23

"Enaku ore excitement ah iruku." Shivangi gushed

(I am super excited)

"Eduku?" Ashwin questioned casually

(Why?)

"Innum 5 minutes la unga birthday Ashwiney!!!"

(Its your birthday in five minutes)

"Ma, birthday ella varsham-um dan varum. Aduku enna?."

(Birthday comes once every year. What is so special about it?)

"Ella varsham-um kooda naan irundana? Ippo dana iruken."

(I wasn't with you all these years, now I am with you.)

"Phone la dana iruka. Nerla illaye."

(You are with me through phone, not in person)

"Night 12 maniku epdi nerla iruka mudiyum?"

(How can I be with you in person at 12 in the night?)

"Irukalam inni konja years kalichu. Appo super ah celebrate pannalam birthday. Full night celebrate panlam."

(You will be with me after few years. Then let us celebrate my birthday well. We will celebrate the whole night)

"Full day dana celebrate pannuvanga? Adhu enna full night celebration?"

(People celebrate whole day, right? Why do you say whole night?)

Ashwin chuckled. "Nejamave puriyalaya illa summa enkitta nadikaraya?"

(Do you really don't understand or are you pretending?)

Silence prevailed for a minute from Shivangi's side before she crooned, "Ohhhh!!!"

"Ohhh!!!" Ashwin mimicked. "Purinjirucha?"

(Did you get it?)

"Hmm..." she mumbled. Her blush was evident in her voice

"Enna purinjichu?" he teased

(What did you understand ?)

"Ashwineeey" she whined

"Ashwineey" he again imitated with laughter

Ashwin would have continued his teasing if she has not began to count seconds to his birthday.

"Happy Birthday Ashwiney!!!" she wished in loud voice with all her affection and excitement oozing out.

"Thank you ma." He smiled

"Indha birthday neenga evlo happy ah irukeengalo adha veeda inda varsham double madangu happy ah irupeenga."

(Your happiness throughout the year will double up)

"Adhu dan nee irukaye en kooda. En kulu kulu."

(I am sure about it as you are with me now.)

Shivangi giggled.

"Veetla irundhu call pannuvanga illa? Naan cut panren. Namba aprom pesuvom."

(Your parents might call now. Let me cut the call. We will talk later.)

"Toongiradha." He said

(Don't sleep)

"Okay... Naan poi ungaluku instagram la wish panren. Bye!"

(Okay... I will post a wish for you in Instagram. Bye!)

Next morning Shivangi woke up early morning, sent Ashwin a happy birthday message with snowman emoji and went to the kitchen determined. An hour later, when her mother came to the kitched after receiving a SOS by the cook lady, the kitchen was already a mess.

"Enna panra, Shivangi?" asked her mother panicking.

(What are you doing, Shivangi?)

"Cake" Shivangi grinned. "Inniku avar birthday."

(Cake... Today is his birthday.)

Her father also entered the kitchen hearing the commotion and was surprised to see his daughter staring at the oven with precision.

"Enna aachu?" he asked.

(What's up!)

Shivangi's mother rolled her eyes and put her hand up in air as a sign of exasperation.

"Ready aaiduchu." Shivangi clapped excitedly. Even her parents were curious to see the output as it was her first attempt at baking.

(It is done!)

"Idhu enna cup cake ah?" her mother asked looking at the size of the cake.

(Is it cup cake?)

"Naan half kg ku dana recipe paathen. Idhu yen chinnada iruku?"Shivangi scratched her head in confusion.

(I used recipe for half kg. Don't know why it is small.)

"Paaka azhaga iruku." Her father commented

(It looks good)

Shivangi looked at her father with pride in her eyes. "Thanks pa." She smiled. "Naan ippo icing panren. CWC la kathukitten."

(Thanks, dad. I will do icing now. I learnt in CWC)

Shivangi's mother left the kitchen after instructing the maid to clean whatever mess Shivangi creates, but her father patiently waited while Shivangi cut the cake edges before applying icing on top.

"Appa, idhu saapudu." She fed him the removed edge.

(Dad, try it)

"Nalla iruku." Dedicated and proud father complimented

(It is good)

Shivangi hugged her father and thanked him.

"Amma, nee sapadraya?" Shivangi bellowed from kitchen

(Mom, do you want to try?)

"Enaku vendam." Her mother replied.

(I don't want)

"Amma!" Shivangi pouted.

(Mom!)

Her mother returned to the kitchen and inspected the cake once more.

"Idhu kuduthu andha paiyan ku tirumbi odambu seri illama panna pora."

(That poor lad is going to fall sick again eating this)

Shivangi was offended and she looked at her father for support.

"Apdi illa." Her assured. "Taste ah iruku."

