Merriment, the only feeling which filled Sivaangi's heart since her lecturer's arrival. He became the only medicine that can cure her wounds, the only comfort pillow for her to hug and vent out her feelings, the only customized chef of hers who would cook her anytime she asked and ultimately, her first and foremost go-to human. Finding peace and happiness with him always kept her around him, trying every single way to always be in front of him, only to be lost in those pretty eyes of his.

But, the strict lecturer wanted her to focus on her studies and sweetly ordered her to keep studies as her first priority. Ashwin advised Sivaangi not to be around him in college, just like they will be in his house to avoid unwanted gossips and attentions. As much as we blame the prior generation who gossip, the coming generation are giving equal tough in poking their noses on others personal lives. Sivaangi, being his cute little kiddo human, accepted and kept a safe distance from him at their college.

It's been two months since Ashwin and Rakshan joined the college and they were overjoyed to receive their monthly salaries. Ashwin's project was approved by one of the retired business consultant, who advised him to improvise few of the stated points so that it will boost up the confidence of the investors. Ashwin was more than happy as it was a really big improvement in these three years. Till then, the people whom he approached neither appreciated nor acknowledged his efforts and advised him to drop the idea. But this person asked him to workout on the ideas in a different perspective to keep it innovative.

The boys started helping out the students in their projects since the start. The students were able to finish their projects much before the deadline and even the final year students took their help. The HOD was pleased with their involvement and everything was going well for them in college. Vincent's team was also busy in their works and the delayed investiture ceremony came as an added advantage.

Yes, the computer science department won the elections in all the three posts. The election wasn't held in the usual way, the students just casted their votes from their classrooms. There were no campaigns, no pamphlet distribution, nothing. The Principal ordered as such to avoid conflicts among the students. The civil department was pissed off with the loss and taking that into consideration, Ashwin proposed the idea of delaying the investiture ceremony to appease the situation, to which the management gladly agreed. The investiture ceremony was scheduled this week and within the next ten days, the students will be having their end semester exams, meaning the students will be granted study leave. This will keep the situation under the management's control as the students will be on their study break, not having a chance to blow up the fight once again.

It was a pleasant Friday evening when Ashwin came out of the staffroom, all set to go home. Rakshan left early as he had to buy groceries for the following week. Wishing all the non-teaching staffs and the watchman, Ashwin reached the parking area.

Moments of the three days flashed across which bought a smile on his face. The way Sivaangi was super excited to have her first bike ride filled his heart with happiness.

Ashwin: It's been nearly a month since I had a proper conversation with her. Paavam ava romba miss pannuva la ....

Sighing, he started the bike and in less time, reached his house. Parking his bike, he pulled out the house key and swirled it on his fingers whistling and turned only to get shocked.

Sivaangi was sitting on the first step in the staircase next to the main door, wearing a simple aqua blue half saree. The setting Sun beautified her simple make up less face like a bright firefly such that he forgot to breathe. Sivaangi saw Ashwin standing near the bike with a gaped mouth and stood up with a glare. Tucking the loose end of her half saree to her waist, she took quick steps towards him and snatched his house key with a stare. Ashwin suppressed his smile as he knew the reason for her anger and quietly followed her behind.

She opened the door and before Ashwin could step in, Sivaangi blocked his way by stretching her left arm.

Sivaangi: I remembered this lecturer of mine named Ashwin Kumar who asked me to focus on my studies till my internals are done. I completed three set of internals with good scores, done with my project till report submission and also, I am preparing on a full swing for the semester exams.

Ashwin: seri...

Sivaangi: Yov, naa enna kadhaiya sollitu iruken ?

A hard slap landed on his biceps and he rubbed the place with a scowling face.

Sivaangi: Thechi ellam vida maaten poya.

Ashwin fake glared her, pushed her hand away and walked inside the house. Sivaangi huffed and followed him to the living. He had placed the bag on the sofa and was about to go to his room when Sivaangi held his wrist.

