36

LONG UPDATE !!!

Ashwin was applying cream under his eyes to cover dark circles pretending to listen to teasing of his friends, when the door opened and Pugazh walked in.

"Va machan." Ashwin greeted with a smile

(Hey)

"Unna adichu polaka poren paaru." Pugazh was grumpy with the stunt Ashwin pulled by coming late to his own engagement.

(I am gonna kill you)

Ashwin who very well understood reason for Pugazh's sore mood, innocently asked, "Yenn da?"

(Why?)

"Nadikadha" Pugazh warned. "Papa, epdi tension aaita teriyuma?"

(Don't you know? She was stressed)

Ashwin turned his attention back to mirror and continued make up while talking. "Avaluku soleetu dan da ponen. Correct ah vanduten dana." Ashwin pointed at his watch. "Paaru, unn tangachi saree maathardhu kulla naan first ready aaiduven."

(I informed her about shoot. Aint I back on time? I will be ready before your sister)

"Unna ellam oru ponnu nambi love pannudhu nu unaku tenavettu." Pugazh remarked as he leaned on slab expanded from dressing table and picked the complementary chocolate from room for munching.

(You are too laid back because she agreed to marry you)

"Unaku gaandu, machan." Ashwin gave Pugazh a teasing grin

(You are jealous)

"Enaku edhuku da gaandu?"

(Why would I be?)

"Shivangi sonna. Edho Bharatanatyam dancer aame. Seetha va Preeta va"

(Shivangi told me about that classical dancer. Was it Seetha or Preetha?)

"Sitara da."

(Sitara)

Pugazh bit his tongue knowing he walked right into it. Pugazh had many friends and buddies who were like brothers, but his equation with Ashwin was always something Pugazh enjoyed. His other mates either looked up to him or down on him for the journey he had to reach the success. There is no one who forgot the tags Pugazh earned or discarded to see him as only him. Ashwin saw Pugazh for who he is. Maybe it was because they were connected by a common person who is so genuine that the other is obliged to see one in her eyes. With Ashwin, Pugazh knew he can be himself like how one is supposed to be with a guy friend.

"Konjananja aatama aadna? Epdi paakra ella ponnu kittayum flirt paneetu irunda. Ippo epdi oru ponnu kitta vandu sikkeruka paathaya? Naan ellam evlavo parawa illa."

(You were such a flirt, now look how whipped you are. I am better)

"Thambi, neenga ellam pesave kudadhu. Heroine kitta kooda naalu vartha sendha maari pesamateenga. Neenga advice panreengala." Pugazh tried to play nonchalant

(Dude, you wouldn't even talk to co-stars. We aren't same. I don't need your advice)

"Adhu vera, Machan. Manasuku pudicha ponna epdi madakarom, adhu dan matter. Innum..." Ashwin checked time in his watch. "Half an hour la naan love panra ponnu kooda engagement. Nee innum love kooda sollala illa?"

(That is different. Approaching girl you love is different league. Look at me, will be engaged to love of my life in half an hour)

"Enakum kalam varum da."

(I will catch up soon)

Ashwin stood up from his chair after makeup was over. He placed his hand on Pugahz's shoulder. "Tips venum na kelu, machan. Help panren. Idhu summa easy ah flirt panra maari illa. Love oru tani feel."

(Feel free to ask me for tips. It is not gonna be easy like flirting)

"Keela po, maapila. Tangachi unna vechu seiva."

(Wait till my sister has you by your ears)

Ashwin gave him a fake modest smile. "Paaru idhuku dan love pannanum nu solradhu. Unaku reality puriyala. Unn tangachi kitta eppa surrender aaganum, eppa eari pesanum ellam enaku teriyum. Epdi anju nimishatla correct panren paaru." With that said, Ashwin picked his phone and left the room.

(You have no clue about reality of love, do you? I know when to take the upper hand and when too surrender to her. I will pacify her in five minutes)

Pugazh smiled at Ashwin's retreating figure. He was first hand witness of how much Shivangi suffered those five years. To now finally see her walking towards her happily ever after with the man she loves is true testament to existence of 'kadavul setting' as the couple who are getting engaged today will call it.

Shivangi leaned forward while lifting on her toes in spite of the three inch heels she wore. Bending her head to the left lightly, she looked at the photographer for approval.

