to her.

****

On that day, once Arjun spoke to her and left, she found the people in the classroom looking at her with a lot of emotions in their eyes, surprise, teasing and most of the eyes had jealousy.

Before she could realize why it was happening her friend Vyshali was quick to pull her out of the class.

" enna di nadakuthu.. Antha sidu moonji senior ah unkita vanthu pesararu" She spoke clearly in a teasing tone.

" yei avuru etho Amma paadu na Mari irukunu sonaru.. Atha poi '' She brushed it off not wanting to speak about it further and left the place.

But after that day, whenever they met accidentally Arjun started passing a smile at her which she hesitated to reciprocate for the first couple of days but not wanting to be rude she started reciprocating it.

He would just stand out of the classroom where she would practise and stare at her signing. She did not mind about it initially as she knew he was getting to listen to his lost mothers voice through her.

But this behavior of him annoyed her, once it started gaining unwanted attention on them. The gossip started spreading out like a fire within a week and that started gaining a lot of jealousy and hatred for her from the many girls who were trying to be at least in his friend list. Even some from her own class started treating her differently and she felt so left out saving for some of the genuine friends and seniors she got.

The yelling of his name wherever she goes from the boys, the hatred looks and talks from the girls were only building an unknown dislike for Arjun in some corner of her heart as he was the sole reason for it.

And when that continued for two weeks after he spoke to her, she was completely annoyed and that was the starting point where she started feeling anger for him while Arjun still had a good impression on her.

But at that time both were unaware of the fact that it was destiny which played them to meet that day.

*****

Shalini walked out to the kitchen after breakfast to find everyone busy with something and her eyes automatically searched for him.

She found him at the dining table seated on a chair in such a way that his side torso was leaning on the back of the chair playing with one of her nephews who was seated on the table, she smiled mischievously to herself and walked to him.

She leaned forward holding the chair slightly touching his shoulders, her front brushing his back, her face parallel to his almost colliding, her breath hitting his nape making him groan mentally.

When he expected he would get something from her, she leaned a little more and kissed her nephew's cheeks while looking at him, making him annoyed.She moved away and left the place with a smirk, making him groan aloud in annoyance.

He was already having a hard time keeping his hands away from her right from the moment she walked out of the room earlier that morning and now all her activities were making it tough.

He looked at her seated on the couch acting to be busy with his cousin. His eyes automatically scanned her from top to toe. She was breathtakingly gorgeous at her traditional look, her hair was braided in a fish tail and filled with flowers, her face had a minimal makeup highlighting her natural glow, her doe shaped eyes filled with kohl and small bindi on her forehead was giving him a tough time.

And more than everything the still wet thick yellow thread that hung around her neck and the sindoor on her hair partition, his name in her dark stained arms screamed that she was his to own. But to his misfortune he was not even able to touch her surrounded by a full house of people.

Her newly wed avatar was literally setting his insides on fire, his desire for her was growing intense with each minute passing and the fact that she had kept him away from her, reasoning that they would start their life only at their dream place - this house and them being there was not at all helping.

And adding to it she was doing all the naughty things like she did before a few minutes and the ones she was doing right from reaching there in name teasing him was making the things worse and she was doing everything unaware of the fact that it was only putting herself into danger.

He chuckled when a fact crossed his mind. He might be affected by her mere touch today but once he had even despised even looking at her. Those were the days when he truly hated to look at her, speak about her or to even hear her name. He hated her to the level that when his junior in college on whom he too had a tiny bit of crush came up to him and proposed to him, he was initially happy and that did not last even for a minute before he got to know her name was her name. His tiny-teeny crush vanished that second and he ended up being rude to his junior and embarrassed her in front of so many people in the cafeteria.

Yes it was true that he had a good impression on her at first sight. He heard his mother's voice in hers which made him feel that his mother was still somewhere there watching and protecting him. He would just stay frozen with teary eyes whenever he heard her sing. He was well aware of the gossip that went around and stopped listening to her for a couple of days after listening to her for the past two weeks continuously.

It was all going good until one fateful day that changed everything upside down and made them hate each other.

It was a week before the cultures, when his friend Catherine came up to him and other few friends literally sobbing when they were having their leisure time after school.

His anger found no bounds when he came to know that many things had happened to her in the sake of taking revenge on him. The rival gang with which his gang and himself have always had a rocky road had been disturbing her for a long time now which they were completely unaware of until now. And now they had gone a step further and threatened her that they had her morphed her pictures.

Arjun and his gang confronted the rival gang and that ended up in a gang clash and some from both the sides even got injured in it. The rival gang was more affected but still they were the one who changed the enquiry sequence into an action sequence.

The fate played its role when Shalini herself turned as a witness for the gang clash as she stayed back in school as her father was late to pick her up.

Next day, knowing that the rival gang had planned to use her as a trump card against his gang he stood in front of her requesting her to be on the side of truth.

" Anaiku nadantha ni pathu irupa.. first Kai neetunathu avunga tha.. And nanga pesa ponathu kuda avunga Mela iruntha thapu nala tha.. So nee unmai iruka pakam tha iruppa nu ninaikiren"

He explained their side in hope that she might stand on their side without dragging Catherine not wanting the issue to spread as it might bring his friend in bad light.

" nipa illa?"

Shalini just nodded without even looking at him.

After a couple of days, when the ones who were injured returned, both gangs stood in front of the Principal's office. Shalini was called after, the rival gang informed the principal that they were at no fault and they had a witness too.

Shalini came there with a fear filled face and looked at Arjun once who looked at her with a requesting look in his eyes.

" Did you witness the clash Shalini? " One of the teachers there asked for which she nodded with fear.

" Who was at fault?"

She looked at the rival gang's head, Arjun was relieved as she stood in the side of truth but it did not last even a few seconds when she pointed hands at Arjun.

" yah na" Arjun lost his cool and was about to speak but stopped midway when the principal warned him and sent her off.

Arjun and his friends' parents were called and warned that if they repeated they might be given TC.

Arjun's father was very strict when it came to discipline. That evening he was punished severely in a locked room in spite of his elder brother banging on the door asking to stop.

Arjun felt like he was betrayed by her, she would have said she would not help him when he asked but she agreed to help and did the opposite making his heart start building hatred for her. The rival gang started annoying them even more after that incident, speaking on their face about their defeat and that only increased the anger on Shalini.

