16

***

Shivaangi walked in followed by Sam. Some knew him personally, while others were only vaguely familiar. Nevertheless, everyone welcomed him. It was Pugazh who walked to him for a brotherly hug.

"Inga epdi?" Pugazh asked

(How come you are here?)

"Oru event ku poren. Adhu dan pora valila unga ellathyum paathutu polam nu vanden."

(I am on the way to an event. Thought of dropping by to meet you all)

"Super. Sapadraya?"

(Great! wanna join for lunch?)

"Illa na. Saaptuten. Kelambanum."

(No, I had mine. Got to leave soon.)

"Adukullaya? Konja neram irundittu po."

(Why so soon? Stay for a while)

Sam turned to look at Shivangi unsure if it was okay for him to stay.

"Event eppo?" she asked

(When is the event?)

"Nalaiku."

(Tomorrow)

"Aprom enna. Oru rendu manneram irundhutu kelambu. Cricket aada porom." Pugazh insisted.

(Stay for couple of hours. We are planning to play cricket)

Ashwin was a silent spectator of the interaction though their conversation wasn't audible to him. He knew about their friendship only through the edits of them circling around social media. Shivangi spoke about him in recent interview as well, but Sam was never part of any of their conversation before. However, if Shivangi says he is just a friend, then Ashwin was going to believe it no matter what anyone else say.

A pat on his shoulder bought him back from his thoughts. Rakshan sat beside Ashwin.

"Machan, enaku terinja varaikum avanga friends dan da. Summa Priyanka-vum MaKaPa vum dan ootitu irupanga."

(Dude, I am pretty sure they are only friends)

"Che... Tappa naan onnum yosikala da. Oru 5, 6 masama dan enaku Shivangi ah teriyum aanalum naan nalla dan purinju vechiruken avala."

(I know. I have known Shivangi only for around 6 months, but I understand her pretty well)

"Nee eppo partner ipdi Romeo aana?" Sharath' voice startled both Ashwin and Rakshan

(Partner, when did you become such a lover boy?)

"Enna Partner solra?" Ashwin pretended to not understand what he meant.

(What do you mean?)

"Ashaangi fan club president kittaye maraikara paathiya."

(I am ashaangi fan club president. You can't hide it from me.)

"President ah?" Rakshan asked

(President?)

"Pinna? Ivanga fans ellam enna mootha member ah ethukittanga."

(yes, their fans have accepted me as their honorary member)

"Maraikaradhula ellam naan waste partner. Ovvaru video-layum naan avala pakaradhu pesaradhu ellam epdi akku vera aani vera fans decode panni enna tag pandranga teriyuma? Enake siladha paaka vekkama iruku."

(I am bad at hiding. Fans over analyse old videos and pick moments I am looking at her or talking to her. Its so embaressing.)

"Naanum sila edits paathen." Rakshan said. "Adhu epdi da ivlo sight adichum, kadala potum velaila kanna irunda?"

(I watched few edits too. How come you were flirting all the time still managed to ace cooking?)

Sharath answered before Ashwin could, "Adhu dan avaru aalu solluvangale, 'he is a talented man. Ashwin the Baahubali'."

(Like Shivangi says 'he is a talented man, Mr.Baahubali'_)

All three cracked into laughter with Ashwin murmuring, "Summa irunga da."

(Shut up)

Baba master appointed himself as the captain of one team while playing cricket, while Ashwin was reluctantly made captain of the other. When it was time to choose players for the team, Master was quick to pick Shivangi.

"En ponnu en team la da Ashwin. Nee epdi jeikara nu naan paakaren." He teased

(My doll will be in my team, Ashwin. Let me see how you win)

"Master enaku velayadave teriyadhu. Enna vechu epdi jeipeenga?" Shivangi asked master making a face.

(Master, I don't know how to play. How will you win)

"Adellam oru strategy chellam unaku puriyadhu. Nee opposite team la irundha andha body tadumarum." Master waved his finger at Ashwin.

(It is a strategy. If you are in opposite team someone there will be at disadvantage)

"Aiyoo!" Ashwin blushed. "Apdi ellam illa Master..." he was saying but Kani interrupted him.

(That is not true...)

"Yenga, andha ponna vechu enga captain ah distract panna paakararu ivaru." She complained to no one in particular.

