Here to kick away the Monday blues🤍

This is going to be a light hearted, breezy chapter so you may want to sit back, plug in your earpiece and turn on a cute, romantic playlist.

Enjoy🥰

If you think the long journey they had would tire out the tiny woman, then you are greatly mistaken just as the military officer was.

His own limbs and muscles ached as he yearned to stretch out his body, he yawned loudly when their car had finally stopped in front of a modest but lovely cottage.

Without even waiting for the car engine to be turned off, Sivaangi unbolted the heavy door of the car and sprinted off, resembling nothing but a toddler who found the toys aisle in the mall.

Unable to harmonise with her level of energy, Ashwin quietly thanked the driver and started to slowly unload the luggages from the trunk.

"Seekiram vaa Ashwiney! Seekiram!!!" Her booming voice caused him to accidentally drop one of her heavy luggages on his foot.

(Hurry up!!!)

"VAREN!" He yelled back through his teeth with an inaudible "dii..." that he swallowed in, unsure if they're up to that level of comfort yet since it's only been 4 days into their marriage.

(Coming!)

Rubbing his throbbing foot, he shut down the boot with a loud thud and with much difficulty, gripped onto all her 5 luggages while his own small backpack was slung around his shoulder.

He proceeded to the door as she capered around the front yard of the little house that's about to become their home for the next few years if everything goes according to Ashwin's plan.

"Military inga parunga poonai kutty iruku!" She squealed in delight as she crouched in front of the bushes, discovering a kitten that was now trying to run for its life from the peculiar human.

(Hey look, there's a kitten here!)

Ashwin sighed heavily. "Maa nee poonai kutty pathadhu illaya idhuku munnadi?"

(You've never seen a kitten before?)

She rolled her eyes before scurrying over to him and forcefully dragged her dreadful husband towards the bushes. "It's a newborn kitten! Yevlo cute ah iruku yenna madhri..."

(See how cute it is, just like me...)

When she didn't hear any response from him, she turned to stare at him, silently challenging him to disagree. Forcing out a smile, he agreed. "Aana adha vida nee thaan cute uh. Ulla polama?"

(But you are obviously cuter. Can we go in now?)

She threw her head back and giggled. "Naa yedhu sonnalum agree panringa Military! Jolly ah thaan iruku."

(You're really agreeing to everything I say! This is fun!)

Ashwin weakly let out an insincere grin, slumping down on the hard ground beside her. "Unaku tired eh aagadha ma? Nee pesuradhu, oduradhu lam paatha yenaku moochu vangudhu."

(Don't you ever get tired? I feel breathless to just watch you talking and running around like this.)

Usually he would have no problem cooing over her cute antics but after almost 2 days of traveling, he couldn't even remember what it takes to function like a normal human.

All he wanted was a bed to sleep on. He would take it even if you place the bed in the middle of the street and tell him that's where he should reside. That's how worn out he was.

But Sivaangi could not relate. Despite being a person who simply hates sitting and standing still at a place for more than 10 minutes, somehow she was bursting with enthusiasm the moment she caught sight of the house.

It's almost as if she wasn't the same person who was repeatedly criticising Ashwin the entire time in the car for choosing an island that was so far away.

He quietly watched her taking snaps of the kitten, getting hyped up over her plan to share the pictures with Sakthi later on.

Gently coddling the kitten with her warm hands, she stood up, ready to enter the cottage. "Tired illama irukuma? But adha vida excitement adhigama irukey! Life la first time yenakunu oru veedu!

(Of course I'm tired. But I'm more excited! This is the first time I can call something as my house!)

Ashwin tilted his head, a heartfelt, fond smile spreading across his face as he could apprehend the reason behind her outburst of energy.

Sivaangi has never had a home or even a house to call as her own. Her life was spent only in the dormitory or just the house in Thodupuzha that she simply resided in until she reached the adolescent age.

None of it was even close to the idea of home. It was prison that held her captive for simply being born.

But Sivaangi immediately corrected herself, feeling a little embarrassed for calling it her own when if it's anything, it's technically his. "I mean, namma veedu."

(I mean our house)

As much as he loved the plural usage that involved both of them, it didn't sit well with him. He just hated witnessing a tinge of fear slowly creeping into her eyes every time she's happily dancing in her own world. Those insecurities refuse to even let her breathe in ease without worrying about possible rejection from the world.

What's his is hers. Ashwin is determined to make her understand and believe this, no matter how long it may take.

"Yenna nee choose panna, veedu naa choose pannen. But rendumey unnodu thaan." His eyes reflected his heart as he voiced out those words, hoping she'll realise just how sincere he was.

(You chose me, I chose the house. But both are yours.)

A sick part of Sivaangi immediately wanted to rebut that both are only temporary. But she decided against it, not wanting to disappoint him since he obviously have been trying so hard to affirm her.

She meekly nodded, avoiding his gaze. This time he spontaneously grabbed her hand and led her to the door.

The jiggles of the keys as he unlocked the wooden door once again lifted Sivaangi's spirit as she angled her head over Ashwin's shoulder to catch a look.

