22

The air was so thick with tension that it could have been cut with a knife. Sivaangi wished someone talked breaking the painful silence.

Arguing with her parents is nothing new to her. She hoped that is what they were doing now. That would have been so much better than each one brooding in a corner with unsaid words.

Shivangi has always been in the moment kind of a person. However, this time, for this particular revelation, she took a leaf from her beau's character and planned elaborate speech on how to tell her parents about her relationship with Ashwin.

The setting was perfect. It was late evening with everyone gathered for some family time after dinner. Shivangi told them about cricket match, how she fell, how Ashwin took care of her. "Nalla porupana paiyan." Her mother commented and that gave Shivangi all the encouragement she need. She in brief words explained how she felt about Ashwin and how he also reciprocated the same without giving away any private details.

(Very responsible boy)

"Enna Shivangi idhu ellam? Nee ipdi solluva nu naanga nenaikave illa. Ellam enga kitta sollitu dan pannuva, veguliya iruka nu nenacha love nu solra?" her mother was appalled.

(What is all this about, Sivaangi? We didn't expect this from you. We thought you were being casual, but now you say you love him?)

"Amma, show la apdi endha feeling-um illa. Ippo dan...." she trailed of

(Mom, we didn't feel anything in the show, it started only now..)

"Andha paiyan ipdi pannuvan nu naan nenaikave illa."

(We didn't expect this from him.)

"Avara onnum solladeenga. Idhu avar mattum samandapatta vishayam illa. Naan um dan love panren."

(It isn't just him. We both are equally involved. )

It wouldn't be fair to say that her parents didn't fear this. They did. But, they have seen impetuous side of Shivangi since she was a toddler. They are accustomed to not taking everything she says and does seriously. As parents, they were convinced that they knew when their daughter was serious.

It was a crush. They knew it. Maybe not the kind she had on Suriya or Ranveer Singh or the cute boy from fifth standard. It was something a little more than attraction and little less than desire. Even as Shivangi signed up her heart for it, they knew she is going to be hurt and yet they didn't stop her. They only relied on the fact that their daughter is strong and they will help her to pick the pieces later.

Shivangi has to do what every girl does in her age and just because she trusts her parents with every detail of her life, they cannot take advantage of her trust and stop her lest she becomes secretive and hide from them.

Unlike the teasing Shivangi endured in previous show, this time her parents took bit of a relief in the fact that it was a man like Ashwin on the receiving end.

From day one he looked like a protector and they knew he will do nothing to harm their daughter. That is the reason they even ignored Pugazh's initial concern.

"Avan unaku set aaga maatan." Wasn't just jibing at their daughter. It was also what they actually felt. Not because they thought their daughter didn't deserve him, in fact she deserved everything under the sun, but because Ashwin gave out the vibe of being unattainable. He seemed too shy and too focussed to fall in love with anyone.

(He won't fall for you)

More than the fact that their daughter is claiming to be in love, the person it is with and the timing all this happened caught the parents by surprise.

"Nee ulla po Shivangi nalaiku pesikalam." Her father said and Shivangi was too exhausted in the head to argue. She needed him now.

(You go to your room, Sivangi. We will talk tomorrow)

Even before she entered her room and locked the door, she had called his number.

"Sollu ma." Came his ever soothing voice and Shivangi already felt half better.

(Yes?)

"Enga irukeenga?"

(Where are you?)

"Dance practice. Nalaiku show iruku la?"

(Dance practice for tomorrow's show)

"Ohh..." And he knew she was disturbed

"Enna aachu?"

(What is it?)

She didn't say anything

"Dull ah iruka. Edachu problem ah?"

(You seem upset. Any issues?)

"Naan veetla solliten Ashwin. Nambala pathi."

(I told my parents about us)

Her voice clearly indicated that she didn't get the desired response. However, Ashwin felt much better by the fact that her parents knew about them. If they aren't supportive yet, they can be convinced. He was sure about it.

Shivangi narrated how her parents weren't aggressively against it, at the same time didn't express joy as she envisioned.

"Avanga correct ah oru reaction um kudukala. Kovama ah, disappointment ah, surprise ah onnum puriyala. Summa room ku po Shivangi nu sollitanga."

(I don't understand their reaction if it is anger or disappointment or surprise. They told me to go to my room.)s

"Ponnu love pandradhu terinja ella parents um first shock dan aavanga." He consoled. "Nee tension aagadha. They will come around."

(That is common reaction of parents. You don't stress yourself. They will come around.)

"Naan ippo enna panradhu, Ashwinney!"

(What shall I do now, Ashwin?)

"Nee ippo nalla toongu. Nalaiku shoot vera iruku."