(He is trying to distract our captain using that girl)

Bala came between both the teams. "Niruthunga. Idhu enna bat ah vechu pandhu adikara vilayata illa ponna vechu Ashwin ah madikara velayata?"

(Joke: cant translate)

The whole group broke into uncontrollable laughter. Ashwin was secretly happy that the teasing shifted from them.

It was decided that Ashwin will bowl the first over, so master asked Shivangi to stand in the strike.

"Sutham" Sharath mumbled. "Avar aalu nalla aada sir ippo ball ah uruti viduvaru parunga."

(Now he is going to bowl easy for her)

"Apdi ellam illa, paithiyame." Ashwin said offended

(Shut up, dude)

"Apdi illaya?" He heard Shivangi's voice from other end. Ashwin looked at her confused. "Appo enaku adika kashtama ball poduveengala?" she narrowed her eyes at him

(No? Will you bowl tough for me?)

"Ippo idhuku naan enna solradhu." Ashwin mumbled helplessly

(What do I say now?)

Much to Baba Master's pleasure, Ashwin bowled in the pace that one uses only for a toddler making Shivangi even hit a six in one of the six balls.

"Nalla seira da nee." Rakshan complained snatching the ball from Ashwin for next over and sending him for wicket keeping.

(You are whipped)

Shivangi smiled with a mix of happiness and blush at Ashwin seeing him walking towards her.

"Enakaga dana slow va ball poteenga?" she asked him teasingly

(Did you bowl slow for my sake?)

"Apdi ellam illa ma." That answer with his blush looked clearly like a lie.

(no)

"Naanum ungaluku help panren." She said

(I will also help you)

"Epdi?"

(how)

"Naan unga catch edhadhu vanda miss pannidren." She said sincerely

(I will drop your catches)

"Oh! Illati nee miss panama catch pudichiruvaya?" he teased

(Oh! Otherwise are you good at fileding?) 

"Ei! Ashwineeyy..."

Baba Master shouted from the other side. "Koduma da ivangloda. Set la dan eppo paathalum pesikitte irukanga nu paatha, inga vandhum ipdi dan. Poda ne poi wicket keeping nillu." He commanded in fake anger.

(Stop fliting you both and concentrate on match)

Pugazh and Sam stood at a distance looking at their team bating first. Both were in deep thoughts of their own. Their thoughts and concern were different albeit it was about same duo.

"Eppavum ipdi dana?" Sam asked

(Is it alwasy like this?)

"Yedhu?" Pugazh asked

(Say what?)

"Illa set la kooda ipdi dan sirichitu pesite irupangala" he added. "Ellathayum dan kekuren."

(Is it laughs and smiles in sets also? With everyone?)

Pugazh was too intelligent to not know the hidden meaning behind the question.

"Sila neram sila petha paakum bodhu romaba varusham palagana maari set aagidum. Adhu namba kaila illa. " Pugazh said. "Inga set la ellarukum apdi dan." Sam looked at Pugazh. "Pudhusa vandavanga manasula periya edatha pudikaradhu nadakum dan. Adhukaga modhala irundavangala tooki potutu adhu nadakadhu. Manasu perusu. Ellathukum edam irukum. Namba mattum dan oruthar manasula irukanum nu nenaikaradhu tappu." Pugazh noticed how Sam's face shrunk at his intended comment, so he added humorously, "Ippo naan illa. Ramya, Pavi, Darsha ellarukum manasaula idam iruku. Nalaike pudhusa yaaradhu vandalum idam irukum." Sam laughed at the comment, but it didn't reach his eyes.

(Sometimes it takes only few days to gel with a person. That is how it was with everyone here. It doesn't mean new people take place of people we already know. Everyone can have place in heart. ) (I have place for many more women in my heart for many seasons)

"Odu chellam, naan strike ku poren." Baba master encouraged and so Shivangi increased her speed between the wickets.

(Run fast)

Unfortunate for her, her leg slipped and she fell down with a loud yelp. Every single member present panicked as they saw the angel of their in pain.

Pugazh pushed aside everyone as he knelt beside her.

"Loose-u papa. Paathu oda maata." He scolded good natured. To see her in tears broke his heart.

(Silly girl! Why werent you careful)

"Shivangi, nee okay va? Indha tanni kudi." Sam offered

(Are you okay? Drink some water)

"Kaal asaika mudiyudha?" Shakila asked concerned.

