(Keep the comments coming, it really motivates me to write 😇)

The house was eerily quiet since the most of the populace had temporarily stepped out to do some last minute shopping before the big day arrives. Sivaangi knew this would probably be her only chance.

It's now or never.

Standing outside the door that she's never allowed to enter, her legs were shaking like jelly. She doesn't have to do this but she doesn't wanna sit back and see her one single chance slip away without even trying.

Breathing in and out for one more time, she nodded in assurance to herself before knocking on the wooden door a couple of times.

Not waiting for the invite, she opened the door herself and walked in to face her nightmares.

The older man was seated on his working desk, his eyes fixed on the computer screen. He didn't even look at her way once, causing her to almost question if he even heard the series of knocks and if he is aware of her presence in the room.

She cleared her throat. Still no response.

"A-Appa."

(D-Dad)

A word that should roll off a person's tongue easily was so foreign and heavy for Sivaangi. And by the way his eyes instantly shut at the sound of her calling, the old man didn't enjoy hearing it as well.

Ever since she returned from Melbourne, the older man had put in all efforts to avoid her which was no surprise. Sivaangi made it easier for him too by staying away from him every time he's in vicinity.

Then why did she come all the way to his room now you may ask.

"Thanks for letting me come back. I really missed being in India. Aprom yenaku Melbourne ku return panna ishtam illa, naa ingaye-"

(I don't wish to return to Melbourne-)

Slamming an open book shut, he fiercely interrupted her from talking further. "Kalyanam mudinji 2 days la kelambu. Thevaillatha discussion vendam."

(You leave 2 days after the wedding. This is not up for discussion.)

Sivaangi sighed. She knew this is how it will go. But she tried to push. "Appa please, ivlo years neenga sonna naala thaan naa anga irundhen. It's been almost 10 years already, please let me stay here at least now."

(Dad please, I've stayed there all these years only because you asked me too.)

"10 years or 20 years, sila vishyangal matha mudiyathu. Rakshan romba aasa pattanala nee inga Shalini wedding attend panrathuku allow pannen. That's it. Kalyanam mudinji you need to go back to your life as per normal."

(10 or 20 years, somethings can't be changed. I only let you attend the wedding because Rakshan kept asking for it. After the wedding you need to return to your usual life.)

Clenching her fist, Sivaangi looked at the man that never failed to make her feel like an abomination ever since the world began for her. "Naa yenna thappu pannen? 23 varushama yenna punish panniyachu, ippo vachum sollunga. Naa yenna thappu pannen?"

(What did I do? You've punished me for 23 years, at least tell me now. What did I do?)

For the first time in years, he looked up at her in the eye. Sivaangi couldn't see anything that a father typically has in store for his kids. No warmth. No love. No affection.

Disgust.

That's what she saw.

"Nee porandhadhey thappu. Andha thappa seri panna mudiyama thaan inniki varaikum kashtapattutu iruken. Melum melum kashta paduthama kelambu."

(The fact that you were born, that's a mistake already. I've been struggling since then. Stop making things harder than they already are, leave.)

After all these years of being at the receiving end of resentment, Sivaangi knew this was coming. But it still stung when he looked at her in the eye only to tell her that she has been nothing but a big burden to him.

Without a word, she took heavy steps towards the door. She felt the weight of the invisible chains of loneliness and emptiness dragging her down. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't free herself off the chains.

She just can't escape the feeling of abandonment.

Abandonment. Only those who have lived it can understand the darkness of it. It is a deep wound that she has been forced to carry. The worst part is, it is something that she's been with ever since she was born that it started feeling as familiar as home.

A home that she's trapped in. A home that she wishes to escape. But she just can't because that is all she has known her entire life.

Isolation became her closest companion.

...

"Hello military!" Hearing the voice that just entered the terrace, Ashwin handed the remote control to one of the kids, giving them clear instructions to keep the flying helicopter on air and walked to Sivaangi.

"Yenga akkava correct panna sonna chinna pasangala correct pannitu irukinga."

(You're supposed to woo my sister, not spend time with kids.)

"Unga akkava yepdi correct pandrathunu yenaku therilama." He honestly admitted causing her to giggle.

(I have no idea how to woo your sister.)

"Yerkanavey neraya sodhappiyachu thanks to a certain someone." He added with a little glare.

(I've messed up enough thanks to a certain someone.)

"Your welcome." She bowed with a prideful smile.

He sulked quietly which Sivaangi can't help but adore. How can a 30-year old man be so cute?

"Nethu kedacha 10 minutes time la neenga onnu avala pathi pesirkanum, illana at least ungala pathi pesirkanum. Rendum illa. Yenna pathi pesirkinga! Aprom yepdi officer work out aagum?"

(Yesterday in the 10 minutes time you got, you could have talked about her or at least talk about yourself. Instead you went on to ask about me! How do you expect things to work out?)