In anger he lost his senses, that led him to remove her name from the participants list of solo singing and when the teacher incharge asked him he came with a lie that she herself had withdrawn from the competition.

On the day of the competition, when her name was not called for the competition she ended up asking the teachers in charge and got to know her name was not in the list. Even when she explained to them that she had already enrolled herself, she was not allowed for the competition. She convinced herself thinking it might be a mistake and started to prepare for her next classical performance.

Arjun got to know what happened but still was not satisfied and ended up changing the music CD that she had submitted for classical performance.

Arjun felt an ego satisfaction when she left the stage embarrassed when the classical song changed into a dance number in the middle of her performance.

But once again he stood in front of the principal's office when she overheard him speak to his friend about what he did to her and directly complained to the principal.

He was once again warned to not misuse his responsibility and that was how they started to abominate each other.

Shalini was a girl who would easily forgive and move on but the embarrassment that she faced on the stage was huge as she did not have the heart to forgive him. Even though the mistake was on his side this time, Arjun was more infuriated when she directly complained about it to the principal.

And right from that incident they would and would create any scene in the place or dead at each other whenever they met coincidentally showing the amount of hatred they had on each other. The whole school that spoke gossip about him admiring her singing started to speak about their enmity. This continued until Arjun completed his schooling and left.

***

" mama mama " a voice broke his trance and he found one of her nieces before him and the one who was seated on the table was no longer there.

He turned to her niece when she called him once again and bent down to her as she asked for. A smile appeared on his face when the little one kissed his cheeks and he reciprocated it, she giggled and ran away from there.

" ahh.. Sothikarala.. " he groaned to himself when he saw Shalini kiss her niece in the exact same place where he kissed.

Arjun pouted at her who looked at him with a smirk , making her chuckle before getting distracted by her mother who called for her.

The friends and the cousins' gang settled in the front yard after lunch. Arjun and Shalini were all red out of the teasing session that took place.

The topic gradually moved about how the now lovey-dovey couple was once a tom and jerry. Arjun and Shalini looked at each other with a tiny blush when their friends asked how did the India Pakistan war between them die and love arose. Both of them smiled at each other while reminiscing about the wonderful journey they had come across.

***

Once again fate played their lives, in the name of their siblings' wedding. But this time it was not fate, it was destiny that actually played out.

On the day of engagement, the hall was beautifully decorated with flowers and lights while giggles and laughter echoed across the hall.

" Bhuvi akka sema alaga iruka" Shalini said to her sister, whom she had decked up beautifully with minimal makeup before kissing her cheeks. Bhuvi smiled at her sister through the mirror and taped her cheeks.

Shalini ran near the window of the room when heard the car sound and waited eagerly to see the groom for the first time.

Shalini left abroad for a time period of 2 years for her higher studies after completing her UG and just returned a day before for her own sister's engagement. Bhuvi refused to show the groom's picture to her saying she can only meet in person and that was the reason for her eagerness.

" Ayoo akka " she yelled in utter shock when Arjun got out of the car with few others.

" akka antha blue shirt ah mappillai." She asked Bhuvi who ran to her panicking.

" ama avuru tha" she said after peeking out of the window.

Shalini did not know what she was feeling right now, she could not believe what was happening, that one person she hated the most was now soon to be her brother- in - law and that mere thought annoyed her to the point of extinction.

" akka nalla pathu sollu antha dark blue shirt ah mapla" she asked once again for confirmation.

" Aii dark blue illa di light blue" Shalini was about to get a relief but that vanished when bhuvi quickly added " dark blue shirt avuru oda thambi ".

Shalini was unable to contemplate what she was feeling currently, she felt a relief that the person she hated the most was not going to be her brother- in-law but at the same time she was super irritated that he was her brother-in-law's brother which will directly lead them to meet frequently.

She had faked a smile when she stood in front of the groom's family welcoming the groom with aarathi while Arjun stood smirking at her. He was not surprised like her as he already came to know she was Bhuvi's sister when he saw her picture in their home. At first when he came to know about her, he too was as irritated as her. He even tried to make some lame excuses to stop the alliance but it was too late as his brother Sriram was adamant in marrying Bhuvi as they liked each other in their first meeting itself. He did not want to spoil his brother's happiness for his dislike for someone so he gave in for the marriage. He was also annoyed with the fact that they might have to meet frequently but planning to give Shalini a hard time he agreed.

She cursed her luck when she was asked to put the thilak on Arjun's forehead along with Sri ram. She put the thilak with a force that made him stumble a little.

Both were irritated, annoyed, angered and what not on the fact that they had to meet frequently without knowing what destiny holds for them in future.

The engagement went smoothly and happiness was filled in every single person's face except these two who kept glaring and making faces whenever they looked at each other.

Bhuvi was quick to notice it and confronted Shalini after they returned and she ended up saying he was one whom she used to rant about during school. Bhuvi knew what transmitted between Arjun and Shalini but did not know him personally as she was in a different school. Bhuvi was worried when Shalini ranted about Arjun with the same amount of hatred even after almost a decade. She listened to all the ranting patiently and advised her not to show her anger and do something which would end up in an awkward situation for both families. She understood her sister's concern and not wanting any problem to be created by her side in the wedding she agreed to put aside everything and avoid Arjun until he caused any trouble to her.

And true to her words she stayed away from him throughout the wedding but still showed him that she still hates him just with facial expressions.

And the same happened at Arjun place and he agreed to do the same with his brother's request to avoid problems in the wedding.

They both kept away from all their problems just for the sake of their sibling's happiness, saving for the little clashes and arguments they made which was solved with youths itself and did not reached the elders by god's grace. Both Sriram and Bhuvana were happy and relieved as no problem was created by their siblings until they happily tied the knot.

The destiny once again played in their lives when Shalini got a job in a reputed company. Shalini agreed to stay with Bhuvi and Sri who had already moved to chennai six months ago soon after their marriage but only after they convinced her for at least ten days.

She stood in front of the twenty floor apartment and mentally cursed Bhuvi selecting a flat on the fifteenth floor. If she had not done it there was no need for her to stand and wondering how she was going to climb those fifteen floors as the lift was under service.Looking at the handful of luggage's lying on the floor she sighed in absolute horror. Not wanting to drain out completely and faint on the half way, she searched around the place to find someone for help. She can't even call Bhuvi and Sri as they left for the office asking her to collect the keys from the security.

" Excuse me " she called for someone whose back was facing her.

" Neeya '' two voices raised with clear indication of annoyance.

