Chapter 31

Shivangi was nervous, but for herself not for Ashwin. She knew he had ability to be easily liked by elders. She didn't know if it was because of his innocent looks or honesty, he seemed to be a hit with older generation. However, Shivangi whose mind was working extra active to figure out what question her dad might have, was tired.

Shivangi didn't yet tell Ashwin that her parents may or may not interrogate him. According to Ashwin, they just want to meet him in person before involving his family. So, now she was to suffer alone in the land of over thinking which is supposed to be his territory.

Shivangi picked her phone and dialled Ashwin's number.

"Eppo vareenga?" was her first question as soon as he picked the call, even before he said a hello

(When will you be here?)

"Innum kulikave illa." He answered casually in complete contrast with her nervousness

(I didn't shower yet)

"Ashwin 10 mani aachu." She was disappointed. "Innum ready aagalaya?"

(Ashwin it is 10 already. Why are you not ready yet?)

"Lunch ku dana ma varanum. Unga veetla ethane maniku lunch sapduveenga? 1 ku dana? Innum 3 hours iruku."

(I was invited for lunch right? I will be there at 1, in three hours)

"Aiyoo! Unna vechutu naan enna panna?" Shivangi huffed

(God! You are impossible)

"Enna ma?" he asked completely clueless

(Why)

"Unna saapdava vara sonnanga? Correct ah 1 ku dan varuvaya? Enga appa amma kooda pesa vendama nee?"

(You are not invited only for lunch. My parents will want to talk to you)

"Amma va?"

(yeah?)

Shivangi closed her eyes trying to not show her anger on him and stress him. She calmed herself and spoke in tender voice. "12 kulla va, Ashwinney, please."

(Be here before 12)

"Ma, one hour la vandarren. Nee vena paaren."

(Will be there in an hour)

"Meduva ve va. Fast ah drive pannadha, okay? Aprom shirt potutu va, T-shirt vendam."

(Don't have to hurry. Drive safely. Don't wear T-shirt. Wear a shirt)

"Okay, bye. Seekiram varen."

(Bye, will be there soon)

True to his words, Ashwin reached her home ten minutes before noon. Just looking at him gave Shivangi the confidence she lacked the whole day.

"Azhaga iruka." He commented seeing her in yellow A-line kurtha and low pony tail sans make up.

(You look beautiful)

Shivangi nodded with a blush as she took him to her where her parents were sitting in the lobby in first floor.

"Yen pottu vekkala?" he asked as they were climbing stairs.

(Why no bindi today?)

Shivangi immediately touched her forehead and realized the small yellow bindi of hers must have fallen down. Shivangi turned to him to give reason, but him instead stopped her holding her hand and pushed her between him and the railing. Ashwin looked up to make sure they were still many stairs away from her parents' eyes and ears.

Shivangi followed his line of sight to look up and when his eyes met hers, she narrowed her gaze questioningly.

"Enaku konjan serotonin boost venum."

(I want Serotonin boost)

Shivangi who understood what he wanted one more time looked up to ascertain her parents were far away before circling her arms around his neck.

She placed a peck on his lips. "You will impress them." One peck. "They will love you." Another peck. "They will bless us." One more peck."Enna seekiram kalyanam panni kooteetu po."

(We will marry soon)

Ashwin beamed widely. She knew what he wanted without him even voicing out anything.

He placed a short open mouthed kiss before pulling away.

"I love you." He said and she smiled. "Neeyum sollu." He implored.

"Amma appa impress aaita pathu I love you solren." She promised. "Ippo seekiram polam vanga."

(When my parents are impressed by you, I will tell you I love you. Now, lets go)

Much to Shivangi's relief, her parents were not as stern or cold to Ashwin. They were welcoming, kind and more to ask about Ashwin's work and family than anything appalling.

"Oye!" Ashwin tugged her hand and slowed her down when her parents asked them to join for lunch and left to the dining table. "Happy ah?"

Shivangi was too confused to be happy or relieved. She knew her parents especially her father had more than just enquires about Ashwin's personal and professional life. She didn't know how to take this casual meeting. Was she stressed for no reason?

Ashwin, Shivangi and her parents began lunch while the maid served meticulously prepared menu based on Ashwin's liking. To Shivangi's surprise, the conversation was about music and Ashwin seemed to have decent knowledge on songs and even business aspects of music. If not anything, Shivangi knew at least her father was impressed with this.

