8

Shivangi took a sip of the water as she nodded her head formally pretending to be interested in the conversation. He was sharing an anecdote about his singing teacher when he was a young boy. Normally, Sivaangi wouldn't mind laughing at such silliness least to empathize with the person narrating, but today her mind was occupied elsewhere.

It was her decision to meet Vikram. No once coerced her. Shivangi also had her own reasons behind it.

However, now, sitting in front of him for early evening coffee she has been staring at the chocolate chips layered on the cookies more than the man in front of her.

Technically, he had the kind of looks that Shivangi would call her 'type'. He was tall, probably over six feet. Neatly trimmed beard hid his jaws, but his smile was still radiant. He wore frameless specks that added pointed to his looks. He wore black dress pants and striped brown trousers. And, has been a chivalrous man since they met trying his best to make Shivangi comfortable and engaged.

In spite of all this, she wasn't herself.

"Pada pada nu pesuveenga. TV la paathu iruken. Ippo ivlo silent ah irukeenga?" Vikram asked

(You seemed very chatty on screen. Now you are very quiet)

"Camera munnadi pesaradhu easy."

(It is easy to talk in front of camera)

"Konjam nervous ah iruka?" he asked. She didn't reply, but only smiled uncommitted sipping water. "Enakum dan. Idhu naan first time ipdi kalyana mindset ooda oru ponna paakaradhu."

(Are you nervous? I am. This is my first time meeting a suitor.)

And that is where Shivangi zoned out again. Was she actually looking forward to any kind of Vikram? Not even in million years.

She was not yet ready for marriage yet. Her only motive to agree to meet Vikram today was to know that if she can ever be open to the idea of looking any man other than him with prospect of future in mind. And so far, the experiment is proving to be absolute failure.

It has been five years and Shivangi has been only obsessed with her music. It was also deliberate decision of hers to stay away from men. It is not because she didn't trust the species, but because the whole pursuing felt extremely unyielding. Music gave her all that she needed.

Suddenly, with people around her wanting her to settle down citing that she is now of age and with old flames sparking again in her heart for certain someone. Shivangi wanted to know for herself that if she is capable of feeling hope in love once again.

Was it only him who can make her heart do the jumps even after all these years or Shivangi can see ray of light with any man who is not him.

It was more of experiment to analyze self and she not so apologetically decided to use Vikram as bait.

The first thing Shivangi noticed when Vikram greeted her with a smile was that he wouldn't smile at her that way. His smile will reach his eyes in an instant and there will be a mix of mischief in it. In spite of the thick beard, she could see the dimple.

Almost after every time after their photo got clicked, she would point out to him that they twin with dimples and he will only shake his head and smile wider displaying those dimples. At that naive age, she was convinced that it was some divine intervention that marked them as special people.

When Vikram began speaking, Shivangi realized that he was not meeting her eyes and even when he does he was incapable of holding her gaze for long.

No one but him has been able to hold her attention for longer. From childhood, she has had issues with attention. He is the only one who not only managed to catch her attention, but sustain it. When he looked at her, it was like he can go deep into her soul and read things that even she doesn't know.

Shivangi has been distracted for more than half the conversation, but Vikram had no clue about it. If it had been him he would have known by a simple change in her expression that she has zoned out. "Ma" he would say not sweetly, but in a tone that says he couldn't believe she was not paying attention. Even then she would feel so much affection in that tone and she will look at him with her complete attention making him blush.

So many small moments that they shared flashed before her eyes. No one would believe she is pining over a man she only interacted with for five long months and that too in a cooking show.

There was something so magical about them that she has still not been able to get out of it even after years and if his words and emotions are to be believed, even he has not come out of it.

Only destiny and his overanalysing brain has bought them to this situation.

What emotion Shivangi was not prepared for was guilt. Why was she feeling guilty for meeting another man? It is not like she has been spoken for any man that she should feel this itch of guilt at meeting someone behind his back.

She was as single as a young woman could be and yet sitting here she felt as if she is betraying him. That is the craziest thing her mind has conceived so far.

Did he also feel this way with other women?

An article from the gossip magazine she read few days ago flashed in her mind. Shivangi knew better than to believe it. However, there is still a small part of her that felt insecure deep inside. It is not because she didn't trust him. It is because she has given up hope of them together so long that now even though he swears by the inch of his life that he is hers, her mind wants to immediately believe the worst of the situation. For what it is worth, the actress was extremely gorgeous, Shivangi found out after stalking her instagram.

