20

15+ (Its nothing really, but still a rating to be politically correct) 

The minute Shivangi was ready and checked herself in the mirror, her first thought was, is it formal?

Ashwin only in the afternoon messaged her saying that he will be picking her up at 7 and for her to dress formal. For some reason, Shivangi's mind was stuck with what she was wearing currently and refused to think of an alternate. So, she went by her choice.

With only ten minutes left to 7 and knowing how punctual Ashwin is, Shivangi was developing cold feet. It is known fact that this was her first date in 26 years and she didn't know what to expect. Seemed like going on a date with him takes more courage than spending a night at his house, probably because this is the first normal couple thing they are going to do together.

Ashwin was tapping on the steering wheel incessantly without conscious thought of doing it. Until the horn blazed, he was not aware of what he was doing or that he was not in the present mortal world. Nobody can blame him though, not when the love of his life stood in front of him looking gorgeous.

If Shivangi thought she went overboard with Ink black saree in georgette with silver kundan work on the border and pallu matched with deep neck sleeveless blouse, then his reaction was all the assurance she needed. She can overlook that he even forgot to open the door for her making her stand in front of his car for full two minutes while he was gaping at her unabashedly. It was only the horn that bought him back to his senses.

"Hi!" Shivangi greeted with a shy smile once she settled inside the car after the gentleman held the door open for her and then returned to his seat. She only received a gulp from him as answer. He attempted to say something, but only lumps of air were released making Shivangi chuckle.

Ashwin swallowed hard trying to compose himself, before he whispered a "Hi".

He was still looking at her when Shivangi lifted her eyebrows and asked him "Polama?". He nodded, but didn't attempt to start the car.

(Shall we make a move?)

Shivangi bit her lower lip trying to hide her flush for this is the first time someone was openly admiring her looks. She pushed back the lean curls of hair that she spent an hour setting making her diamond stud shine brightly.

"Ashwin!" she tried calling his name

Ashwin threw his head back and shut his eyes tight as if he was trying to bring himself out of a mission. "Okay!" he murmured to himself. Turning to the front, he ignited the car, but didn't attempt moving it. He sighed deeply and the turned to her.

"Ne romba azhaga iruka." He confessed in the baritone that makes her weak on her knees. "Ennala vera edulayum concentrate panna mudiyum nu tonala."

(You look gorgeous. I don't think I can concentrate on anything)

Shivangi giggled at his flattery. Once she noticed his reaction, she realized he was telling the truth. Is it even possible someone can make a person feel so arrested?

"Appo enna pakadeenga."

(Don't look at me)

His eyes travel down from her face to rest of her before they returned to her eyes. "Moochu vidama kooda iruka sollu."

(I can do better if you ask me to stop breathing)

Shivangi rolled her eyes smacked his arms playfully for being irrationally obsequious. Ashwin used that moment to hold her hand in his.

"Oru nimisham kai pudichikaren, please." He implored like child

(I want to hold your hand for a minute, please)

Shivangi looked at him in amusement as he took her hand and held it close to his heart. Shivangi could feel his heart beating near her palm. She released her palm from his and placed hit flat on his chest. The first two buttons of his beige silk shirt was open making her thumb make direct contact with his skin. Shivangi involuntarily tapped her thumb.

Ashwin closed his eyes and exhaled. "Pannadha" he pleaded even though his one hand held her palm in place not releasing.

(Don't)

Shivangi stopped her action for a minute to observe his expression before she continued it. This time she let her natural, but blunt nail graze his chest.

"Shiv..." he couldn't even complete her name

Shivangi loosened her palm and pulled it away from his chest. "Ashwin." She called in low voice. Ashwin opened his eyes and looked at her still unable to pull himself out of the moment completely while she sat there looking completely unaffected.

"Polama?"

(Shall we leave?)

Ashwin rubbed his temple, followed by his whole face. He pulled the back of his hair trying to compose himself and was about to ruffle his impeccably set hair, but Shivangi held his hand.

"Dinner ku parata mudilaya poveenga?" she questioned innocently

(Are you gonna spoil your well made hair?)

Ashwin glowered not liking the fact that she was so cool after creating havoc in him. Shivangi smiled innocently knowing too well why he glared.

Shivangi looked at Ashwin unsure as they stopped at one of the expensive star hotels where many from media, including journalists, frequented. Were they not supposed to be keeping things low? Ashwin understood her concern.

"Full arrangements panniten." He said. "Private dinner. Staff entrance use pannikalam. Yaarukum teriyadhu."

(I have made arrangements for private dinner. We will use staff entrance. No one will know)

If he said he has taken care of things, then Shivangi knew better than to doubt. She has been first hand witness to his protective side, so she can trust him blindfolded.