Before he could even remind her to step in with her right leg first for the sake of tradition at least, she did a little jump inside and scampered in, once again leaving her husband with her luggages behind.

He could hear countless 'WOW' and 'Oh My Goddd' from her as she explored every corner of the little house like it was the national museum while he moved in each luggage with a tender smile. He felt the sparkles of her joy spreading all around them.

Ashwin is no expert but he knows very well that one's living space has a huge impact on their well-being, be it emotionally or mentally. He could have gone for the posh apartment in a central area that was initially offered. But he insisted for a humble house located in the suburbs instead.

While Ashwin is confident that he can make her happy no matter where they stay as long as he's with her, his end goal isn't only her happiness.

Especially not a superficial happiness that dissipates away like the clouds in the sky when the world darkens.

What he wants is for her to heal.

Because that marks on her body can never be forgotten or cast aside. It's carved on her skin and engraved in her heart. She's forced to carry it, like it or not. Until she learns to accept the horrendous battles she fought that had left those scars, they will be nothing less than random ugly blisters.

Shame needs to be buried away, and courage should be planted.

It doesn't take courage to steer clear of the war-zone. But it takes immense courage to stand and fight for your life in the battlefield, especially since a young age when you still have not comprehended the concept of warfare.

Sivaangi was a fighter. Sivaangi was a survivor.

She had single-handedly fought those demons, she inherently had that courage to put up a tough fight.

Yet, she lacked the courage to accept the scars that those wars rewarded her with.

When she looked at herself, what she saw was a blemished, vandalised canvas that was too hideous to be shown to the world.

When Ashwin looked at her, what he saw was a breathtakingly beautiful painting that had numerous colours splayed on it, creating an artwork that deserved to be flaunted to the world.

To him, those scars are her beauty marks. He loves them along with her. Because they are part of her. They make up who she was and who she will potentially become.

It might take months, years or a even lifetime for her to find the beauty in her cracks and fractures. Because it is never easy to embrace what pains you.

One day it might stop hurting and the next day it might suffocate you enough to yearn for death.

It's a life-long journey through bumps, twists and turns.

Ashwin just wished to ease the process for her as much as possible. So after much pondering and planning, he decided on the perfect environment that would help Sivaangi.

More than a luxurious penthouse with sublime facilities, what Sivaangi needed was a place that radiates peace and serenity.

A bucolic landscape that was scenic from every angel, random tame animals grazing around everywhere, a clear view of the sunset and sunrise every day, misty mountains and hills from a decent distance, uncontaminated air that makes one appreciate breathing, a sweet and close knitted community, a simple, slow-paced but cosy lifestyle ; these would make up a terrific healing environment.

He wanted to show her a side of the world that was different from the ghastly ones she had been subjected to.

And he could tell that his plan wasn't an utter failure when only her excited squeals and remarks filled up the air even though it hasn't even been a whole ten minutes since they arrived. He could hear her calling him over every few seconds, wanting him to participate along with her in her mini house tour but Ashwin was too lost in his thoughts to dance to her tunes.

Finally she came running back to the living room, grinning from ear to ear as she frolicked towards a door. "Indha room la thaan naa thoonguven Military please please pleaseeee!"

(This is where I wanna sleep please!!!)

Ashwin frowned before popping his head through the door to get a look of the room that she's so pumped up about. "Andha innoru room la kuda bed iruku la?"

(The other room has a bed too right?)

"Aama andha room romba comfortable ah perusa thaan iruku!" She spoke highly about the other room too even though she wasn't entirely impressed with it. She hoped that will convince him to go along with that.

(Yeah even that room is very comfortable and spacious.)

When he was not responding at all, she went on to strengthen her demand with better arguments. Stretching her arms wide to demonstrate, she adorably persisted. "Inga thaan windows perusa iruku Ashwineyyy, yenaku romba pudichiruku!"

(But this room has such big windows, I love it so much!)

He smiled, not feeling the need to ruminate anymore. He placed his backpack on the floor of the room and was about to roll in her luggages too but stopped when he noticed her pouting.

"Yenaku kudukamatingala appo?" She truly sounded like a kid who's chocolate got snatched away.

(So you won't let me have it?)

"Unaku ah?" Ashwin was completely lost. He knew Sivaangi had her own unique way of speaking which so far he had never faced any difficulty in understanding. But today, he couldn't follow at all.

(Let you?)

"Yenaku indha room yevlo pudichirukunu solren, neenga unga bag ah vekkiringa inga." She complained sadly.

(I'm telling you that I love this room so much and you're still putting your bag here.)

Ashwin blinked in confusion. So she's all upset because he placed his bag in the room she had chosen for them? "Vera yenga vekkanum?"

(Where else am I supposed to put it?)

His eyes followed the direction of her finger that pointed towards the other room at the corner. "Anga.)

(There.)

His eyes trembled, fearing to face the reality that's about to uncover in front of him. "Andha room la ya?"

(In that room?)

She nodded avidly before tugging on his arms as she begged cutely. "Pleaseee Ashwiney yenaku indha room thaan venum, neenga andha room yeduthukonga."

