8

Until the galloping horse took her round the vast greenery, her genuine smile wasn't back. Holding the reins of horse and adored by the laughter that is uniquely hers, she looked like the princess he always knew she was.

Her happiness was so much worthier than the extra few hundred rupees Ashwin has to slip to the horse man to earn his silence about seeing him and Shivangi together.

"Neenga horse la polaya?" she asked as he helped her get down.

(Don't you want to ride the horse?)

"Naan neraya poiruken. Horse riding kathuruken."

(I have rode many times. In fact I have learnt horse riding.)

She looked up at him surprised. "Apdiya? Sollirunda namba onna horse la poirukalam. Padathula ellam vara madiri. Enakum fast ah poganum nu asai."

(Really! We could have gone together like in the movies. I would have loved to ride in speed.)

Talk about another one of teenage Ashwin's fantasies. "Kandipa innoru naal polam."

(Some other day for sure.)

***

Shivangi was scanning the ice cream menu. Ashwin has strictly told her not to get one. What with her being singer and all. He thinks she should have lifetime ban on eating anything that could even remotely harm her voice.

"Voice mukkiyam Shivangi ma." He said in Bigil style before he went away to attend a call.

(Your voice is important)

Shivangi however has least self control over her ice cream cravings, especially in such a good weather. She decided to buy a choco bar for herself. She can convince Ashwin. By now even she has come to learn that he cannot resist her puppy face and she will have no problem using it against him.

"Naan ippo enna sollitu ponen?" he asked as soon as he came to stand by her.

(What did I tell you?)

She was relishing the ice cream with at most adoration. "Ashwineey!" she whined and batted her eyelids.

He sighed deeply. "Seri." He gave up. "Onne onnu dan."

(Okay. Only one.)

Shivangi flashed him a brilliant smile making him chuckle.

"Unga amma kooda dana phone la pesineenga?" she asked

(Were you talking to your mother?)

He nodded.

"Enga irukirada poi sonnenga?"

(Did you lie about your whereabouts?)

"Poi ellam sollala. Friend kooda iruken nu unmaya dan sonnen."

(I didn't. I told her I was with a friend.)

"En kooda iruken nu sonnengala?" she asked shocked

(Did you say that friend is me?)

"Peru ellam sollala friend nu mattum sonnen."

(I didn't take names. Just told her it's a friend.)

Shivangi shook her head. "KD fellow neenga."

(You are sly.)

"Eppovum poi solla maaten. Inniku summa, oru chinna white lie."

(I don't lie often. It's just a white lie.)

"Ama, unga amma enna pathi enna sonanga?"

(What does your mother think about me?)

"Yen kekura?" he asked raising his one eyebrow teasingly

(Why do you ask?)

"Summa dan."

(No reason.)

"Romba interest dan unaku enga amma mela. Anniku show la kooda keta."

(You are very interested in my mother. You asked about her in the show as well.)

"Neenga en amma va pathirukeenga. Adan naan kooda unga amma va pathi keten."

(You have met my mother. I am just curious about yours)

He looked at her a with a smile trying to call her out on such a lame excuse while she was pretending that the blush of embarrassment wasn't evident at all.

"Onnum solla vendam ponga."

(Okay. Don't say anything)

"Anda ponnu poona kutty maari iruka nu sonnanga." He admitted.

(She thinks you are like a cute kitten.)

She giggled. "Nejamava?"

(Really?)

"Ama. 'Unnaye sirika vekarana periya aalu dan. Velai vegathula avala tittiradha badarama paathuko' nu sonnanga."

(Yes. She said 'if she can make you laugh, then she must be very talented.'. She told me I shouldn't shout at you while working and should take care of you.)

The way she smiled widely with so much pride was all that he needed to see on her face on hearing his mother's acknowledgement for her.

He was surprised when his mother told him that on a very casual occasion. It was couple of days after their challenge episode was aired. Ashwin was cooking at home with his mother by his side. It was something they do often. It was their thing.