(Are you able to move your leg?)

Shivangi tried to move her leg, but the torn flesh in her ankle bone made it difficult. She winced in pain.

"In house doctor irukanga." Pavithra suggested.

(Take her to in house doctor)

"Nadaka mudiyuma?" Kani asked

(Can you walk?)

"Naan tookuta?" Pugazh asked

(Shall I lift you?)

"Naan nadaka try panren." Shivangi said and tried to lift her legs, but overcome by pain she grimaced loudly. In between her mumbles of 'Ohhs', 'Aahs' and 'Amma' was heard a low mumble of "Valikudhu, Ashwin."

(I will try o walk.)

(It is paining, Ashwin)

Only hearing the name Pugazh shifted his concentration from his leg to her. He knew everyone was surrounding Shivangi with concern for her well being, he assumed Ashwin must be at the back as usual as he didn't hear his voice amidst all the murmurs and advices. Now, looking up his sister, Pugazh realized she was cradled in Ashwin's arms like a baby.

Ashwin's one arm was around her shoulder. Shivangi was leaning on him, her face pressed against his chest as she tried to control her wince. Her both hands were clasping Ashwin's free hand clutching it to the point of bruising it while she was trying to resist the pain.

Ashwin's voice was not louder among the lot, but Pugazh could see that he was mumbling something inaudible to Shivangi's. Perhaps, words of consolation. Seemed like his words were the only ones Shivangi was paying attention to because she responded in same low voice to him.

Ashwin looked distraught. His lips were pressed together in worry and his whole body shivered with the sight of her hurt. However, he knew he has to be the stronger and calmer one here if he has to take care of her in peace.

Pugazh saw Shivangi nod her head in vehement no for something Ashwin said. Again Ashwin leaned closer to her and whispered something in her ear. He lifted his right hand that was still between her hands and took it closer to his heart.

"Okay va?" he wanted confirmation for what he must have asked her in private.

She nodded a reluctant yes after which Ashwin entangled himself from her and lifted her in his arms. Wordless he walked towards the way that lead to in-house doctor.

Pugazh looked around where all concerned voices silenced once they realized that the injured person had ears for only one person. Everyone witnessed the silence exchanges, but no one commented on it. They all loved both of them too much to speculate about them behind their back.

They decided to disperse until they hear updates on Shivangi's health. Only Pugazh and Sam decided to the follow them to the doctor's room.

By the time Pugazh and Sam reached where Shivangi was she was already being treated by the nurse on duty, while Ashwin stood outside the room.

"Chinna adi dan, machan." He updated them as soon as both the men stood in front of Ashwin. "Konjam bayandhuta."

(Nothing serious. She is scared) 

"Doctor enna sonnanga?"

(What did the doctor say?)

"Nurse dan irundanga. Dressing panranga."

(Nurse is doing her dressing)

Ashwin's eyes for a minute shifted to the other man he has never had a conversation with before, but could clearly see was as much concerned for Shivangi as him.

Ashwin decided to put him out of his misery. "Nalla dan iruka." He said meeting Sam's eyes. "Pain killer prescribe panren nu sonnanga. Konjam rest edutha seriya poidum."

(She is fine. They will prescribe pain killers. She needs to rest)

Sam, for a minute, didn't know how to react to being addressed directly. He only nodded unsure.

"Dressing mudinjadhum nee poi paaru." Ashwin said only to receive another vague nod.

(You can see her once they are done with dressing) 

Ashwin turned back his attention to Pugazh. "Machan, naan poi avaluku juice order pannitu varen. Nee paathuko."

(I will go get something for her to drink)

"Seri, mapila."

(Okay)

Ashwin narrowed his eyes at Pugazh. This is the first time he is addressing Ashwin 'maapila' every since he learned about Ashwin's interest on Shivangi in the morning. Was it Pugazh's way of giving him a nod?

Deciding not to dwell on it much, Ashwin excused himself.

"Papa epdi iruka?" Pugazh asked as soon as entering the room.

(Are you okay?)

"Okay anna. Ippo vali ellam kammi aaiduchu." She said. "Pain killer kuduthanga."

(I am good. I had pain killers)

"Ethana vaati naan gavanama iruka solli iruken." Sam chided. "Romba clumsy nee Shivangi."

