33

Shivangi was in conundrum. Professional in her told her how silly she is being, while the silly girl in her made her forget professionalism in spite of the pep talk Ashwin gave her few days ago.

Shivangi nodded at her manager and PR of Ashwin's latest movie. Even without them explaining she knew that her singing for Ashwin for the first time will create positive buzz for the movie especially after their impromptu live. She knew she has to do it for him. However, she was too embarrassed to meet Anirudh especially after her instagram story. She now realized how childish and impulsive it was. Moreover, Ashwin back in her life has given media enough spice to dig up their past and post unwanted stories just to increase views. So, she was still scared how her promoting the song with Anirudh is going to make news next day.

It was such a strange profession where gossip sells and not good work. People will be more interested in decoding bytes of her and Anirudh rather than enjoying lyrics of their song or worse, they will start linking the lyrics with her and Ani or Ashwin.

Shivangi was tired and annoyed even before the event started.

"Anna, taniya promote pannuta?" she asked her manager. "Ani sir first press ku IV kudukatum, naan kadaisiya taren."

(Shall I promote alone? Let Ani sir give interview separately.)

"Othu varadhu madam. Producer marketing ku taniya team vechu irukaru. Mumbai la irundu vandu irukanga. Avanga solradhu dan kekanum. Illati edachu prachanai varum."

(Not possible madam. Producer has hired exclusive marketing team from Mumbai and they are very particular about everything)

Her part in the movie was only one song and Shivangi knew she can't go against producer. She knew someone who had enough say to take it up to the producer, but she was not willing to involve him.

"At least press ku questions kuduthu keka sollunga."

(At least give press questions beforehand )

"Adellam nalla questions dan kepanga. Namba sollikalam." Her manager said, but Shivangi knew even he can't be sure what kind of questions will be asked. "Ashwin sir pathi keta ungaluku okay dana?"

(Questions will be simple. It is okay to ask about Ashwin sir, isn't?)

"Neenga munnadi irunga naan varen."

(Wait outside. I will join you)

Music launch of the movie was to be conducted in a hall in a star hotel following the press conference where every cast and crew were given separate schedule to meet the press. Shivangi was currently sitting in a small room adjacent to hall where along with her cinematographer and costume designer were waiting.

Shivangi pressed her palm over face trying to compose herself.

"Ipdi edachu panni aprom pottu keela vilundiruchu nu solla vendiyadhu."

(You do all this and then complain your bindi fell down)

Shivangi glared at Ashwin who pulled a chair and sat beside her.

"Kuttu pottu vecha dan azhaga iruka." He smiled. "Adhum inda maari sweet ah simple salwar ellam podum bodhu nee rowdy nu naan marande poidren."

(You look beautiful with bindi. Especially in salwar like this you don't look like Rowdy)

"Naan vera tension la iruken Ashwin. Don't try to flirt."

(I am stressed, Ashwin. Don't flirt)

"Try to flirt ha? Unmaya paaratren ma. Vendam na vidu. "

(It's sincere. )

Shivangi ignored him and checked her phone. She had five minutes before her manager will return to call her.

Ashwin took her hand in his making Shivangi look around warily. They have still revealed to no one but family that they are together. Now, he is holding her hand in public.

"Ashwin yaarachu paaka poranga." She warned and tried to remove her hand but he held it firmer.

(Someone might see us here)

"Paatha? Lead actor kum female singer kum love-nu gossip ezhuduvanga adhu dana?"

(So? Next day gossip is going to be affair between Lead actor and female singer.)

Shivangi pulled away her hand from his and glared at him.

"Gossip isn't funny, Ashwin. Millions of families suffer every year."

"Shivangi, we already discussed about it, didn't we?"

Yes, they did. But, Shivangi has not made complete peace with it yet.

"Yaar enna ezhudana enna ma?"

(Don't worry yourself)

"I know, but...."

"Kannu moodu."

(Close your eyes)

"Huh?"

"Kannu moodu. Relax pannu. Marandaradha palaya Shivangi enna pannuva nu sollu."

(Close your eyes. Relax. Think what old Shivangi would have done.)