"Illa vazhaka vendam." Ashwin avoided the second serving only to receive a deadly glare from Shivangi. He lifted his eyebrow in question for which she nodded, but her pout was intact.

(I don't want raw banans)

"Adhu onnum illa pa." Shivangi's mother who noted the interaction offered the reason as she also would love to pull her daughter's leg. "Vazhaka Shivangi dan panna. Nee adhu mattum dan sapdave illa."

(It is made by Sivaangi and that is the only dish you have not eaten)

Ashwin's eyes widened and he gulped worried. He has been told many times by her how food in her house is bad. So, he assumed not well baked raw banana with too much salt and no spice was product of bad cooking of maid.

"Actually, super ah iruku idhu." Ashwin said picking up the neatly cut pieces. "Adhu dan kadasiya sapadlam nu vechu irunden."

(It tastes wonderful)

Shivangi's parents laughed earning glare from Shivangi.

"Parawa illa pa. Avaluku sumara dan cooking varum." Her father justified. "Ippo dan kathukara. Kara chutney super ah seiva."

(It is okay. She is only average in cooking. She is learning. She makes spicy chutney best)

"Takkali chutney kooda nalla seiva." Ashwin added thinking that he was helping in praising her forgetting that he was giving away information that they don't know.

(She makes good tomato chutney too)

"Takkali chutney ah?" her father looked unsure if he has ever tasted it

(Tomato chutney?)

"Adhu vidunga. Cook super ah paal payasam seivanga. Adhu sapadlam." Her mother distracted

(Forget it, cook makes best payasam. Lets taste it)

Ashwin looked at Shivangi with puppy face. He not only indirectly insulted her dish, but also gave away unwanted information. Shivangi glowered at him and pointed at his banana leaf mouthing "Saapdu"

(Eat!)

Ashwin quietly concentrated on his meals knowing he can right her mood once they are alone.

Once they were done with lunch, they all sat in main living room with everyone a serving of bowl of payasam.

"Appo Ashwin neenga udane kalyanam panna ready correct ah?" her father asked as continuation of topic that they were having before lunch.

(So,Ashwin you both want to get married soon?)

"Aama, uncle." Ashwin looked at Shivangi for a moment. "Naanga already pesitom. Naanga teliva irukom. So, wait panna endha reason-um illa. "

(Yes, uncle. We spoke about it. We are clear. We have no reason to wait)

Her father nodded attentively, sipped his payasam before placing the bowl on the table.

"Naan unna nambi epdi ponnu kudukardhu?"

(How do I trust you?)

Ashwin was stunned not because of the question, but because of the tone that was curter than her father has ever used to Ashwin.

"Ippo dan naan profession la..."

(In my profession...)

"Adhu illa pa." He cut Ashwin short. "Enaku un vela pathi, sambadiyam pathi ellam kavalai illa. En ponne avala paathu pa, illa naan irukara varaikum naan avala paathupen. Unna naan epdi nambi en Shivangi ah un kooda anupardhu? "

(Not about that. My daughter can take care of herself or I will support her. I want to know how can I trust you with my daughter.)

Ashwin had an idea where it was heading and so did Shivangi. She badly wanted to interrupt, but she neither wanted to disrespect her father or take sides too early in their relationship.

"Inoru vaati ava manasa odaika maata nu naan epdi nambardhu?"

(How do I trust you to not break her heart once more?)

And he has asked the question that both Ashwin and Shivangi were dreading.

"Ava enga kitta onnum sonnadhu illa." For a brief moment Shivangi caught her father's eyes and she was appalled to find mixture of hurt and disappointment in it. "Aana, 20 varshama naanga paatha ponnu oru naal maareeta na engalku teriyadha enna? Adha notice pannada alavuku naanga ignorant illa. "

(She didn't tell anything to us. But, we knew she was not Shivangi we knew. We are not ignorant.)

"Appa..."

Her father ignored Shivangi and looked at Ashwin. "Ungakulla enna nadanduchu nu naanga keka maatom. Adhu unga personal, aana ava maarnadhuku, kashtapattadhuku neenga dan kaaranam nu teriyum. 5 masam neenga life la vandaduke ava 5 varshathuku kashta patta. Ippo, avala ungala nambi vazhka mulusa epdi anupardhu?"

(We don't want to know what happened. We knew you are reason for her change and suffering. In five months you knew her, you made her five years hell. How do I trust you with her whole life?)