(You got to be careful. You are always clumsy) 

"Dei Sam, idellam arasiyal la sagajam." She grinned

(It happens, Sam)

Both the men were not in mood for joke as they really were worried seeing the white bandage around her ankle.

"Avar enga?" she asked

(Where is he?)

"Evar enga?" Sam snapped

(Who?)

Shivangi narrowed her eyes at his tone. Pugazh however was in no mood for drama. He said, "Maapila, unaku juice vaanga poi irukan. Vandiduvan. Naan unna room ku kootitu pota?"

(He has gone to get something for you. Shall  I take you to your room?)

"Illa anna. Oru two hours inga observation la iruka sonnanga. Pain killer effect terinjuka."

(No. I have to be here for two more hours)

"Appo naan kooda irukata?"

(Let me stay with you)

"Ashwin kooda iruken nu sonnaru."

(Ashwin will stay with me)

"Parava illa, naangalum irukom." Sam said

(It is okay. We will also stay)

"Oruthar dan irukalam."

(Only one can stay)

Pugazh spoke first. "Seri, naanga porom. Edhadhu venumna call pannu, okay va?"

(Okay, we will leave. Call me if you need anything)

Shivangi nodded and waved as Pugazh left dragging Sam behind him.

"Enga poneenga?" Shivangi asked as soon as Ashwin entered the room with a tall glass of pomegranate juice.

(Where did you go?)

"Juice vaanga." He replied

(To get you juice)

"Juice vaanga va illa selfie edukava?"

(To get me juice of take selfie)

Ashwin raised his eyebrows in surprise. How did she know he clicked a selfie with the nurse? Was the corridor visible from her place? It was just a fan selfie request he obliged because the nurse treated Shivangi well.

"Fan nu sonnanga." He reasoned as he handed her the juice.

(She is a fan)

"Enga ponalum epdi dan ponnunga unga kooda selfie eduthupangala?"

(Do all women get impatient to get photo clicked with you?)

"Hmm...Modala konjam per dan recognize pannanga. Ippo neraya peruku teriyudhu."

(Only few used to recognize me before, but now many recognize me)

"Ipdi ella ponnungalum selfie keta unga girlfriend ku kovam varalaya?"

(If women go crazy over you, won't your girfreind be affected?)

"Endha girlfriend ku?" he asked

(My girfriend?) 

"Yaaradhu girlfriend irundirupangale ivlo varushathula."

(You would have one at some point right?)

"Adellam illa."

(No)

"Oor la kooda illaya?"

(Not even back home?)

"Engayum illa."

(No)

Shivangi lifted her eyebrows disbelieving. "Nambara maariye illa."

(I can't believe you)

"Yen?"

(Why?)

"Neenga ivlo super ah irukeenga, epdi girlfriend illa?"

(You are so goodlooking. How come you are single?)

"Aama naan onnu kekuta?"

(Shall I ask you something?)

Shivangi hummed her answer.

"Nee enna modhala eppo paatha?"

(When did you first see me?)

"Set la dan."

(In our set only)

"Adhu nerla paathadhu. Vera edhadhu albums, short films?"

(Not in person, otherwise. Ads? Short films?)

"Ohhh" she said. "Short films, advertisement la paathiruken ae."

(Yes I have seen your works)

"Appo nee enna paathu enna nenacha?" he asked curiously. It has been in the back of his mind always. The very first episode she told him and rest of the world through TV that she liked him. Ashwin was curious to know if she had seen him before the show.

(Wht did you think of me then?)

Shivangi shrugged. "Onnum nenaikala."

(Nothing)

"Appo epdi show la paatha oru vaatilaye impress aaita?"

(Were you impressed on first sight when we met on the sets?)

Shivangi's smile widened and blush crept up her cheeks. She nodded her head, clasped her hands together and twisted in place like she always does in shows or interviews when asked about 'Kulu kulu'.

"Adhu apdi dan, oru feeling."

(Yes, its a different feelinhg)

"Enna feeling?" he tried his luck

(What kind of feeling?)

"Adhu oru girl instinct. Pasangaluku puriyadhu."

(Its girl's insticnt you won't get it)

Ashwin nodded unconvinced. What more can he say after she uses the gender card?

"Neenga enna munnadi paathirukeengala?"

(Have you seen me before the show?)

"Season one la paathen."

(Yes, in season one)

"Neenga enna nenacheenga?"

(What did you think of me?)