(Please I love this room so much, you take the other one.)

"Separate rooms ah?!" He found himself uttering in horror.

She nodded innocently as she kindly reminded him. "Neenga thana ungaluku separate room venumnu sonninga."

(Weren't you the one who said you wanted senate rooms?)

His eyes widened as realisation hit him, the memories slowly flowing back to his head. He bitterly mumbled to himself. "Adha vera solli tholichitenla..."

(Hell yeah I did, didn't I?)

'I'll be in my room, and you be in yours. Whenever we wanna do it, we can get together at night.'

A couple of months ago, he had strictly mentioned it as one of his conditions to Shalini. Recalling it now made him feel ashamed of just how despicable it sounded.

He valued his personal space the most and was determined to preserve it at any cost. So he showed no regard for the feelings of the woman who was getting involved with him.

He still loved his personal space a lot. But Sivaangi being the cheeky woman she was had unknowingly climbed over his protective walls and conquered his personal space.

She became his personal space.

She doesn't find his silence boring. She doesn't find his anger scary. She doesn't find the language of his mind dull. She doesn't find his pet peeves annoying. She doesn't find his words empty. She doesn't find his flaws to be an issue even.

Vulnerable, raw or real; she can find him in any state, and she still accepts him wholeheartedly with pride and affection.

The comfort his personal space offered him, she is the only person on earth that was able to give it to him.

As ludicrous as it may sound, now his personal space didn't even feel comfortable without Sivaangi.

In fact the idea of being away from her made him feel sick.

He can't believe life had brought him to a point where he's willing to do anything to keep his wife close to him.

Even at nights. Or especially at nights.

He cleared his throat and made a poor attempt. "Adhu naa Shalini ta sonnen."

(I said that to Shalini.)

She gave him an assuring smile. "Aama yen kitta ava appovey sollita. Don't worry. Naa yedhuvum thappu ah nenachika maaten. In fact I like this whole respecting personal space concept. Nalla thaan iruku."

(Yeah she told me everything already. Don't worry. I'm not offended or anything.)

Ashwin let out a defeated sigh. Now how on earth is he supposed to retrieve those stupid ideas?

Sivaangi once again pleaded, posting towards the bigger room. "Yenaku indha room mattum kuduthurunga Military..."

(Please just give me this room...)

"Thaniya thoongurathuku yendha room la thoonguna yenna?" He muttered quietly in irritation.

(Does the room make any difference if you're sleeping alone?)

"Huh?"

"Yeduthuko Ma. Unaku yendha room venumnalum nee yeduthuko." He quickly covered up, pacifying himself that he will find a way to circumvent this obstacle very soon.

(Yeah take whichever room you want.)

Her eyes lit up before she ran back into the room that's going to be just hers. Ashwin moved her luggages in with a grumpy face, cursing out Shalini. "Seriyana vesham poochi!"

(That venomous snake!)

He mentally planned the murder of Shalini who had shared all these irrelevant details to his wife just to make his life harder. More than 1000 kilometres away and the devil had still successfully created a circus out of their marriage.

...

"Sivaangi seekiram vaa ma," Ashwin pleaded as he held the plate of food on his hand, settling down in front of the television to watch a series suggested by her as they have dinner.

(Sivaangi hurry up.)

The entire day was spent with napping and then, cleaning since the house was all dusty as a result of being locked away by the owner for God knows how long.

While Sivaangi didn't find it to be such a big problem, and was satisfied with minimal cleaning, it was quite the opposite for Ashwin.

If they were going to live in the house, he needed it to meet his standard of cleanliness which is too high and extreme according to Sivaangi.

Ashwin went all out while Sivaangi offered assistance in her own little ways. He appreciated her for the efforts but couldn't accept the quality of work. He would smile and praise her only to hastily redo whatever she did after she was out of sight.

It wasn't easy being a perfectionist.

And now he was sitting on the couch, refusing to eat first despite how hungry he was, as he waited for her to return from feeding the brand new kitten that she had imprudently decided to claim as her own.

"Sivaangi! Nee adhuku vai la onnum deliver panna theva illa, plate la pota adhuvey thindrum!"

(You don't have to deliver the food into its mouth. You can just put it on the plate and it'll eat on it own!)

Sivaangi patted the little creature gently as it meowed pitifully. "Pavam Ashwineyy! Yenna pathuka neenga irukinga, adha pathuka adhoda amma kuda illa."

(It's so pitiful Ashwineyy! You are here to take care of me but the kitten doesn't even have its mother to take care of it.)

That softened his heart. For many reasons that
he couldn't even completely comprehend.

After waiting for a little longer in silence, he decided to start playing the series on Netflix and that strategy finally got her scampering over to him in a hurry.

"Vandhutten, vandhutten!" She announced as she ran to kitchen to wash her hands before jumping on the couch to settle beside him.

(I'm here I'm here!)

With engrossed eyes glued to the television, she passionately explained about the plot of the series. Listening intently, Ashwin was about to reach for her plate to pass it to her but stopped when he noticed her already starting to eat from his own plate that was in his hand.

