19

"Unga annan enna panran paaru."

(Look what your brother is up to)

Shivangi turned around to find Pugazh grinning at a young lady who was their waitress that evening. She had equally bestowed grin on her face proving that Pugazh was indeed exercising his charm.

"Avar jolly ah irunda ungaluku enna?" Shivangi defended her brother

(He is having fun)

Dinner was a jolly affair with everyone taking their turn in teasing the new couple while simultaneously reminiscing moments from the show. Currently, after dinner, everyone was scattered in small groups chatting still not ready to call it a night.

Ashwin and Shivangi were with Manimegalai and her husband Hussain listening from the senior couple about their moment of love realization.

"Unga annan enna pannalum unaku okay dan illa?" Ashwin was not ready to give up. He was using the lull in conversation happened when Mani and Hussain became busy in replying one of their friends in emergency.

(Is whatever your brother does okay with you?)

Ashwin loved Pugazh like a brother, but even that couldn't stop him from feeling a tinge of possessiveness when Shivangi unabashedly supports Pugazh. He has no reason to feel that way, especially since Shivangi is completely attuned to Ashwin in or without his presence. However, Ashwin Kumar is a bestowed man and no man in his condition can be rational when it comes to his lady.

"Avar jolly ah flirt dana panraru."

(He is only flirting)

"Oh, appo paakara ponnu kitta ellam flirt panna tappu illaya?"

(Is it okay to flirt with every other woman?)

"Adhu harmless flirting."

(It is harmless flirting)

"Flirting la harmless vera iruka? Unga ponnunga nala mattum dan ellathilayum ipdi category pirika mudiyum."

(Only you women can categorize everything like this)

Shivangi narrowed her eyes at Ashwin. It was so unlike him to prolong such a trivial subject with her, that too about flirting.

"Ungaluku olunga flirt panna teriyadhu nu enga annan paathu poramai padadeenga."

(You are jealous because you can't flirt)

"Edhu!" Ashwin looked at her appalled.

(What?)

By then, Mani and Hussain had joined them back and laughed at what Shivangi had said.

"Enaku flirt ellam panna teriyum dan..." Ashwin drawled

(I can flirt, you know..)

"Naan paathade illa." Shivangi said with an air shrugging her shoulder

(I have never witnessed it)

"Edhu, anda ponnu unkitta pesa varum bodhu muttogse enga nu kepaye adhu dan un flirting ah?" Mani teased.

(When she comes to talk to you, you ask about Cabbage, right? Is that what you call flirting?)

Ashwin glared at Mani. "Adhu show la na busy ah work pannitu irupen. Anga yaaradhu flirt pannuvangala?" Ashwin argued.

(That is because I will be busy with work. No time to flirt there.)

"Unna maari pasanga naladan enga 90s kids ellathukum avamanam varudhu." Mani said

(People like you spoil name of all us 90s kids.)

"Aprom TV la ellam naan epdi flirt panradhu. Veetla tappa nenaipanga." Ashwin defended

(Who will flirt on TV? My family will be watching.)

"Appo off screen la naan koopta apdiye ingredients oppuchite poveenga. Adhu yen?" Ashwin was about to say something, but Shivangi interrupted him saying. "Enkitta video proof iruku."

(As if you talked to me off screen.) (I have video proof)

"Unaku idellam asingam tambi." Mani shook her head

(That's an insult)

"Work time la illama casual panna vendiya vishayam adhellam." Ashwin said

(Flirting is something you do casually when not in workplace.)

"Appo ippo pannu." Mani said

(Do it now)

"Naan taniya ellam iva kitta naala dan pesuven. Ketu parunga." Ashwin looked at Shivangi for support

(I do when I am alone with her. Don't I ?)

"Hmmm..." Shivangi hummed in thoughts making Ashwin look at her with raised eyebrows. "Okay dan." She said with a giggle to tease him

(Yeah! Whatever)

"Ava dan paatha naal la irundhu impress aaitale. Avala vidu. Pudusa yaarayadhu impress panni kaatu."

(She is bestowed from day one. Try to impress someone new.)

"Sooniya bomma, oru naal kooda aagala yen relationship la sooniam vekka paakadeenga." Ashwin said panicking

(Evil! Don't try to spoil my brand new relationship)

"Adellam illa." Mani waved off. "Inga edadhu oru ponnu kitta number vangi kaatu naan nee periya appataker nu othukaren."