Ashwin was preparing broth while his mother was standing few feet away chopping onions. Ashwin was practicing for show so he had timer set for himself to complete the task. He was in his usual hyper speed activated mood. Placing two more onions on the island beside his mother, he, out of force of habit,said "Shivangi ma chinna slice ah cut pannu."

(Shivangi chop finely)

Ashwin's steps stopped midway as he realized what he had said. He immediately turned to look at his mother hoping desperately she hasn't heard anything. His mother's raised eyebrows were all the confirmation needed to know that she has indeed heard.

His sweet mother who knew him so well decided to give him a slide that day and pointed him to the burning vessel on stove.

Later once the dish was ready and after his mother rained praises on it, she patted his cheeks lovingly and said, "Nee santhoshama irunda enakum santhosham dan."

(I am happy if you are)

He didn't ponder on that statement much, but he liked hearing her say that. Before he left to Chennai next time is when she told her what he said to Shivangi now.

***

It was fifteen past four and the eagerness in Shivangi's heart was falling short in front of the activeness of her body. She was exhausted after covering a very small rise by foot.

"Tired aaiduchu Ashwineey." She held his shoulder for balance and panted heavily.

(I am tired Ashwin)

"Palaya aalu naane nadakaren unaku enna?" he teased

(When an old man like me can climb, why can't you?)

She immediately looked at him offended. "Adhu enakku... Inga perusa... evlo height...Naan dan..." as usual words jumbled from her mouth

(I...me....Its huge....so tall... So I...am....)

"Bha bha bha bha..." he teased earning a small whack on his arms.

"Vara vara neengalum enna tease panna arambichuteenga."

(Now you have started to tease me as well.)

"Yen naan panna koodada?"

(Should I not?)

She pretended to think about it, then gave him a wide smile saying. "Pannalam."

(You shall)

They resumed their hike after a short rest.

"Enna ellarum tease pannuvanga, but neenga cute ah dan tease pandrenga." She said. When he didn't reply anything, she continued. "Naan sonnen illa ennoda eleventh standard crush? Show la?" she looked at him to confirm he knew what she was talking about. He nodded. "Anda paiyan kooda enna tease pannan. Naan kaiya muiya nu pesuren nu sonnan. Manasu romba kashtam aaiduchu Ashineey." She pouted. "Neenga mattum dan enna comedy ah paakama romba azhaga paakureenga. Enaku unga alavauku iduku munnadi yaarum respect ae kuduthadu illa. Onnu kolandai-ah papanga illa comedy-ya papanga, but neenga mattum dan enna oru ponna pakareenga."

(Everyone teases me, but when you do it, its cute. Do you remember I told about my eleventh grade crush in the show? Even he used to tease me. He made fun of my voice. I was very hurt. You are the only man who doesn't make fun of me. You look at me like am very sweet. No one before you has given me so much respect. People either look at me like I am a kid or like I am a clown, only you look at me like I am a woman.)

Ashwin stopped in his tracks as he looked at her unsure what to say to that. He wasn't completely unaware of what she is talking about. He has done fair amount of stalking in instagram to watch her old videos to know what she has undergone, however this is the first time she was directly talking about such things to him.

Ashwin can as well be superstitious and say there is something magical about today because they both for the first time were opening up to each other about deeper things.

"Unna ellarum naan pakara madiri paathirunda nee enna nee pakara madiri pathiruka maata ma." He confessed looking into her eyes. "Inda ulagathula ellam ore nool la dan katti irupangalama. Onnu ilutha dan innonu nagarum. Butterfly effect nu solluvanga. Anda madiri ennoda tanimayum unnoda veguliyum namba rendu pethu naala dan ulagathuke puriyanum nu kadavul setting." He beamed at her and she returned his gaze with an equally blinding grin.