" Ivan epdi Inga? " She thought to herself for Arjun was quick to reply as if " nee Inga iruka apa na irukarathu Ella thapa illa" he heard her.

Shalini stormed her foot in annoyance and left from the place mumbling " Bhuvi akka, nee va Una pesikaran" leaving behind Arjun who was as irritated as Shalini.

Arjun walked to the direction she left and found struggling to get hold of the Luggage she had and chuckled, making her glare at him. Arjun smirked seeing her struggle and left the place.

Shalini stood in front of the Bhuvi's flat door panting heavily, fully drenched in sweat.

She let out a huge sigh when she did not face Arjun when she walked into the house as expected and with sounds from one of the three bedrooms she guessed he might be there.

She pulled out the note that gave the information of the food stored in the hot pack which was stuck on the room door that bhuvi allocated for her and mumbled " ithuku Ella oru korachalum illa .. Avan irukan sollave illa la nee va mothal la.." before walking into the room and fell back on the bed not even having energy to freshen up.

When she came out of her room it was noon already and she found him nowhere and heaved a sigh in relief.

The first thing she did when Bhuvi and Sri returned in the evening was to confront them for informing about Arjun's stay, not even bothering to reciprocate the hug Bhuvi gave.

" sona nee inga thanga othuka matanu tha solala.. avan etho Inga irukan avan office branch oda project vishayam ah vanthu irukan Shalini, six months irupan Apram poiruvan.. Adhu varaikum adjust panikom.. Naan avan kitayum pesaran " Sri spoke in a requesting tone causing her to give in to the idea to adjust with him.

" Athan mama Ivalo solararu illa.. 6 months matum adjust paniko di.. " bhuvi literally pleaded.

" okay Ana avan kita soli veinga "

" kandipa solaran avan unkita entha prechanayum pana Matan.. Na guarantee" Sri reassured her.

Both Sri and Bhuvi had to recreate the same convincing scene to Arjun once he returned.

Arjun and Shalini had dinner with the couple under their completion but were glaring at each other throughout the dinner.

When Shalini was about to leave her for room Bhuvi informed her that there was only one common washroom for both the guest rooms. Shalini accepted with no other way and by the time her mind started guessing whatever she would be facing when she had to get ready early in the morning.

And right from the very next their banters started taking place in the house. Right from fighting to be the first to use the washroom, whom would first have the dosas that bhuvi made, whether she will be the one who would get to watch her series or he will get to play in his first love PS at the living room during nights, each and everything little thing raised a fight between them. They even fighted over who loves Bhuvi more as a sister, making her feel overwhelmed.

Two weeks just passed like that but their fights did not seem to be reduced, both Sri and Bhuvi were fed up with convincing them. The only good thing that happened out of their fights was that Bhuvi and Sri were now well versed in parenting in just a couple of weeks.

It was a breezy chill night when Arjun came up to the terrace to get some fresh air. He heard one of his mothers most favorite songs in the voice of the person he most hated. His legs automatically moved to the direction without his knowledge and he stood there facing her back listening to her sing in a low voice. Forgetting every other thing he lost track of time stood there listening to her while his eyes welled up reliving the moments with his mother.

" Ni enna panra Inga " Her voice brought back out of his trance and found her standing with raised eyebrows.

" Ithu onu un room illa Motta maadi yaru venalum varalam.. Na Inga tha irupan nee vena po.." He said, making Shalini roll her eyes.

" Neeya iru.. Nee irupa eduthula Ella mansusan irupana.."

" Apa 2 varam ah enkuda ore veetula thena iruka ni manushi illaya "

Shalini glared at him before pulling a face at him and walking out of there.

" podi.. romba the scene podara".. He mumbled to himself when he heard her yell " Shit"

" ivuluku vera velaye illa" mumbling to himself he walked to the gate to find her banging on it and yelling for help.

He noticed the gate to be locked and understood in what situation they had got trapped into.

Shalini for the final time yelled for help before groaning and stomping her foot.

" Arivu iruka vunga ipdi Katha matum Kaila iruka phone la call panu vanga" Arjun said, not looking at her.

" pah.. Ena oru arivu.. charge iruntha yen ipdi kathitu iruka poren kuda yosika theriya tha Arivu.." She said with an annoyed face

" Charge illama ethuku phone.. Thooki poda vendiyathu thena"

" oh god.. Ivalo pesara illa yen ni call panrathu.."

" en kita phone iruntha na yen Una kupda solaran "

" great apa phone ah kondu varama tha ena antha pechu pesi iruka?"

" Can you stop it.. first Inga irunthu epdi veliya porathunu pakalam.."

" ini enga irunthu veliya poga.. Full night Inga " Shalini looking around the terrace.

" epa paru negative ah pesitu , ethachem vali irukum"

" hmm iruku" .. She dragged him near the handle wall and peeked down " Inga irunthu kuthichu ru veliya poiralama" she said with smile.

Arjun peeked down and gulped before mumbling " kolagari"

" ithu tha ore vali porathuna po.. " She said, smirking.

" ena nakala? "

" cha cha ni thena vali keta atha sona "

Arjun glared at her " Ella en Thala eluthu unkuda poi Mati irukan paru"

" itha tha naan rendu varam ah solaran yaru keta.." She murmured aloud, looking away from him.

" Apdi na kelambi poga vendiyathu thena.. Yen iruka?"

" Ella en neram.. Etho Sri mamz sona nala irukan illana yaru ni iruka edathula Ella irupa "

" Sri " Arjun mumbled before doing a victory sign, making her frown.

" Lusu aitiya ? " She said, he glared at her before he said " Naan veetula illana maadi la tha irupanu Sri ku nalla theriyum so avan paka varuvan.. Na veliya poiruvan.. Unkita irunthu thapichuruvan"

" Ni Lusu aitiya? " He asked when she laughed at what he said.

" illa Pondicherry night drive pona Sri mamz vanthu gate open panra mundiya security anna open pani na poiruvan.. Pavam nee mamz vara varaikum wait pananu Ninacha sirichan "

" ethey Night drive ah? Na pakathula engeyo poi irukanga nu illa nenachan.. "

" ninachuta iru.. Athu kula avunga vanthuru vanga"

Arjun sighed " ayoo kadavule night full na Iva Kudaya irukanum"

" Nee ippadi polambita iru na thoonga poren " She said and walked near the gate and sat leaning on the wall under the sunroof.