"Shivangi?" Her name brought her back from her thoughts. "Enna yosikareenga?" Vikram asked

(Shivangi?) (Where are you lost?)

If only Shivangi could say that she was imagining how easy life would be if someone else was in Vikram's place.

"Enaku recording iruku nalaiku. Veetla poi konjam practice pannanum."

(I have a recording tomorrow. I have practice session at home.)

Shivangi did feel regret at being unabashedly nonchalant to the man even though it was her who agreed to arrange this meeting. But what to do? A heart wants what it wants.

Shivangi called the driver and asked him to bring the car to entrance. A minute later her phone buzzed with a number and display showed a name that Sivaangi hasn't seen flashing on her phone in years : "Ashwin"

"Hello?" she picked at the last ring and said hesitantly.

"Ma?" He sounded worried.

***

Last time Shivangi was in the house it was decorated like a new bride, but today it felt more like a home with decor that was authentic and Indian. Shivangi walked past the temple that was inaugurated with her song and reached the door. She pressed the bell switch and waited patiently.

A middle aged woman, probably a maid, opened the door. She didn't look surprised at Sivaangi's presence maybe she was already informed about her arrival.

"Madam avanga room la irukanga." She informed

(Madam is in her room)

"Avanga room edhu?"

(Which room?)

The maid pointed at a room that was a door after puja room and Shivangi took slow steps to reach there.

His voice was helpless as he narrated how his mother suddenly fainted because of low sugar. He was returning from outdoor shoot, while his father was back in their hometown to attend some function. With his sister's family settled in his hometown, no one he trusted was in city except her to attend to his mother. He asked if she can pay a visit to make sure his mother is okay and inform him. He didn't trust the servants with his mother's help.

He didn't even have to ask. The moment she heard his mother was not well, Shivangi knew she will be there to see her.

His mother was half lying on the bed with a book in hand. When Shivangi walked inside after a knock, his mother looked surprised.

"Avan unna vara vechutana?" his mother sighed in mock annoyance. "Enaku onnum illa nu sonnen. Low sugar dan. Ippo seri aaiduchu."

(Did he ask you to come?) ( I am fine. Only low sugar. )

"Irundalum oru vaati doctor kitta..."

(Still, you have to meet a doc)

"Avan solli anupchana?" his mother narrowed her eyes

(Did he tell you this?)

Shivangi nodded a no. Even though he was the one who insisted a doctor visit, Shivangi also wanted the same. It is always good to be safe.

"Doctor onnum illa nu sollita nalla irukum illa?" Shivangi implored

(If doctor checks once, we can be relieved. )

Soon, a doctor who was phoned by Ashwin visited and assured that it was nothing to worry and normal occurrence in old age. Though his mother conveyed everything to Ashwin, he was not convinced.

"Indha ma, neeye sollu. Appo dan kepan." His mother handed the phone to Shivaangi.

(You tell him I am fine.)

Shivangi took the phone and walked to the living room.

"Bayapada vendam. Doctor onnum illa nu sollitanga. Ippo better ah dan irukanga." She insisted.

(Don't panic. Doctor said she is fine. Now, she looks better.)

"Thanks ma. Nee kooda irukaradhu dan enaku dairiyama iruku. Sorry naan unna disturb panni..."

(Thanks. If it wasn't for you, I was very scared. Sorry that I had to disturb...)

"Please, sorry ellam solladeenga. "She insisted. "Avanga health kaga pandradhu enna kashtamum illa."

(Don't be sorry. Her health is important.)

"Naan oru two hours la vandiruven. Nee kelambaradhu na kooda okay."

(I will be there in two hours. If you want to leave, I will understand)

"Hmmm"

Shivangi walked back inside the room, but instead of excusing herself to leave, she pulled a chair and sat near the bed. Two hours isn't long time and it is okay if she can give company to someone who isn't in good health. He entrusted her with care of his mother's health, whom he cared about the most in the world, so it is Shivangi's responsibility to make sure she can see to his mother's safety until he returned.

The conversation started with Shivangi enquiring about health and sharing little things about home remedies she has heard from her family in Kerala, but soon they began chatting about all random topics.

"Enaku unna maari yaaradhu thuru thuru nu irunda romba pudikum." The older woman said. "Enaku rendum romba amaidiyana kolandainga. Adhum inda Ashwin irukane appo appo avan vandhu..." she was trying to find the right word

(I like when a person in chirpy like you. Both of my kids are reserved. And, Ashwin is...)

"Moola adikadi back vaangidum." Shivangi offered, but soon realizing what she had said before his mother about him closed her mouth with her hand with guilty expression.