The tips of his ears reddened when Sivaangi mentioned the incidents of last night. He really did panic when he found out that the woman he had thought all along as his fiancé was actually not and it was the other woman who witnessed all the clownery that took place. So he couldn't form any proper thoughts and spark an interesting conversation with Shalini. All he did was enquire about Sivaangi because that was all he could think about after she told the truth and left him alone with Shalini.

The little devil in the name of Sivaangi completely took over his mind last night after the trick she pulled.

Ashwin sighed. "Seriously it seems impossible to connect with Shalini. I mean normally I have trouble connecting with anyone but particularly Shalini kuda romba kashtama iruku because she's being very closed off."

(With Shalini it's much harder because she's being very closed off.)

Sivaangi patted his shoulder encouragingly. "Come on, kashtam padama kalyanam panna mudiyama? You're a handsome man! Talented man! A man with a gun! You can do it!"

(Come on, you can't marry someone without putting in a bit of effort.)

Ashwin broke into chuckles at her cheerleading. Suddenly her eyes brightened as if an idea just struck her mind. "Okay you know what? Neenga avaloda konjam time spend panna automatic ah open up aagiduva. Pesama inniki yenga kuda neenga rendu perum vaanga!"

(You just need to spend some time with her and she'll automatically open up. Why don't you both come along with us today?)

"Yaaru kuda? Yenga?"

(With who? Where?)

"Naanum Sakthi yum inniki evening movie ku porom, both of you can come along. It can be like a date for you two. Perfect chance to break the ice and open up!"

(Sakthi and I are going for a movie tonight, you both can come along.)

Ashwin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Sakthi ah?"

"Sakthi, unga thambi."

(Yes Sakthi, your brother.)

"Avan yen thambi nu yenaku theriyum, nee yen avan kuda pora?"

(I know he's my brother, why would you go with him?)

"Naanga rendu perum friends, naanga povom."

(We're friends so we're going together.)

"Friends? Since when?"

"Pona podhunu ungala kupta romba over ah investigate panringa? Military brain ah kalati vechitu mapillai brain ah insert pannunga kalyanam mudira varaikum."

(I'm just trying to help you out by inviting you to join us, why are you investigating too much? Stop using your military brain and insert a groom brain until the wedding is over.)

Before he could argue back, she started walking towards the door while simply chanting out the instructions. "5.30 p.m. Front door. Don't be late!"

Just when he thought she was gone, her head suddenly peeked through the door. "By the way military, coffee super!"

He looked confused before realisation hit him. "Nee thaan kudichiya?"

(You were the one who drank?)

Sivaangi immediately face palmed in regret. Of course he wouldn't want to know that his fiancé refused to drink the very first coffee he made for her. 'Sometimes I just never think through!'

With a tiny pout she apologised. "Sorry, sollirka kudathu, avaluku coffee pudikathu adhaan-"

(Sorry I shouldn't have told you, she doesn't really like coffee-)

"Che che parvala, idhula yenna iruku? Anyways adhu unakunu potadhu thana." Ashwin assured her, causing her to laugh as she remembered the long emotional dialogue from Ashwin once again.

(Nah it's fine, anyways it was a coffee that was made for you.)

This time Ashwin laughed alone too, how long can he pretend that the situation wasn't funny? "Sirikatha. Yenaku innum asingama thaan iruku."

(Stop laughing. I'm still feeling the embarrassment from last night.)

"At least you have a very interesting story to tell your future kids!"

...

As agreed, Ashwin was all dressed up in a denim shirt and khaki pants, his hair set perfectly, and a smart watch just to flex, he stood by the front door at 5.25 p.m, waiting for the rest of them.

At least a dozen of middle aged ladies went pass him, giving him teasing looks and some even went as far as giving cheesy comments causing him to blush like a tomato. To put an ending to his sufferings, his sweetest brother graced him with his presence.

"Hi dude, yenna ready ah?"

(Ready?)

"Sivaangi unaku yepdi friend?"

(How did you and Sivaangi become friends?)

Sakthi took out his shades to give his brother a certain look. "Hi da thambi, yepdi iruka? yen mamiyar veetula nalla gavanuchikrangala? Saptiya? Thoonginiya? Idhellam keppanu paatha, nee yenna bro kekura?"

(Hi bro, how are you? Are my in laws treating you well? Have you eaten? Have you slept? These are the questions you should have asked, you really chose to ask about Sivaangi?)

Ashwin rolled his eyes before repeating. "Ava yepdi unaku friend?"

(How is she your friend?)

"You see I understand that the concept of friendship might be something foreign to you but basically when two people with common interest have mutual care and affection for each other decide to forge a bond."

"Adiche kondruven moodhevi, ketta kelviku badhil sollu! Nethu paathu inniki friend ah? Orey naalula common interest, care, affection ah?"