(Chill! If you can get number of one woman here, I will accept you are great)

All three looked at Mani surprised for throwing such a challenge.

"Bro, ungala kothu vidra maatikadeenga." Hussain warned

(Bro, don't get into this)

"Okay, Shivangi ma, namba kelambalam, indha tirutu paati edho plan paneerchu." He said trying to pull Shivangi with him, but she stopped him.

(Lets leave, Shivangi. She wants to get me in trouble.)

"Avar ku adellam varadhu Mani ka. Avar vekka paduvaru." Shivangi asked

(He can't do all that. He is shy)

Ashwin was completely taken aback by her reaction. "Enna ma nee enna avlo underestimate pandra?"

(You underestimate me so much)

"Naan cheesy ah pesumbodhu enna paathu siricheenga illa, ungaluku pesa teriyadhu nu dana?"

(When I try to be cheesy, you laughed at me. Isn't it because you can't flirt or be cheesy?)

Ashwin was now officially offended. Yes, he was shy more so when women were involved, but that in no way means he is going to take this jib quietly.

"Naan oru ponnu kitta number vaangita?" he asked

(What if I get number from a girl?)

"Neenga enna sonnalum naan seiren." Shivangi's reply was pat

(I will do anything you ask for0

"Enna sonnalum?"

(Anything?)

"Anything."

Mani gave a wolf whistle at the challenge.

"Appo vaanga mudiyalai na?" Shivangi asked

(If you fail?)

"Enna venum?"

(What do you want?)

"Namba selfie post pannanum unga instagram story la."

(You ought to post a selfie with us in instagram)

Shivangi smirked at his response for her bait. Ashwin has unexplainable and unreasonable allergy towards social media especially if he has to interact there more than professionally necessary. For him to post a story, is as tough as her going without using social media for a week.

"Deal." Ashwin extended his hand

"Deal." Shivangi shook it

"Bro, ungaluku inda ponnunga pathi teriyadhu. Jeichalum neenga dan kasta paduveenga. Tothalum neenga dan kashta paduveenga. Experience la solren ketukonga." Hussain warned

(Bro, you don't know women. You win or lose, you will suffer. Get it from the experienced.)

"Paathukalam, bro." Ashwin said in confidence.

(Let us see)

Ashwin looked around the restaurant. "Endha ponnu?" he asked

(Which woman?)

Shivangi pointed at a foreigner who sat at the longue alone flipping a magazine.

Ashwin was not as confident as he looked or sounded. He has never done it before. The only girl he liked and voluntarily approached was his girlfriend. So, he has close to no experience with flirting or getting a woman's number. However, Shivangi's has challenged him and he has this strange urge to always look The Best in her eyes. If Pugazh can do it, so can he.

"Enna Shivangi, ponnu kitta poran." Mani didn't think Ashwin will take up the challenge. She was only pulling his legs. "Neeyum summa ninnu paathutu iruka?"

(He is gonna do it. How are you so calm?)

"Akka avar adellam onnum poi flirt panna maataru. Avar oru vazhanda kolanda. Parunga." Shivangi said confidently.

(He won't. He is such a kid.)

However, Shivangi's confident smile was wiped off as she saw Ashwin casually talk to the lady. She mentally gave him two minutes to return, but seemed like he was too comfortable to come back. There was even a moment when the lady threw her head back and laughed.

"Enna sirika ellam vekkararu." Shivangi said in a worried tone.

(He is making her laugh)

Mani turned to her husband who looked at her in disappointment. "Unaku en choti idhu ellam? Kai pudichity vandavana, ava kaiyala adi vaanga vekka pora."

(Why did you do it? )

Shivangi had her eyes only fixed on Ashwin and the lady. They were still talking and it has already been more than five minutes. She was fuming from within.

They noticed Ashwin take his phone from his pocket and the lady leaned forwards to perhaps recite her number. Then, he stood on his feet, shook the lady's hand, before he walked towards Shivangi with a huge grin.

"Insta id kooda iruku." He said proudly. "Vechuko." He kept his phone on Shivangi's hand.

(I have her insta ID too. Take it)

Shivangi in no way returned his enthusiasm. She glared at him blazing fire through eyes before she stormed off.