Ashwin clasped his hand over his lap and looked down at it. Shivangi trusted him and he had no doubt about it. However, he wouldn't take offence in her parents doubting his trustworthiness just like how he didn't mind Pugazh's doubts. He was answerable to them. He should not getaway easily for what he has put Shivangi through no matter what his reasons are.

"Uncle, en kitta badil iruku." Ashwin stated. "Oru naal mulusa ennaye justify panra alavuku, naan yen Shivangi ah nalla vechupen nu solradhuku badil iruku, aana adellam verum vartaigal dan. Ungala anda vartaigal convince panadhu nu enaku teriyum. Unga kelviku badil enga vazhkaya irukum. Enna trust pannunga nu keka maaten, neengale seekiram pannuveenga nu nambikai iruku. Ippodaiku, unga ponna trust pannunga. Ava enna nambara, anda nambikaya trust pannunga. Please."

(Uncle, I have answer. I can talk for whole day why you should trust me. I know you will not convinced though. Our life will be answer to you. I will not ask you to trust me now, you will eventually. For now trust your daughter's trust on us.)

Shivangi's father leaned back on his chair with smile that was mysterious. Probably, the only person who understood it was his wife. The couple shared a look after which Shivangi's mother said, "Unga appa amma kooda pesanum pa."

(We want to talk to your parents)

Ashwin was prepping his mind for more questions and more answers. The reply he got took him by surprise and he took few seconds before replying.

"Kandipa aunty. Amma appa kitta pesitu naan solren."

(Sure aunty. I will talk to them and get back to you)

Shivangi was a silent spectator. She was not yet sure if she was completely happy with what just transpired. She knew her parents will accept Ashwin for her sake. In fact, that was Ashwin's point too. However, that is not what she wanted. Shivangi wanted her parents to also choose him not just because she likes him, but because he deserves her.

Shivangi's bemused state of mind continued even after Ashwin left her house with her stating they both were meeting a producer even though her parents knew the reason was a lie to spend time together.

"Ippo sollu." Ashwin said as soon as they seated in the car bringing her out of her thoughts.

(Tell me now)

"Enna solradhu?" she asked

(What?)

"Adhu dan parents impress panna solren nu sonnaye." He said

(You said you will tell it when I impress your parents)

Shivangi smiled. Ashwin looked elated. Yes, he wanted to prove to her parents that he is worth her, but he doesn't even have to try. They both know they will have wonderful live as couple. So, in his mind, they are sorted. Shivangi didn't want to confuse him with her theories. It is a girl thing which he might never understand. So, she decided to be happy with him.

"I love you." Shivangi leaned forward and kissed his lips. "Naan sonnen illa ungala pudikadavanga irukave maatanga nu."

(I love you. I told you no one can not like)

Ashwin was relieved. His biggest fear was her parents and now that they have agreed for the wedding. He already started to make plans in his mind. Now, this day can be made more special with one more obvious thing and that is where they were heading.

"Veetuka?" Shivangi was shocked as she realized the route Ashiwn took.

(To home?)

"Veetuku dan." He said. "Oru set of amma appa kitta permission vaangana podhuma?'"

(Yes, to meet my parents)

"Uncle Aunty kitta innum sollalaya?"

(You didn't tell them yet?)

"Inniku dan." Ashwin grinned. "Adhu dan unna surprise ah kooteetu poren."

(I want to surprise them with you)

Shivangi loved his house, loved his parents, especially his mother. She was excited to meet them as prospective daughter in law. There was no inkling of nervousness in her.

Ashwin didn't even have to say anything. The minute his parents saw him walk inside with Shivangi they knew the day they were praying for was near. Their only son was going to tie the knot soon.

"Ivan romba late paneetan. Enaku porumaye poiduchu ma." His father complained to Shivangi about how he was waiting for Ashwin to get married. "Ippavadhu rendu perum oru nalla mudivu eduteengale."

(He took forever to announce wedding. I was tired of waiting. I am glad you decided to get married. )

Ashwin's mother cried happy tears making everyone emotional, especially Ashwin.

"Amma, alada ma." He said as he hugged his mother. "Kalyanam panna poren nu dana sonnen. Edhuku ivlo emotion."

