Pugazh and Mithra were at the resort, getting everything set up for their Sangeeth function which was happening the following evening. Though there have been a lot of meetups and reunions post CWC2, not everyone on the team could make it due to schedules and commitments.

Having changed each one's life, the show not only was a life changing experience but also gave each one a family that they can depend on and Mithra became a part of it when she got into a serious relationship with Pugazh.

Despite knowing the kind of bond this family shared, the depth of it was astounding to her. It was so much more than she ever imagined. From being alone all her life to becoming a part of this huge family that showered her with immense love was nothing less than a dream come true.

Both Pugazh and Mithra wanted their marriage to be an occasion to celebrate this family that was not connected by blood but by hearts with unconditional love. What is better than to have the presence and blessings of the people that gave her a sense of family after 25 years?

Out of all the people, they were closest to Sivaangi. She was an integral part of their life and more like their first kid. Regardless of her huge growth and success, Pugazh always knew that she wasn't happy. Did she really think that he of all people would not notice if she buried herself with work to conceal her pain? What was so personal that she couldn't share it with him?

A million other questions with no answers kept him company every day. But he trusted that she would have a strong reason and that she will someday open up. He had no choice but to be a mute spectator and wait for the day to come.

The day his marriage with Mithra was confirmed was the first time he saw her jump around in happiness like old times. He still vividly remembered her hugging him so tight and a few drops of tears rolling down her cheeks once she heard the news.

"Intimate ah close people matum kooptu edachu oru resort la dreamy ah pannanum anney.", she said.

"Nee solta la thangachi... adhu madriye panlam", he confirmed in a heartbeat.

Looking at the setup around him, his eyes welled up. All he wanted was to atleast have the luxury of fulfilling a few of her wishes if not all, by making sure everything about his marriage was exactly what Sivaangi wanted.

Mithra: Enna yosikreenga?

Pugazh: Idulam paatha ava happy ah irupaa la?

Mithra: Kandippa happy ah irupa.

Pugazh: Avaluku oru surprise um vechurken.

Mithra: Enna surprise?

Pugazh: Nalaiku paathu therinjuko. Nee avalta olariduva.

That was true. Over the last year, Mithra was closer to Sivaangi than Pugazh and there was every possibility that she would spoil his surprise.

***

At Ani's home studio, the recording was almost done. It was a fun intimate song and would easily be the next "Kaadhal sadu gudugudu". Her husky tone and her sexy modulations were making the song more romantic than the lyrics by itself. Even after recording with her for atleast 15 songs, she always managed to surprise him with something new, exciting and fresh. This song was no exception.

His emotions were all over the place. Her smile with a shine in her eyes and happiness in her voice, aroused a feeling that was completely uncharted. There was a line between them that he always managed to maintain and at this moment it was non-existent. The racing heartbeat witnessed the torment his mind was under. He was literally floored.

There she stood, across the glass wall that separated them, oblivious of the man who was still dumbfounded by the way she rendered the song until she was done with her portion to ask him if the take was ok.

She found him frozen with a smile and walked out of the recording room as his reaction was evident on his face. He came back to reality when he heard her open the glass door and cursed himself for acting like a teenage boy in love.

Sivaangi: Take ok va?

Ani MV: Yaaruku theriyum... first line laye flat aitene...

Sivaangi: Ani... enna yosikra?

Ani: Play panren... sendhu kepom.

He played the final part she just recorded, and a happy smile spread across her face.

Ani: You sound like a dream as always. Perfect.

Sivaangi: The tune is so good. It's all you.

Ani: It was your idea. You know me so well. I don't know what I would do without you.

Sivaangi: You will never have to find that out.

Her casual statement created a havoc in him. Was she so unaware of all the things she makes him feel?

Ani just smiled without knowing what else to do.

He mixed their portions with the beats and instruments in the next hour and the final out was classier and more addictive than before.

Sivaangi: This will be a trend setter. Just wait and watch. It's going to be a youth anthem.

She was beaming with pride. Ani was a Rockstar and there was no doubt about it. But, this song brought out a very different emotion in his voice which she completely unheard.

Ani: Nee sonna kandippa nadakum. No doubts.

Sivaangi: Enaku oru idea... because this is actually a couple love song, why don't you try to make this a full-fledged music video?

Ani: Nalla idea but we don't have much time. And last minute la yara vechu panradu?

Sivaangi: Vicky ta kelu. You both can definitely pull it off.

Ani: Nee nambra madri naa kooda enna namba maten.

Sivaangi: Don't worry. I will keep reiterating. Ippo enaku rombha pasikudhu.

That's when he realized that it was 5 in the evening. Time flies when I am with her he thought to himself.

Ani: Sorry Sivu. Epdi time pochu ne therla.

Sivaangi: Eduku sorry lam? Enakum paadi mudikra varaikum pasiye therla. Ippo polam.

She stood up and walked towards him to pull him up before taking his keys.

***

Ashwin finished the last sequence of the song and wrapped up his exhausting day. He never shied away from dance numbers even if it took him days of practice and rehearsals to perfect the steps before shooting it. All he wanted was to do quality projects and never cared what he has to endure to get that done. That was one major reason why his movies and projects never failed to make a mark and why he was celebrated not only by his fans but also by everyone he worked with.

He walked back to his caravan where Rakshan was eagerly waiting for join him. The entire CWC family was taking a week off from all of their schedules for Pugazh's marriage. After months of planning and endless conversations, it was Rakshan who convinced Ashwin to take the time off. Inspite of all the excuses Ashwin had tried, he gave up when his friend mentioned the promise, the one he had made years ago during the show to choose this family over anything else.

A lot had happened since then. Now, he was more than glad that his friend managed to change his mind and beyond excited for the week ahead. One full week with her.

Her "maybe" was still lingering fresh on his mind and a shy smile filled his face at the thought of being with her which made his heart race out of control.

How did he manage to survive without her presence in his life for three long years? He had no clue.

Rakshan: Enna da mapla vacation ku ready ah?!

He kept his overwhelming eagerness consciously under check before responding, to avoid any suspicion.

Ashwin: Macha adhu Vacation Illa. Pugazh oda marriage.

Rakshan: Deii mokka podadha. Thanga mudila.

Ashwin: Ready aga Enna iruku?

Rakshan: Rombha nal apram namma elarum sendhu iruka porom. Enaku Vera level feel ah iruku. Oru nal Illa one week. Unaku apdi illa?

The more Rakshan talked about it, the more his mind focused on a special someone who had thoroughly invaded his mind and heart in the last couple of days.

What was she doing to him? Why could he not think of anything else but her? Was she also as impacted by their recent interactions just the way he is?

Rakshan: Mapla... Yaara meet panradula Ipdi oru sandosham?!

Ashwin: Dei Machan ...

Rakshan: Therinja answer dan ... aanalum un vaayala keta nala irukum.

The change in Ashwin after he had met with Sivaangi a couple of days ago was very much evident. But he had to get it out of his friend. What's the fun in letting it go?

Ashwin: Theriyum la... apo en kekra?

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Thoughts?

Sorry for the delay. It was an Adipoli weekend. I just don't have words to describe all the emotions I felt. All I can say is that I fell in love with them all over again. PROUD 😎