(I would beat you to death, answer my question properly! You literally met her yesterday, you're telling me she's your friend? Common interest, care and affection in one day?)

"Yen nee kuda thaan 1 week patha ponna kalyanam panna pora, naa yedhavudhu solrana?" Sakthi challenged his brother who was getting frustrated by each second.

(Even you're gonna marry a woman you just met a week ago, do you see me complaining?)

Just before he was about to fling a vase towards his brother's head, Sivaangi loudly asked as she came over. "Orey naalula friends nu yaaru sonna? Naanga two years ah Twitter friends."

(Who told you we became friends in one day? We've been twitter friends since 2 years ago.)

If confusion was a human, it will be Ashwin at the moment. "Twitter friends?"

Sakthi sweetly explained. "I understand Twitter is something you probably never heard of, basically it is a social networking service that allow users to post and interact-"

His dictionary definition was disrupted after earning a harsh kick from Ashwin. "Yenaku Twitter na yennanu theriyum!"

(I know what is Twitter!)

Sivaangi smiled with amusement. "Paravalaye, appo avlo palaya aalu illa."

(Ohh so you're not that much of a boomer.)

Ashwin glowered at the duo who were laughing together. "Rendu paithiyangal friends aagurathu not a surprise thaan."

(Of course two insane people becoming friends isn't a surprise at all.)

That made them both laugh even harder. "Twitter la pakura ponnunga kudalam friends aaguna, velai thedurathuku time irukathu thaan."

(Of course you don't have time to secure a job if you've been becoming friends with random girls on twitter!)

"Hello bro naanga onnum random ah friends aagula, we were part of a fandom together."

(Not random friends. We were part of a fandom.)

"Fandom?" Ashwin questioned.

Sivaangi was excited to answer. "We watched a reality show and became a fan of two people from there, avanga romba cute ah irupanga. So avangala neraya peru ship pannuvom, apdi ship pannitu irukurapo pesa aramichom. Sakthi mattum illa, I got so many other friends too. All thanks to that adorable pair."

(We're fans of two personalities from a TV show, they're damn cute that everyone started shippin them. That's how we started talking. Not just Sakthi, I got so many other friends too thanks to that adorable pair.)

"Idhulam oru polappu." Ashwin bitterly said offending both of them.

(Exactly what jobless people do.)

"Yengaluku idhu thaan man polappu. Ippo kuda andha actor oda film ah thaan paka porom. Neeye vandhu paaru yevlo super ah act pandrarunu." Sakthi proudly said to which Sivaangi vigorously nodded in agreement.

(This is our job! Even now we're gonna watch his movie, you see for yourself how great he acts.)

Ashwin looked bored. "Paaklam paaklam."

Just then, Shalini walked over with a restless face, clutching her mobile with her sweaty palms. "Yevlo neram di ready aaga?" Sivaangi squeezed her arm.

(How long you took to get ready?)

"Effort potu ready aaganumla annan kuda first date ku." Sakthi said causing the awkwardness in the air grow further as the engaged couple avoided eye contact.

(She obviously needs to put in effort since this is her first date with my brother.)

"Polama?" Shalini asked, not looking at anyone particularly.

(Can we go?)

Not waiting for an answer, she walked out of the door leading the gang towards the car. An oblivious Sakthi follower after her while Sivaangi nudged Ashwin. "Hi kuda solla matingala? Or at least compliment her!"

(You don't even say hi? )

"Compliment pannanumnu thonuchuna pannuven." Ashwin replied with a frown to which Sivaangi gasped loudly.

(I only compliment when I feel like it.)

"Avaluku yenna korachal? Yen compliment panna thonala?"

(What's wrong with her? Why don't you feel like it?)

"Chumma pannanumnu panna mudiyathu, thonanum. I never say things for the sake of saying it."

(I can't just compliment her for the sake of it.)

Sivaangi rolled her eyes, giving up. "Ungaluku lam straight ah 60-am kalyanam thaan." With that she got inside the front passenger seat while Sakthi was already in front of the steering wheel.

(You won't be getting married anytime soon if you keep talking like this.)

The engaged couple settled at the back in complete silence. A few minutes later, unable to bear with the silence any longer Ashwin tried to start a conversation.

"Are you a fan too of this actor? Avangaluku romba pudikumnu sonnanga."

(They said they like him a lot.)

As usual Shalini replied short. "No he's not really my type."

Ashwin nodded before shooting another question. "So what's your type?"

Shalini was taken aback, not expecting such a question to be asked so directly. She thought for a while before answering. "Someone who's dark and tall, curly haired, outgoing, expressive, fun to talk to, adventurous and can sing well."

That was the longest answer Shalini had ever given to him and it was very detailed too. With a forced smile, he nodded and turned his gaze to his phone.