(No, it tastes good)

Ashwin had his air-pod fixed to his ear as he was attending phone call after phone call. He was surprised that for the first time in life so many people wished him on his birthday. After all with success comes popularity and friends. Last year, no one even bothered if he was alive or not, but now those people who ignored him were desperate for two minutes of his time. However, Ashwin didn't act ungrateful. He attended every call and replied to every message.

Ashwin was thanking one of his old directors for calling him to wish, when someone knocked at the door. He cut the call and went to attend the door. As soon as the door was opened, as if wind rushed in, Ashwin was pulled into a cosy hug.

"Happy Birthday Ashwinney !"

Ashwin laughed quietly as he wrapped his arms around her. "Thanks ma."

She looked up at him with a bright smile while still being in his arms.

"Indha birthday jolly ah iruka?"

(Are you having fun?)

"Nee ippo dana vandiruka? Ini meldan jolly ah irukum."

(You have come to me now, fun will begin now)

Shivangi had come to his home for the first time, so she curiously began to look around the house.

"Unga friend enga?" she asked referring to the one who he shared the house with.

(Where is your friend?)

"Nee varanu avana innoru friend veetuku torathiten."

(Since you were coming, I sent him away to another friend's house)

Shivangi giggled. "Namba mattum dan irukama?" she asked and Ashwin shrugged with a smug smile.

(Only us here?)

Shivangi clapped her hands with a giggle and trotted to his side. "Vaanga unga room kaatunga."

(Show me your room)

Though she has seen his room and some parts of his home through their video calls, she was excited to be here in person.

"Simple ah azhaga iruku." She commented. It was pretty plain, yet very tidy. "Neat ah vechurukeenga. Full house um neat ah iruku."

(Its simple and cute.) (Your room is clean and so is your whole house )

"Bachelors room na garbage maari irukum nu nenachaya?"

(Did you expect bachelor room to be like garbage?)

Shivangi shrugged. "Enaku enna teriyum? Naan idhuku munnadi bachelors room paathade illa."

(How will I know? I have never been to an bachelor's room before)

She went around his room observing and caressing everything, before she finally settled on his bed.

"Single bed podhuma?" she asked

(Single bed comfortable for you?)

He chuckled. "Naan mattum dana toongaren. Orutharuku idhu podhum."

(It is only for me. It works)

"En bed peruse." She said extending her hand. "Naan full ah orundu orundu jolly ah toonguven."

(My bed is big) (I will roll over leisurely. Total fun)

"Taniya toongana epdi jolly ah irukum." He muttered under his breath

(How is it fun to sleep alone?)

"Enna soneenga?" she asked

(What is it?)

"Onnum illa. Nee ennamo enaku surprise iruku nu sonna?"

(Nothing. What is your surprise you were talking about?)

Shivangi's eyes brightened at the mention of her surprise. She rushed to pick the bag she dropped in the living room. She retrieved a small box from inside and handed it to Ashwin.

"Naane pannen."

(I made it)

As Ashwin cut the cake with small wooden knife, Shivangi clapped her hands and waited early for him to taste.

"Super ah?" she asked raising her eyebrows.

Ashwin snickered. "Hmmm..." he nodded. He took another piece of the cake and put in his mouth. "Nalla iruku."

(It is good)

"Nejamava?" she was astonished. "Enaku kudunga" she opened her mouth and he fed her a small piece.

(Really?) (Let me taste)

She made a thoughtful face as she gulped it with difficulty.

"Nallave illa, Ashwinney!" She made a face.

(It is bad, Ashwin)

"First attempt ku nalla dan iruku." He said licking the frost of the knife.

(Its good for first try)

Shivangi's face fell as she was very confident of her baking skill.

"Ei, enna aachu?"

(What is it?)

"Naan romba asai ah senjen. Ipdi sodapeerchu."

(I made it with so much love. It is such a mess )

"Super ah iruku. Inga paaru naan innoru piece saapdaren. " he was about to feed himself another piece, but Shivangi stopped him.

(It is awesome. Look, I am eating one more piece)

"Nee saapdadha Ashwinney." She took the box from him. "Appavum neengalum nalla iruku nu poi solreenga. Nallave illa."

(Don't Ashwin) (My dad and you are lying to me. It isn't good)

Ashwin moved closer to her and put his hand over her shoulder.

"Nee enakaga dana panna?" he asked and she nodded. "Enaku romba pudichiruku. En life la yaarume en birthday ku enakaga cake pannade illa. Nee dan first."

(You made it for me, didn't you?) (I loved it. No one ever has baked cake for me. This is my first)

"Nejama?" she asked surprised. "Unga amma, akka?"

(Really? What about your mom or sister?)

