18

"Dinner ku dana porom?" Shakila asked Shivangi from where she was sitting in the couch of the bedroom they were sharing

(We are going for dinner aren't we?)

"Aama mam." Shivangi answered looking at Shakila through the reflection of the mirror she was standing in front of.

(Yes)

"Inga, keela irukara restaurant ku dana?" Shakila confirmed

(To in house restaurant, right?)

"Aama. Yen kekareenga?"

(yes, why?)

"Illa, nee ennamo function ku pora maari ready aagura, adhu dan keten."

(Why are you dressed to nine?)

Immediately Shivangi's face heated up at the embarrassment she felt at being caught. Was it that obvious?

Well, how can it not be?

She herself proclaimed numerous times that she is a tomboy in the media. Now, when she is getting ready in a lavender chikankari kurti paired with white Patiala, her hair is pulled into neat French braid (Thanks to her Pavi akka), big rajasthani earings adored her ear (Thanks to her Kani akka) and a beautiful designed black bindi on her forehead along with bright khol and pink lipgloss, one is bound to be look at her strangely.

"Adhu, summa dan mam. Kani akka dan azhaga dress panni vidaren nu ellam senjanga." She lied

(Kani insisted I dress up)

"Edhu naana?"

(Me?)

Shivangi's eyes widened at the voice. When she turned to the right, she found the whole girl gang standing near the door.

"Naana ma unna ipdi ready aaga sonnen? Nee dana akka enaku azhaga kammal valayal ellam kudunga nu enna keta." Kani argued

(Did I ask you to dress up? You came to me asking me to give you beautiful jewellery)

"Unga kittayum ketala?" Pavi asked. "En kitta vandhum keta. Indian edhum illa nu sonnen. At least hairstyle panni vidunga nu padutheeta."

(Did she ask you as well? She asked me to do good hairstyle)

"Nee ipdi dress ellam pannika mataye." Mani looked at Shivangi suspiciously. "Ennamo tappa iruke?"

(You don't usually dress up. Something is fishy)

"Naan yen epdi dress panna kudadhu? Naan um ponnu dana."

(Why can't I dress up? Ain't I a woman?)

"Apdiya?" Mani teased. "Sonna dana teriyum."

(Are you?)

"Summa naan azhaga iruken nu ungaluku poramai." Shivangi made a brave face. "Naan poi ellarum ready ah nu paathutu varen."

(You are just jealous. Let me go check on everyone)

"Naanga ellarum dan inga irukome." Pavi said

(We are here already)

"Adhu, annan ready ah nu paaka poren." Shivangi reasoned

(I want to check on my brothers)

"Anna ready ah nu paka poraya illa nee azhaga iruka nu yaaruko kaata poraya?" Pavi who has always been keen observer of growing relationship between her once upon a time co-star and sweetheart of the sets said.

(You want to check on your brothers or flaunt your beauty to someone?)

"Apdi pogudha kada. Ida naan edir paakave illaye." Mani wondered aloud.

(Is that how it is?)

"Apdi ellam onnum illa." Shivangi managed to say, but her smile betrayed her words. Not wanting to be teased anymore, she left the place.

(Not at all)

"Indha ponnu tirumba tirumba avana suthi suthi poite iruka. Avan edhayum open ah sollave maatingarane." Shakila said worried as Ashwin has never expressed his intention towards Shivangi to anyone. "Edhadhu prachanai vara podhu. Avanga amma appa vera enna nambi dan anupirukanga."

(She is always behind him and he doesn't even acknowledge her. I am worried. Her parents sent her here on my assurance only.)

"Mam, apdi ellam illa. Ashwin romba nalla paiyan." Kani said. "Naan set la gavanichuruken. Avala avlo protective ah paathupan."

(Mam, he is a good lad. I have noticed how protective he is of her.)

"Ennamo ma, enaku endha kalathulayum indha pasangala puriyaradhe illa."

(Whatever. I never understand these men)

Shivangi for a change instead of skipping like her usual self, walked like a lady. She wondered if she should have bought her heels instead of bellies. It would have made this attire perfect.

"Ei, papa, enna idellam?" Pugazh who was climbing down the stairs asked looking at her dressed different.

(Hey, doll, what is with your clothes?)

"Nalla iruka annen?"

(Good?)

"Super! Apdiye ponnu mariye iruka, cute ah."

