25

"Arjun !!"

Ashwin looked up from his phone at Shivangi who was standing outside the car with a bag in her hand signalling him to open the passenger door.

Ashwin rolled down the windows before opening the door.

"Arjun yaaru?" he asked confused

(Who is Arjun?)

"Shivani yaaru?"

(Who is Shivani?)

Ashwin gulped worried. He thought she might have let it go after all the fun they had in the interview following that little mix up.

"Ma, adhu edho vaai roll aaiduchu." He tried to cover it up

(That was slip of tongue)

"Apdiya? Okay." She nodded casually. "Appo enakum adikadi roll aagum."

(Really! Then even I will have slip of tongue.)

"Adhuku dan appove adichaye. Sariya pochu."

(You hit me hard, didn't you ? We are even)

Shivangi who was about to place her bag in the backseat stopped mid air and looked at him.

"Adi ah?" she narrowed her eyes. "Naan adicha ungaluku valikudha?" she asked in disbelief.

(Hit you? You mean it pains when I hit you?)

"Pinna?" he said seriously. "Nee evlo strong." Ashwin poked at her bicep. "Muscles ellam iruku."

(Of course. You are very strong. You have muscles.)

Shivangi threw the bag on the seat carelessly before turning to him and hitting his shoulder continuously.

"Eii... Adikadha." He said even though he was laughing heartily at her antics.

(Don't )

Shivangi withdrew her hand and waved it in air. "Enaku dan valikudhu. Ungala adicha. Neenga summa nadikareenga." She pouted

(It hurts my hand if I hit you. You are only pretending)

"Achacho! Valikudha?" Ashwin took her hand in his and caressed the way she always does after her hi-fives when he pretends to be hurt.

(Oops! Is it paining now?)

He bent his head and was about to kiss her palm, but she withdrew.

"Iniku enna romba kalaichuteenga neengalum andha Shakti-um. Enn reputation ae pochu." She folded her arms and turned to sit straight with angry pout.

(You teased me a lot today with Shakti. My reputation is ruined.)

Ashwin laughed recollecting a joke from their joint interview. Shivangi glared at him. "Ashwin!" she said in warning tone.

"Sorry sorry sorry." He immediately put his hands together in front of her to apologize.

Shivangi nodded a no twisting her lips cutely.

Ashwin removed the seat belt and moved to the corner of his seat to be near her. "Sorry." He said as he put his hands around her and tried to bring her closer holding her waist.

"Enaku sorry vendam." She said hitting his hand that was on her making him remove it.

(I don't want sorry)

"Vera enna seiyanum?"

(What else do you want?)

Shivangi's eyes brightened. It was as if she already knew what she wanted from him and was only waiting for a chance to get it from him.

"Paatu padanum."

(Sing a song)

"Paatah!" he was surprised. " Ma, unake teriyum naan paatu paadna nalla irukadhu."

(Song? I can't sing, you know that)

"Super ah irukum."

(You can)

He shook his head.

"Namba mattum dana irukomm."

(It is only for the two of us)

"Unna maari trained singer munnadi? Chance ae illa."

(In front of a trained singer like you? No way)

"Appo Manam Vittu paadaneenga?"

(You sang 'manam vittu', didn't you?)

"Adhu nee romba naal practice kudutha. Edho sumar ah paadnen."

(That is because you taught me that song)

"Enakaga paadunga ma." She made a puppy face

(For me, please)

Ashwin gave up." Fine!" he shrugged. " Kevalama irukum voice nee dan keka pora. Unaku dan kashtam."

(Fine ! It is going to be bad. You are gonna listen to it so deal with my bad voice)

"Parawa illa. Paadunga."

(It is okay. Sing)

'Neethane Neethane enn nenjil kekum satham..." he began and soon Shivangi joined him.

As they began the car ride, towards her house, it was filled with nothing but singing each other's favourite romantic songs.

Shivangi achieved what she wanted. She noticed as the time neared for him to meet her parents, he started to get restless. She was equally nervous, but she knew she can handle it better than him, after all they are her parents. So, even as she left the office, she decided that she is going to try her best to change his mind and calm him down. With music in air, she was sure he was at ease to face her parents now.