He thought maybe she was tasting a little but a whole 20 minutes went by and she still never bothered to get her empty plate filled. She rightfully ate from his plate and even signalled him with her mouth full, to start eating too.

Her complete attention was on the television but Ashwin was barely focusing.

Being a kid of an old-fashioned era who grew up in a relatively traditional society, the simplest things easily meant a lot to him.

More than a lusty kiss, or a wild hickey, eating from the same plate was a whole new level of intimacy.

There's so much one can learn about your partner when you share a plate. You will observe their eating habits. What they like and what they dislike. What do they love to eat first, what do they prefer to save for the end. When do they feel full, when do they want more.

Once you know they love something, you will instinctively eat less of it so they can enjoy more. You learn to consider the other person just as much as you consider yourself, and to Ashwin that is what love is all about.

Love is about giving a part of yourself to your partner. Love is about taking their feelings into consideration whenever you make a decision. Love is about two different people agreeing to one thing that makes you both happy.

Love brings people together in ways they never knew it was possible.

As they eat together from the same plate, they didn't have to ask anything, they didn't have to say anything. They both knew exactly what the other person wanted.

Like a mother who knows her baby, you will start understanding your partner.

He is aware that to her it could be nothing but a smart strategy to avoid washing an extra plate since they have divided the chores and washing dishes was her responsibility.

But that doesn't take away how much it meant to him.

She chatted happily with him about how charming the main lead was in the series, obliviously chewing away while he stared with a tender smile painted across his face.

He can always count on Sivaangi to do the most romantic gestures without even realising that it's romantic in the first place.

He just wished she would realise it soon because he doesn't know how much longer he can pretend that she doesn't have an effect on him.

...

Ashwin tossed and turned, tried adjusting his pillows a few times in different positions but nope, nothing helped. He just could not sleep no matter how much he tried.

It was way past midnight and he still hasn't slept a wink. A part of him knew the reason behind it. It may or may not be related to the woman in the room right beside his.

The fact that she was in that room and not his bothered him the most, he would say.

Ashwin knows how dramatic it may be if he were to say that he could not sleep without her beside him. They've only slept on the same bed for three days since the wedding. Logically speaking, that's too short of a period to get used to something.

But it still disturbed him.

She could have been lying right beside him, her face would be illuminated by the natural moon-ray through the window, their soft, random whispers to each other would fill up the quiet air of the night, sharing a blanket while leaving a decent space - not too much but not too little, just enough to create a magic filled tension between them; Ashwin just loved every part of it.

He was convinced that every night was going to be just as beautiful, like a melodious song, as long as she's with him.

And now he's left on his own to pathetically whine, all he could hear was the nocturnal chorus of the crickets and cicadas.

Fed up, he kicked away his blanket and grabbed his phone from the bedside table. The ringing was cut short as she immediately answered.

"Hi..." He huskily whispered into the device.

"Ippo thaan ungala pathi nenachitu irundhen Military." She loudly whispered back, her voice dripping in amusement.

(I was just thinking about you.)

"Yenna pathi yenna nenachitu irundha?" He curiously asked.

(What were you thinking?)

"Hmm onnum illa, chumma thaan." She skillfully dodged the topic before asking. "Aama pakkathu room la irundhutu yedhuku phone panringa?" She sounded clueless as always.

(Nothing important really. So why are you calling from the next door room?)

"New place, new house, new room..." He shifted to lie on his right as he continued. "Adhaan...yellam comfortable ah irukanu keka."

(Just to check on you if everything's comfortable.)

"Adhulam pakka, yenaku yen room romba pudichiruku. Andha windows gap la sillunu kathu vandhutey iruku. Orey romantic vibes ah iruku indha room eh!" She excitedly shared, without any idea what such descriptions would do to him.

(Oh it's perfect. I love this room so much you have no idea. Theres this chilly air that enters through the gaps of the window. It's so romantic!)

'Pakkathula room la yenna paduka potutu romantic vibes kekudhu unaku!' He thought to himself, not daring to say it aloud to her.

(You're really finding it romantic after making me sleep in the other room?!)

"Yenna military phone pannitu quiet ah irukinga? Neenga yen innum thoongala?" She called out to him when she couldn't hear anything from his end for a while.

(Why are you being quiet? And why are still not asleep?)

"Yenaku thookam vara matukudhu." He admitted.

(I couldn't sleep.)

"Yen?"

(Why?)

"Therila. Yedho missing vibes."

(Don't know. Feels like I'm missing something.)

She thought hard before asking with concern. "Amma va miss panringala?"

(Are you missing Mom?)

He smiled at the way she was addressing his mother as hers. "I am a military officer. Amma appa ivangala lam vittutu iruka palagikiten ithana years la."

(I've gotten used to being away from my parents over the years.)

"Vera yaaru?" She wondered loudly and gasped when the thought struck her. "Oh my god! Oru vela Sakthi ah miss panringalo!"

(Who else then? Omg, is it Sakthi?)

