Ashwin just like anyone else, had his share of insecurities and flaws that made him very much human. Sivaangi's concern and care for Ani distressed him so deep that he could not keep it to himself. It wasn't because he was possessive, but because he was scared of losing her.

Sivaangi was astounded by his sudden candid yet serious question. The Ashwin she knew was anything but straightforward. Even the simplest of things were said in the most intricate way with words that were carefully chosen. This was most unexpected coming from him.

She could not gather what was on his mind, but she sensed that he was hurt. The glow and sparkle in his eyes were missing and so was his smile.

What bothered him? What did he want to know? Also, what would be the right thing to say?

She herself wasn't sure what her relationship with Ani was. It was not just friendship. It would be absurd to call him a friend. He was so much more. She felt safe, comfortable, pampered and completely free of all her flaws and insecurities when he was around. She was also confident that the these were mutual, and Ani trusted her with his life.

Complex and convoluted would be complete understatement.

Before she answered, she needed clarity as to why he was interested in knowing. She walked to sit next to him on the couch where they were leaned onto each other not so long ago.

Sivaangi: Ungalku en theriyanum?

(Why do you want to know?)

Ashwin: Therila ma.. I feel insecure.

(Not sure... I feel insecure.)

His words startled her. After all these years, did he really think it was possible for her to love anyone else?

Sivaangi: En apdi thonudhu?

(Why do you think so?)

Ashwin: Unna mothama tholachiruveno nu bayama iruku.

(I fear losing you completely)

His voice was breaking, and his eyes welled up. He quickly put his head down to pull back his tears.

Seeing him weak and vulnerable made her heart melt in an instant as always. Her first instinct was to comfort and console him.

She placed her hands on his, and felt the shiver vibrating through his body.

Sivaangi: Enna paarunga

(Look at me)

He hesitantly looked into her eyes.

Sivaangi: Tholacha onnu marubadiyum kedacha.. badhrama paathukardu unga kadama daane?

(Is it not your responsibility to keep the thing you got back after losing it once safe?)

Ashwin: Kedacha... Kandippa.

(If I do get it back, I will)

Sivaangi: Apo aduku enna pananumo adha pannunga.

(Then do what you have to do, to get it back)

Ashwin: Kedaikuma?

(Will I get it back?)

Sivaangi: Adhu unga kaila dan iruku. You don't have to worry about anyone else.

(That's on your efforts.)

There was something about hearing those words from her. It soothed his soul. Her clarity was astonishing. Beyond all of the pain, he saw her selfless love for him shine through.

Ashwin mentally slapped himself for putting her on the spot by probing into her relationship with Ani. Wasn't he one of those people who never believed in labels? Why did he behave like yet another possessive guy?

Ashwin: I am sorry.

Sivaangi: Apologies without desserts are strictly not accepted.

Her eyes were sparkling with mischief just like how it used to years ago. Her lips curved into a smile revealing her dimples and she slowly bit her lips to keep herself from grinning wide.

He involuntarily smiled back and that was all she wanted. To bring his smile back.

He looked at his mobile and it was exactly 12 AM. One roller – coaster of a day had ended, and it was just the start of a new one. With her there were no boring days he thought to himself.

Ashwin: Apo good that we are in my restaurant.

Sivaangi: I was just joking. Don't worry about it.

Ashwin: When do you ever joke about dessert? Simple answer. Never.

Sivaangi: Adhulam illa. It's too late to have dessert anyway.

(No. I was not serious)

He moved dangerously close making her way more sensitive than she has ever been. This version of him wasn't afraid to walk on the fine line between them but she, on the other hand, was breathless.

Ashwin: Nethu night ... don't you remember?

(Do you remember last night?)

His husky voice with sound of waves was making her dizzy. She was struggling to stay conscious while this hot man in front of her was nowhere close to done with tormenting her.

Sivaangi nodded mildly as she was too lost for words. Her flushed face was glowing like the moon in darkness.

Ashwin: Blueberry pie?

It was too soon to go back to cooking with him and it would be too much for her to handle right now.

Sivaangi: Illa. I will take ice cream.

(No. I will take ice cream)

It was safest option she could think of at the moment and he gathered that it might be too soon from the way she walked away so quick after.

***

A couple of hours and a few ice creams later, they were in front of her home.

The shy smile on her face was so captivating that he didn't quite realize that he was gawking at her until her mesmerizing voice broke him out of trance.

Sivaangi: Veedu vandhudchu..

(We have reached)

Ashwin: Ahhh.. Aama la.

(Oh ya)

This was the first time she witnessed him being openly distracted by her. She never thought this would ever happen and now she could not curb herself from blushing profusely.

Sivaangi: Na pogatuma?

(Shall I leave?)

She did not understand why she felt like asking before she left. It was something beyond her at this point. The culmination of events in the last few hours left her intoxicated.

He took her hands and intertwined his fingers with hers. He wasn't ready to let her go. He knew he had to, but he wasn't willing to.

Why couldn't he be with her? Why did he waste all those years that they could have been together?

Sivaangi: Ashwin... Coffee?

Did she just read his mind? He was confident that she did.

Ashwin: Thanks

They walked inside the apartment together after a really long time. He even vividly remembered the last time he came into her home with her. The Behindwoods awards. There were so many memories of that night that had kept him company on his most lonely nights.

Shrugging away those thoughts, he saw her trying to find her keys inside her handbag as usual. Sivaangi and Keys never worked.

Ashwin: Inuma nee key a safe vekka pazhagala?

He smirked at her.

Sivaangi: Rombha pesna Coffee cancel panniduven... ok va?

Ashwin: Enna ma Rowdy madhri meratra?

Sivaangi: Rowdy madri ah?

Ashwin: Rowdy dan... rowdy dan. Inga kudu na thedren.

Sivaangi: Hmm..

She handed over her handbag which was definitely not messy at all, for her.

Ashwin: Paravalla.. nijamave rombha neat ah dan iruku. Apo en ivlo kashta padre?

He put his hands in to search for the keys, but he wasn't able to. He started to look into the smaller pockets and froze when he found a bunch of movie tickets. All of them were first show tickets to his movies.

He quickly put them back before she noticed and held back his overflowing happiness from ruining the moment.

He continued to look for the keys and finally found it.

Ashwin: Indha ma keys...

Though he tried, he could not stop from ginning wide like a baby.

Sivaangi: Keys kedachudhuka ivlo happiness?

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Thoughts?