He walked and sat on the other side of the gate and both did not even bother about the others' presence.

Arjun looked at her when he heard her humming to a song and chuckled, annoying her.

" ethuku ipa sirikara? " She said frowning.

" illa Unna Ella poi oru kalathula naan en Amma kuda compare pani irukan ninachan atha siripu vanthurichu "

" siripa siripa.. Unaku ena ni Patuku panitu poita athu nala na ena kasta patan nu enaku thena theriyu?

" Apdi ena madam kasta patutinga? "

" Ama nee enkitta pesu nathu.. Na enga padunalum ninu ketathu.. Ithu Ella un Amma ninanchu pananu namaluku theriyum mithavungaluku theriyum ah.. Pa pa enna pechu.. Pathathathuku kanalaya yerichara Mari vera papalunga.. En class iruka ponnunga enna avoid pana start panitanga evalo left out ah feel pani irukan theriyuma.. inun enna Ella Anuvichan enaku matum tha theriyum.. Ella yaru aala unala.. Athu Latha enaku un Mela kadupu vanthatha tha.. '' She said in a voice that clearly showed how much she had went through.

" Adi paavi apa antha gandu la tha ena potu kuduthiya.. " he asked in a surprised voice.

" na ivalo soli irukan unaku last ah sonathu matum tha kaathula vilunthucha.." She asked, glaring at him.

" Seri othu karan apa na pana naala nee neraya face pananu enaku apa va theriyum.."

" Ada paavi"

" Aii mulusa sola vidu.. Na atha panra apa ippadi Ella Nada kum na yosika kuda Ila.. Ana nadakuthu nu therinja oda na naan athu Ella niruthitan.. Unaku tha therila.."

" oh "

" Ama, " He said before turning away. Silence filled the place once again before Arjun asked her the one question that was etched in his heart for more than a decade now " ama ni yen Anaiku ena kai kamicha.. Athu na engalukku help Panu nu ketu nee ok nu sona Apram"

Shalini chuckled at it. " na ena comedy ah pana sirikara? " He asked, annoyed.

" illa ni ella epdi ivalo padichu degree vanguna.. bit adichiya? "

" etheyy "

" pinna enna.. Anaiku Unga gang ethuku antha gang kuda sanda potinganu nyabagam iruka? "

" athu.. " he hesitated.

" Paravala solu "

" athu en friend Catherine ah disturb pani.. ava photos morp pani irukom nu Ella meratu nanga athuku keka ponam sandai akitanunga.."

" hmm.. You have the answer now " she shrugged.

" ena olara.. Ni yen mathi pesunanu keta nanga sanda potam nu ketu athu tha pathil gara "

" kadavule.. Confirm nee bit adichu tha pass airuka.. "

" Aii "

" yena Aii.. Konjam aachu unaku Arivu iruka Una pali vangum nu un friend ah disturb panna vanga.. Na aaunga la support panraku ena pani irupanunga nu konja kooda yosika mataiya ? "

Arjun frowned at what she said while she continued speaking " Anaiku neenga sanda pota apa pesi kitingala apa ena problem nu enaku theriyum.. Na ungaluku support pananu tha nenachen.. Apa tha neeyum vanthu pesuna.. enaku un Mela kadupu irunthalum un friend Ku problem vara kudathu nu avunga peru edukama enkitta pesu neeya.. Apa va antha kovam Ella poi na ungaluku tha support pananum nu mudiva panitan.. Ana nee pesitu ponathuma antha vihaan.. Atha un rival gang leader avan vanthan un friend Ku panatha enaku panuvan nu meratuna.. Ipa iruka Shalini ya iruntha poda ivan nu tu ungaluku tha support pani irupan.. Ana apa i was too young.. Avan meratunathum enga unmai ya antha mari paniruvanu.. vera vali illa ma avunu support pana.. Unna partha nallavan Mari theri jithu sona purinju papanu ninachan atha anaiku Una Kai kamichan.. Ana ni Avalo yerangi culturals Anaiku Apdi Ella panuvan theriyama pochu... unaku onu theriyum ah.. ungaluku help Panama iruntha Anaila irunthu enaku nee pana vishiyam Ella theriyara varai.. Enaku prechana vara kudathu nu ungala mativitutan gara guilt na evlo naal thoongama irunthu irukan theriyum.. oru oru naal unkita epdi aachu pesiranum nu try pani irukan Ana enga sir tha moonjiya thirupi tu poningala..apa va na ena face pani irupanu unaku therila nu purinjuthu.. Apram nee panathu Ella therinjathu.. Culturals anaiku stage la pata embarrassment en munnadi vanthu pochu.. Mothala chinatha irunthu kadupu hated ah maruchu.. Apram nadanthathu tha unaku theriyum ah..

Arjun was tough tied, things started to dawn on him, he just then realized how much anger had taken over his senses and what an insensitive thing he had done. Anger had shadowed his brain that he missed even a simple logic and showed his anger on an innocent girl who was in no mistake. He wondered how foolish he was to not think that she might have been threatened by the them who dared to disturb his own friend even after knowing he would be there to stand by her. He just then realized how selfish he had been when he asked her to stand by their side without thinking that it would affect her in spite of knowing how cheap the rival gang can get. Unknowingly a bit of anger on himself arose in him after knowing he had hated a girl who was not at fault and only faced a lot of embarrassment because of him and that moment almost all his hatred vanished .

" Sorry" he said, without even thinking for a second, giving up his ego.

Shalini looked at him in surprise.

" sorry" he repeated " I know, enala nee face pana embarrassment kela Intha sorry Pathathu nu enaku theriyum ana itha thavara vera ena solarathunu enaku therila.. Apa na evlo mutaal ah irunthu irukan enaku ipa tha puriyu thu.. Anaiku nadantha incident apram Appa kita irunthu sema Adi vilunthuchu.. Ana atha Vida avuru athuku apram romba naal ena pakavo illa oru varthai kuda pesavo illa anta varutham un mela kovam ah maruchu..athula moola vela seiyama tha na ena ena vo panitan.. Really sorry..

Shalini sighed before looking at him " enna solanum enaku therila "

" No problem.. Epa en sorry ah accept pannanum nu thonutho apa solu.. "

Shalini nodded before turning away and once again silence filled the place but the difference was this was a comforting one rather than an awkward one like before. Both had a lighter heart after speaking out about what had been a soul reason for the enmity.