They both didn't get down soon after the car was pulled over in front of Shivangi's house. They both sat inside the car holding hands as Ashwin looked at Shivangi who was giving him the cutest pep talk anyone can manage.

"Neenga Ashwin Kumar, the great." She said his name with so much pride. "Edhukum nervous aaga koodadhu. Ennayye impress panniteenga." She patted her with smugness. "Amma appa easy ah handle panlam. Okay va?"

(You are Ashwin Kumar, the great. You shouldn't get nervous. You impressed me, so obviously you can impress my parents too.)

He nodded.

"Aprom mukkiyamana vishyama..." she said conspicuously waving a finger. "Adhu vandhu..." he listened carefully as she made a thoughtful face." Aiyoo! Marandiruche...."

(And most important things .... That is... God, I forgot)

Ashwin chuckled seeing her adorable expression.

"Nee ivlo cute ah pesina enaku epdi nervousness irukum?" he asked

(Your pep talk is so cute. How can I be nervous?)

Shivangi looked at him surprised. "App nervousness poiducha?"

(So you aren't now?)

Ashwin lifted their entangled hands and kissed her knuckles.

"Nee kooda irunda naan eppavum calm dan."

(I will always be calm in your presence)

She gave him her signature smile with blush.

"Aama naan sonnadhu nyabagam iruka?" he asked

(Do you remember what I said?)

Shivangi scrunched her nose as she began recollecting his points.

"Amma appa enna sonnalum naan edirthu pesa koodadhu." She said and pulled up her little finger to indicate it was first point. Ashwin nodded. "Enna nadandalum naan tension aaga koodadhu." She raised another finger. "Aluga koodadhu." Another finger. "Yosikama nambala pathi details edhuvum olara koodadhu." Fourth finger up. "Unga kitta close ah ukkara koodadhu, tottu pesa koodadhu."

(I shouldn't talk back no matter what my parents say. )

(I shouldn't get worked up)

(I shouldn't cry)

(I shouldn't over share about us)

(I shouldn't sit close to you or touch you while we talk)

After she rightly recited the points he told her the previous night, Shivangi looked at him like an obedient third grader who recited rhymes.

"Good girl!" he ruffled her hair.

"Nee romba mosam Ashwinney!" she complained.

(You are very bad, Ashwin)

"Yen ma?"

(Why?)

"En kooda evlo free ah irukeenga, aana veliya, mathavanga munnadi vera person ah maareedrainga. Naane confuse aaidren."

(You are very open with me, but with others you act different. You confuse me)

Ashwin smiled. "Adhu romba simple." He said. "Veliya ellathukum naan Ashwin Kumar, illati Ashwin, but un kooda naan unnoda Ashwinneyy.... vera yaarum paakadha Ashwin nee mattum dan paatha. So, indha side of Ashwin unaku mattum dan sondam."

(It is actually simple. To others, I am Ashwin Kumar or Ashwin, but to you I am your Ashwinney. You found this Ashwin who no one else identified. So, this side of me is completely yours)

"Ellathukum apdi pala side irukuma enna?" she asked surprised. "Naan ore maari daana ellathu koodayum iruken." She was worried if she was doing anything incorrectly.

(Does everyone have different side? I am same with everyone)

"Ovvoruthar ku oru maari irukum. Nee en kitta unnoda ella side um kaatra, correct ah?" she made a thinking face. "Childish side, matured side, angry side, possessive side, naughty side, feminine side." She blushed at that. "Protective side, caring side... innum neraya." He said. "Correct ah?" she nodded. "Aana un kooda palagara ellathukum ella side um kaatradhu illa. Correct ah?" she nodded again. "En kitta mattum ella side um katra, adhu yen?"

(It depends. You show all your sides to me. Childish side, matured side, angry side, possessive side, naughty side, feminine side, Protective side, caring side... and much more. Right? But, you don't show all this side to everyone you meet, right? You are open with me, why?)

"Neenga special Ashwinney. Naan enna pannalum neenga rasikareenga. Naan yen panren, edhuku panren ellame purinjukareenga. Unga kooda irukum bodhu, edhum maraikara avasiyame illa. Kovama irundalum, pasama irundalum neenga enna ore maari paakareenga."

(You are special, Ashwin. You adore me. No matter what I do, why I do, you understand everything. When I am with you, I find no need to hide anything. Doesn't matter if you are angry or loving, you look at me the same way.)