(Sleep well. You have shoot tomorrow)

"Enaku tookam varadhu. Ore confusion."

(I am confused. I can't sleep)

"Nalla toongalai na en surprise epdi azhaga irukum?" he knew the right thing to say to change her mood.

(Only if you sleep well, my surprise will look beautiful)

Shivangi's mind immediately brightened up with the idea of what he is talking about. It was not only their first show together after CWC, but also first one after they have become a couple albeit not everyone knows it. So, she approached his favourite stylist to design such a gown that will blow his mind away. Currently, she is keeping it a surprise as she wants to witness firsthand how he feels when he looks at her in that Cinderella style gown.

"Ippo nalaiku nenachu enaku tookam varadhu." She smiled. "Enaku unga expression paakanum."

(Now, I can't sleep thinking about tomorrow. I want to see your expression)

"Neeum Anusha vum nalla build up panreenga. Enake romba expectation ah iruku. Edachu clue kudu."

(You and Anusha give too much hype. I have huge expectation. Give me a clue.)

"Clue kedayadhu. Neenga direct ah nerla paarunga. " she said. "Saapteengala?"

(No clue. You have to wait till tomorrow. Had your dinner yet?)

"Practice mudichitu dan." He replied. "Konjam tired ah iruku."

(After practice only. I am tired)

"Romba onnum practice panna vendam. Just show dana. Rest edunga."

(Don't exhaust yourself. It is just a show.)

"Illa ma, kalai la irunde oru maadiri dan iruku. Enna aachu nu terila. Nalaiku dan nalla toonganum."

(No, I have been tired since morning. I don't know why. I should sleep well tomorrow.)

"Naan vena nalaiku show la irundu apdiye unga kooda veetuku varuta?"

(Shall I come with you to your home tomorrow after shoot?)

"Paatu paadi toonga vekkaraya?"

(Will you put me to sleep with a song?)

"Okay." She said excited

"Appa amma edachu solluvanga."

(Your parents might not allow)

"Adhu naan paathukaren."

(Let me take care of it)

"Seri, kooda va."

(Cool then)

"Super." He could hear her clap in excitement.

"Nalaiku un show ku poram. Anga pona ella friends kooda sendhu enna deal la vitruvaya? "

(So, we will be in your show tomorrow. You will have friends there. Will you leave me on my own?)

"Apdi epdi pannuven? Neenga illama ennala epdi iruka mudiyum?"

(How can I stay without you?)

"Apdiya? Nalaiku paakaren."

(Really? Let's see what happens tomorrow)

"Ashwin, anga hosts namba Rakshan anna maari illa. Romba kalaipanga. Neenga tension aagadeenga."

(Ashwin, hosts there won't be like Rakshan bro. They will tease a lot. You don't get worked up)

"Adellam aaga maaten ma. Avlo onnum naan mosam illa."

(I wont. I am not that bad)

"Adhu illa...." she hesitated a bit."Avanga enna edachu kalaipanga. Fun ah dan. But, adhuku neenga edhum react pannadeenga."

(I mean... They might make fun of me. It will be for fun. You don't react.)

"Hmmmm"

She very well knew no matter how much he pulls her leg for fun, he hates it when others say even one word against her.

"Anga yaaracha unga kooda flirt panna vepanga illa ungala edachu ponnu kooda dance panna solluvanga."

(They might make someone to flirt with you or request you to dance with any girl)

"Idhuku dan ma naan reality shows ae vendam nu irunden."

(This is the reason I didn't want to be part of reality shows)

She knew he doesn't enjoy all this like most men. He finds such things very uncomfortable though he tries not to show it in his face. Even in their show, he discreetly always uses her as shield against any such tries. She is probably the only girl with whom he is comfortable.

"Aprom..." she started

(And then...)

"Enna list perusa pogudhu? Naan vena call panni show ku varala nu solliruta?"

(Such long list? I might as well call and cancel my appearance.)

"Adhu illa... naan enna sollanum na...Enna yaar koodayadhu ootuvanga..."

(No...I want to say... they might tease me with some...)

"Ma?" she was testing his patience now.

(Dear?)

"Adhu summa fun dan. Last season la irundu panranga. Naan vendam nu production team la solli iruken, but flow la edachu vandha... Please ma anga react pannadeenga."

(It is for fun. They have been at it since last season. I will tell the production team to not do it, but they might say something in flow. Please dear, don't react.)

"Nee solradhu ellam panren aana evening full ah kandipa nee en kooda dan irukanum."

(I will do whatever you say, but your evening has to be mine)

"Promise."

God, however, had different plans for the new couple.