Arjun saw her slightly shivering a little as it was too cold. He removed his shrug and forwarded to her while she raised his eyebrows. Even If they did not speak anything both know if she accepts this she is not only accepting that but also his apology.

" unaku " she asked after pondering on her thoughts for some time.

" enaku kulurala" he replied and smiled when she got it from him. He was happy that she had accepted and that relieved him from half of his guilt.

And the next day, Arjun started passing a smile whenever he saw her, rather than pulling a face at her like before, he would wait for her to use the washroom first or use before she wakes up, he waits for her to finish her series and then play his PS, or would leave once she came to the living room.

This continued for a week until Shalini got fed up with this and said " ethuku ipdi Ella panitu iruka.. Ena guilt ah? "

" yeah chi chi athu Ella Ila.. Ivalo naal ah Un Mela hatred kamicha reason ah thappu gara apa.. Atha ethuku pudichu vechu irukanum athan"

" Paravala.. Ipdi Ella panatha enaku etho alien ah pakara Mari iruku.. "

He chuckled " apa en friend Agu.. Na sanda podra "

Shalini raised her eyebrows in surprise before shaking her head in disbelief and leaving the place.

Couple of days later Bhuvi and Sriram left for Mumbai for a month for a project that they worked on in their office.

Arjun returned back from the office and noticed her to be in her room with the voice of her singing, after all this was her routine for the past 4 days after Bhuvi and Sri left.

She started reciprocating his smile after the day he asked for her to be his friend. But did not speak much, saving for some casual ones they had after the day he apologized. But she mostly stayed in her room and came out only when needed. He very well knew she locked herself up wanting to avoid more interaction with him and that somehow disturbed him.

He wanted the cold war between them to end and wanted a friendly relationship with her but she is not ready to give in.

But today he was sure of ending the cold war between them so made up a plan and cooked dinner for both.

" enna venu ? " Shalini asked in a surprised tone, seeing him at her doorstep.

" illa adhu unaku Sethu cook pana atha kupdalam nu "

It was one another surprise for her.

" sapda varaiya?"

" ena dhidurunu ? "

" Suma " She very well knew it was a lie, just looking at him, she found what was in his mind. If she accepts to have dinner with she will accept his friendship. She looked at him with a Is-it- true look for which he sighed in defeat.

" othukaran nee sapta.. En friendship ah ethukitha artham nu tha sapda kuptan "

Arjun had a disappointed when she stood there leaning on the door frame with a thinking expression and was about to leave when heard " ena dinner ?"

" mushroom pasta " he said with a wide grin.

" Aii en favorite " She automatically said with excitement and that's how their friendship began.

And right from that day they started having a smooth relationship. As they were staying alone they took charge of each household chores. Arjun cooked for them while Shalini would clean only to once again cleaned by him. They spoke some random things when they settled for coffee in the evening. They even started cooking together for dinner and chose to watch series and play PS on alternate days. The enmity between them started to fade away while the friendship started building. But it did not happen overnight. They took their time to get adjusted with each other and it was more than twenty days when they were as normal as other friends with no traces that they once would despise even hearing the others name.

Shalini returned home earlier that day and found his spare keys and guessed he had not left for the office.

She knocked on his door but did not get a response. She found the door unlocked and walked into his hesitantly only to find it

empty.

She sighed when he found him sitting on the terrace floor as she guessed. Her face made a frown when she saw him seated hugging his legs, burying his head between them.

" Arjun " she called out standing near him.

She was shocked to see his red eyes, pale face and he looked so vulnerable.

" Arjun enna aachu? " she knelt before him, panicking.

" Onu illa ma " he tried to speak in a normal tone but it came just a whisper.

" Onu illa ma tha ipdi irukiya?.. Aluthaiya?"

" cha cha illaya..Lite ah thalai vali atha"

" athan office polaya ?" For which he just nodded.

" Sure ah Thalai vali thana.. Vera onum illaye "

Once he assured her she informed him she will make the dinner and left the place asking him to come soon.

"Kangal neeye kaatrum neeye

Thunum nee thurumbil nee

Vannam neeye vaanum neeye

Unum nee uyirum nee

Indha nimidam neeyum valarnthu

Ennai thaanga yenginen

Adutha kaname kuzhainthaayaga

Enrum irukka vendinen

Tholil aadum selai

Thottil thaan paathi velai

Pala nooru mozhigalil pesum

Muthal methai nee

Isaiyaale pala pala oosai

Seithidum raavanan

Eedilla en magan

Enai thallum un kuzhi kannathil

En sorgathai naan kanden kanne

Enai killum un viral methaikul

En muthathai naan thanthen kanne"

Arjun quickly ran to the place from where he heard the voice and stood rooted to the ground with teary eyes.

Shalini, who was singing while leaning on the gateway, looked at him and continued singing. Once she finished singing she was engulfed in a brushing hug. At first she stumbled but soon composed when his tears fell on her shoulder. She hugged him and patted his back to calm him down.

" Arjun ena paru.. " She said to him who parted and looked away from her.

" Sorry, " He said, looking everywhere but her.

" ethuku Sorry, enakku onu purulia yen intha aambalainga Ella alugaratha etho periya kola kutham mari pakuranga.. Siriupu, kovam Mari alugaiyum oru emotion thena.. Atha yen ponunga vishiyama othukaringa? Yen neenga Ella manushanga illaya ungaluku Ella feeling kastam ithu Ella varathu.. Ena kastam vanthalum alugama iruka niga ena selaya..? "

" ipa yaru sonna nan alugaratha ponnu ga vishiyam pakaran nu? "

" nee appadi pakaranu na sola varala.. Yen Unga Vulnerable side ah veliya kamika thayangaringa nu tha ke karan.. Abalainga mitha vungau munadi aluga kudathu yen nigala nenachu Karinga..ipa kuda nee enna pana ena pathathum onu ilanu poi thena sona.. For god's sake it's your mother's death anniversary Inaiku nee alugaratha na judge paniruvan nu epdi ninacha.."

Arjun just stared at her.

" Arjun inga paru..vulnerable side ah veli paduthu rathu thapu illa .. Athu yara irunthalu..ini aachu Unga alugaiya yaruma paka kudathu nu nina katha.. Alugarathu thapu illa" She said in a calm tone

" Seekram keela va " she said and turned to leave.