"Adhu dan ma, adhu dan special bond Nee edhum maraikama en kitta honest ah iruka, naan mulusa naan-ah un kooda mattum dan iruken. Un munnadi enna suthi walls build panna vendiya avasiyam illa. Enaku teriyum naan tappu pannalum nee enna thittuva, aana kooda dan irupa."

(Exactly, that is special bond. You are honest with me and I am with you. I don't see the need for walls to be built when I am with you. I know that even when I am wrong, you will reprimand me, but will never leave my side. )

Shivangi side hugged him overwhelmed by his explanation. No one has ever described relationship to her the way he did. It now makes lot of sense why she likes him so much. He is probably the only person who can handle all of her with smile and love. That is why God has sent him to her, for her.

Shivangi lifted her head to look at his face while still in his arms.

"Namba special bond pathi terinja, appa amma udane othupanga." She was certain

(If my parents learn about our special bond, they will accept us)

"Adhu namba solli puriya vekka mudiyadhu. Avanga paathu meduva terinjukuvanga."

(We can't make them understand that. They will realize on their own)

"Appo romba days aaguma?" she asked innocently

(Will it take forever then?)

Ashwin smiled and patted her head. "Avlo yosikadha. Ippo namba ulla polam."

(Don't overthink. Let us go inside)

Between the time they rang the door bell and Shivangi's mother opened the door, Shivangi gave Ashwin a tight hug saying it was 'boost'.

"Ulla va pa." Her mother greeted him gently.

(Come in)

Ashwin handed them basket of sweets and dry fruits that he handpicked and wrapped after learning everyone's taste.

"Idhu ellam edhuku pa?"

(Why the formality?)

"Pudhusa veetuku pogum bodhu sweets kondu ponum nu amma solluvanga."

(My mom insists we take sweets when we visit someone's house for the first time)

As her mother asked them to be seated in the living room and went inside to get her father, looked and Ashwin and nodded her head proudly.

"Neraya techniques kathu vechiruka Ashwiney. Parents impress panniruva."

(You know so many techniques, Ashwin. My parents will be impressed)

"Techniques illa ma, good habits."

(Not techniques. It is good habits)

Ashwin stood up from the couch as sign of respect as soon her father walked in, while Shivangi raise her eyebrows appreciatively from where she was seated.

"Ukkaru pa." Her father said before taking the chair in front of where Ashwin and Shivangi were seated.

(Sit down)

Nothing dramatic that Shivangi prepared herself for happened. Her father was enquiring Ashwin about his family, work, while his mother was interested to know about his take on some insignificant incidents from the show.

Why was no one talking about her or their relationship? Isn't why they were here today?

The conversation went all over the place and became too disoriented for Shivangi to keep track.

Shivangi shifted her gaze between all three waiting for someone to stop beating around the bush.

"MBA varaikum padichitu acting en pa?" her father asked

(Why acting after MBA?)

"Adhu dan en calling nu enaku tonuchu uncle. Nalla company la job offers vanduchu. Aana naan pudikadhu oru field la top la iukaradhu veeda, pudicha oru field la part ah irunda podum nu nenachen."

(I realized acting is my calling.I received job offers, but I thought rather than being top in a field I don't like, I would be part of a field I like)

"Appo appo kovam varumo Ashwin ku? Show la konjam terinjudhu." Her mother questioned

(Are you maybe a little short tempered? I noticed in the show)

Ashwin scratched his head guilty. "Konjam." He admitted genuinely. "Aana satham potu aarpatam panra kovam varadhu. Apdiye amaidiya poiduven."

(A little) (But, I don't shout or act up. I just keep quiet.)

"Ivalukum romba kovam varum." Her mother added and Shivangi's ears peaked. Finally, they were talking about her, but not something good. "Chinna ponnu dana. Avaluku innum neraya vishayam puriyadhu."

(She gets angry a lot) (She is young, isn't she? She has a lot to learn)

Shivangi pouted at her mother and looked at Ashwin hoping he will take her side like always.

"Kovam varum, adam pidipa, konjam careless, innum responsible aaganum." Ashwin smiled at Shivangi who glowered at him. "Ellame teriym aunty. " Much to Sivangi's surprise, her mother looked pleased with his answer. What is with everyone not talking good about her?