Shivangi wanted to argue, but seeing him keen, she gave in. She closed her eyes and tried to go back in time to a Shivangi who was bindass in true sense of living.

"Over think panna maata." She replied with her eyes still closed.

(She won't over think)

"Aprom"

(Then?)

"Manasula irukardhu pesuva.'" She said. "Yaaradhu tappa sonna soleetu ponga nu vitruva."

(Speak her heart. She will not bother with judgements)

"Vera?"

(Then)

"Avaluku mattum true ah irunda podhum vera yaarukum justify panna vendam nu nenaipa."

(She will be true to herself and not justify to anyone)

"Aprom?" When she didn't reply, Ashwin moved closer and took her hand in his again. "Ashwin, kai pudicha talli vida maata."

(Then?)

(She will let Ashwin hold her hand)

Shivangi chuckled and opened her eyes. Ashwin was grinning at her. She wondered if it was her attempt to feel like her old self or presence of this man who believes in her unconditionally, she already felt better.

"Unna pathi unaku teriyum, enaku teriyum, namba family ku teriyum. Vera yaarukum teriya vendiya avasiyam illa. Just be yourself."

(You know about you, I know, our families know. Don;t care about others)

Shivangi nodded. "Thank you."

"Serotonin boost venuma?" he asked naughtily. "Kuduka naan ready."

(Do you want Serotonin boost? I am ready)

Shivangi's eyes moved to other two members in the room who averted their gaze as Shivangi looked at them. She was sure they were already discussing what is between her and Ashwin. 'Don't care' she said to herself before turning to Ashwin.

"Avanga rendu perum already confused ah irukanga. Innum scandalous aaka vendam. Unga pada promotion dan kedum." She giggled.

(We don't want a scene here and scare them, do we? Scandal may spoil your movie image)

"Padam super ah odum. Adhu dan enn lucky charm kooda work panni irukangale."

(Movie will rock as my lucky charm is going to be with me)

They were interrupted by her manager who wanted her presence for the press meet.

Shivangi stood up braced herself for the meet. She looked at him to draw final straw of energy.

"Enna tonudho pannu Shivangi ma. Evan enna tappa solran nu naan paakaren."

(Do whatever you want. I dare anyone to write wrong about you)

Those were the words that kept ringing in Shivangi's ears as the world witnessed glimpses of old Shivangi for the first time after years.

Later, after music launch, Shivangi was accepting praises for her voice graciously when Anirudh joined her.

Shivangi learned better than avoiding him just because she feared they will be gossip fodder. So, she greeted him a smile.

"Happy ah?" Anirudh asked. "Paatu nalla vandu iruku."

(Happy about the song?)

"Romba happy, sir. Ellam unganala dan. Naan just neenga sonna maari paadnen."

(Yes, all thanks to you)

"Come on, Shivangi, endha effects illama unga voice ketavan naan. I know how beautiful you sound."

(I know you have beautiful voice)

Shivangi blushed as usual unsure how to receive a compliment about her.

"If you don't mind, onnu kekalama?" Ani asked

(Shall I ask you something)

"Sollunga sir."

(Yes sir)

"15 plus years in Industry. I know not to take gossip serious. Enaku girlfriend, wife, baby ellam iruku if you go my media gossips." He chuckled. "Naan edhum serious ah eduthukarde illa. Ade maari dan annikum.... you know." She understood where he was heading. Shivangi was ready with apology on the tip of her tongue for how she reacted. "But, naan romba naal ah unga kitta kekanum nu nenachen. And that pic...... kind of....." he realized it is not easy to talk to all women after all. "Neenga...."

(I am in industry for over 15 years and I know not to take gossip serious. if you go my media gossips I have many girlfiends wives and babies. Other day you know.... I wanted to ask...... That pic.... you)

"Hero of the day." Both Ani and Shivangi turned to find Ashwin walk towards them with a grin. "Sir kalakeeteenga."

(You rocked)

"Hero sir" Ani mumbled with no enthusiasm as he was disturbed from asking if there was any truth to the way Shivangi looked at him in the photo.

"Paatu ku super response. Sollave vendam. Neenga vera level sir." Ashwin extended his hand for a handshake.