Early morning next day, hours before the shoot was to commence, Ashwin was tested positive for Covid.

"Alugadha ma, please. Nalla tablet saaptu rest edutha seri aaidum. Already enaku vandiruku."

(Don't cry, please. With meds and rest, I will be good soon. I was tested positive once already)

"Adhu epdi second time varum? Neenga careful ah illaya?"

(How can you be affected again? Weren't you careful?)

"Epdi varumo, namba kailaya iruka?"

(It isn't up to us)

"Neenga taniya enna pannuveenga? Yaar paathupa? Enaku romba kashtama iruku."

(How will you manage everything alone? Who will take care of you? I feel so bad)

"Naan strong ah dan iruken. Nee feel pannadha. Show la mattum concentrate pannu."

(I am strong. Don't worry yourself. Concentrate on the show. )

"Neenga ipdi irunda naan epdi show ku poven."

(How can I when you are sick?)

"Adellam poganum. You should be professional. Nee Pugazh kitta phone kudu."

(You should be professional. Let me talk to Pugazh.)

After strictly instructing Pugazh to take care of Shivangi, Ashwin promised to stay in constant touch through whatsapp for her strength.

It is often spread how in order for something to be strong it has to undergo tough test. This was their first toughness test and that too they had to endure it during the earliest stage of their relationship.

Shivangi was the one who has always been cared for,but with him for the first time she felt as if she should be the responsible one and take care of him.

Ashwin, for the past seven years, has to be his own strength, but now with someone new in his life, he finally felt he can take a back seat and let the love wash him.

"Five minutes la reach aaidum. No contact delivery dan. Door munnadi vechutu, message pannuvanga. Neenga eduthukonga." Shivangi instructed him

(Food will reach you in 5 minutes. I have opted for no contact deliver. They will place in front of the door and message. You can take it then)

"Idellam edhuku? Nee yen veetla ellarayum kashta paduthara?"

(Why do you trouble yourself and everyone at home?)

"Iduva kashtam? Neenga taniya irukaradhu dan kashtam."

(It isn't trouble. I am worried for you)

Shivangi made sure to send him food and occasional healthy drinks through delivery service often. She sincerely read every article about covid and made sure he was taking every needed precaution to get ready at the earliest.

After a point of time, Ashwin stopped telling her not to stress and began accepting her showing her rights on him. He kept her informed about his health, but made sure he didn't reveal the full extent of his pain lest she gets worried.

When Ashwin was giddy with exhaustion or in intolerable pain, she made sure to sooth his with her caring words and voice.

"Aaraaro aariraro...Ambulikku naerivaro....." she crooned to make him sleep. When he can't sleep at night with headache, she stayed awake with him.

"Nee yen ma mulichiruka? Poi toongu. Naan apdiye kannu moodi paduthukaren."

(Why are you awake? Sleep. I will relax in bed)

"Enakum tookam varla. Naan unga kooda ve iruken."

(I am not sleepy. I will stay awake with you)

Sometimes they wouldn't even talk at night, but will be connected through phone. She would be in her room lying on her bed staring at her dream catcher waiting for better days and he will be sitting beside the window staring at the moon wondering where life is taking him. Each other's breathing sound will be their only solace.

"Naan pala naal ide room la depression la apdiye vaadiruken. Taniya irukum bodhu manasu avlo barama irukum. Toonganen ah mayangi vilundena nu kooda teriyadha alavauku irundiruken. Ennada valkai idhu nu tonum. Naanellam yen vaalren nu tonum."

(I have been depressed so many days. My heart will feel so heavy when alone. I won't know if I fell asleep or fainted. I hated my life. Wondered why was I even alive)

"Apdi ellam solladeenga Ashwin."

(Don't say all that)

"Unmaya dan ma. Avlo pain, failure, betrayal, negativity. Naan apdiye full hope vittuten. Aana ull manasu edho onnu seekiram nadakum nu sollum. Unakaga onnu irukuda unaku correct time la varum nu sollum. Adhu unna maari oru magic nu enaku appo teriyala."

(It is true. So much pain, failure, betrayal, negativity. I lost my hope. But, my heart told me that things will get better. My heart told me that something special will reach on the right time. I didn't know it will be a magic like you.)

He knew how upset she gets when he talks about his struggle, but he was moved by her affection and couldn't help but feel the need to confess everything to her. One whole week this young girl has been by his side without physically being with him. She has undergone every single pain of his with him. He realized how much she understands him. One small change in his feature and she knew what is wrong with him.

"Tala valikuda Ashwin?"

(Is your head aching?)

"Saapteengala?"

(Did you eat?)

"Andha matira night ku, innonu iruku adhu dan morning ku."