" Shalini.." He called out.. "Mithavunga epdi nu enakku theriyathu.. Na alugaratha enaikum ah thapa vo illa ponnunga vishiyam ava pathathu illa.. Enaku therinju nerya Peru Apdi tha.. Ena takkunu yellaru munnadi yum panera matom.. Engaluku nu yarachu oru thanga.. Manasuku romba nerukam anavunga irupanga.. Avunga kita matum tha katuvom.. "

" Apa antha oruthar nana irukunthalum enaku prechana illa..you will always have my back.." She said, making a smile appear on his face and left.

" Engaluku nu yarachu oru thanga.. Manasu romba nerakum anavunga irupanga.. Avunga kita matum tha kattuvom.. "

Arjun had a surprise expression when his own words echoed in his ears. What he said had been absolute truth at least in his case. He had never thought crying was a girl thing or a coward thing in spite of being a man like other normal people think. It is just that he can't do it in front of anyone even if they are close enough like his own brother and father.

But as he said he too had a person to whom he would show every side of him including his vulnerable broken state. It was his mother who knew all his sides, he would be himself only to her, but unfortunately he lost her and had suffered without a person to show his own self all these years. He had never in his life broken down in front of anyone other than his mother until today before he did in front of Shalini.

That's when something dawned on him, even when she asked if he was ok, he was on the verge of breaking down , he had to control himself with every ounce of control to stop doing it. It was not because she was an outer person to break down, it was just he did not want to worry her. And once he heard her sing he just threw everything behind and broke in front of her hugging her and to his surprise nothing in that seemed to be wrong and it looked so right.

He wondered when she had become a person who was so close to his heart that he had broken in front of her after his mother. He was more than surprised when he realized that a girl whom he hated to an extinction once and whom he happened to know personally for just less than a month, had taken a place both in his life and heart equal to the place of his mother which even his own brother and father failed to take.

He had a wall around himself after his mothers demise and kept each and everyone out of it including his best friends. His mother's demise had been a heart wrenching one that he is unable to take in till date even after a decade. He was not ready to experience that once again so he started keeping everyone out of the wall he built around so once they left him it would not affect him much.

But today this tiny child-women had managed to break that wall around him without his own knowledge or more to say even without her knowledge and enter into his personal space that he was even ready to show his vulnerable side to her. He realized what place she had managed to hold in heart just in the time period of less than a month.

And in very that moment he knew whatever that transmitted between them was not just friendship anymore at least not from his side. He was unable to name the unknown feeling that arose in his heart but one thing that he was sure about was that this relationship is not going to stay just as a friendship.

Couple of days later Shalini walked out of her room stunning him. The little girl in the school uniform with double pleats who was a little innocent teenager was nowhere to be found. The one who stood before him was a grown up gorgeous woman who had managed to make him awestruck the moment he laid his eyes on her.

She was draped in a yellow silk saree with matching pink aari worked blouse, her hair pinned at the back with side puff with a middle partition and the end had wide curls and filled with jasmine flowers. Her face glowed with the most minimal makeup while she wore a simple stoned choker and her hand filled with a mixture of yellow and pink glass bangles. When he found her struggling to adjust the pleats he let out a breath that he did not know he was holding before looking away and shaking his head. Without even hesitating a second he walked to her before bending down and helping her with the pleats. She thanked with a smile that made his inside do flip and left the house.

Once again he felt a warm and soothing feeling in his heart but this time he was able to realize what it might be making him grin widely.

Bhuvi and sriram returned the next day and were hell shocked more than surprised when they noticed these two all giggling and laughing at a series with a single bowl of nachos. They were only out of shock when the duo filled in with what actually happened. The couple was super happy that there was no need for them to babysit their sibling there fore.

Days started passing quickly, with their bond visibly growing more than friendship.

Things started changing between them, Arjun started seeing her in a different dimension, he started noticing even small things about her which even she failed to notice. He started to realize that he was feeling attracted to her not only with her physical appearance but also her inner heart.

He would cook specially but would give an excuse that he was just helping Bhuvi. He would just sit opposite to her and stare at her with a wide smile when she was relishing the dishes that he made with closed eyes and moaning to taste. Her little pat on his shoulders as appreciation would give him the level of happiness as if he had won in the master chef.

He found a new Shalini after that , he found how chirpy, kiddish, playful and naughty she was. He got to know many things about her that surprised him. She was kiddish, playful but at some time she would be more mature than the other three in the house who are actually older to her.

In the curiosity to know more about her he started spending time with her and did whatever was possible to get that time.

When she randomly told she needs to concentrate on her fitness, he used it as a chance and asked her to join his morning jogs so he can spend some more time with her and get to know her more which she happily accepted. But that's when the real task started for Arjun, he would even move a mountain in time he tried to wake her up. He would speak calmly, plead and even threaten her to wake but all his attempts failed that he would end up leaving her to be in her dream world and leave the house or for worse he would return to his room and sleep off saving for the some blue moon days she would join him.

He offered to drop and pick at her office giving reasons it might not be safe to use public transport considering the situation as it was the beginning of a pandemic. She accepted for him to drop and use a cab to return as she herself did not know when she would return as she was working on the project deadline which Arjun happily accepted. Arjun even sacrificed his evening gym routine to spend time with her in the children's park.

With all that happened Arjun got to know many things about her. She was an extreme extrovert that she had made friends with the whole block right from the 6 months kid in their floor to the 80 years old grandpa including the securities of their block. And to his surprise he started changing according to her and made friends so easily with everyone she introduced to him during their morning jogs and evening leisure times. She had such an effect on him that he even started socializing easily with the people in the outer world too and he was super thankful to her for that.

He came to know how much of a motherly side she has when she took care of just like how his mother would when he fell sick once when they were alone at home on a weekend.

Arjun understood that he had already developed feelings for her when she came home with one of her male colleagues for some work. He got super irritated just by seeing her with a man on the doorstep. And when he saw her being comfortable with another man it annoyed him to the core. He roamed around the living room with a grumpy face, occasionally glaring at the man, spilling the coffee on him, and making him slip by putting his leg in between when he crossed him but everything did not go unnoticed by her. And when she confronted him about it he was even ready to promise himself that he did not do it intentionally.

Once she left to visit her parents, he was affected so much that he lost interest in everything including food and sleep. He would text her once in 10 minutes and call her once in an hour to a point where she was annoyed and yelled at him. He missed pleading with her to wake up in the mornings, seeing her smiling face , ' Arjuney ' in her voice, their drive to the office, cooking for her, their evening leisure times with the kids, the night talks at the terrace and mainly her honey voice. This longing and the pleasurable torture he experienced in those days made him realize his love for her.