"Avanga kooda pannadhu illa. " he patted her head. "En rowdy dan en life-laye enakaga, enna special ah feel panna veika ivlo effort edutha first person. Andha cake epdi enaku pudikama irukum?"

(Even they haven't made for me. My rowdy is the first one to make it for me specially with so much effort. How can I not like this cake?)

Shivangi hugged him overwhelmed. She wanted to give him the moon on his birthday, especially after the tough past few days they both had with him being sick. She knew she can't cook, but she wanted to do it for him. Anything to make him feel special, which is what she wanted. If now he says she has made him feel special, then no more assurance she needs.

"Yen birthday wish paatheengala, instagram la?" she asked

(Did you see my wish in Instagram?)

He bit his lower lip closing his eyes to slits trying to convey he was behind in catching up social media.

"Yaarudhum paakalaya?"

(Didn't seen anyone's?)

"Inimel dan Insta and twitter ponum."

(Yet to check social media_)

She grabbed his phone from him and opened the app. As she began scrolling through his DMs, Ashwin settled comfortably on the couch and pulled her in his arms.

"Reply pannunga." She handed him the phone.

(Reply everyone)

"Indha boomerang cute ah iruku." He said pointing at her story.

(This boomerang is cute)

"Thank you, kulu kulu nu reply pannunga." She instructed.

(Reply saying 'Thank you, kulu kulu')

"Edhuku? Fans oru romance padame eduthiruvanga." Ashwin scrolled through the emojis. "Avangala konjam yosika veppom."

(Why? Fans will create a whole romance movie. Let them think hard to figure out)

"Idhu enna emoji?"

(What emoji is this?)

"Snowflake."

"Kulu kulu nu artham ah?"

(To represent Kulu Kulu?)

"Ella snowflake um ore maari irukadhu nu solluvanga. Each one is unique. Namba kaila pidikara snowflake mathavanga kannuku common ah teriyalam, but adhu namba kitta mattum unique ah vandhu senda oru gift. Andha maari dan nee enaku. My very own snowflake. Mine and only mine."

(No two snowflake will be same. Each one is unique. The snowflake we hold might look ordinary to others, but what we actually have is special gift from God. You are my very own snowflake. Mine and only mine)

Their eyes locked and Shivangi smiled. He is not the Ashwin she thought him to be. Of course, this new romantic side is definitely a welcome addition. Shivangi didn't know that he has so much love stored in his heart and was waiting for the right person to shower it upon. She was glad that it was her and not someone else. She hugged him sideways placing her head on his shoulder.

"Unganala epdi idhu mudiyudhu??" she asked

(How do you do it?)

"Edhu?"

(Do what?)

"Ipdi ovvaru naalum ungala enaku adigama pudika vaika?"

(Make me like you more every day?)

"Unnala epdi mudiyudhu?"

(How do you do it?)

"Edhu?"

(Do what?)

"Ipdi ovvaru naalum enna raja maari feel panna vaika?"

(Treat me more special every day)

Shivangi was overwhelmed by the feelings. These intense emotions were new to her. Sometimes more than she can handle or comprehend. So, she simply lay on his shoulder holding his hand trying to come in terms with the fact that whatever she is feeling is with him, for him and it is meant to be. She tried to savour the security of his presence while enjoying the new feelings of love spreading in her heart.

Ashwin understood that she was besieged. It was not going to be easy for her to cope with his intensity. He only knew that she is capable of reflecting the same passion he feels, but would need more time to understand the depth of her feelings. Until then, he decided to support her in whatever way he can.

Ashwin held her in one hand while with other he began replying to messages in social media.

"Aama naan anupcha pics paatheengla?" she asked after a while referring to the pictures in Cinderella gown. "Epdi irunden?"

(Did you check out my photos I sent you? How is it?)

"Princess maari irunda."

(You looked like a princess.)

"Nejamava?"

(Really!)

"Naan miss panniten. Unna nerla paathirunda super ah irundirukum."

(I missed it. I would have loved to look at you in that dress)

"Parava illa, innoru naal naan apdi dress panren ungalukaga." She said as she looked at her picture in his phone. "Naan nadamadum cake maari iruken nu Priyanka akka sonnanga." She giggled.

(It is okay. Soon I will dress up for you. ) (Priyanka told that I look like a walking cake)

Ashwin took the phone from her and looked at her photo. "Cake ah?" he made a thoughtful face. "Correct dan.." he looked at her. "En personal nadamadum birthday cake." He smiled

(Cake? Yeah? My very own walking birthday cake)

Shivangi giggled.

"Epdi unga birthday cake-ae ungaluku birthday cake pannitu vanden." She winked

(Your birthday cake made a cake for you)

Aswhin turned to her with a grin. His hands that were around her shoulder on their own began to caress her shoulder, but Shivangi hit his hand.