"Dei Sakthi indha kodumayana conversation ah yennala keka mudiyala, music on pandren." Sivaangi quietly said turning on the music in the car, hoping it will filter out all the awkwardness hanging in the air.

(This painful is conversation is unbearable to listen to, let me turn on the music.)

...

"Personality ah vidu, at least physical traits ah konjam pathu sollirkalam. Dark? Curly hair? Really?" Sivaangi questioned her sister who simply leaned against the car while waiting for the brothers to come with the tickets.

(Forget about the personality, you could have at least tried to do something about the physical traits.)

"Yennoda type thana ketaru, adhaan sonnen. Just because we're gonna get married doesn't mean suddenly I need to change my type." Shalini responded coolly.

(He's the one who asked for my type, so I told him.)

Sivaangi rolled her eyes. "Well you made him feel bad, avaru mugam oru madhri mariduchu."

(His face literally changed.)

Shalini shrugged and murmured. "Adhuku naa yenna panradhu."

(What am I supposed to do for that?)

Sometimes Sivaangi just hates how her sister can be so snarky and nasty. Especially towards people who don't even deserve it. While it's true that Ashwin hasn't been the sweetest fiancé out there, at least he didn't say or do anything deliberately to hurt Shalini.

But what Shalini did back in the car, Sivaangi knows she wasn't simply answering his question. She was making a point. A very clear point that her ideal type is anything that Ashwin is not.

Sivaangi really wondered how these two people are going to make this marriage work because at the moment she can't spot any ways for them to connect and merge. It they can't even lead a decent conversation together, how on earth are they gonna lead their lives together?

Suddenly her train of thoughts were interrupted by Shalini who grabbed her arm. Shocked she turned to face her only to find tears filling up her eyes. "Yenna aachu Shalini?"

(What happened Shalini?)

"Mark...Mark ku accident aaiduchu." She cried.

(Mark got into an accident.)

Confusion was written all over Sivaangi's face when she heard the familiar name but she couldn't wrap her head around it. "Mark?"

Shalini nodded, crying harder. "Naa ponum, ippovey ponum."

(I need to go, I need to go right now.)

And then it hit her. Mark Zacharias. Shalini's ex boyfriend that she had been together with for 2 years. The man she broke up with just 3 months before she got engaged to Ashwin Kumar.

Sivaangi turned to her with panic. "Ippo yepdi poga mudiyum? You're on your first date with Ash-"

(How can you go now?)

"I don't care! Purinjiko Sivaangi, naa poganum. Please, nee thaan avangalta sollanum. Naa poyi pathutu vandhurven. Please help pannu di." At this point Shalini was sobbing already.

(Please try to understand Sivaangi! I need to go. Please talk to him for me. Please help me.)

Right then the brothers came over with the movie tickets. "Indha time show ku tickets kedaikala but 2 hours kalichu oru show iruku, adhuku thaan ticket vangirkom. Adhu varaikum we can just hang around- Anni yennachu?!"

(We only managed to get tickets for the show that will start 2 hours later, till then let's just hang around here-What happened?)

Only after Sakthi pointed it out, Ashwin turned to find his fiancé in tears. He immediately turned to Sivaangi and raised his eyebrows, hoping she'll respond.

Swallowing, she slowly said. "Shalini oda oru friend ku accident aagiduchu, adhaan ava ponumnu-"

(Shalini's friend got into an accident, she wants to go-)

"Seri vaanga appo odaney polam." Ashwin immediately said and was about to open the car door but Sivaangi stopped him.

(Okay let's go immediately.)

"Illa she wants to go on her own, yellarum pona seri varadhu." Sivaangi explained. Ashwin turned to Shalini who completely avoided his eye contact while still crying.

(No she wants to go on her own, it won't be right for everyone to go at once.)

"Seri okay namma at least poyi drop pannitu velila wait panlam." Ashwin suggested.

(Okay then let's at least give her a ride to the hospital.)

Shalini was quick to refuse. "Illa vendam, you guys please carry on. Naa cab la poiduven."

(No that's alright, I'll take a cab.)

Ashwin nodded slowly. "Sure?"

"Yes."

"Naa mattum varava?" Sivaangi asked though she knows the answer already.

(You want me to at least come along?)

Shalini shook her head. "Illa vendam, you be with them. Naa poitu vandhurven."

(No need, you stay with them. I'll be back.)

Then Shalini turned to Ashwin with pleading eyes. "Yenga veetuku idhu theriya vendam, they won't be pleased. Neenga inga hang out pannunga, naa pathutu I'll meet you all here again then we can go home together so namma onna poitu vandha madhri eh irukatum. Please."

"Okay, no problem." Ashwin said in a heartbeat before she walked away leaving the trio behind to spend the evening by themselves.

~~~•••~~~

A little surprise for all of you, the next chapter is updated too. It's a double update so enjoyyy🥰🥰🥰