(Zones out often.)

His mother only laughed throwing her head back.

"Sorry. Avar okay dan... Nalla pannuvaru...." Shivaangi tried to reason.

(Sorry. He is good. )

"Kovam mattum adigam illa?"

(He is short-tempered, right?)

"Illa pasamana kovam dan. Tappu illa."

(Not much. It is okay)

Shivangi at this point didn't realize what he was saying. In order to save face for teasing him to his mother, she was over compensating by saying good things about him.

"Yellam correct ah irukanum nu vera nenaipan."

(He can be very finicky)

"Perfectionist. Inda profession la mukkiyam."

(Perfectionist. Its good to be one in this profession)

"Romba chellam. Eppa paathalum avana kozhanda maariye paathukanum nu nenaipan." His mother complained again.

(Very pampered. Needs constant attention.)

"Adhu..."Shivangi didn't know how to defend that. "Konjam apdi dan." She agreed helplessly.

(That... is true)

Shivangi looked at his mother who was having hearty laughter at her expense. This is wht happens when Shivangi lets her guard down and go back to being impulsive. It is a rare occurrence now, but still happens when she becomes comfortable. She becomes old Shivangi. There is something about his mother that made her comfortable. Maybe because with his mother, it almost felt like she was with him.

Maid interrupted their conversation and asked if she can start dinner.

"Avan moonu naal veli oorla irunutu varan. Naan samacha dan nalla saapduvan. Naane seiren."

(He is returning after three days. He would want to eat my cooking. I will cook)

Shivangi followed his mother inside the kitchen unsure if it is okay to let a woman who fainted only couple of hours ago to cook.

"Naan vena samaikuta?" Shivangi asked in a whim.

(Shall I cook?)

"Samaika kathukitaya?" his mother asked surprised.

(Do you know to cook?)

"Avlo teriyadhu, but simple ah edachu seiven."

(Not much, but I can manage)

"Enna seiya teriyum?"

(What do you know to make?)

"Takkali chutney seita?" Shivangi asked with a twinkle in her eyes. "Enaku adhu dan nalla teriyum. Ellarum saapduvngala?"

(Tomato Chutney? I know how to make it? Will everyone like it?)

His mother looked at Shivaangi with a smirk. "Avanuku adhu romba pudikum."

(He likes it a lot.)s

"Ohhh..." Shivangi said without meeting his mother's knowing eyes. She does remember he likes it. No big deal, right?

Shivangi with the maid's help began gathering necessary items.

"Aracha seiva?" his mother asked

(Will you grind it?)

"Aama."

(Yes)

"Avanuku vegha vechu senja dan pudikum."

(He likes if tomato is boiled)

"Appo avar epdi saapduvaru... I mean neenga epdi saapuduveengalo apdiye seiren. Neenga sollikudunga."

(Tell me how he like...I mean how you like, I will make it that way.)

Minutes later, with sense of achievement, Shivangi tasted her preparation. Her eyes widened in surprise, "Naan yen life la ivlo taste ah samachade illa."

(I have never made anything so tasty in my life)

His mother tasted and patted Shivangi's cheeks lovingly. "Romba super ah iruku. Enna veeda nalla senjiruka."

(Very good. Better than mine.)

"Apdi ellam irukadhu. Neenga dan best cook nu naan kelvi pattu iruken. Unga alavuku ennala kandipa samiaka mudiyadhu."

(I don't think so. I have heard you cook so well. I can't match you)

"Samaikaradhula enna iruku? Nee free ah irukum bodhu inga va. Naan unaku neraya samayal sollitaren."

(It is easy. When you are free, come here, I will teach you my recipes. )

As both ladies sat in the dining room, the maid bough the freshly steamed idlies and they began to relish it. Shivangi making the older woman laugh with her antics about how proud she is about her new found cookery skill. This is how Ashwin found them, when he returned home. He was taken aback initially by the sight two women who were most important in his life created. He didn't know if it was dream or reality. He stood in a place stunned until his mother called him.

He looked at Shivangi and nodded as greeting still stunned by the fact that she was here with his mother.

"Epdi ma irukeenga?" he asked kneeling beside his mother

(How are you mom?)

"Romba romba santhoshama." His mother said

(Very happy)

"Huh?" Ashwin was confused. "Naan health pathi keten."

(I am asking about your health)

"Nalla iruken da. Nee poi refresh aaitu va, unaku pudicha takkali chutney iruku. Naan soda idly ootharen."