Ashwin rolled his eyes. "Avana lam manushan miss pannuvana? Ippo thaan nimmadhiya iruken, nee vera..."

(Who on earth would miss him? In fact I'm only in peace now that he's away...)

She hummed in agreement, still thinking hard. "Vera yaaru iruka ungaluku miss panra alavuku?Adhuvum yenaku theriyama!"

(Who else are you missing? That too someone I don't know of!)

She was almost getting offended that there's someone out there that's special enough in Ashwin's eyes that she doesn't know of yet.

Ashwin sighed at that before rambling. "Unaku theriyadhu thaan. Yenniku therinju, yenniku purinju, yennkiku vazhndhu..."

(Of course you wouldn't know. To know, to understand and to live...sounds like it might take a century.)

Sivaangi groaned. "Yenna pesura Ashwineyy? Konjam puriyura madhri pesu. Decode panra alavuku yenaku energy kuda illa inniki."

(What are you going on about? I don't even have the energy to decode your words.)

Ashwin laughed at her blatant honesty as always.

"But you know something? Feeling like you're missing something without knowing what it is, idhu romba common actually." She shared her knowledge.

His eyes twinkled in amusement as he focused intently. "Oh? Am I speaking to Doctor Sivaangi?"

She giggled. "Idha future doctor ah sollala, personal experience la solluren. Naa romba naala miss pannitu irundhen."

(Not talking as a future doctor but this is from my personal experience. I've experienced these missing emotions for so long.)

"Yaara?" He was curious.

(Who were you missing?)

"Therilaye." She gave her usual safe answer causing him to sigh lowly.

(I don't know.)

They fell into a silence before Sivaangi volunteered. "Na venumna ungaluku thookam vara varaikum pesitey iruken. Naa kooda irundha missing feel irukadhu la. Okay ah?"

(I'll keep talking to you until you fall asleep. If I'm here with you you wouldn't feel those missing vibes. Okay?)

The corner of his lips started curving into a tiny smile upon hearing that. "Ipdiye phone la pesitu irupiya?"

(You're just gonna be in the phone?)

If she was willing to stay with him virtually, there shouldn't be a problem for her to stay with him physically, right? All she needed to do was walk a few steps and she'll be in his room. It's not that hard at all.

So he tried to hint her subtly. But as usual, such hints never work with Sivaangi. She genuinely assured him.

"Aama line la thaan irupen military until you fall asleep!" She cheerfully promised.

(Yeah I would stay with you through the line until you fall asleep!)

As disappointing as it was that she never got the hints, Ashwin didn't care anymore. The fiery innocence in her voice as she vouched to stay by him only melted his heart. She truly had her own way of showering him with affection.

Burying himself inside the warm blanket, he listened to her chatters that he could never get tired of. His eyes became heavier and before he knew it, he was fast asleep with her voice that had spread all around his subconscious mind and in turn conceptualised dreams for him to take pleasure in.

He just wished those dreams wouldn't just remain as dreams. One day, it should be their reality.

...

As a result of waking up late, Ashwin ran around the house like a mad man, getting ready for his first day of job at Andaman.

Sivaangi on the other hand leisurely sipped on her coffee that Ashwin had made for her despite being in a hurry. She squatted on the floor by the kitchen to greet her kitten that she was truly obsessed with.

"Militrary oru nalla name sollunga." She asked, stroking the kitten with her tongue stuck out.

(Suggest me a good name.)

"Oru nalla name." The world could be coming to an end but it's never too late for his silly jokes.

(Joke)

Sivaangi glared. "Ashwineyy! Olunga sollu oru name. Kandipa future la un kids ku vekkalamnu yedhavudhu idea irukumla."

(Im asking seriously! Im sure you would have some names in mind that you intended to name your future kids.)

Now it was hit turn to glare as he fetched his socks and boots. "Yen pullai ku reserve panna name lam idhuku vekka mudiyadhu."

(Yeah I'm not gonna let you name that kitten with names that I've reserved for my kid.)

"Po Ashwineyy!" She sulked.

He chuckled. "Neeye yedhavudhu think panni vechiru ma."

(You think of something on your own.)

They were busily involved in their early morning banter that they didn't hear a jeep stopping in front of their house until a woman stood at their door and knocked to gain their attention.

Ashwin's eyes widened upon landing on the woman who was dressed in an uniform similar to his. "Hey, Pri?"

"Hi Ash." The tall woman greeted him with an enigmatic smile that didn't even reach her eyes. Ashwin got up from the coffee table, still surprise visible in his eyes and she immediately pulled him in for a side hug.

"Nee yepdi inga?" He asked in delight.

(How come you're here?)

"Came here about 2 weeks ago. Didn't know you would be coming too." She shrugged.

Despite not once turning towards the woman, Sivaangi's tiny ears were strenuously focusing on the conversation that they exchanged. Based on that , Sivaangi could gather a few details.

Number one, the woman and her husband were batch mates when they were training years ago.

Number two, she is going to be working here along with him from now on.

Number three, she has a crush on him.

Number four, maybe her husband used to have a crush on her too.