(That tablet is for night, the other one is for morning)

"Naan cook kitta sprout salad panna sonnen. Ippo delivery aaidum."

(I have asked the cook to make sprouts salad. Will be delivered soon)

"Neenga video call cut panama toongunga. Naan ungala paathukaren."

(Dont cut the video call, while you sleep. I will keep an eye on you_)

When he first called her 'ma' it was more out of habit that one uses to address respectfully a younger girl, but now he actually felt about her that way. His ma.

Isn't what people say? Love a woman who treats you like you are her first child. How did he get lucky enough to find her?

He is not new to care and pamper. His mother has given him abundant of that. However, aren't mothers programmed biologically to love one's offspring? He has never before received such unconditional love from anyone not his mother that he convinced himself that he isn't worth it.

Shivangi has broken all his insecurities and made him feel things that has long back became parched in his heart.

"Enna vitada maataila ma?" Ashwin couldn't help but ask.

(You won't, leave me, will you?)

He wished he hadn't asked, because what he heard on another side was a loud whimper before which the voice call became dead.

Ashwin panicked. He knew he made her emotional by being expressive. It is all bound to be too much on a young girl. He knew he can be intense. He should have warmed her up to his ways, before pouring his heart out to her. He surely must have frightened her. Cursing himself, he dialled her number again.

Sivangi's parents knew she was upset. The reason for it worried them equally. Anybody who is suffering from the dangerous virus needs everyone's prayer and support. However, they didn't fail to notice that Shivangi's worry and concern broadened beyond what they thought she was capable of.

For the first time in their life, they witnessed their eldest child being the responsible one. The way she handled the whole situation with maturity and concern equal parts shocked and surprised them.

"Ava innum ah toongara?" her father asked his mother displeased seeing Shivangi not awake even after noon.

(Why is she still asleep?)

"Anda paiyan ku night la tala vali varudhama toonga mudilayaama ivalum kooda mulichitu iruka. Avan toonga pona dan ivalum toongara."

(That boy gets headaches at night it seems, he can't sleep, so she stays awake with him. She sleeps only after he does.)

It is natural reaction if parents are furious by the news, but Shivangi's parents were only staggered. They didn't know Shivangi had it in her to be this way with anyone. The pampered daughter they bought up couldn't be this woman in love they are witnessing. It didn't take them much time to realize their daughter's feelings were too intense for them to not acknowledge it.

So, when Shivangi went to her mother and hugged her, even after knowing that she was in call with Ashwin before, her mother's first instinct wasn't to question if he hurt her, it was purely wonderment that what intense feeling has her daughter now experienced for the first time that day. And that moment Shivangi's mother knew that she has developed respect for her daughter's love and accepted it with full heart.

"Molu endha karaienadhu?" she cupped her daughter's face

(Malayalam : Why are you crying?)

Shivangi hugged her mother closer. Her father who walked in hearing the noise looked at the mother daughter duo in surprise. Her mother assured that everything was fine as she began patting Shivangi's back.

"Avaru...." Shivangi gulped. "Avar.... romba pawam."

(He... I am so sad for him)

Shivangi's father moved closer to them and touched his daughter's head.

"Shivangi." He called

Her parents looked at each other. The couple exchanged between them silent notes through eyes. They both knew their daughter has probably found something they have been experiencing for years now, true love. They only hoped her heart is never broken.

Ringing of Shivangi's phone took her father's attention from her and he picked the phone.

"Shivangi ma, enna aachu? Naan edachu tappa sollitana? Sorry ma, naan en manasula irunda feelings dan sonnen. Nee please feel pannadha."

(Shivangi ma, what happened? Did I say something wrong? Sorry, I only confessed what is in my heart. Please don't feel bad for me.)

"Ashwin?" her father's voice made Ashwin gulp

"Uncle?"

Her father cleared his voice. The cry in his daughter's voice reflected in the panic of voice from other end of the phone and that strangely relaxed a father's heart. Maybe, after all, his daughter isn't the only one fully invested here.

"Ava..." her father didn't know what to tell

(She...)

"Alugarala?" Ashwin asked his voice cracking

(Is she crying?)

Her father braced himself. It is time he behaves as a father after all.

"Ava sari aaiduva. Nee un health nalla paathukaraya?"

(She will be fine. How is your health?)

Ashwin was surprised by the question. They hadn't spoken to him once in the past few days when he fell sick, though he knew whatever Shivangi did for him was with their permission.

"Nalla paathukaren uncle. Ippo romba better ah iruku. Nalaiku oru blood test kuduka poren. Mostly negative vandirum."