(Everyone love the song all credits to you)

While Anirudh took the handshake like a sport, he didn't miss to notice Ashwin's free hand go around Shivangi's waist. If Anirudh was any weak, he would have showed his surprise in face.

"And sir...." Ashwin stole a glance at Shivangi who looked at him surprised how he doesn't mind getting in front of audience. "This song is special for us. Unga paatu vanda neram ellam nalla amajudhu and seekiram we are gonna get married."

(This song is special for us. Soon after song was recorded we decided to get married.)

"Oh!" Not a proper response, but Anirudh lacked words. "Great! I didn't know you both..... I mean congratulations."

"Thank you!" Ashwin smiled. "Innum neraya perku sollala. Seekiram announce paneeruvom."

(We didn't reveal to many yet. We will announce soon)

"Is it like..." Anirudh wasn't sure who to even look at. "Andha show la.... Appo irunde va?"

(From that show.... were you guys together?)

Ashwin shrugged. He is not going to reveal whole story surely. "Appo irunde teriyum that we like each other nu, but ippo dan time koodi vanduchu."

(We knew even then that we like each other. Took our time before we got together)

"So happy for you guys." Anirudh chuckled awkwardly. He didn't know what more to say.

Ashwin and Shivangi smiled as Anirudh excused himself to pick a call on phone that didn't ring.

Shivangi turned to Ashwin and raised her eyebrow.

"Enna?" he asked

(What?)

"Didirnu edhuku Ani sir kitta sonna?"

(Why did you reveal to him?)

"Summa tonuchu." Ashwin shrugged

(Felt like telling him)

Ashwin trusted Shivangi and strangely so did he trust Anirudh to be a gentleman. It was not something as petty as jealousy or possessiveness drove him. It was genuine instinct to prevent Anirudh and Shivangi from spoiling their professional relationship for something baseless.

Ashwin knew Shivangi still held her doubts. The last thing he wants is for her to feel uncomfortable and start doubting her actions wondering if it is her mistake that she lead him on in any way. As conscious as she is, she will never understand why it is easy for men to fall for her. So, it is better that becomes a spoilsport than embarrassing two people.

"Kelambalama namba?" Ashwin asked changing the topic.

(Shall we leave?)

"Innum dinner mudiyala." Shivangi pointed

(We are yet to complete dinner)

"Inga food nallave irukadhu. Adhuku veetla poi amma senja mushroom biriyani saapadlam. "

(Food here will be bad. Let us go home to mom's food)

"Are you sure? Unga heroine ungala miss pannuvanga."

(Your heroine must miss you)

"Heroine ah?" Ashwin asked confused.

"Pinna, avanga kooda dress match panna dana nethu Anusha akka va torture panni grey shirt vaangana? Enn kooda match ae pannala." She said pointing at her red salwar

(You match dress colour with her after torturing your stylist yesterday. You didn't bother to match with me)

"Adhu edho marketing team strategy ma. En kitta andha heroine number kooda illa."

(Some silly strategy by marketing team. I don't even have her number.)

"Enn Ashwinney ipdi iruka? Kooda work panravanga kitta pesina enna ippo? Networking pannanum."

(Why are you not friendly with women you work with? Networking is important)

"Ini mel nee ella heroine koodayum friend aagiko ma. Enna vitru."

(From now, you make friendship with all my heroines. Spare me)

Shivangi rolled her eyes. Something never change no matter how old he becomes.

"Enaku un kooda mattum dan pesanum."

(I only want to talk to you)

Shivangi shook her head disappointed.

"Bore nee."

(You are bore)

Ashwin took a step closer to her. "Madam, adellam rose kudukardhuku munnadi yosichirkanum. Ippo deal locked and sealed, ini 7 jenmathuku naan dan ungaluku."

(You can't get rid of me now. Fate locked and sealed when you gave me rose.

Shivangi smiled. "Parawa illa. En kooda fun ah dan iruka."

(It is okay. You are fun with me)

"Kalyanam aagatum innum neraya fun side kaatren." He teased

(You will see more fun side after marriage.)

She believed him. Life with Ashwin was going to be amusing she knew no matter how boring world thinks he is.

****

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