The third and fourth points weren't as direct as the other two but Sivaangi could easily infer it based on their interactions that was filled with smiles, giggles and strained eye contacts.

Not wanting to ruin their joyous moment, Sivaangi decided to stay by her kitten. Though her ears were still pushing their limits to catch every word.

A few comments about his haircut being cute or him looking weaker than before after the several pounds he had lost automatically caused Sivaangi to roll her eyes while silently pulling a mocking face as she faced her clueless kitten.

Suddenly, the woman motioned her head towards Sivaangi as she questioned her friend. "Yaaru idhu, un thangachi ah?"

(Who's this, your sister?)

Horrified, Ashwin shook his head. "Wife di! Sivaangi."

Satisfied at finally being mentioned, Sivaangi stood up and walked over to greet their guest with the most polite smile she could muster. "Hi!"

Before the woman could say anything, Sivaangi turned to her husband and asked with innocent eyes. "Unga driver ah?"

(Is this your driver?)

Taking in a sharp breath, the woman stuck out her hand and formally introduced herself. "Sergenant Major of the Army, Priyanka."

Sivaangi stared in admiration before she blinked in confusion. "Wow! But ivlo lengthy ah title irundhum neenga yen ivaruku driver ah irukinga?"

(Wow! You have such a lengthy title, then why do you work as his driver?)

"I am not his driver." She firmly said.

Sivaangi smiled guiltily. "Romba early morning veetuku vandhurukinga so I thought you were assigned as his driver."

(Since you came over so early in the morning I thought you were his driver.)

Priyanka smiled in return. "That's okay, but actually it's a good idea." She turned to her friend. "Vaa Ash yen jeep la poidalam. We're going to the same place anyways."

(Come on Ash, let's go together in my jeep.)

Sivaangi quickly mumbled out a bye before dashing into her room as her expression fell.

Priyanka proceeded to the door but stopped when she noticed that Ashwin wasn't moving yet. "Polama?"

(Shall we?)

"Aah polam, konjam iru naa vandhurren." He instructed before rushing into his wife's room.

(Yeah sure, just give me a moment.)

He found her sprawled on the bed, scrolling through her phone. Not once her head lifted up even though she clearly heard him entering the room.

Ashwin gently asked. "Oii...potuma?"

(Should I go?)

"Naa venamnu sonna pogamatingala?" She shot at him.

(If I say don't, would you not go?)

"Apdi illa..." Ashwin realised he should have planned this better.

(I can't really do that...)

Her voice raised. "Aprom yethuku kekuringa?!"

(Then why do you ask?!)

"Yedhuku ippo ivlo kovam?" He was actually confused.

(Why are you so angry for?)

"Yenaku pudikala..."

(I don't like this.)

"Yenna pudikala?"

(What do you not like?)

"Avala pudikala!"

(I don't like her!)

"Yen?"

(Why?)

"Ava yenna mattam thattura!" She told half of the truth, too embarrassed to tell him the other half.

(She's patronising me!)

"Chi chi apdilam illa..." he immediately denied.

(No way, it's not like that...)

"Yenna apdilam illa? She knows very well you just got married, aprom yenna thangachi ah? Venumnu pannura!"

(Then how is it like? She knows very well elk you just got married, yet she asks if I'm your sister?! She's purposely doing this!)

Maybe she had a point. Ashwin chuckled lightly at how fired up she was for something as minor as this. "Seri...venumney pannuraney vechikalam. Adhaan badhiluku avala driver nu kalachitalla, aprom yenna?"

(Okay even if she was doing it purposely, you gave her back nicely right asking if she was my driver?)

"Ava unga driver ah irukuradhu kuda yenaku pudikala! Ava kuda poradhu yenaku suthama pudikala!" She unknowingly let out the other truth too which made him grin.

(I don't like the idea of her even being your driver! I don't like you going out with her!)

A jealous, possessive Sivaangi wasn't an everyday sight he was blessed with.

What he was used to was a carefree, high spirited girl who barely got bothered by trivial matters. But now that he figured out that anything got to do with him isn't considered trivial by her, he couldn't stop smiling contently.

As riled up as she was, Ashwin found an immense pleasure in knowing that these things bothered her.

Because he knows it definitely would bother him.

If a man walks up to Sivaangi and asks if Ashwin was her brother, Ashwin would be all set to execute his murder plan on him.

But to find out that Sivaangi would react the same way, that she was just as territorial as him, it was a direct boost to his ego as her husband.

Bending down to match her height, he held her face to gently force her to look at him. "Yaaru kuda ponalum, yenga ponalum, kadasila un kitta thana varuven?"

(No matter who I go with and where I go, in the end I'll always come back to you, wouldn't I?)

That weirdly erupted the tender parts of her heart as they fluttered. She blinked in silence for a moment as she stared into his sincere eyes.

She swallowed harshly before accusing him. "Neenga yenna yemathi kalyanam pannitinga!"

(You tricked me into this marriage!)

"Yedhu?" He was bewildered.

(What?)

"Introvert nu poi sollitinga! Yendha introvert ivlo friends vechitu irupanga?! Adhuvum girlfriends!"