(If everyone has looked at you the way I look at you, then you wouldn't have looked at me the way you do. Everything in this world is connected. It is called butterfly effect. We needed each other for the world to understand the beauty of my loneliness and your innocence. )

They stayed that way for another minute looking at each other, basking in the glory of finding missing piece of puzzle in their life.

"Neenga nalla pesureenga le." Shivangi appreciated. "Neraya books padichirukeengalo?"

(You articulate so well. Have you read many books?)

"Manushangala padichiruken." He said making her roll her eyes.

(I have read many people)

They reached their destination after short hike that Shivangi swore she will never take again. They stood side by side enjoying the song and weather.

Ashwin had even better view than hers not because of his height but because he had the pleasure of enjoying looking at her enjoying the view.

She had something very pure and unadulterated about her that he was always left with such overwhelming feeling looking at her.

"Oru paatu padraya?" he requested

(Sing a song for me)

"Paadtuta?" she asked excited. "Kanna veesi paaduta?" she asked

(Song?) (Shall I sing 'Kanna veesi' song?)

"Snegidane paadu."

(Sing 'Snegindane' song)

https://youtu.be/lCpOeAeLFFQ

Chinnach Chinna Athumeeral Purivaye,

En Cel Ellaam Pookkal Pookkach Cheyvaye Malargal Malarvaaye,

Do small, small love things beyond your limits!

Blossom my cells by your actions!

Among the flower, you blossom!

Poopparikkum Bakthan Poala Methuvaaye,

Naan Thoongumbothu Viral Nagam Kalaivaye Sathaminrith Thuyilvaaye,

Like the priest, who is plucking flowers! slowly.

When I am sleeping, you nip my nails!

You sleep without any sound!

Aiviral Idukkil Aaliv Ennai Poosi Saevaigal Seyavendum,

Neeyazhumbothu Naan Azha Naernthal Thudaikkinra Viral Vendum,

You should apply Olive oil to me

When you cry, If I also cry, I need your fingers to wipe off my tears!

Snehithane Snehithane Ragasiya Snehithane,

Chinnach Chinnathaye Koarikkaigal Sevikodu Snehithaney,

Oh! Friend! My friend! my secret friend!
Oh! Friend! Listen to my small, small wishes...

If she even gets the slightest clue what this song does to him, especially in her voice, she will be the most scandalous.

Ashwin couldn't take his eyes off her. He usually knows when to fall out of the trance. Though camera has captured moments of him being off guard completely being spellbound by her singing, he always managed to gain his composure back soon. Today it was especially hard. He didn't know what has caused this. Was it the weather, the emotional closeness they experienced today, the fact that she trusted him enough to come out with him alone or plainly has he done enough pretending and his heart finally wants to jump out of its place and go to the person who has given it a new rhythm?

Shivangi was getting conscious by the way he was looking at her. Admiring while she was singing has been a constant. She has noticed it more than once and she was even thankful for it. Even after so many heights she has reached as a person, she cherishes praise for her singing the most and Ashwin never fails to give it in abundance. However, now, the way he was looking at her even after the song was over seemed very intimidating to her young heart.

"Ashwinneey!" she didn't sound her usual self while calling his name and her voice cracked.

This seemed to have no effect on him as he continued staring at her with a small smile.

Shivangi looked around helplessly trying to find something to distract them both. Finally she decided to use the universal excuse of clicking a picture.

"Photo edukalam." She said as she waved her phone. "Selfie."

(Let us click a picture)

She turned around making her back face him lifted her phone in an angle for Selfie.

"Ashwiney kitta vaanga. Evlo height difference. "she complained.

(Ashwin come closer. You are so tall.)

He did come close, but not in the way he usually does. Not maintaining the respectful distance he keeps with all women, even his co-stars. He towered over her. With his left hand he closed over her palm that was holding the phone as he took the phone from her not before grazing her knuckles. His right hand rounded her waist and he pulled her closer to his front and left his right hand stay right where it held her waist in a tight grip. He bent down his head to reach her height. Her hair formed a veil to her face, but he had no trouble letting the tresses caress his own cheek.