"Siringa, Shivangi." The photographer instructed as he looked at the young couple through lens of his camera

(Smile, Shivangi)

The couple had fifteen minutes before the auspicious time starts and they had to walk to the stage to exchange rings, so they decided to use the time to click pictures when they were still fresh.

"Siri ma." Ashwin whispered to her as he adjusted his hold around her waist and made himself comfortable. "Nalaiku namba kozhandainga amma yenn engagement photos la sirikala nu keta enna solradhu?"

(Smile. What if our kids in future ask why you are grumpy in engagement photos?)

Shivangi replied without moving her eyes from photographer. "Appa muttal tanam panni amma va romba tension aakiten adhunala dan sirikala nu sollunga."

(You tell them that their father upset her by his foolish acts)

Ashwin smiled at her reply as he followed photographer's advice and sat on the window shill with a jump. Shivangi was pulled between his legs as he wound his hand around her shoulder.

"Amma va sirika vekka try pannalaya nu kepangale." He said

(What if they ask me why I didn;t try to make you laugh?)

"Mokka jokes poten, aana amma sirikala nu sollunga."

(Tell them your silly jokes didn't work on me)

"Naan mokka jokes podave illaye." Ashwin asked.'

(I didn't crack jokes)

"Good for me." Shivangi smirked. "Aana, romba mokkaya try panreenga."

(But your try to cheer me is lame)

"Nalla try pannuta?" Ashwin smirked

(Should I up my game?)

When photographer asked them to walk with him to terrace for new pose, Ashwin signalled the photographer to leave stating they are going to attend important guests.

"Innum pathu nimisham iruku." Shivangi pointed out. "Photos aachu eduthirukalam."

(We have ten more minutes. We could have clicked better pictures)

"Photos edutha idhu epdi panradhu. " Ashwin jumped off the shill and swiftly moved in front of her trapping her between wall and him.

(How can I do this then?)

"Girlfriend kitta irundum kiss kedayadhu, fiancé kitta irundum kedaikadhu." Shivangi nodded her head.

(You will get kiss neither from girlfriend or fiancé)

"Enaku kiss vendam." Ashwin said. "Indha periya mookula kovam illama. " he tapped her nose. "Endha lips smile." He pinched her lower lips. "Indha kannu la glow vanda podhum."

(I don't want kiss. I want anger to disappear from this round nose. Smile to appear on this lips and eyes to glow)

Shivangi narrowed her eyes at him. Was she trying to make things worse? Doesn't he know how insecure she is about her nose? She was made fun of her nose on TV during her very first singing reality show and ever since she has been conscious about it.

Shivangi rubbed her nose like a kid while trying to send best dagger glare at Ashwin.

"Enn mooku perusa va iruku?" she couldn't help but ask

(Is my nose big?)

Ashwin scrunched his eyes wondering if that is what she wants to ask from his whole confession.

"Enna kindal panraya, Ashwinney?"

(Are you making fun of me?)

"Unna adikadi kindal pannuven dan." He admitted. "Ippo romantic-ah dan pesa try panren ma."

(I like pulling your leg, yes, but now I am trying to be romantic)

Shivangi rubbed her nose again consciously. She doesn't want to be conscious about her look on her engagement day.

"Oye, Rudolf. Enna panra?" he pulled her hand from rubbing her nose into red cherry.

(Rudolf, what are you doing?)

"Enn mooku azhaga illaya?"

(Isn't my nose cute?)

"Mulusave super ah iruka ma." He gave her an onceover

(You full face is beautiful)

"Mooku perusu nu sonna?"

(You told my nose is round)

Ashwin balanced his one hand on the wall and leaned forward. "Kutti-oh peruse, unaku face la azhaga iruku." He whispered to her. "Makeup kalaikaren nu kathuva, illati ippove indha mooku kadichu vechiruven."

(Doesn't matter, it suits you. I know you will scold me if I mess your makeup, else I will bite your nose)

"Nejama?"

(Really?)

"Sathyama." He said placing a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. "Ingayadhu kiss pannikaren."

(I swear. Let me at least kiss here)

When Ashwin straightened himself, Shivangi in speed he was not ready for placed a peck on his lips and soon even began rubbing his lips to get rid of the light tint of her lipstick on the side of his lip.

"Last kiss as girlfriend." She said. "Podhuma?"

Ashwin's shock turned into complete amusement. "Adjust panikaren." He said thoughtfully. "Fiance nalla kiss kudupala?"

(Will suffice. Will my fiancé kiss me thoroughly ?)