(You lied about being an introvert. Which introvert on earth would have so many friend?! That too girlfriends!)

"Maa idhulam aniyayam! Yenaku irukura 10 friends la ava oruthi. Avlo dhaan." He clarified with pleading eyes.

(Okay that's not fair! She is just one person among the 10 friends I have, that's all.)

She sulked quietly, not having any other points to bring up against him anymore. But she was still not very keen on the idea of him going along with Priyanka.

It just didn't sit well with her.

He gently ruffled her hair and rubbed the back of her head, knowing very well it will instantly calm her down. "Naa poyi oru 3 hours report mattum pannitu vandhurven. Inniki we have a lot of things to do so ready ah iru. Naa vandhadhum kelambanum."

(I'll just need to report in for 3 hours. Today we had a lot to do so you better be ready. Once I'm back, we'll have to leave.)

Instinctively he leaned in, but paused when Sivaangi alarmingly looked up at him. She nervously waited but he backed out.

With embarrassment that burnt until his ears turned red, he moved away with a tight smile. "Bye," he said under his breath before disappearing out of the door.

Sivaangi tried to shake away the feelings of dissatisfaction and got ready as he had asked her to. He kept his word and really returned 3 hours later.

They took the local bus together to the college she would be admitted in soon. And Sivaangi only then realised how fun a mere bus ride can be.

It was fully packed, with a lot of noise from all around them with people chatting together or talking away in their phone, kids were fighting for the seat by the window, couples were aiming for the seat at the very end, the entire setting was chaos.

But there was still an unexplainable joy in standing with him in a little space as they tried to balance themselves to avoid falling. He lopped his hand firmly on the handrail on top but since she was vertically challenged her hand couldn't reach it.

He giggled, absolutely not wanting to miss the chance to tease about her height. Without a care in the world, she easily held on to his hand instead.

With a proud smirk, she pointed towards the handrail. "Neenga adha vitta, vilundhuduvinga."

(If you let go of that, you're gonna fall.)

She then gestured towards his arm that she was relying on. "But naa idha vittalum, idhu yenna iluthu pudichikum."

(But even I choose to let go of this, it'll still hold on to me tightly.)

That caused his face to crack into a large smile, he was at loss for words. He can never fathom how this woman can effortlessly make him blush with the simplest words or actions.

Her tiny hand still strongly settled on his arm, she excitedly laughed about something she saw through the windows. He didn't catch what it was as his eyes were dearly etched on her, with a permanent smile that creeps out in her presence, he was lost in thoughts.

The innocent eyes that held the entire thrill of the world, the lips that kept moving with passion and exhibits her tongue every now and then when she cutely fumble with her words, the little nose the scrunched when she was being extra expressive or sassy, the cheeks that wickedly hid away her dimple from him but was kind enough to show him a glimpse occasionally; he could spend the entire day just swooning over her features that his heart had already memorised.

Two middle aged women were yelling at each other about something Ashwin couldn't bother paying attention to. The other passengers watched in aghast but here he was, relishing in the thoughts of kissing his wife.

He just wanted to kiss every inch of her, not leaving out one spot, in a way that no one could mistake her as anyone's but his. His miracle, his blessing, his asset.

"Military! Adhu thana college?!" Sivaangi pointed towards the building that the bus just drove by causing Ashwin to gasp before he rapidly grabbed her hand and pushed his way through the crowd to the door.

(That's the college right?!)

He did a quick jump to the ground, and immediately pulled her down too with one hand on her waist oh-so gently that she let out a tiny squeak as her feet touched the roads.

Standing dangerously to one another at the side of the road, they tried to catch their breaths. Their eyes met and as if on cue, they burst out into giggles at the silliness.

Blaming one another for the possible mishap, they walked side by side towards the college. Hands brushing against each other, his poor fingers craved the feel of her little ones.

As if she could hear his inner dilemma, she casually locked her arm with his. He wanted the fingers, she gave him her entire arm.

That's Sivaangi for him.

Always ready to give him more. Because he deserves more.

Sivaangi feels that even the entire love in the world put together wouldn't be a match for the military officer's heart. What he deserves is beyond the universe.

She wouldn't ask for a better him. He, however, deserves a better her.

At least that's what Sivaangi thinks.

But she didn't voice it out. She knew very well he would never agree.

However, if there comes a day Ashwin agrees, it would be no surprise to Sivaangi.

It's just a matter of days before the rainbow disappears and the weather changes.

The rainbow is a magic trick done with lights and mirrors. The lights are sunbeams, dashing across the sky. The mirrors are millions of glassy raindrops. The sunbeams and raindrops together form the colored ribbons of the rainbow.

But Sivaangi knows the painful truth that magic can't last forever. It will soon be over once Ashwin wakes up from his dream and realises that he was in a very familiar place.

A battlefield.

Except this time he wasn't facing his enemies. He was facing her. He will have to fight her- fight to keep her, fight to love her, fight for her.

The toughest war the military officer had ever taken part in because here he would be fighting the very person he yearned to protect.

...