(I am good. You get fresh, your favorite tomato chutney for dinner. I will make idly.)

"Maa, idly vendam dosa." He insisted

(Mom, I want dosa. )

. "Maid veetuku poita da. Naan dosa ellam oothi tara maaten. Idly ae saapidu."

(Maid went home. I won't make dosa now. Eat idly.)

"Amma, dosa dan nalla irukum ma inda chutney ku."

(Ma, dosa matches this chutney more.)

His mother turned towards Shivangi and mouthed 'Kozhanda'. Both women laughed at this shared inside joke, as Ashwin looked on confused.

(Kid)

"Seri, po da."

(Fine)

As Ashwin went to refresh, his mother walked towards the kitchen to make get the batter for Dosa.

"Naan vena dosa oothuta?" Shivangi asked once again following the older woman into the kitchen.

(Shall I make Dosa?)

His mother looked unsure.

"Adhu nalla dan oothuven." Shivangi defended herself. "Ungaluku tired ah irukum nu dan sonnen."

(I can make it. You must be tired.)

His mother didn't argue on that. After whatever happened, if Shivangi was still in their house, in their kitchen, then his mother couldn't be happier. What she really wants is for both Ashwin and Shivangi to be happy. If she can see glimpse of hope for them, she was willing to try her luck.

Settling Shivangi with everything needed to make dosa, his mother excused herself on pretext of needing rest.

When Ashwin entered the kitchen after his shower, what he saw made his heart skip thousand beats at a time.

Shivangi was carefully taking the batter and spreading around the dosa pan with so much precision as if she was a scientist. In his home, to see her like this, made him feel things that gave him immense joy.

"Enna pandra?" he asked. "Dosa ootha teriyuma?" he teased

(Hey, do you know how to make Dosa?)

Shivangi looked at him and rolled her eyes, but didn't reply. She handed him a plate, but instead of walking to the dining, he perched on the slab beside her.

Shivangi with the corner of her eyes observed him take first bite of dosa and chutney.

"Enga amma samayale tani taste" he told to himself as he began to relish.

(My mom' cooking is matchless)

Shivangi didn't let him in on who cooked. She was silently happy that her cooking was appreciated by him.

"Nee konjam karandi straight panni, clockwise sutthana innum round ah dosa varum." He commented.

(Straighten the ladle, rotate clockwise, dosa shape will be better)

Shivangi glared at him and raised the hot ladle she was holding in warning.

"Enna ma meratra?"

(You are scaring me)

"Naan porumaya pathu dosai ku mela oothitu iruken, neenga ennaye comment pandringa?"

(I have been patient in making it for you and you are teasing me)

"Sorry sorry sorry." He repeated. "Innum onnu oothu ma, please."

(Sorry. One more, please)

As Ashwin was finishing his dinner, Shivangi went to check on his mother and returned with the news that she has already slept.

"Appo naan kelambaren." Shivaangi said.

(I am gonna leave)

"Naan drop panren."

(Let me drop you)

"Illa Uber book pannik..."

(No, I will Uber...)

"2 mins ma, naan saavi mattum eduthitu varen."

(Two minutes, I will get the keys)

Shivangi and Ashwin were walking out of his house, when Shivaangi stopped suddenly.

"Night la garden paatha nalla irukum illa? Lightings panni irukeengala?"

(Garden at night will look beautiful. Have you hung fancy lights?)

It took a minute for Ashwin to realize what she was asking. His garden? The one he meticulously designed for her?

"Adhu..."

(I..)

"Pakalama?"

(Shall we go there?)

Ashwin nodded wordless.

***

It is a very long chapter, but not sure how entertaining it was.

It was mandatory for Shivangi to realize that what they shared, what is possible between them is special and definitely needs a chance. If not for him, at least for herself, she has to let some things go as she deserves so much better than a compromised life.

On the other hand, Ashwin has been Shakespeare with words, he has to now take a bold step and start showing in actions that she means a lot to him. Trusting her with his family is one such leap.

If you are a reader of 'Me Before You' be prepared for a kulu kulu update tomorrow. If you are not one, you still have time, do catch up before tomorrow. I am pretty excited about that update.

Finally, Ashaangians enna manichirunga, naan AK ku drogam panna paathen. One weak moment, I imagined a Anirudh Shivaangi fan fiction. But, you have to agree, both the frames where Ani was looking at Shivangi was super cute. He had so much curiousness in his eyes while looking at her as if he was wondering 'What is she' in a very adorable way.

P.S. Ashwiney periya edathula irundhu competition varudhu paathu pannu pa.