Sivaangi: Badhil sollunga Ashwin. It's me who is sending you lengthy texts and voice notes, ellathukum oru white heart illana thumbs up reply. Enna nenachitu irukinga ?

Ashwin left her wrist and before she could comprehend, she was stuffed in his arms like a baby who hugs a large teddy bear to itself. With each passing moment, he tightened the hold and she found peace in breathing his scent. Staying away from each other felt even more painful when they stayed in each other's embrace as they realised the depth of their missing. Sivaangi held on to his bicep and pressed her cheek more onto his chest. Ashwin's breathing became normal and he held her face, lifting it from his chest.

Ashwin: I missed you so so much paapa. What do you expect me to do ? Your texts and voice notes were my everyday boost ma. I didn't do a mistake here, you are here to study and score good grades. I am not your first priority and all. Studies always comes first and keeping this very same reason in mind, I kept myself feet away from you in college too. This is right.

Sivaangi broke the hug and glared him in disbelief.

Sivaangi: Apdiya, great then. Appo naa ippo paaka vandhadhum thappu nu sollama soldringa. Apdi thaana ? Fine.

She turns to leave but Ashwin holds her wrist, stopping her. She didn't turn back, but didn't push him too.

Sivaangi: That's how you spoke sir. I am not crossing limits. I am missing you like anything. I might look like a clown to you but what can I do ? Paasam kaata aal illadhapo naa ipdi pannalaye, neengale sollunga naa enna pannatum ? I am troubling Mrini and Krishna by talking about you to them. Even they take care of me, put all those efforts to keep me happy but ennala ungakitta irukura maari avangakitta irukka mudiyala. I have kept only you as my priority Ashwin. I myself come after you. I missed you like anything, athaan vandhen.

Ashwin: Paapa....

Sivaangi didn't let him talk further and she continued.

Sivaangi: Naa enna padikkama suthunena ? Ungala trouble pannena ? Didn't I submit all the assigments, records and projects on time ? Idha ellam naa pannala na, neenga soldrathu seri.

Ashwin: Idhu seri varadhu....

Sivaangi glared at his non-sync comment but gasped when he lifted her off ground and walked to the kitchen. By the time she recovered from the shock, she was sitting on the kitchen counter. Ashwin took out an apple and washed it.

Sivaangi: Naa pesitu iruken ungakitta

Ashwin: Pesu ma, enna sollanumo sollu. En paapa pesuradha, thitradha naa kekama vera yaaru kepa ?

Sivaangi couldn't stop smiling when the obedient lecturer placed the plate with apple pieces on her lap.

Ashwin: Sivaangi ma, saaptru idha. Micham veikadha. Just give me ten minutes, I'll freshen up and come.

He didn't wait for her and rushed out of the kitchen.

Sivaangi: Naama ivara thittuna, apple saaptutu themba thittu nu sollama sollitu porare. Ivara vechikittu naa enna panna....

Sulking, she slowly ate the apple pieces one by one and exactly ten minutes later, her lecturer was back in aqua blue tee with white tracks. Sivaangi fake glared seeing him.

Sivaangi: Hello, neenga yen naa pota colour la dress potrukinga ?

Ashwin: Naa yen best friend ku match panna poten. Ungalukku enna madam ?

Sivaangi tried her best not to smile at her lecturer.

Sivaangi: Ponga ponga

Ashwin: Engeyum pogala. Seri sollu enna saapudra ? With pleasure, I am at your service now. Kovatha food la kaatuna enakku pudikadhu nu unakku theriyum.

Sivaangi didn't reply but turned her face away. Ashwin took the empty plate from her and wiped her mouth with his hanky.

Ashwin: Yen mela irukura kovathula apple ah kola pandra maari saaptruka.

Sivaangi hits him on his arm continuously and hits even more when he laughs. He tries to control but seeing her scowling face, he laughs again. Sivaangi hits him harshly this time and he shrieks out.

Ashwin: Ammaa.... valikudhu

He rubbed the place where she hit with a whining face while she continued turning her face away. Sighing, he stood with crossed arms.

