Even in the crappiest of her moods, food and music never failed to cheer and lift her mood up. Being a foodie that she has always been, food was therapeutic. For the first time in a very long time, even that fell short. The spread of exotic Italian vegetarian dishes that looked custom made for her would have made her jump with joy on any other day but none of it even looked barely appetizing at the moment.

Sipping her lemonade, she sat only inches away from him trying to act unaffected by the intense gaze of his. He did not care about the questions he would have to answer after for the way was gawking at her. With a sleeveless crop top that fit her perfect and a skirt that moved like a wave by the wind, she looked exquisite and could not take his eyes off of her. Perks of her not being 21 anymore he thought to himself.

Though Mithra had elaborated to Pugazh about her unexpected meeting with Ashwin and how Sivaangi had been off that whole day after the incident, seeing it in person gave him so much more perspective to what Mithra was ranting about. It was so unusual to watch the silence between them. Even when they had senseless fights, they would always be in each other's ears. 

He remembered Mithra's exact words, "Avangalkulla edo iruku. Atleast irundurku. Rendu perum rombha pesikala aana kanlaye neraya therinjuchu. Sogam, kovam, varutham, aekam elllame."

He had shrugged it off as it was not the first time Mithra thought that there was something more between Sivaangi and Ashwin than the duo let on.

Pugazh knew that they shared immense care and respect. During their show, it was Sivaangi who took the first step to make Ashwin comfortable with everyone on set and their bond like their fans was adored by the CWC family as well. He did not think there was anything more than a good friendship then. In fact, that was his belief until now. He could not stop pondering over what if his belief was completely misplaced.

Ashwin could not stand her silence. This wasn't the good kind they shared when they let their eyes speak. This was the bad kind which would only make things worse. He wanted to be alone with her. Waiting for the right moment might ruin things and he wasn't going to let that happen. Not after wasting three whole years that he could have spent with her.

Ashwin: Pugazh late aiduchu. Neenga kelambunga. Nalaiku Sangeeth function la meet panlam.

Pugazh: Aama Mapla. Time ponadhe therla. Sivaangi ah drop pantu ponum.

This twist in the story was something he did not expect that he probably should have.

Ashwin MV: Ava kooda thaniya irukanum nu dan da unna po solren. Ipdi sodhikaadha da.

Mithra understood Ashwin's reaction and smiled knowingly before jumping in to rescue her newest brother (may be in law in the future).

Mithra: Illa namakku inum konjam things vaangara vela iruku. Ashwin neenga drop pannunga.

Sivaangi glared at Mithra as she was well aware of what her sister-in-law was trying to accomplish. The Ashaangi fan in her was evident.

Pugazh looked at Mithra with a confused look as he was sure they had completed all preparations. She gestured to go with her story which he did.

Pugazh: Aama ma... marandhuten. Nee Ashwin kooda poriya?

Rakshan sensed the scene and decided it might be better to sit this one out. After all he would be the happiest if Ashwin and Sivaangi spent sometime each other. But would fate let him be?

Sivaangi: Na Rakshan anna kooda poren.

Rakshan: Illa ma. Konjam urgent work iruku.

Sivaangi: Apo driver vara solre.

Rakshan: En ma? Ivan inga vettiya dhaane irukan.

He pointed to Ashwin.

Sivaangi: Avar enna kootitu poren nu solala. Edachu work irukum.

That's when Ashwin realized that he hasn't offered to drop her.

Ashwin: Nee enkooda variya?

The effect his warm base tone had on her was inexplicable. She wished to not give a damn when he used that tone with her but her heart had other plans.

She nodded in silence.

***

Being with him used to be her most favorite thing to do. Past tense.

They were now seated in the couch that over looked the beach and her eyes fixated on the waves that crashed against the shore incessantly, trying to reach the destination which it never would. Just like her.

Ashwin: Enna paaka kooda pudiklaya?

He had revealed his vulnerable self to her so many times before and he did not hesitate to do that again. He trusted her to handle his gentle heart and soul with utmost care. Much better than him at most times.

Her eyes moved from the waves to look at him. She hadn't noticed how hot and sexy he looked in his casual black tee and grey trousers. His beard was trimmed the way she like it most, just enough to make his dimple shine through when he smiled. His lips were dry and his longing eyes were looking into hers, more like drowning into hers.