"Bro, jeichalum neenga dan vaanguveenga nu sonnan illa?" Hussain reminded

(I warned you that you will lose even if you win)

"Kovchutalo?" Ashwin enquired

(Is she angry?)

"Kovama? Adhu seri." Mani nodded. "Summa kindal panna ipdi dan poi ava munnadiye ponnu kooda pesuvaya? Nalla vaanga pora."

(Really! You took teasing too far.)

"Ponga, poi kaal la vilunga." Hussain patted Ashwin on his shoulder

(Go surrender yourself)

Shivangi hasn't gone far. She was walking towards the garden, but still visible from where everyone was standing. Ashwin jogged to reach her soon.

"Enna Rowdy, kovchutaya?" he asked

(Are you angry, rowdy?)

Shivangi turned around and narrowed her eyes at him. "Kovama?" she fisted her palm and hit his chest continuously.

(Angry?)

"Ei.." Ashwin shrieked. "Ma, valikudhu ma." He held her hand to stop her, but Shivangi released her hand from his grip.

(It hurts)

"Nalla valikatum." She this time hit his shoulder.

(Good for you)

"Awww..." Ashwin held his shoulder and caressed it. "Unmayave valikudhu."

(It really hurts)

"Pinna?" she asked. "Naan summa sonna neenga edhuku andha ponnu kitta pesureenga?"

(How dare you flirt with another woman?)

"Nee dana challenge panna?"

(You challenged me)

"Oh, appo challenge panna enna venalum pannuveengala?"

(Is that any excuse to flirt?)

"Fun dana ma."

(It is just fun)

"Innoru ponnu kitta poi flirt panradhu fun ah iruka?" she now hit him with both her hands.

(Is flirting with a woman fun for you?)

Ashwin had enough. Hits from her little hands were actually starting to hurt him. He held both her wrists and pulled her towards him.

"Edhuku madam ivlo kova padreenga?" he asked. She was about to rebuke, when he whispered "Shh..." making Shivangi narrow her eyes.

(Why are you worked up?)

"Yen whatsapp la oru message irukum paaru." He said

(Check my whatsapp message)

"Enna message?" she asked grumpily

(What message?)

"Paaru ma."

(Check it)

Shivangi still had his phone in her hand. "Passcode enna?" He told her and she unlocked his phone and opened whatsapp.

(Whats your passcode?)

First message was from someone named Jennifer. Shivangi lifted her head and glowered at him.

"Padichu paaru ma."

(Read it)

{

Sivangi, your boyfriend can't flirt to save his life. I am giving him my number because he wants to save face in front of your friends. Have fun you both. Cheers!!!

}

Shivangi's mouth opened lightly in surprise and she looked at Ashwin.

"Enna nadandhudhu nu dan avlo neram explain pannitu irunden. Nallavangala irunda naala number kuduthanga."

(I only told her about the challenge. She was kind enough to play along)

"Flirt pannalaya?"

(Didn't you flirt?)

"Unna tavira vera yarkittayum enaku adellam varadhu." He confessed with a cute blush adoring his face

(I can't with someone who isn't you)

Shivangi that moment fell for him a little more if that was even possible. How did God manage to make such a perfect man and how did Shivangi get so lucky to have him for herself?

Ashwin flushed at the way she looked at him with adoration and scratched his eyebrows looking down.

"Epdi ivlo cute ah irukeenga?" she asked

(How can you be so cute?)

"Naan ah? Nee ah?" he repeated his words from when she asked him the same first time.

(Me or you?)

"Naan cute ah iruken ah?"

(Am I cute?)

He made a thoughtful face. "Inniku cute ah illa." He said

(Not today)

"Yen?"

(Why?)

"Cute ellam chinna word. Inniku apdiye vera maari iruka. Romaba azhaga." He stressed the last words. "Inniku en tookame pochu nu nenaikaren. Apdiye kannu kulla ye nippa."

(Cute is such a trivial word for you. You look different today. Gorgeous. I have no hope to sleep today. You will be in my mind all the time)

Shivangi's whole heart did a huge flip at this comment. No one has every complimented her this way. It is not just about the words, but the husky voice and the intense gaze with which he arrests her did the magic.

Of course, this man can flirt. It is all only exclusively reserved for her to cherish.