(I am better now. I will give sample for blood test tomorrow. I am sure i will be tested negative)

"Gavanama irukanum pa. Health ah nalla paathuko. Aunty kitta pesaraya?"

(Take care. Do you want to speak to aunty?)

Ashwin didn't know what to say. Was they actually accepting him or only being formal because he is sick?

"Ava romba bayandu iruka pa." Her mother said after asking after his health. "Unaku positive aanadhula irundu ava oulunga saapadla toongala. Idellam avaluku romba pudusu."

(She is scared. Even since you tested positive she hasn't eaten or slept well. She hasn't been this way before)

"Enaku teriyum, aunty. Ava romba feel pandra. Naan bayapada vendam nu sonnen. Naan enna sonnalum keka maatingara. Upset aayadra adhuku mela ennala compel panna mudiyala. Ava enna sonnalum naan kekara maari pannidra."

(I understand, aunty. She feels bad for me. I tell her not to worry, but she doesn't listen to me. She gets upset so I don't compel her. She makes me do whatever she wants)

"Un udambu seekiram nallaganum nu nenaikara. Tappu illa. Ava ippo konjam down aaita. Naan aprom koopada solren."

(You wants you to get better soon. She is bit low now. I will ask her to call you later)

Ashwin spent the rest of the night wandering in his room missing her. She called him only once after his dinner and spoke to him for few minutes. He didn't ask her to stay with him in call. She was upset and he hoped she can get her mind off things for a while. However, he missed her terribly.

He googled her old performance and played her songs in background. Such bliss her voice is for him.

Ashwin was still not sleepy when the sun began to rise, he decided to make something for him to drink when his phone rang.

"Sollu ma, Yen seekiram endiruchita? 5.30 dan aachu."

(How come you are awake so early? It is only 5.30 in the morning)

"Naanga unga veetu munnadi dan iruken."

(I am in front of your house building)

"Ingaya? Yen?"

(Here? Why?)

"Naan ungala paakanum."

( I want to see you)

"Ma, contagious ma idhu. Paaka mudiyadhu."

(This is contagious. You can't see me)

"Teriyum. Neenga just window kitta vaanga."

(I know. Come to the window)

Ashwin immediately went to his window and there she was standing in front of a car.

"Epdi vanda?"

(How did you come here?)

"Friend kooda."

(With a friend)

Ashwin sighed. What does she even tell her? How can someone love him so much? Did he even deserve it? Will he able to love her as much as she loves him?

She looked exhausted. He could see dark circles under her eyes, but the smile radiated joy on looking at him. Ashwin was sure his own cheeks flushed seeing her after so long.

"Epdi irukeenga?" she asked

(How are you?)

"Unna paathuten illa, ippo nalla iruken."

(Better after seeing you)

She kept looking at him. He has to control every fibre in his nerve to control himself from running to her and taking her in his arms.

"Nejama better ah iruken ma. Ne badarma veetuku po."

(I swear I am better. You go home safe)

"Ashwin."

"Hmm"

"Enaku onnu sollanum."

(I want to tell you something)

"Sollu ma."

(Yes)

"Njan ennum nine kurichu orkkum. Enikke nee illathe jeevikaan pattilla. Enikku nine valara ishtammannu."

(Malayalam : I think of you every day. I can't live without you. I like you a lot)

Ashwin couldn't grasp her minute expression from the distance, but he was sure she was blushing, he just didn't know why. What was she saying?

"Puriyala."

(I didn't understand)

"Okay bye."

"Artham sollitu po."

(What is the meaning of what you said?)

"Adhu neenga purinjika sollala. Enaku sollanum nu toncuhu sonnen."

(That is not for you to know. I felt like saying it to you.)

There she is. The unpredictable woman who always manages to fire up his mind and spirits with her cute, novel antics.

"Hey rowdy, enaku odambu seri aagutum. Unna enna panren nu paaru."

(Hey rowdy, once I am better, I am going to have my ways with you)

She giggled before she cut the call and waved bye to him.

Few minutes later, Ashwin opened instagram to find that she has updated a story with 'Sirikade' song as background.

"Apdi enna sollitu pona? Ivalukaga Malayalam kathukanum polaye."

(What must have she said? I should learn Malayalam for her)

***

Longest update till date. Hope you guys liked it?

What is next? AK's birthday in the story.

My version of SK's birthday will be seen in the story but not in next couple of chapters

.

A book becomes novella length to novel length when it crosses 50K words. We have officially crossed 50K words in this story today. Cheers!

Based on what I saw from Ashwin on her birthday, the way he spoke in today's interview and connecting previous things, all I can say is only one thing.... Wait for few months, definitely announcement varum.