Arjun knew the feeling was mutual and not only from his side. The way she was comfortable with him, how she casually held his hands when they returned home after their in name tiredness, how she enjoys his least average tasting food without complaining, the way she yells at him whenever he talks to other girls, how she lies on his shoulders and fell asleep whenever they stayed late nights watching series, how her face turns red whenever they share some moments or just for his mere touch told him the feeling was not one sided. He decided to express his love soon after she returned.

But unfortunately after she returned both got busy with work for the next ten days and he did not get a chance to express his love.

That day Arjun returned home earlier and found a note that said Bhuvi and Sri had left for a wedding and would only return at midnight. He decided to spend some alone time with Shalini and prepared for a simple dinner and waited for her only to be disappointed even after waiting for three hours. But the disappointment started to change into fear when she did not return even after ten.

He tried calling her but her mobile was switched off. Without wasting time he left for her office but his fear only increased when they informed she had left an hour before. He started searching for her in the places that had possibilities for her to visit. But when he did not find her anywhere he experienced a heart wrenching pain. Something pulled him towards the house and she started driving back home but throughout the way his eyes shed tears in the fear of losing her.

" Arjun enga pona " He heard her voice when he entered the house.

" Aii ena aachu? " she asked, seeing his traces of dried tear marks when he turned to her.

" Arj.. " Her words struck when he hugged, placing his head in the crook of her neck sobbing like a baby. She was taken aback but soon composed herself and hugged him back understanding he was having an emotional breakdown. Soon his sobs died down before he pulled away and kissed her whole face straddling her.

" enga di pona... sethutan .. Ini ipdi pana " he mumbled in between the kisses before pulling back and looking at it standing frozen.

The moment he looked into her eyes that said a lot of emotions but he got that one answer he waited to get after he proposed to her and that made him teary again.

Both were in a hypnotized state forgetting their own selves in each other's eyes as Arjun leaned in towards her and their lips met for a few seconds before Shalini pushed him away with a force shocking him.

" ena Arjun panra ?" She spoke in a mad tone trying to control her breath. " etho emotional ah irukanu hug pana vita ena enavo panra.. Are you mad? "

Arjun looked at her with the expression that he was not regretting anything and a bit of confusion why she was reacting in such a way if her eyes said a different thing.

" yen da ippadi nikara ethachu vaaya thiranthu pesu" she yelled at him.

" Kalyanam panikalam ah? ''

Was the only thing he managed to ask. Looking at her stand with a bewildered expression he sighed and got hold of her hands.

" Sathiyama solren di.. Nee eppadi manasu kula vantha, epa vantha, yen vanthathu enaku therila.. Ana onu theriyum en Amma Ku Apram nee mattum than en most private circle kula vantha.. Amma Eranthathuku apram enna suthi Nana oru valayatha potu kitu yarayum athu kula Vida matanu pidivatha ma iruntha.. Ana nee enaka theriyama atha odachu athu kula vanta.. En Amma va thavara na vera yaru munadiyum aluthathu kedayathu Ana Anaiku unmunadi aluthan apa tha nee manasulayu en life entha alavuku irukanu enaku purinju.. Apa va mudivu panitan ithu verum friendship oda nika porathu illanu.. Athuku apram nadanthathu ella unaka theriyum Ana therila nu matum poi solatha... Unaku theriyum nu enakku nalla theriyum.. Nee oorla irunthu vantha Anaila irunthu unkita solanum ninachuta iruntha Ana solava mudila.. Una veliya kootitu poi propose panrathu Ella mai ready panitan.. Ana ipa nee ipa Una kanam nu road road ah suthu nan paru apa than enaka purinjuthu Una elakarathu evlo periya vali nu atha oru nimisham kuda waste Ama solitan.. Ana na kekaraku munadi ya enaku bathil kedachuruchu Apram tha na apdi pana...irunthalum ipa nee soli kekanum aasai ya irukku.. Soluviya?

Arjun looked at her with a lot of expectations while she was looking everywhere except him before shaking her head and looking up at him.

" Arjun.."

" enna panringa rendu perum " They heard Bhuvi's voice and looked to the doorway to find the couple.

" Anni "

" enna thoongalaya rendu perum " Sri asked, frowning between the two because of the expression their faces had.

" illa mama"

" mama va.. Enna di aachu unaku mama nu kupda mataiya" Bhuvi said with a confused look.

Looking at them being silent the couple looked at each other. After all they were not blind to not know what was transmitting between their younger ones. And for two people in love it was not much difficult to frame out the other two in love. They long back knew that their siblings would anyhow end up together and were waiting for that day.

" Seri rendu perum poi thoongu ga" Bhuvi said not wanting them to feel awkward.

" ponga " she said once again when they stood still.

Both nodded and walked to their rooms and looked at each other with the eyes that said only love before walking into the room.

Shalini sat on the bed and took out her phone and grinned at the wallpaper that had a goofy selfie of her and him that they took during one of their night drives.

She slapped his image on the playfully before she chuckled.

" idhu solla unakku Ivalo naal ah da " she grinned looking at the picture.

Right from the day she said he had her back, she stood true for her words. She very well knew that the way Arjun sees her had changed right from the day she said those words. And on that day when Arjun stood awestruck seeing her in her traditional look she knew he had started seeing her in a different way. Like the same way he started noticing her with knowledge she started noticing him without her knowledge. She was quick to realize him doing everything with her in mind and that somehow gave a warm feeling.

She understood he wished to spend time with her and automatically her heart wanted to fulfill his wish and she spoke about fitness knowing what he would ask, making the task easier for him. She knew he was an introvert and was struggling to socialize, so decided to help and introduced him to everyone she knew and did whatever she could to make him come out of his wall.

When he fell sick her heart pricked, she could not see him in such a physically vulnerable state and took care of him like she would care for her own child.

She guessed he was getting possessive with whatever he did to her colleague and she liked his possessive side. And not him she was also getting possessive whenever she noticed the girls in the apartment flirty with him.

She knew very well that their relationship had grown more than a friendship and she had already developed feelings for him. But still she was unable to come up to a decision that it was love. She thought only distance and longing can help realize what she felt for him and left for Coimbatore in the namesake of visiting her parents.