She took a deep breath to collect her mind that was now wandering in dangerous places. It wasn't that unusual for her to lose sight of everything on her mind just by looking at him. He had that effect on her. Her body was so sensitive to his mere looks that just the thought of his body close to hers sent chills down her spine.

"Weren't I just so mad and disappointed in him like two minutes ago? This man. God the crazy things my mind and body does when he is close makes me feel so stupid. Heart? That's a whole different story."

She was in no state to form meaningful sentences. His hair that moved with the wind and his hands that were crossed across his broad chest. She was gawking at him just the way he was, a while ago. Yes, she noticed all of it and secretly felt good about it too. She liked what she was seeing.

"Pudichirku" her mind voice was screaming at her.

She gathered her conscious and sensible self quickly before she said anything that she would regret.

Sivaangi: Paathaachu. Happy ah?

She managed to say without a hint of smile. The white top and blush skirt made her look angelic. Her curls which were now completely messed by the sea breeze made it sexier than before, if that was even possible.

Ashwin: Hey Rowdy, Enna kovam?

He left her startled with the nickname no one but him dared to use. Another "just us" thing between them. He knew exactly how to make her heart melt. Didn't he?

Sivaangi: Kovama? Illaye.

Ashwin: Un kannu enkita poi sollaadhu.

Sivaangi: Ungalta kova padra urima enaku illa.

She moved her eyes away to look the waves again. They seemed to calm her disturbed mind.

Ashwin moved to sit closer to her and she felt his warm breath on her neck. There was barely any space between them but he was very conscious to not let his body touch hers.

Ashwin: Sivaangi ma... na onnu Kekalaama?

She nodded without looking at him as she did not trust her fickle heart to be in control if she looked into his eyes for one more moment.

Ashwin: Unaku nijamaave andha pasta taste panna odana en nyabagam varlaya?

There was an unknown sense of comfort the minute she tasted the dish. She wasn't going to deny that. Just like a mother's food, it felt homemade and very familiar. However, for some reason it did not remind her of him. She could not put her finger on a specific reason but she just did not.

Should she lie to make him feel better? Can she ever convince herself to be anything but honest with him? It was always a Big No.

She cursed herself for being disappointed in him while she let him down as well. How did she not think of him? Wasn't it their dish? How did she not recognize the taste of his food?

Sivaangi: Familiar ah irundhuchu but No. Unga nyabagam varla. I could have lied to make you feel better, but I could never lie to you.

She saw the change in his emotions on his face. Though he tried to conceal the pain, there wasn't much he could do. 

Did she not remember the taste of his food? But then he remembered the detail. In the past, whenever he wasn't around to make the dish for her and had to ask someone else to use his recipe, all she would say is "Nothing comforts me the way the food you make for me does."

It eased his pain. The solace he found in memories like these that were etched in his heart was unmatched.

The faint smile that appeared on his face made her wonder.

Ashwin: Am happy that it did not remind you of me.

Sivaangi: What?

Ashwin: Sivaangi ma... Na panra dish kum... En recipe vechu vera oruthar andha dish panradhukum world of a difference iruku nu adikadi solirka. I always thought it was because you knew it wasn't me cooking. Today, even without knowing any detail, your heart still recognized I did not make the dish myself.

She would have never thought from that aspect. As always, he trusted in her even when she failed to do that herself.

Sivaangi: Epdi ipdi ungalaala yosikka mudiyudhu?

Ashwin: Idhu na yosikala. Feel panren. En manasula.

He placed his hands over his heart.

Sivaangi: Ennala ungala purinjuka mudila. Apovum seri. Ippovum seri.

She confessed how puzzled she felt around him. One minute he was the epitome of understanding, care and love. But the next minute he was gone leaving her alone at the rock bottom.

Ashwin: Apdinu un mind solludhu. Aana un manasuku enna nallave puriyum. Appovum seri... ippovum seri.

That was true. Her heart never wavered. Be it in his presence or absence, he was the only one in her heart. Even when she was drowning because of the love she had for him, her heart never stopped loving him. Love was indeed blind and stupid but also selfless and whole-hearted.

He held his hand out hoping that she would take it but what she did instead bowled him over. 

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Thoughts?

If you have not read my other story 'Miracle in the Making', do give it a try. 

If you do read it, the next update maybe slightly delayed because I am trying to organize all the different pieces to make it as interesting as possible. Please bear with me. Sorry for the delay.