(Super, you look like a girl.)

"Annen naan ponnu dan."

(I am a girl)

"Aiyoo! Marandhuten ma sorry."

(Damn! I forgot about it)

Shivangi glared at him making Pugazh giggle more.

"Seri, va polam."

(Lets go)

"Illa, neenga ponga, naan vandhu...." she didn't know how to say it.

(You carry on, I want to...)

Pugazh however understood where she was going. "Naan poren, neenga seekiram vandhirunga."

(Okay. Both of you come down soon)

Shivangi smiled widely at her brother. Him using plural instead of singular is in itself is biggest acknowledgement and acceptance of her and Ashwin.

"Thanks annen." She smiled brightly.

(Thanks)

Pugazh patted her cheeks affectionately before he moved forward.

Shivangi encountered two more brothers before her destination.

"Tangameyy!!" Rakshan held his heart as he looked at her. "Enna oru azhaghu. En kanne pattudum polaye." He said dramatically.

(Dearest!! You look beautiful. )

Shivangi giggled as she stood in front of Rakshan and Sharath.

"Enna indha pakkam?" Sharath asked

(Why are you here?)

"Adhu...vandhu...ah Pugazh anna va paaka vanden." Shivangi lied

(I.. I wanted to meet Pugazh brother)

"Appo nee Pugazh ah valila paakala?" Rakshan lifted his eyebrows

(Didn't you meet him just now?)

Shivangi's eyes widened as her lie was caught. Both Sharath and Rakshan laughed making her pout.

"Annenn..." she whined melting their hearts.

(Brother...)

"Seri tangam Seri... Avan room la dan phone pesitu irukan. Nee po."

(Okay dearest, he is in his room talking over phone. Go)

Finally, Shivangi reached his room and found it unlocked. She entered and heard his voice. He was discussing something about dates, probably to his manager.

Shivangi tiptoed inside. He was facing his back to her. He was dressed in white full arm shirt and faded blue jeans.

Air pod was in ear and he was folding his old T-shirt into his duffel bag.

"Neenga ellam mail pannunga, naan night paathutu solren." He was telling over phone.

(Mail me everything. I will look into it)

Shivangi, with intent to scare him, bent her hands like claws and was about to hit him from behind, when she heard him say, "Hey rowdy."

Shivangi's eyes and mouth widened in surprise and he chose the moment to turn around taking off the airpod from his ear.

"Epdi terinjudhu?" she asked

(How did you know?)

Ashwin teasingly whacked her head, "Ennaku munnadi dan kannadi iruke. Naan appave paathuten."

(There is a mirror in front of me. I noticed as soon as you entered)

"Achoo" Shivangi held her head. "Mandaila irunda kondaya marandhuten."

(Oops)

"Mela edhuku vandha?" he asked

(Why did you come here?)

Shivangi looked at him amazed as if he just questioned her why earth was not a square. She placed her hands on her hip and glared at him.

"Naan ungalukaga ivlo kashtapattu azhaga ready aagi ellathoda teasing um taangitu paaka vandha, edhuku vanda nu kekareenga. Neenga enna aalu?" she said in defeated tone

(I took pains to dress up for you, endured all teasing and you ask me this. What are you?)

"Un aalu dana." He said smirking

(I am yours)

Shivangi's lips formed a smile hearing him admit it openly, but she tried to control it and maintain a stern face.

"Ponga, naan keela poren." She turned back when he held her hand and pulled her closer to him.

(I am gonna leave)

"Kaal valiyoda edhuku steps eri vandha nu oru akkarai la keten."

(I was concerned why you had to climb up with pain in your leg)

"Kaal valiya? Adellam appove poiduchu."

(I am fine)

"Nejama?" he asked concerned.

(Really!)

"Promise."

He smiled satisfied. He was worried for her well being. Knowing her, she had least concern about her health and it is up to him to keep regular track of everything.

Ashwin observed her closely with a small smile on his lips. He knew this isn't her style. This girlish attire, hairdo, bindi is all for him, only him and that thought made his male pride swell like a balloon.

He always thought she was pretty, but today she looked exquisite even though it was not the most flattering attire of hers. It was truly because today she chose every single thing with him in her mind. She dressed up exclusively for him. If that isn't going to melt a man's heart, what could?

"Romba azhaga iruka." He admitted

(You are beautiful)

A glow appeared in Shivangi's eyes immediately.