Ashwin: Seri sollu enna pannalam.

Sivaangi: Drop me at home.

Ashwin's face fell hearing her and he stepped out of the kitchen to get his bike key. He came back and called her out. Sivaangi got down the counter and walked quickly to the parking. Ashwin followed her mumbling "aanalum romba kovam thaan" but shut his mouth when she gave a sharp look. He whined and started the bike with a fakely acting Sivaangi at his back. She wasn't exactly angry on him, but played so that he will pamper and console her. His kiddo human for a reason.

Ashwin took a left instead of right, confusing Sivaangi.

Sivaangi: Veedu indha pakkam.

Ashwin: Naa eppo illai nu sonnen.

She kept asking him questions as to where he was taking her but he played well and stopped the bike near a hotel. Confused, Sivaangi got down the bike and looked at Ashwin who went inside the hotel. He came out with a parcel and laughed when Sivaangi blinked at him.

Ashwin: Saapadu thaan ma vaangitu vandhen, athuku yen apdi paakura ? Seri, shall I get you gulab jamun ?

Sivaangi: No

Ashwin: Then it's a yes, wait here.

He gives her the parcel and goes to get her the gulab jamun. Sivaangi sighs as he is making it tough for her to continue her faking. The smell of parotta and paneer gravy waffled her nose, making her stomach let out a hungry growl. She rubbed her tummy, controlling her hunger. Ashwin was back with the dessert and from her facial expressions, understood that she's hungry.

Ashwin: Paapa, let's go home and have food. The home which I am talking about is ours. And for all those questions you asked, let me answer you. Adam pannama kooda va.

Sivaangi quietly nodded her head and they were back home soon. Rakshan has left a message that he had gone to Raji's house, so it was only the best friends at home. Ashwin rolled down the fluffy carpet on the balcony floor and Sivaangi sat down, opening the parcel. Ashwin brought two water bottles and Sivaangi's face brightened seeing ice cream in his right hand.

Ashwin: Unakku thaan gulab jamun with ice cream pudikume athaan.

He took the parotta and tore it into little pieces, dipped it in the gravy and started feeding her. She ate quickly and soon finished her food. Ashwin started having his and Sivaangi could no longer hold up, so she leaned on his shoulder, hugging his arm. Ashwin patted her head and finished his food.

Throwing the food covers away, they were back at the balcony. Ashwin sat down stretching his legs while Sivaangi comfortably laid down on his lap, with a blanket on her.

Sivaangi: Dessert uh ?

Ashwin: Kovama irukka nu sonna.

She pouted to which he knocked her head softly.

Ashwin: Athaan enkitta kova pada varalaye unakku, aprom enna ? Sivaangi maa, did I ever say that you crossed limits ? You are not a clown, but my sweet little fairy. I very well know that I am your first and foremost priority and nobody can take that place of mine. I never said that you were lethargic and negligent in studies. Infact, it's you, Krishna and Mrini who are actually acing up the exams like pros. From assignments, records and projects, everything is perfect. But, let me ask you this. Idhellam nee epdi panna ?

Sivaangi, who heard him all the while looked at him sincerely, not able to answer his question. His rough palms held her supple face in his, as he cocooned her more into him.

Ashwin: You could do all these because you were focused on your studies. Three days, just three days you literally forgot the world and stayed with me the whole time. Andha oru assignment ah unna panna veikiradhukulla aarpaatam pannita nee.

Sivaangi stuck out her tongue and Ashwin bobbed his nose with hers, smiling at her antics. The sky had draped itself in a dark coloured curtain with the moon and stars appearing on it slowly.

Ashwin: Had I not been strict, nee ellathayum vittutu Ashwineyy nu vandhu iruppa. Ashwin enjoys your company, feels lucky and blessed to have his Sivaangi all for him. But as a lecturer, your studies are my priority, Panda.

Sivaangi: Adhellam illai.

Ashwin: Apdi thaan. I had asked you to complete the miscellaneous questions from fifth module but what are you doing right now ?