Such a irony that their date has to be here, because this is where Shivangi has lied to her parents that her friend's wedding reception is that Shivangi is apparently attending now. It was not as difficult as she thought to convince them why their daughter was dressed to nine of a week night.

Ashwin indeed had made all the arrangements. The minute they stepped in the back entry where staff elevator was, they were joined by a man in tuxedo who escorted them to the rooftop.

The minute they stepped in the rooftop, Ashwin's hand automatically went to the small of her back as it was the most natural thing between them and she moved closer to him.

They were lead to table for two set in the gazebo in private rooftop. Shivangi's eyes twinkled when she took in the set up. Beautiful flowers and fairy lights adorned around the gazebo and lanterns provided soft orange light. A lone purple candle was lit in the middle of the table and very exotic smell surrounded the whole place.

Ashwin pulled the chair for her, made sure she was comfortable before he took the seat opposite her.

"Would you like to see our drinks menu sir?" their waiter for the night asked.

Ashwin looked at Shivangi and raised his eyebrow in question. She narrowed her eyes into slits in reprimand. She was sure he has not changed in five years, but does he think she has?

Ashwin only chuckled at her expression for successfully baiting a reaction.

"We'll have still water, please. And, you can serve appetizers after ten minutes. Thank you."

Ashwin turned to Shivangi after the waiter left and smiled.

"Kudikanuma ungaluku?" she teased

(Do you want to drink?)

"Naan unna paathadu la irundu high ah daan iruken." He flirted

(I am high since I saw you today)

Shivangi shook her head and looked to her side at the expanse of city trying to control her blush. His warm hands covering her cold ones placed on the table made her look back at him.

Ashwin looked around at the arrangements. "Pudichu iruka unaku?" he asked

(Do you like it?)

"Romba."

(A lot)

"Two hours la arrange pnnadhu." He said. "I wanted to do better. Namba first date naan neraya karpanai panni paathu iruken. Hot air balloon ellam imagine pannen. Konajm timing miss aaiduchu."

(I arranged in two hours. I wanted to do better. I had many dreams for our first date. I wanted hot air balloon. Less time)

"Show paneetu irukum bodhu oru coffee kooda vaangi koduthadhu illa. Enaku idhuve happy. Hot air balloon ellam vendam."

(When we were working on the show, you didn't even buy me coffee. I am happy with this. I don't want hot air balloon.)

"Vendama?" Ashwin was stunned. "Adhu enn dream. Kandipa porom."

(You don't? No way. That is my dream. We will surely go some day)

Shivangi nodded with a smile.

"Un dream enna?"

(What is your dream?)

"Dream ah?" she shrugged "Onnum yosichadhu illa."

(Dream? I don't have one)

"Poi sollada. 5'11 ku heartbeat kekungara alavuku yosichu vecha madam idellam yosikala naan namba maaten."

(Don't lie. You are someone who wanted a man who is 5'11 tall so you could hear his heartbeat. You will surely have dreams)

Shivangi was about to deny again that she had any dream, but stopped herself. Why should she? Ashwin is the last person she should be guarded with and first person who should be privy to all her wishes. And today's mood was so tranquil that Sivaangi has to let herself loosen up.

"Paris." Shivangi whispered. "Eiffel tower munnadi ninnu, adhu rasichite naan paatu paadanum."

(Paris. I want to sing while watching the Eiffel tower)

"Noted." Ashwin grinned making her blush.

Food was served and they continued their conversation munching the delicacy.

"Idhu dan unga first date ah?" Shivangi asked

(Is this your first date?)

"Idhuku munnadi namba veliya poi irukomla, but idhu dan...."

(We have gone out before this, haven't we, buut...)

"Namba first date ah nu kekala. Unga first date ah nu keten."

(I din't ask if it was our first date. I asked if it is yours)

"Ohh..." Ashwin drawled

"Enna yosikareenga?" she asked

(What?)

"Illa, enna solradhu nu yosikaren."

(I don't know what to say)

Shivangi frowned. "Enna poi solradhu nu yosikareengala?"

(Are you thinking of a lie?)

"Ma, naan.... unaku teriyum....apdi ellam.....oru nall paiyan dan...."

(I...you know... I am... a good man...)

"Yes or no question ku yen ivlo ilukareenga?" she asked

(It is just an yes or no question)

"Okay." He said determined. "Unna paathaduku aprom endha ponnu koodayum tevai illama pesanadhu kooda kedayadhu. Adhuku munnadi poiruken, but edhuvum serious illa."

(Okay, After you came into my life, I have never even looked at another woman. Before you, I have been on dates.)

Shivangi narrowed her eyebrows trying to intimidate him.

"Sathyama serious illa. Nee en friends kitta kooda kelu. Summa dinner kooteetu poiruken avlo dan."

(I swear they weren't serious. You can ask my friends. Just dinner dates.)