"Happa, ippovadhu sonneengale. Innikum naan dan ketu vanganum nu nenachen."

(Finally! I thought I had to take compliments out of your mouth)

"Naan sonnade illaya?"

(Have I not complimented you?)

"Illa. Naan keta dan solluvenga. Adhum cute ah iruka nu kozhanadaya solra maari." She twisted her lips.

(You compliment only if I ask you. Even then you call me cute like I am some toddler)

"Vartai la sollalayo ennamo. Naan ovvaru nimisham um en kannula sollite irpane. Unaku teriyadha."

(maybe not through words, but haven't my eyes called you beautiful every minute?)

Shivangi looked up at him and smiled. He knew the right thing to say to make her happy.

"Enna pa neenga, manasu pesudhu, kannu pesudhu, aan vaai mattum pesadha?"

(Now I have to read your heart, your eyes. Will you ever use words?)

Ashwin wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He took her hand and placed it on his heart.

"Indha manasu iruku paaru." He placed his hand over hers and pressed her hand. "Unkooda nalla tune aaiduchu. Inni eppovum adhu un kitta mattum dan pesum. Nee dan purinjukanum."

(My heart is attuned to you now. It is only going to talk to you now. You should listen carefully.)

"Appo anda manasu inimel ennodadha?"

(So is your heart mine?)

"Manasu, kannu, naanu ellam unnodadhu dan."

(Heart, eyes, me all are yours)

Shivangi didn't know why she wanted to do it, she just wanted to reach close to him. She tried to stand on her toes to reach closer to his face not even sure what she was trying to do, but her wounded ankle gave up and she bent her leg with a small whimper.

"Paathu ma." He immediately bent down to look at her ankle in concern. "Enna aachu?"

(Careful. What happened?)

"Onnum illa." She said.

(Nothing)

"Enna try panna?" he asked

(What were you trying to do?)

"Onnum illa." She repeated

(Nothing)

Of course she was not going to admit what she was trying to do especially when even she wasn't sure what she was going to do.

Ashwin looked at her concerned asking her if she wants to go see the nurse.

"Adellam vendam, namba dinner polam. Ellarum wait pannuvanga." She insisted

(Let us go for dinner. Everyone will be waiting for us)

"Sure ah?"

"Hmm."

Ashwin was collecting his phone, wallet and keycard while Shivangi stood patiently looking around to distract herself.

"Aiyo, Ashwin!" She exclaimed

"Enna aachu?" he panicked

(What is it?)

"Namba ellathu kittayum enna solluvom?" she asked

(Shouldn't we tell everyone?)

"Enna sollanum?"

(Tell what?)

"Nambala pathi. Namba CWC team ku. Avanga kitta sollanum illa, namba rendu perum ippo...." she trailed off

(About us. To CWC team. That we are...)

Ashwin shook his head with a smirk.

"Nee ivlo azhaga ready aagi enna paaka vandiruka. Ara manneram ah namba inga dan taniya irukom. Avanga already purinjirupanga."

(You have come to see me dressed up so pretty. We are here alone since half an hour or something. They would have guessed. )

Shivangi looked at him confused.

"Adhu epdi solreenga?"

(How do you say?)

"Dora papa, papa maariye yosi seriya?"

(You are such a kid)

"Ashwineey!" she whined

"Okay ma, dinner la ellarum irupanga namba solliralam."

(Fine. Let's tell them over dinner)

***

"Crush nu dana sonna?" Baba master asked teasingly

(You told me it is just a crush)

"Ippovadhu oru nalla mudivu edutheenga." Shakila said in relief

(Thank God that you decided something wise)

Pavi said, "Ponna paatha manna paakara Ashwin unna paakum bode teriyum idhu nadakum nu."

(I know to expect this when a man who hardly looks at woman had eyes only for you)

"Show la pairing vendam vendam nu solli life la pairing panniteengale." Tangadurai said

(You didn't ask her to be paired in show, but in life you paired with her)

"Epdiyo avana kavuthuta. Congratulations di." Mani wished.

(You managed to get him to confess. Congrats)

"Enna tangam avana innum alaya viduva nu paathen adhu kulla okay sollita?" Rakshan said

(Dearest, I thought you will make him suffer some more)

More similar wishes and teasing were thrown at them good humoured way after Ashwin and Shivangi walked inside the restaurant hand in hand and confessed in simple words that they were together.