"Edho chinna ponnu kashtapattu comedy panna try pandra nu nenachen."

(Pitied a young girl who was trying her hand at silly jokes)

"Appo en comedy ku ellam neenga sirikalaya?" she asked offended

(Didn't you enjoy my jokes?)

"Azhaga panna ma."

(You were good)

"Ponga." She clicked her tongue. "Enaku teriyum naan season one la comedy piece maari irupen. Super singer layum dan. Neenga ellam enna tirumbi kooda paathu iruka maatinga."

(I know I was so silly in season one. Even in Super singer. You wouldn't have looked at me twice)

Ashwin noticed how her voice became dull when she said that. He has noticed in her interviews that in spite of all the bindass rowdy personality she tries to maintain, she is a young girl inside, with her own insecurities.

"Correct dan. Nann tirumbi paathu iruka maaten. Avlo dairiyam illa."

(I wouldnt have. I would have been so brave.)

Shivangi frowned.

"Enna solreenga?"

(What do you mean?)

Ashwin sighed deeply before taking her hand in his. "Oru unmaya solluta Shivangi ma?"

(Let me confess something)

She nodded her head.

"Nee enaku rose kudutha anniku, andha nimisham edho oru pudhu energy apdiye body ku vanda maari irunduchu. Enaku teriyum adhu oru show nu, nee ennaveeda romba chinna ponnu nu, analaum ennaye ariyama unna paathute irunden. Ellarum unkooda enna sethi kindal pannumbodhu enaku guilty ah irukum, yena enaku mattum dan teriyum adhu ellam unmai nu. Naan talli talli ponadhu pudikama illa, engada en manasula irukardhu unaku terinjidumo nu. Nee enga irundalum naan unna paathute irupen. Unnoda ovvoru chinna chinna vishayangalum enaku avlo pidikum. Nee en kitta oodi oodi varumbodhu avlo santhoshama irukum. Ivlo naal career nala naan ponnungala paakala nu sonnadhu poi. En manasu tedra ponnu enaku kedaikala, naan unna paakara varaikum. Nee season one la epdi irundha, super singer la epdi irunda nu enaku teriyadhu, aana eppa unna paathirundalum naan appove vilundirupen adhu mattum nichayam. Yena unmayale idhu kadavul setting dan."

(The day you gave me the rose, I felt something in me shift. I know it was a show, you were younger than me, yet I wasn't able to stop myself. When everyone used to tease us I was so guilty as everything they said was true. I was always looking at you. I avoided you as I didn't want you to know how I felt. Doesn't matter when I have seen you, in season one or super singer, I am bound to fall for you. It is destined.)

Shivangi looked at him in awe. She didn't know he can be this expressive in his thoughts. She always thought he was being quiet because he didn't have anything to say. She didn't realize he was holding back so much emotions inside him.

"Manasula iruku nu soneenga, aana ivlo iruku nu sollave illaye."

(When you told me you had feelings, I didn't know it was so intense)

Ashwin chuckled. This was not even half of how intensely he felt about her.

"Mulusa en manasula irukaradha sonna nee bayandiruva ma."

(If you know my desires fully, you will be scared.)

Ashwin looked at her with a small smile. He didn't think out of all the places this is where he will tell her about his feelings, but it indeed felt better to confess completely.

"Neenga ivlo sonnadhuku aprom naan idha solradhu epdi irukum nu teriyala." She started. "Aana enaku..."

(I am not sure if I can say this after what you just confessed, but..)

"Shivangi"

They both turned to find Sam standing beside the door. His eyes flicked to their entwined hands before he met Shivangi with determination.

"Naan kelambaradhuku munnadi unkitta oru vishayam sollanum." He said

(I want to say something to you before I leave)

"Enna?"

(What is it?)

"Taniya."

(Want to speak alone)

Before Shivangi could say anything, Ashwin loosened his grip on her and stood up.

"Naan poi nurse kitta ne kelambalama nu ketutu varen." He said before leaving the room.

(Let me check with the nurse if I can take you to your room.)

***

How did you like this chapter?

You will get possessive Ashwin, but not because of Sam. I think Ashwin is mature enough to understand friendship.

I guess, Pugazh has accepted mapilai though not in so many words.

I have a wonderful kulu kulu idea for this one, can't wait for Shivangi to realize her feelings so that I can type that update.