As intended, they smoothly settled the matters pertaining to her admission. To celebrate it, they decided to stop by a restaurant or they just wanted to eat and needed an excuse for themselves.

Later they proceeded to the mall to purchase some things for the house and for themselves too. Too lazy to go home and cook, Ashwin suggested to have dinner outside. Sivaangi had no problem with that of course.

The last stop was the supermarket as Ashwin wanted to get groceries while Sivaangi decided to store up on snacks since there was barely any provisions in the house except coffee powder and a few loaves of bread that she had generously fed the kitten with.

After the very productive day they had, they finally reached home at night. Sivaangi dropped all the shopping bags on the floor as she crushed on the couch in exhaust. Ashwin shook his head with a small smile before he put away the bags, arranging the things they bought at the designated places.

His eyes landed on her luggages that were still scattered by her room. "Maa unpack pannuma," he reminded her for the second time that day.

(You should unpack soon.)

"Mhmm nalaki panren." She responded with a yawn.

(Will do it tomorrow.)

She then got up to check on the kitten that was sound asleep already. Smiling softly, she patted it gently.

Ready to retire for the night, she mumbled out a loud good night to her husband who was busily sorting out groceries in the kitchen as she went into her room and shut the door.

Ashwin took a quick shower, switched off the lights in the living room and went into his own room. Just as he was drying his wet hair with a towel, his phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID that appeared on his display brought an instant smile to his face. Already moving towards the door, he answered. "Sollu Ma."

(What happened?)

"Oru vishyam marandhuten, konjam veliya varingala?"

(I forgot something, can you come out for a second?)

Before she could even finish her sentence, he was already standing outside in the dimly lit living area. He found her just outside her own room, holding the phone to her ear as she anticipated him.

He took off the phone away from his ear and blinked at her, waiting for her to say something. She stared for a second in silence, nothing but their tension filled breaths surrounding the air.

Then, wordlessly she threw her small arms over his torso and hugged him tightly. Ashwin forgot how to breathe. It took him a while to get his arms to move and place them around her back, closing whatever little gap that was available between them.

He struggled to find his own voice as he whispered. "Idha thaan marandhiya?"

(Is this what you forgot?)

With her head still buried into his chest, she responded honestly. "Actually marakala. Pannalama venamanu yosichitu irundhen."

(I didn't forget actually, I was just thinking if I should do it or not.)

Sivaangi felt his body vibrating at that, she assumed that he must be chuckling quietly and that brought a smile to her face.

She had hugged him once before. In the terrace when she bravely opened up about her dark secrets that she was deeply embarrassed about. That day, she was emotional and so was he. They both needed that hug, as a way of telling each other that everything was fine and it will be fine.

But today, now, this felt different. It felt special.

Because there was no particular reason. Not a hug out of gratitude. Not a hug for comfort. Not a hug that was a hint for more.

Just a hug. From her to him. Simply because she wanted to.

As if she could read his mind, she asked to confirm. "I don't need a reason to hug you, right?"

"No you don't."

Humming in satisfaction, she still held him tightly and stood in his embrace.

"Naa kandupudichuten." She suddenly said.

(I found out.)

"Yedha?"

(What?)

"Ivlo naalu yedha miss pannitu irundhen apdinu..."

(What I've been missing all these years.)

With hesitancy, she peeled her hands away from him to look up at him. It was dark and quiet, yet his eyes were glowing and she could hear the lovely words those chocolate beads spoke to her.

"Ungala thaan." She pointed her tiny finger at him with a smile that she had a hard time controlling.

(You.)

"Yennaya?" He sounded surprised and confused too.

(Me?)

"Yedha miss panranu theriyamaley miss pannitu irundhen. Ippo thaan theridhu ivlo years ah miss pannadhu ungala thaan."

(I've been missing something without even knowing what it is. Now I know, all these years it was you who I was missing.)

Her mind could never decipher the emotions she went through.  But her heart and soul always knew. They were craving for their missing parts that only Ashwin possessed.

She was deprived of so much since her birth but that was the universe's way of balancing because she's about to receive everything in multi folds through Ashwin.

Lips too afraid to utter another word but with eyes that stubbornly refused to look away from him, she walked off into her room and slowly closed the door.

With a smile that she just could not wipe off form her face thanks to him, she leaned her head against the door. She silently wondered if he was still standing out there since she hasn't heard the sound of his room's door at all.

And true enough, he was indeed standing there facing the plain door of her room in the darkness. An identical smile was visible on his lips as he could still feel the warmth of her body in his arms, even though she wasn't there anymore.

What separated them wasn't the wooden door but the invisible walls she had built around herself.

He had already started bringing them down, brick by brick, even without her noticing. And he is about to rebuild it. But this time, with windows to let the moonlight enter.

~~~~

Quite a slow start in Andaman right? How was it? Any favourite scenes?

Sorry for making you guys wait, was supposed to update earlier but had my birthday in the weekend so konjam personal life ah yetti pathutu vandhen😅🙏🏼

Love you all💜💜

PS: Kitten ku yenna peru vekkalam?🙇‍♀️