Shivangi was about to reply to it, but they had to move away from each other as they heard footsteps of someone approaching.

Pugazh looked suspiciously at Ashwin who had goofy expression and Shivangi who looked flustered.

"Nalla neram aaachu nu vara solranga." He said still with a frown in his face.

(Everyone is looking for you)

Shivangi was the first one to move to the hall, while AShwin followed behind slow steps. He made sure to stop in front of Pugazh and said, "Machan, sonnen illa anju nimishatla kavuteeruven nu. "

(Told ya, I need only few minutes to pacify her)

Pugazh for the first time wondered if he can actually ask Ashwin for help in taking his love life forward.

Until the moment Shivangi stood on the stage with Ashwin beside her, surrounded by their family, witnessed by many near and dear ones, the idea of her getting engaged to the love of her life didn't seem real. Now, while experiencing the moment, she felt happy shivers run through her body. She had to even literally pat her stomach as an act to control the butterflies that flew around there making her dizzy.

Ashwin on the other hand was lost in his own land. A dream he has dreamt thousand nights was finally becoming a reality. They were here. Taking first step towards becoming each other's in every sense of the word. Can he be any luckier?

Ashwin looked at Shivangi and a smile touched his lips knowing she was feeling as overwhelmed as him. He held the tips of her fingers in a way to assure her they were really doing this and also to get her attention. When she turned to look at him, he whispered, "I love you."

The rings that they both meticulously purchased keeping the other's taste in mind were a surprise until it was revealed on the stage. Ashwin had chosen a light weight rose gold ring with five diamond stones and one rose in the middle. Shivangi on the other hand had chosen a broad ring with five stones adjacent to one another. They both in a way wanted to remember their five years of separation as a test to their love that they passed successfully and not as a bitter memory.

With cheers of friends and blessings of family, they finally exchanged rings marking a significant memory in their love life.

***

Krithi's hands shivered and she dropped the phone down. She didn't just see it. She definitely must be hallucinating. This is not the first time she would be dreaming about this. It is all a dream.

Even as she was thinking all this Krithi bent down to lift her phone and check once again what she saw few seconds ago.

Ashwin Kumar has posted a picture. Not any drool worthy pictures that he is known for. This was something special and unique. His hand spotting a ring on his slender finger and the tip of his fingers crossed over another small had with a shiny ring. The picture gave Krithi quick raise in her heartbeat. However, it was the caption that knocked the breath off her.

'My forever 💜 '

Sivaangi was not only tagged in the caption but also on the picture right where the ring was.

When Krithi managed to breathe again, she was quick enough to touch Shivangi's ID to check what she has posted.

If his post made her breathless, her post gave her an outer body experience. This can't be real. One cannot get so much happiness.

It was a picture of Shivangi in a yellow silk saree leaning over Aswhin wearing a maroon full arm shirt. Her head was placed where his heart is with her hand parallel to her proudly presenting her ring. His hand was holding her elbow flashing his own ring. They both were smiling at the camera, but not for it. They glowed in the way they glow only in the presence of each other.

Her caption read,

'Yes, I can hear his heartbeat and it whispers my name 💜'

Krithi was given no time to come out of the bliss when she received notification that Ashwin Kumar was live. She clicked the profile immediately only to be greeted by smiling face of Shakti.

"Makkale, teriyum teriyum, ennada Ashwin bro account la naan enna panren nu yosikareenga. Avar busy ah irundaru, avar phone summa irunduchu, naanum summa dan irunden, adhu dan jolly-ah oru live."

(Folks, I know it is Ashwin bro's phone. He is busy. His phone is free and so am I. So, I decided to come live from his phone. )

Shakti was dressed in forest green shirt and brown pant. His heartfelt grin still made him look young though he was 27.

"Aswhin bro enga nu kekareenga. Naan kaatren." Shakti moved with long strides on what seemed to be like lawn blabbering how how fun he was having. "Idho Ashwin bro."

(I know you want to meet Ashwin bro. Let me show him)

Ashwin who was sipping water from a small bottle grinned from behind the bottle and waved his hands at the phone.

"Enna bro taniya tanni adichitu irukeenga?"

(Are you drinking alone?)

"Tanni adikala da. Tanni kudikaren." Ashwin corrected.

(I am drinking water)

"Illa Thalaivi illama taniya irukeengale adhu dan sogamo nu keten."