(She is short tempered, adamant, careless, needs to be more responsible. I am aware of it...)

"Aana romba understanding..." Ashwin continued perking Shivangi's ears. "Avaluku teriyadadhu illa, romba matured dan. Tevai illama edhuvum manasula potu kolapama, avalum santhoshama irundhutu mattavangalyum santhoshama vekkura. Romba bold, strong, smart kooda..." he looked at Shivangi who beamed. "Aana Tamil konjam terila." Then he went ahead and explained her blunder with 'Tozhiladibar' making her parents crack up.

(But, she is very understanding. She knows everything. Very mature. She doesn't take things to heart. She lives happily and makes others also happy. Very bold, strong, smart...but not very good at Tamil)

The laughter riot at Shivangi's expense was halted when Shivangi's father received a call and he excused himself. Her mother decided to be perfect host and went inside the kitchen to get something for them to drink.

As soon her parents were out of sight, Shivangi turned to Ashwin and glared.

"Enna enga parents kitta insult panni kalaicha epdi pudikum?"

(Why are you pulling my legs in front of my parents? How will they like you?)

Ashwin smirked. "Illadhadhu onnum sollalai dana?"

(I didn't lie at least)

Shivangi was about to argue on the logic when her mother called for her from the kitchen. Shivangi sprinted to the kitchen leaving behind a confident Ashwin who was so far convinced that things were satisfactory. Shivangi might be too inexperienced to understand that her parents have started their assessment the minute he entered the house, but not Ashwin. He knew their questions held much more meaning than simple formality. He also knew that want they wanted was honesty and not some flowery words to impress them. They were uncomplicated that way, just like Shivangi and also him.

Shivangi was washing the glasses as her mother was mixing juice.

"Interview okay va?" her mother asked

(All okay with interview?)

"Full fun, ma"

"Interview la edachu olarnaya?" her mother knew her too well

(Did you over share anything?)

Shivangi turned to her mother knowing what she was hinting at. "Avar kooda irukum bodha? En school principal veeda strict ah monitor panraru." She said in complaining voice making her mother giggle.

(When he is with me? He rivals my school principal in monitoring what I say)

"Unaku seri aana aalu dan." Her mother mumbled when Shivangi became distracted pouring juice in the glass.

(Right for you)

Shivangi who went to the living room to serve juice returned to her mother in kitchen staggered.

"Amma, Ashwin-um Appa-um kaanom." She informed seriously

(Mom, Ashwin and dad are missing)

"Veedu suthi paaka poi irupanga." Her mother answered unaffected

(They must be taking tour of the house)

"Oh!" Shivangi nodded. "Naan tedi paathu juice kudukaren."

(Oh! Let me go find them)

"Vendam.." her mother stopped her. Shivangi turned around confused. "Avanga varuvanga. Aprom kuduthuko."

(No... Let them be. )

"Yen?" Shivangi asked suspiciously

(Why?)

"Avanga pesitu varuvanga. Nee poi un velaya paaru."

(They will be back after talking. You do your work)

Now Shivangi was alerted. What were they talking? Why without her? Everything was conspicuously planned to keep her out of it and Shivangi hated when she isn't part of something that is obviously about her.

She was walking across the living room tensed with only Shenba for company who from its place on the table looked at her like she has gone mad.

"Ei, Shenba..." Shivangi walked to the cat. "Nee poi enakaga spy vela panni Appa-vum Ashwin-um enga nu paathutu va."

(Shenba, would you be my spy and check on Dad and Ashwin?)

Shenba turned around and slept on its stomach not giving her attention.

Five minutes later, Shivangi was relieved, when her father and Ashwin entered the living room. Their faces were unreadable. When her father wasn't looking, Shivangi raised her eyebrows at Ashwin questioning; he only imitated her much to her annoyance.

"Saaptutu po pa." Her mother insisted when Ashwin announced it was time for him to leave.

(Join us for dinner)

"Illa aunty late aachu. Curfew ku munnadi veetuku ponum."

(It is late already. Should reach home before the curfew)

After her parents bade him bye, Shivangi didn't hesitate to follow him to his car.

"Appa enna sonnaru?"

(What did day tell you?)