Ashwin noticed her twisting her lips in distaste as she nibbled her food.

"Idellam first date la kekara kelvi ah? Paaru nee upset aaita." He said worried

(Not something we should discuss on first date. Are you upset?)

"Upset ellam aagala."

(I am not)

He still didn't look convinced.

Shivangi chuckled as she realized something. "Ellarum first date ku varuvanga, aprom commit aavanga, aprom dan issues ellam varum. Namba apdiye ulta. "

(Usually people go on a date, then commit to relationship and then issues will arise. It is all reversed for us.)

"Idhuvum kadavul setting dan."

(It is also will of God)

"Namba life la ellame avar setting dan." She laughed

(Everything is in His hands only)

"Kovchukala dana ma?" he felt bad

(Are you upset with me?)

Shivangi smiled at him. "Illa ma." She replied genuinely.

(No)

When their plates were picked up for dessert to be served, Shivangi gave up.

"Dessert ku edam illa." She admitted. "I am full."

(I can't eat dessert. I am full)

"Nee dessert ku no solraya?" Ashwin was shocked

(You refusing dessert ? Wow!)

Shivangi nodded no patting her stomach.

"Appo workout panna dessert ku edam irukum."

(Then let us some do workout to make space for dessert)

"Workout ah?" she frowned

Ashwin pushed back his chair and reached her side. He bent down and offered her his hand.

"Dance?"

Shivangi looked at him stunned. She didn't expect this.

"Naan close dance ellam pannadhu illa. Enaku epdi nu teriyadhu." She confessed

(I have never danced like this before. I don't know how)

"Enakum teriyadhu." He admitted. "You are my first."

(Even I don't know. You are my first)

"Ashwin.."

"Come on."

Shivangi placed her hand on his and stood up. Ashwin played some song in his phone before he led her to the side where they had enough place to twirl. Shivangi had no clue what the song was about. She could only think about his hand that was wrapped around her waist and the close proximity of their bodies.

Ashwin swayed to the music making her body move in rhythm with him. They didn't care about the music. Only the music of their bodies guided them.

Ashwin spun her around before pulling her back to him. Her saree pallu floated due to breeze making his palm come in direct contact with her bare waist. Shivangi gasped audibly while Ashwin only tightened his hold and pulled her closer.

He bent closer to her ear and whispered "Okay dana?" He wanted to know she was equally in this with him.

(Are you okay?)

Shivangi nodded as she placed her head on his shoulder while still moving in sync.

Ashwin moved his hand around her, tracing her waist before he settled on the small of her back.

Suddenly they realized their dance was stopped and they stood there hugging each other. Shivangi lifted her head and looked at Ashwin.

"Idhu kanavu daana?" she asked

(Is this a dream?)

"En kanavu kooda ennikum ivlo azhaga irundadhu illa."

(My dreams have never been so beautiful)

Shivangi cupped his cheeks and looked in his eyes. God! How much she loved this man. It sometimes even amazed her, her feelings; how it has changed from the first day she saw him on sets and gave him a rose to now she in his arms staring at the eyes that had her since the beginning.

"Ippove table ku poyarlam." His voice came out raspy. "Ennala control panna mudiyadhu."

(Let us go back to table. I can't control myself with you)

Shivangi eyed the table. Just five feet and everything will remain the same as it is. One more minute in his arms and they both will experience something that will be colossal.

Shivangi sighed deeply. There was plead in eyes. She didn't know what they were pleading for. She knew she is the one to make the decision. She held the power, just like how he always tells her.

Ashwin gulped feeling helpless not understanding what is running in her head. Never in all these years has he been in a situation where his self control was tested to this extent.

"Poga vendam" Shivangi said

(We don't have to return)

Ashwin looked at her surprised. Does she realize what she is calling up on them?

"Pogalai na naan..." she placed her finger on his lips.

(If we don't...)

"Enna pannanum?" she asked

(What do you want to do?)

Ashwin's breath rasped. He could feel the thread holding him breaking.

"There is no going back."

Ashwin felt Shivangi lift herself on her toes. Her heels already made tall, now she almost reached his face.

He could feel her breath on his lips. He opened his mouth to say something, probably last warning before he let the moment win him, but the words never came, because already it was swallowed by her soft lips crushing his manly ones.

The initial valour of her action waved off and Sivangi didn't know how to continue what she started. Ashwin's hold on her tightened as he lifted her little to deepen the kiss.

Shivangi tried to pull away to get some air, but his groan of displeasure stopped her. He took her whole body weight on him and let her explore the kiss in her own pace.

Her hand ruffled the hair that she didn't want him to spoil in the start of the evening, while his hand clawed at her exposed waist.

What started as a kiss of passion became the messenger that transferred their yearning of five years.

When finally they broke off and looked into each other's eyes, she understood why he said there was no going back after this.

***

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