(I thought you are upset as Thalaivi isn't with you)

"Anga paaru unga thalaivi." Shakti turned to back camera to where Ashwin pointed.

(She is over there)

Shivangi was clicking pictures with all her work brother. It seemed like a attempt at fun click as Shivangi in the middle surrounded by her brothers were making goofy faces with all having sunglasses on.

"Avanga annanga kooda photo edukaranga neenga tangachi kooda edunga." Shakti said turning camera to Ashwin

(If she is clicking pics with her brothers, you click with your sisters)

"Yaaru tangachi?"

(Who sister?)

"Engagement aaiduchu illa ini ella ponnungalume tangachi dan." Shakti laughed at his own attempt at joke

(Now that you are engaged aren't all other women sister?)

Ashwin rubbed his temple rolling his eyes. "Dei, mudila da."

(Dude! So lame)

Shivangi's voice was heard before Shakti pointed the camera to where she was. She was coming towards Ashwin and Shakti with a grin.

"Enna panreenga?" she asked as she took the bottle Ashwin was drinking water from and gulped the rest.

(What are you both up to?)

"Thalaivi live la irukom. Fans ku enna solla virumbareenga?"

(Thalaivi, what would you like to tell you fans in live?)

Shivangi waved her hands at camera before she folded her hands and bent to the side slightly in her usual style and said "Thank you" in a voice that everyone can hear even when they think about it.

"Fans ellam invite pannalaya engagement ku?" shakti asked

(Why didn't you invite fans to engagement?)

"Avlo per epdi da invite panna mudiyum?" Shivangi replied sincerely. "Aana, engaluku teriyum avanga enga irundalum wishes send pannuvanga. " Ashwin moved behind Shivangi to fit in the screen with her.

(How can I invite so many? But, we know they will send well wishes from wherever they are)

"Ellarukum thanks. Already neenga twitter la blessings anupa arambichirupeenga teriyum. " Ashwin added with Shivangi. "Naanga personal ah varuvom thank panna."

(Thank you everybody. I know you will be sending blessings in twitter. We will personally thank you guys there)

"Aama" Shivangi interjected. "Spaces varuvom."

(Yes, we will organize twitter space)

"Damn!" Shakti exclaimed. "Naan host panren."

(I will host)

"Pannu pannu." Ashwin nodded

(Sure)

"Bro, free ah panna maaten. Ippo naan periya anchor aaiten illa. Neenga enaku samachu taranum."

(I will not do it for free, bro now that I am popular TV anchor. I want you to cook for me.)

"Unga thalaivi samaipanga da. Kathukittu irukanga. Kalyanathuku aprom enga veetla modhal virundhu unaku dan."

(Your thalaivi will cook. She is learning. After wedding, you will be first guest to our home)

Shivangi was eager to agree that she is learning cooking when Shakti interrupted and said, "Appo adhu enaku kadaisi virundhu dan."

(I don't want it to be my last day)

"Dei, Shakti." Shivangi growled. "Saavadichiruven da. Naan nalla dan samaipen."

(Shakti, don't get me started. I can cook well)

Shakti turned on the front camera and beamed. "Makkale, Shivangi Krish samaika kathukittu irukanga. Idhu dan pudhu update. Enna enna samaikaranga nu vlog potu solluvnaga. Adhu varaikum Ashaangi tag la fun pannunga." He whispered the next part. "Secret solren. Avanga rendu perum tag check panranga." Shakti laughed sheepily for revealing the last bit. "Ippo naan poi ivanga engagement saapadu saapadren. Neenga kooda nalla saapdunga. Bye!!!"

(Folks, Shivangi Krish is learning to cook. That is the new update. She will post vlog on her cooking hopefully. Until then have fun in ashaangi tag. Will let you guys on a secret, they both will check the tag regularly. Now, I am off to indulge in good engagement feast. You guys also eat well. Bye!)

Krithi's husband was welcome home by a wife who was hysterically crying and a son who was more than happy to be saved by dramatic mother.

"Enna da aachu?" her husband asked

(What is it?)

Krithi jumped on her husband for a tight hug taking him by complete surprise. "I love you so much." She exclaimed still weeping.

"Okay." Her husband said unsure. "Love you too, but edhuku azhugara."

(Why are you crying?)

Krithi pulled away from the hug and grinned amidst tears. "They are together."

"Who?" her husband asked not aware that his next few hours was going to be filled with his wife filling his ears with epic love story of her times.

***

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