Ashiwn was in complete trance when he did all that. It was one of the moments where your dream and reality blend in such a way you fail to see rationally. He was tired of minding the way of his heart and mind, something magical about today made him want to lose himself. He yet again let his impulses rule him in her presence.

Ashwin failed to realize that he was the only one living in the bubble. His first cue to her disquiet was the way her whole body stiffened. His grip on her waist loosened as if his hand burned. His second cue was the alarming speed with which she got out of the embrace before he could even take a step back.

When she turned around and he looked in her eyes, the myriad of emotions that fluttered in them were not what he was looking for.

"I am sorry. " his lips uttered automatically.

The minute her eyes met his, he broke a little more because he could see she was ready to forgive his impulse.

What had he done?

"Paravla Ashwiney." She smiled, but it was evident that she was faking it. "Manasula edadu tappu irundadu idellam tappu. Illati idhu oru accident."

(It is okay. If intentions are pure, then no problem. Accidents happen.)

Ashwin cursed himself for successfully ruining a day well spent. He prided himself on being the most righteous man with impeccable morals and self control. How can he compromise that?

Even as he thought about it, he couldn't help but notice that what bothered him was her reaction. He hated himself for letting her down. He had no ounce of regret for what he did. How can something that felt so right, be so wrong?

Shivangi's silence throughout the ride home felt equal measures boon and bane. For one he was thankful he was left to rot with his own thoughts for company. On the other hand, however, he hated himself was ruining whatever that was special between them.

Will she hate him?

Ashwin was only worried about what she thought of him. She did brush it off as accident. It is so not true, his heart knows. And he knew that she deserved to know that as well.

He has been at the receiving end of her wildness all this while, now it is her chance to bear the weight of his affection.

He pulled over in front of the hotel where she stayed. He waited for her to get down.

"Shivangi ma." He called as she tried to hurry with a quick good bye.

She turned around but didn't meet his eyes.

"Enna paaru." He insisted. After few seconds, she managed to meet his eyes. "Accident illa. En manasula iruku. Yosichu sollu."

(It wasn't an accident. I feel something for you. Think about it.)

***

If you have been following my works, you will know that even though all are fan fictions, I take plot very seriously.

So, here is a twist. I am not sure how many expected this from Ashwin.

How did you like it?

Story is going to move to Chennai and Showbiz now. If there is anything you want to read in particular, you can mention it. If plot allows, then I will add it.

I already received requests to include Sam and it will be done surely.

Here is another song for Ashwin and Shivangi that fits perfectly. 

https://youtu.be/r2OlXhtnshI

Song:- Nanbiye 

Film:- Teddy 

Music:- D.Imman 

Lyric:- Madhan Karky 

Singer:- Anirudh Ravichander 

TRANSLATION

My bestie! The friend who unlocks my heart!
My bestie! The joy that sparks my soul!
Reflecting my inner self and painting smiles there...
You are the mirror of my heart.

As you accept me as I am, you are my true reflection.
To sing whatever... To dance, however...
You are my perfect mate.

To bicker and to patch up, you offer reasons many.
In me, many a hue, sketched by you.

A half of my smile, half of my tear... you share and savor!
Everything is an illusion!
You are the only reality! All my doubts, you slew!

Am I real? Or a mere doll in your hands?'
Who am I, you revealed.
I am the red sky! You're my green parrot, soaring high!
My bestie! The friend who unlocks my heart!
My bestie! The joy that sparks my soul!

When we go to war on a virtual battleground...
Even against a billion foes...
With you in my army, victory smiles at my feet!

When we binge-watch, and I cry...
You wipe my tears dry!
My half-said words,
you finish them for me!

You are my solitude too! Even sweeter, are you!
You are the smile on heart's walls, painted by God's hands.
My bestie! The friend who unlocks my heart!
My bestie! The joy that sparks my soul! My bestie! My bestie!
My bestie! The friend who unlocks my heart! My bestie!