Shivangi closed their distance and held the lapel of his shirt.

"Enaku ippo unga heartbeat kekanum."

(I want to hear your heartbeat)

Ashwin is now aware that it is their code for hug. One day into the relationship and they already have secret language of their own. He can't imagine how exciting the rest of his life with her is will be.

Ashwin looked to his side and realized they were still not in safe distance from their team and can't hide their actions.

"Approma." he promised with a blush trying to point to her with eyes that they were not alone. "Taniya." He added

(Later. When we are alone)

Shivangi followed his gaze "Ohhhh..." she said naughtily realizing what he meant.

"Ohhh..." he repeated grinning.

Mani was relieved to see Ashwin and Shivangi walk back hand in hand. She was worried her funny quips caused them to fight.

"Adhukulla epdi da correct panna?" Mani asked surprised

(How did you convince her?)

"Indha bommai ku enga key kudutha enna pannum nu enaku nalla teriyum." He said cheekily earning a whack from Shivangi.

(I know which buttons to push to tame her)

"Valikudhu ma." He lied through his teeth knowing too well that now she will caress his arms to pacify him.

(It hurts)

"Epdi bro?" Hussain asked surprised seeing Shivangi pat Ashwin's arm lovingly. "Adhu kulla palaya maari aaiteenga? Unmaya sollunga oru naal relationship dana illa pala masam aacha?"

(How? You guys are back to being lovey dovey. Is it really a day old relationship or you have been together for months?)

"Idhu pala jenmathuku munnadi panna kadavul setting." Shivangi answered.

(We have been bonded since ages. It is destined.)

"Aiyoo! Inda pudhu couples ae ipdi dan. Over ah love polivanga. Va choti polam." Mani grabbed her husband and dragged him away.

(Dude, these new couples always make me sick with their excess love. Let us leave)

Another few minutes were spent with everyone talking to no one in particular but totally having fun. It was Shakela who announced she was tired and wanted to retire to her room. Soon everyone followed. They all decided to meet early next day for breakfast buffet.

"Polama, Shivangi?" Shakeela asked

(Shall we leave, Shivangi?)

"Room poitu phone pannu." Ashwin whispered to Shivangi

(Call me from your room)

"Irunga varen." She told him as she marched towards Shakeela.

(I'll be back)

Ashwin stood with his hand in pockets as he saw Shivangi was explaining something to Shakeela. Shivangi pointed to Rakshan and waved him towards her. Rakshan joined the duo, who looked clueless for a minute before he nodded at something Shivangi said. Shakeela took out the room keycard from her bag and handed it to Shivangi, before she bid the duo bye.

Shivangi sprinted towards Ashwin with a huge smile.

"Polama?" she asked

(Shall we go?)

"Enga polama?"

(Where to?)

"Vanga namba rendu perum beach ku polam."

(Let's go to the beach.)

"Beach ah?" his eyes widened in surprise

"Ama."

(Yes)

"Ippo va?"

(Now?)

"Hmm"

"Machan..." Rakshan shouted from far. "Thanks ellam vendam. Tangatha badarma pathuko." He waved before jogging to his room.

(Bro, no need to thank me. take care of the dearest)

"Enna ma panna?"

(What did you do?)

Ashwin knew she is one unpredictable person, but he was truly clueless what she has done now.

"Resort la turtle walk arrange panni irukanga namba ellam porom nu sonnen. Rakshan anna vum aama nu support pannanga. Shakeela mam okay nu sollitanga. Ellam mudinjanyum safe ah room ku vara sonnanga." She flashed the keycard with a smile.

(I lied that resort has arranged 'Turtle walk'. Rakshan bro also played along. Shakeela mam gave me permission to stay out until its over.)

"KD fellow ma nee." He said appalled

(So sly)

"Vanga polam."

(Let's go)

"Namba rendu per mattuma?"

(Only the two of us?)

Shivangi narrowed her eyes at him. How much more she has to explain to him now?

"Ada va pa." She dragged him towards the beach.

(Come on!)

***

Idhuve kulu kulu update nu solla mudiyadhu, next update beach la. Illa summa sonnen. 

I have taken some inspiration from latest interview.

If you want to discuss anything about interview, I am open.

I am on twitter, you can follow me there @MsLizzie4

I have a new book to post One Shots on Ashaangi, so check it out also.