Sivaangi: Paa, idhu unakke over ah illai. Those are miscellaneous and I will be doing it tomorrow. Also, spending one evening with you after a long time won't affect my studies. Athayum meeri sonninga na let me go and finish it right now.

Sivaangi tries to get up but Ashwin holds her head firmly, not allowing her to get up.

Ashwin: Mooku mela kovam varudha en sandakaari ku ?

He pinched her nose and she wiped her nose like a puppy.

Ashwin: Cute uh maa nee. Seri, this evening won't affect your studies, accepted. But tell me this. Won't you repeat the same thing everyday ? Inaiki indha reason, naalaiki 'Ashwineyyy, enakku paneer butter masala venum, senji thaa', the next day, 'Ashwineyyy nee inga vaa' apdi nu edhavadhu reason solli enkoodave irundhiduva. Pannuviya maatiya ?

Sivaangi: Pannuven

She replied in a feeble tone with a sulking face.

Ashwin: Change that face now. Had you done all these, think about your studies. You would have lost touch ma. As much as I want you to become a playback singer, I want you to complete the degree with good grades. I want you to be smart in whatever you do. And when I know that I will be a huge distraction to you, I kept you busy and you couldn't find time to come here. Idhu enakku valikala nu nenaikiriya ? Anga steps la nee ukandhu irundhadha paathapo, enakku evlo happy aaiduchu theriyuma ? Rakshan vitta enakku friends nu sollika yaarum illai. Aathvik school la irundhaan, ana avanum enakkaga sandai potu school la dismiss aanadhu thaan micham.

You know the situation in my family. Though I just briefed you, it's a well known fact that they are against the idea of me starting a business on my own. After all this, when I literally lost hopes, my pretty butterfly never gave up on me. Since day one, her words are my only energy boosters. Nee soldra oru oru vaarthaiyum kaadhula olichikitte irukkum theriyuma ? Nee anupuna lengthy texts are safely there in gallery folder as screenshots. Manasu thalarura maari irundha odane eduthu padipen. Nee anupura voice notes are my lullabies. Those notes are in my audio folder and naa cinema paate kekuradhu illai, nee paadrathu thaan enakku paata poiduchu. Naa unna miss pandren nu sollita, nee ellathayum thooki potutu enkitta odi vandhuduva. Athaan, naa ithana naala sollala. It was hard for me to be quiet around you in college as well. I always wanted to talk to you and listen to you. Ana ellathayum naa marachen, yenna enakku ennoda Sivaangi nalla padikanum, distractions illama. Adhukaga ennaiyum hurt pannikiten, unna hurt pannidum nu theriyum ana nee solli ketapo romba kashtama poiduchu paapa. Sorry maa.

Sivaangi swiftly got up and sat on his lap sideways, hugging his head. Ashwin was shocked with her action, but his longings and emotions overpowered his thoughts as he slowly lied down on her shoulder with closed eyes. She softly patted his chest rhythmically and hummed a song. Ashwin tried to get up but she stopped him by dashing her forehead on his.

Sivaangi: Maa, thoongunga. Let's talk tomorrow. Vaathiyare, naalaiki naa ungakooda irundhalum I will complete my assignment as well. I can balance both studies as well as you, so don't worry. Ungalukkum thookam varudhu, enakkum varudhu vaanga thoongalam. Michatha naalaiki pesipom.

Ashwin was tired and sleepy after a long day and her melodious tunes lured him to sleep while the nightingale who put him to sleep, laid her head on his, cocooning him into her and fell into a deep sleep.

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Hello ! After a long time. Thitradhu inga varaikum kekudhu, sorry for the delay. It's almost eight months since I updated. Final year exams, second degree and other stuffs consumed my whole time, making it difficult for me to write.

Hope you all liked this chapter and hope I have not lost touch in writing. I haven't proof read it, mistakes irundhal mannikavum.

I'll try to be back soon with the coming updates. Thank you so much for not forgetting this story and I am grateful for all your support.

Anbudan,
Mrinalini 💗