Ashwin leaned on the car and gave her a Zen look.

"Ashwinneyy!!" she whined as he was testing her patience.

"En ponnu romba torture nejamave unaku ava dan venuma nu ketaru."

(He told me that his daughter will torture a lot so am I sure I want her in life?)

Shivangi narrowed her eyes at him. Well, she wouldn't put it past her father to say that, but Ashwin held a teasing smile and so she wasn't sure if he was saying the truth.

"Neenga enna soneenga?"

(What did you tell him?)

"Unmaya sonnen."

(The truth.)

"Huh?" she was confused

Ashwin shook his head. What was he thinking making 90s movie reference to her? Obviously she wouldn't have watched the cult classic.

"Onnum illa ma." He assured her. "Oru ponnoda appa enna keparo adhu dan ketaru."

(Nothing to worry. His concerns were ones common to dads of young girls)

"Adhu enna?"

(What concerns?)

"Adhu unaku avasiyam illa. Nee free ah vidu."

(You don't worry about it. Chill)

Shivangi wasn't convinced. She made a face at him.

"Namaku positive ah dan pesanaru. Okay va?"

(He was positive 'bout us. Happy?)

"Nejama?" she was relieved

(Really!)

"Yes."

Shivangi was elated. She knew that her parents were not aggressively against their relationship, but it is still good to know that they are cordial with Ashwin in person.

"But, enna sonnaru nu solla maatenngala?" she made a puppy face.

(But, won't you tell me what he said?)

Ashwin patted her head lovingly and nodded no.

It is not that he didn't want to tell her, it is just that even he hasn't yet processed the things her father spoke to him about. Ashwin based on stories he has heard from his friends' encounter with their girlfriends' fathers came prepared. However, he was not ready with any answer for some things her father posed to him. Yes, he did give straight forward answers like he always does. Ashwin, though, was not sure if his father was satisfied. And the last thing her father asked of him completely caught Ashwin off guard.

How can he reveal to her all this when he himself has not come to any terms with it yet?

"Are you okay?" Shivangi asked Ashwin as he looked occupied

"Yes!?" he said unconvincing.

"Appo naan ketadhuku badil sollunga." She asked

(Why are you not replying to me then?)

"Enna keta?"

(What was it?)

She clicked her tongue in disappointment. "Lockdown la meet panama epdi irupom nu keten."

(It is gonna be hard not to meet during lockdown)

"Kashtam dan." He agreed. It was going to be hell, especially since he has become too much attached to her now.

(Very hard)

"Daily phone pesalam. Video call kooda."

(Let us connect daily through phone and video call)

"Everything possible to stay in touch namba panlam." He assured.

(We will do everything that is possible to stay in touch)

"Ashwinney!" she called in her sweet voice. "Epdiyum month end aagum meet panna."

(Ashwin, it will be end of the month before we meet)

"Aama."

(Yes)

"Innum romba days iruku."

(It is many days away)

"Yes."

"Paakave mudiyadhu. Romba miss pannuvom."

(We can't meet. We will miss each other a lot)

"Aama ma."

"Nee vena enna kiss panniko."

(Kiss me if you want)

Ashwin's words caught in his throat as he didn't know what to say. He didn't expect those words from her.

She looked extremely adorable and rightly kissable with that eyes filled with gloom and lips puckered in disappointment.

Ashwin cupped her face, bent to her face and kissed her forehead. That one forehead kiss meant so much to him. It was not only his love, longing, adoration, it was also her trust, care and affection.

She looked at him with her doe shaped eyes full of queries.

"I will miss you." He said

"Will miss you more."

***

Nothing dramatic with the parents meeting. Just little mystery. We will get to that soon.

Shall we jump directly to her birthday or is there anything you want to be covered in between?

For folks disappointed with forehead kiss, if you are any romantic, you will understand that the top three intimate things for a couple is Eye contact, Hand holding and Forehead kiss (according to me at least). They have passed all three in the right time. So, other things will follow soon.

I really hope Sivu releases B'day vlog in the weekend so that I can take some real life inspiration for the story.

I know AK and SK adore DP and RS, but didn't think they will take a leaf out of the latter couple's life and indulge in social media lovey dovey.... What is it with late night romantic songs and cute emoji stories !?!?!?