"Ashaangi family representative ah en vazhtukal." Sharath said

(Congrats on behalf of Ashaangi family)

"Innoru vishayam." Ashwin interrupted the wishes. "Naanga ippo public ah solla ready ah illa. Ungaluke puriyum nu nenaikaren. Konjam support pannunga."

(We would like to keep it a secret from public for now. Hope you all support us)

Everyone agreed as that was the wisest thing to do considering they had a long way to go in their career.

Before settling on the loveseat that the team reserved for Ashwin and Shivangi generously in one corner, Ashwin nodded at Shivangi and she walked towards Pugazh.

"Anna un kooda konjam taniya pesanum."

(I want to talk to you)

While others became busy in ordering food, Pugazh excused himself and walked with Shivangi to the garden followed by Ashwin.

"Unaku happy dana annen?" Shivangi asked.

(Are you happy?)

By this time, Ashwin also reached their side and Pugazh looked at him.

"Naan yosichu paathen, un kitta oru tappum teriyala. Ketta palakam illa, papa va sirika vekkara, baddarama paathukara, amma appa ku kooda pudichiruku. Vera naan enna solla?" Pugazh smiled. "Enaku double okay."

(You are such a good chap, you make her laugh, you take care of her, even her parents like you. I have nothing to worry about. I am double happy.)

Ashwin immediately hugged Pugazh. "Thanks machan."

(Thanks dude)

Even Shivangi hugged her brother and thanked him profusely.

"Veetla eppo solluveenga?" Pugazh asked.

(When will you inform your parents?)

Ashwin and Shivangi looked at each other. They still haven't discussed that aspect.

"Solluveenga dana?" Pugazh questioned

(You will inform, right?)

"Kandipa solleruvom, machan. Veetla ellam teriyama onnum panna maatom. Epdi solradhu nu innum yosikala."

(Definitely. We won't do anything without family's approval. We have not decided how to tell them)

"Dairiyama sollu, maapila. Venum na naanum pesaren. Paathukalam."

(Tell them soon. I will support you guys)

Once again Ashwin thanked Pugazh for his support after which he left inside.

Shivangi looked at Ashwin lost in thoughts.

"Veetla okay solliduvanga nu dan nenaikaren." She said unsure.

(I guess my parents will be cool about it)

Yes, her parents liked Ashwin, but she was not sure how they are going to react to them dating. It was such a huge step in such a young age, so Shivangi had no clue how they will react. At the end of the day, they were parents of a girl and so will have their own opinion about everything.

"Naan pesaren." Ashwin assured

(I will talk to them)

"Unga veetla?" she asked

(How about your parents?)

"Hmmm...." Ashwin hummed while thinking. "Enaku terinju onnum problem varadhu. Vandalum paathukalam."

(I think they will not have any issue. Even if they have any, we will handle)

"Enna Ashwineey ipdi solreenga." She looked tensed

(Why do you say that?)

Ashwin put his arms around her shoulder and bought her closer to him

"Nee adellam yosikadha. Naan unakaga ellathayum convince panniruven." He said. "Ippo siri."

(Don't stress yourself. I will convince everyone for you. Smile for me)

She looked at him and pouted.

"Siricha dana enaku dairiyam varum." He cajoled

(I will be confident only if you smile)

Shivangi smiled her usual smile making him grin widely. She placed her head on his arms.

"Neenga paathukuveenga dana?" she asked hopefully.

(You will take care, right?)

"Nee enna mattum paathuko ma. Mathadhu ellam naan paathukuren."

(You take care of me, I will take care of everything else.)

***

OPINION NEEDED

Much before we enter the territory, I want to say that I usually don't shy away from writing any intimate scenes if story demands it. However, since this story involves two people who are not fictional, I am a little hesitant to write intimate scenes.

Since it is a romance story, I will definitely include many innuendos now that they have started dating and all. Perhaps, keep it PG. But, I am not sure how civilized it is to go all the way and write anything graphic.

I welcome your opinion on it.

https://youtu.be/HoCwa6gnmM0

This song sounds like something Ashwin can sing for Shivaangi. She is such a firecracker, isn't she. 

Especially, the line :

"Aise khainche dil ke penche gale hi paR gayi oye"

Roughly translated as : 

"She pulled the strings of heart such that she just held me..."