Once she left there she started feeling a void in her, she missed his pleas to wake her up, looking at his fresh morning still charming face, his cooking, his 'ma', the safeness she felt when she was with him, the night drives to satisfy her ice cream craving, the warmth and the peaceful sleep that his provided shoulders provided her. Only then did she realize how much he had become a part of her life and the place he had managed to get for himself in her heart. The messages and calls from Arjun gave her the assurance that he was in the same state as her. The same longing and the pleasurable torture that made him realize his love made her realize too.

She left her home with a heart full of love to express to him. But unfortunately both got busy. But whenever they spent a little time together she noticed his suffering to express his love and that seemed to be little fun so she decided to play along and wait for him to express.

She was struck with work today and adding to it delay in getting a cab, and a car break down in the middle everything delayed her from reaching. She knew he would be worried but was unable to contact him as her mobile was dead.

But she never thought he would be this worried and propose to her straight away. When she was about to express her love they were interrupted.

She smiled at his picture while her hands automatically moved to her lips, she blushed caressing it.

" sir propose panamala kiss panu vingalo.. Atha Apdi pesanan.. apa un mugathai parthu irukanum ah.. She chuckled.. Cha paavam.. Aasai ya sola sonan athu kula.. "

And in a minute she stood in front of his room door not wanting to make him wait more. Her hands which were up to knock on the door stopped in the air when the door swung open and he stood in front of her with a surprise look which mirrored hers.

Both chuckled at their wavelength before looking at each other with a lot of love.

" panikalam " She with a wide smile.

Arjun's eyes widened while he grinned.

" enna sona kekala" He said, placing palms at the back of his ears and bending a little.

Shalini raised her eyebrows glaring at him and smacking at his shoulders.

" Kekala na poda.. Un loss " She said before pushing him aside and walking into his room.

Shalini stood at the balcony gazing at the full bright moon when she felt a wrap around her waist and felt his head placed on her shoulders. She was not surprised, she did not jerk, she did not move or react, she just smiled as it was expected.

" yaruko kekalanu sonanga " She said, placing her hands on his hand which was holding her.

" Evan avan ipa va solu undu illa nu paniyaran " He said acting to look around for which he earned a smack on his hands.

" nadikatha da " He chuckled, tightening his hold around her and both in the same position for a long time.

" ma " she hummed, " ma na ethir pakkatha time la solita..seriya va register avala Inoru time solaraiya " He said in a requesting tone while snuggling his head more into neck.

She felt a chill run her through spain with that... " vidu Arjun " she said in a fake angry tone.

" Aii ni solala na kuda paravala di yen ipa tension agara"

" vidunu sonan" " vida matan di " he pulled her closer only if it was possible.

Shalini sighed and turned to him, still being in hold.. " makku.. Un mugathai parthu solanum nu tha Vida sona"

" Oh sorry " he smiled sheepishly.

" makku " she smacked on his head and both broke into laughter before she stopped and looked at him with a smile.

" Arjuneyy" " solu ma "

" Ni sona thu than enaku nadanthathu.. Nee epa, epdi en life, heart oda oru part ah va marunan nu enaku sathiyama Therila.. First Nee enaku kodutha attention romba pidichathu.. Enakku mattum than athu kidaikanum aasai patan.. Apram

Enaka theriyama Un China China vishiyatha kuda pathu rasika arambicha.. Nee enaka tha Ella panranu therinja apa unaku kastam Kuduka kudathu Nana neraya pana.. Like nee unkuda jogging kupuduven nu therinju fitness pathi pesu nathu.. Arjun had a surprised look.. Apram vera ponnu kuda patha possessive arathunu Ella ma pana.. Enaku un mela feelings iruku therinjuthu Ana oru Mari frame out pana mudila.. Athuku tha kelambi oorukku poitan.. Na nenacha Mari ya anga pona Apram tha enaku Ella ma purinjuthu.. thirumbi vara apa unkita en love ah soliranum nu tha vantha... Ana ni love ah sola mudiyuma thavicha illa athu athu oru fun ah irunthu atha solala..

Arjun fake glared at her " yen di naan thavicha thu unaku fun ah irunthu cha "

She giggled " lite ah" he again glared before both broke into laughter.

Arjun cupped her cheek with one hand and looked into her eyes " ipa solu kalyanam panikalam ah " he asked in an intense voice.

" panikalam " She said with a little blush.

" Adeyeii idhu Ella panatha di , ipa enaku etho alien ah pakara Mari iruku '' he said, earning a smack on his shoulders.

" Valikuthu di " he said, rubbing his shoulders.

" nala valikatum, " She said, smirking.

" ethu valikatum ah Una" he tickled her once, filling the place with laughter.

When they stopped laughing, both we're lost in the depth of the love their eyes conveyed while they leaned in to continue what they left halfway before a few minutes.

They announced their relationship to their family the very next day and for which they gave a reaction " ithu tha engaluku theriyuma.. Niga late uh" surprising the couple.

That's how destiny played in their lives that they even forget that they once despised each other.

When their family spoke about the wedding they convinced them and managed to get a time of two years as they wanted to begin their married life in their dream home.

Arjun moved back to Coimbatore after the project and they had a long distance relationship. Arjun visited her or vice versa whenever they got time but with each day passing they got to know more about each other. They were happy to know all their good qualities and gracefully accepted their flaws too. They had their own shares of arguments, difference of opinions, fights, breaks and patch ups in that couple of years but in the end they would end up only loving each other more.

They saved enough for their dream and started making it a reality while simultaneously their parents started planning for their wedding and that is how destiny played in their lives in a happy way so they had made their dream a reality today and it was their heaven's warming day .

***

Both waved bye to their family and friends standing at the doorway. Shalini locked at the door behind and turned only to be lifted in the air by him. She smiled at Arjun who was carrying her in the bridal style before locking her hands around his neck.

" enna sir panringa? "

" athu va en mamiyar aasai ya neravetha poran "

" etheyy"

" second time paati aganum nu sonnanga illa atha "

" Arjun " she smacked on his chest.

" aah.. Valikuthu di "

" Paravala valikatum.. Mothala ena yeraki vidu neraya unpack panra vela iruku"

" antha vela Ella irukatum.. Mothala.." He bent to ears and whispered, making her go all red and hide her face in his chest.

Arjun chuckled at her reaction " kalaila irunthu konja najam alumba di pana nee.. ipa pesu"

" Arjuneyy " she whined, smacking on his chest still hiding herself there, He laughed out loud before carrying her upstairs to show much trouble she had invited for herself from morning.