(Mom, don't cry. Why are you emotional)

"Unaku puriyadhu da. Unna nenachu naan evlo naal toongama irundu iruken teriyuma? Taniya nee inga Chennai la nalla irukaya illaya nu teriyama romaba tavichen. Unaku pudicha maari nee periya aal aaganum nu romaba saami vendanen. Oru naal vendana maari munnuku vanda, aana edho pari kudutha maariye sutheetu irunda. Enaku teriyum inda ponnu nala mattum dan unna santhosha padutha mudiyum nu..." she caressed Shivangi's cheek. "Aana naan edachu keta tittuva nu onnume sollama vittuten. Ippo dan enaku nimmadiya iruku. Un vazhkaila unaku ellame kedachiruchu, ini naan enda kavalai illama irukalam."

(You won't understand my emotions. I was so worried for you. You seemed to finally achieve what you wanted, but not happy. I am so glad she returned to your life. Now, I have everything)

"Ma!" his sister who was connected with them through video call interjected. "Ellam enga kedachudhu? Unaku peran pethi vendama?" she teased making Shivangi's eyes widen and Ashwin blush

(Ma, don't you want grandkids?)

"Ei, summa iru illati disconnect paneeruven." Ashwin warned playfully.

(Shut up, or I will cut your call)

While Ashwin and his father were talking to his sister, his mother took Shivangi aside.

"Thanks ma." Said his mother

"Aunty thanks ellam soladeenga."

(Please, don't thank me)

" Avana maari oru buddisali paakave mudiyadhu, romba telivu, ellarayum nalla paathupan, romba pasam kaatuvan, aana kovam varum, seekiram udanjiruvan, pudichavanga edachu soleeta taanga maatan. Cinema vendam nu konjam adati sonnadhuku enga kittaye pesama irundan. Ivlo naal la unaku avana pathi nalla terinju irukum. Avanuku nee dan vazhka. Nee avana nalla paathupa nu teriyum. Avan enna pannalum avan koodave iru ma. Naan anniku sonna maari dan, enna sonnalum solra maari sonna purinjupan."

(He is very intelligent, clear, he takes care of his loved ones so well, but gets angry easily, he breaks soon, he can't handle when his loved ones aren't with him. When we were against his career choice, he even refused to speak with us. You must know him already. Take care of him. Always stay by him, you are his life)

Shivangi took his mother's hand in hers. How can she share such an emotional bond with someone who she has met only couple of times?

"Avar oru valanda kozhanda aunty. Enaku nalla teriyum. Naan avar illama 5 varssham vaazhndu paathuten. Ennala adhu mudiyadhu nu purinjiruchu. Ini eppavum avara vida maaten. Tappu panna nalla adi kudupen, neenga unga paiyan ku support panni vara koodadhu." Shivangi laughed

(He is such a kid. I tried living five years without him and realized its hard. So, I will never leave him. If he is being difficult, I will hit him hard. You should not support him)

"Naanum sendu rendu adi veppen."

(i will join you)

"Ennaa adikardhu pathi ah discussion?" Ashwin frowned at the ladies as he stared at them with his hands inside pocket.

(Are you discussing about attacking me?)

"Ini nee enna pesiye smalikara maari ivala samalika mudiyadhu da." His mother warned. "Unn kootam ellam adangiye aaganum."

(You can't get away with smart talks with her like you do with me)

"Amma, ungaluku teriyadhu. Naan pesi pesi dan kalyanathuke avala othuka vechen." Ashwin walked towards them. "Madam first mogam kuduthu kooda pesala en kitta."

(I can. I convinced her to marry me through my talking skills only, else she was not ready to even meet my eyes)

"Aiyoo! Aunty naan show la nenachen ivar pesave maataru nu. Ippo dan teriyudhu pesa arambicha nirutha maataru nu." Shivangi complained.

(I thought he is silent, but he isn't)

Ashwin's mother patted both their cheeks saying, "Nee peseete iru, ava paadite irupa, apdiye kudumbam nadathi nalla irunga."

(You both talk and sing and love happily)

Ashwin's mother left the place smiling leaving happy Ashwin and Shivangi.

Ashwin turned to Shivangi and smiled.

"Polama?" he asked

(Shall we ?)

"Enga?"

(Where?)

"Rendu per appa, amma kittayum kalyanam pathi solliyachu. Ini important aana oruthanga kitta sollanum."

(We have informed our decision to our parents. Now, there is someone else who has to be informed)

"Yaar?"

(Who?)

"Vaa solren." He dragged her to door leading outside.

(Come with me)

***

How did you like it?

I knew everyone was busy trending and enjoying Apo Poli, so decided to not barge in with update last two days. Compensated with a longer update.

Enjoy Adi Poli ! 

https://youtu.be/bjzI5NN6dfY