"Yen adikara?" he asked surprised.

(Why?)

"Ipdi edachu pannitu aprom endiruchu poiruveenga." She pushed him lightly

(You never finish what you start.)

"Adhu ellam illa..." he tried to reason

(Not true..)

"Enaku teriyum ungala pathi." This time she pushed him harder when her neared to hug her and stood up from the couch.

(I know about you)

"Enga pora? Inga va, ma, please."

(Where are you going? Come here, please)

"Ponga, Ashwiney."

(Forget it, Ashwin)

"Nejamave inda vaati naan poga maaten."

(I swear I will not walk away)

"Naan nambamaten."

(I won't trust you)

"Please, rowdy, inniku en birthday."

(Please, rowdy, it is my birthday)

"Enaku pasikudhu." She said walking into the kitchen.

(I am hungry)

Ashwin sighed annoyed as he followed her helplessly.

Shivangi was looking around the kitchen. Ashwin entered inside and looked at Shivangi. He was about to hold her from behind, but she hopped forward to the shelf exclaiming, "Maggie!"

She took the packet and showed it to him with a smile. "Naan panren. Enaku nalla seiya teriyum."

(I know how to make it. )

As Shivangi went about making Maggie, Ashwin stood there looking at her. As she had emptied masala and noodles in the boiling water, Ashwin stood behind her.

"Uppu potaya?"

(Did you add salt?)

"Podanuma?" she asked

(Should I ?)

He rolled his eyes as he handed salt bowl to her. Shivangi added salt and then bent forward to smell imitating Chef Bhatt.

"Chef maari feel panreengalo?" he teased

(Do you feel like a chef?)

"Nalla smell varudhu." She said excited

(Smells good)

Ashwin placed his hand on either side of her and leaned on the slab. He bent his head forward close to her, but Shivangi with her finger on his forehead pushed him away.

"Enna madam inniku strict officer ah irukeenga?" he asked annoyed. "Birthday boy ku gift illaya?"

(Why are you so strict today? Don't I get a birthday gift?)

"Gift iruku." She said turning around to face him. "Nalaiku interview porom illa?" He nodded. "Adhuku aprom neenga enna veetla drop pannuveenga illa?" he nodded again. "Appo amma appa unga kooda pesanum nu sonnanga."

(You will. Tomorrow we have interview don't we? You will drop me home after that right? My parents want to meet you then)

Ashwin removed his hand from the slab and straightened himself. This is what he has been anticipating ever since she revealed about them to her parents.

"Okay dana?" Shivangi asked unsure.

(Is it okay?)

"Double okay." He said. "Ennadan nee sonnalum naan avanga kooda pesaradhu dan correct. "

(Definitely. I have to talk to them.)

Shivangi moved closer to him. "Othukuvanga dana?" he flattened her hair strands fondly. "Avangaluku ungala pudikum dan." She tried to convince him as he was suddenly lost in thoughts.

(They will agree, won't they?) (They like you)

"Hmm"

"Inniku birthday dana..." she caressed his chest. "Enjoy pannunga. Adhu pathi nalaiku paathukalam."

(Today is your birthday. Have fun. Let us think about other things tomorrow)

"Nee enjoy panna vida maatingaraye."

(You are not letting me have fun)

Shivangi frowned. "Cake senjen, ippo Maggie seiyaren... idellam enjoyment illaya?"

(I made cake for you, made Maggie...isnt fun?)

Ashwin gave up as he moved beside her to check on the Maggie. "Enaku idu venum dan." He mumbled to himself.

(I deserve it)

Shivangi giggled as she heard him complain. They both shared a bowl of Maggie sitting on the balcony talking to each other.

Later, Ashwin pulled over the car in front of her house to drop her.

"Thank you so much for making my birthday special." He said gratefully. Truly it was the best birthday he could remember.

Shivangi side hugged him with a smile. "Bye." She whispered

"Bye!"

Before she untangled herself to get down, she placed a quick peck on his cheeks.

By the time Ashwin realized, what just happened, she was already out of the car.

"Hey, Rowdy!!" he bellowed

"Bye, Ashwin!" she called from across the road. "Happy Birthday!"

***

Good?

I was super distracted while typing this chapter. I was watching CWC in TV with my parents (who btw are watching it for the first time). So, not sure if the chapter turned up well.

Regarding Snowflake : Couple of years ago I read a book about how snowflake is super special. It is a romance book and hero writes a song comparing snowflake to his girl. He would have beautifully explained why snowflake is special. Now I don't remember the book's name or much of snowflake comparison. But, get it from me that snowflake is special.