Disclaimer

This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the popular show cook with comali 2. The description of incidents in this story is fictional and entirely unrelated to the persons after whom the characters are named. The story is only an imaginary plot with my take on ashaangi. This is not to hurt anyone or affect their personal space. This is purely a fictional plot that is not recommended to connect with real-life incidents.

***** 

I think I should probably add a constant apology note along with my disclaimer in every chapter! Anywhoooo I am investing most of my time into doing something very important and this is how it is going to be for a good few months. Please bear with my irregular updates and I appologise in advance for not keeping up a schedule💜

Okay now, long chapter ahead! Enjoy! 💜

20

The hall was filled with near and dear ones of Pugaz and Priya. It was a special day indeed for the entire team of CWC as well who had made all the way to Cuddalore to be part of their engagement. Pugaz was probably the first one to be betrothed amongst the youngster's team of CWC. He was all nervous as he stood there on the stage waiting for the bride. Ashwin and Rakshan along with Sakthi accompanied Pugaz on the stage. Bala, sarath and others were busy coordinating with the even management team to do some last minute changes. Ashwin stood next to Pugaz like the perfect groomsman not letting go of a single chance to pull his leg while Rakshan and Sakthi were busy working behind them on the stage.

"Enna machan! Kal lam nandungura mari teridhu!" He commented with a suppressed laugh as he tried to click a selfie with him.

(Looks like someone's legs are wobbly!)

"En da solla mata! Engalukum kalam varum apo iruku unaku maple! Unna anniki pathukureyn!" Pugaz said with his eyes fixed on the entryway giving the least attention to what the man next to him was up to.

(I'll get my turn soon! Let's see what to tell then!)

Ashwin had clicked a pic of him laughing at an anxious Pugaz standing to his left. He opened his insta account and put a story tagging him with a caption "Mapla ready! ponnu ready ah?" 

(Groom is up and ready! What about the bride?)

Ashwin wore a solid yellow kurta with a full sleeve that he had rolled up right below his elbow. It was stitched to fit him perfectly in the same fabric that was handpicked by Sivaangi, not knowing that it was for him. His kurta was paired with off-white, dhoti-style stitched pants and Anusha had picked a pair of designer shoes to go with it. He wore his signature brown strap watch. His hair and beard were impeccably groomed and he kept the look simple and neat.

Once he was done posting the story his eyes were scanning through the hall in search of her.

"Enna mapla, ponnuku heavy ah searching pola?" Rakshan said as he walked back next to Ashwin after arranging a few things on the stage, looking at his story.

(What happened? Looks like someone is in search of a bride!)

"Ama! Enga da un thangachi?"

(Yea! Where is your sister?)

"Dho!" Rakshan said all of a sudden creating an adrenalish rush in Ashwins body.

(Here!)

"Enga da, enga?" Ashwin asked, strenuous looking for her in the room.

(Where! Where?!)

"Dho! Ipo dhan 1 hour munadi patheyn" He said, trying to control a big chuckle looking at the grown up kid next to him.

(Here! I just saw her here 1 hr back)

"Stage la nikurom nu kuda paka mateyn adichiruveyn machan!" He spoke through his teeth.

(You are gonna get beaten up and I won't even mind we are on stage)

Rakshan started giggling almost uncontrollably and Ashwin turned away letting out a sigh.

"Enga iruka Sivaaanggiiiiii?!!!" He mumbled under his breath and turned his head carelessly to his right.

(Where are you Sivaaanggiiiiii?!!!)

Flabbergasted! Even that word could not completely explain how stunned Ashwin was as he stood there glued to the spot like a love-struck teenager, bewitched by her beauty. She was right there just when he called for her. She pushed open a relatively large door for her size that leads to the garden on the side of the hall. One session of outdoor photoshoot was over with her gang of ladies.

The attire that he sm how managed to indirectly choose for her was multi folds alluring on her than the willowy model. It was her aura that added charm to that beautiful designer lehenga, that was scrupulously made by their stylist. She wore a lemon yellow Skirt with a can-can underneath that gave a slight flare, along with a monotone sleeveless blouse with intricate yet subtle self-patters that ran all over the attire and a shear, lemon yellow dupatta with similar patterns on the borders. She carried a golden potle bag that broke the monotony of the attire. Her stylist choose a chunky neckpiece to stand out as a piece of statement jewellery which she half-heartedly agreed to wear, but immediately fell in love with it when it added the right amount of bling to the outfit in the photos she clicked.

Her hair was middle-parted, styled into beachy waves. A few strands of hair were pulled back from either side and clipped at the crown area and a few strands of her hair fell softly around her face and she had an ethereal glow about her that never failed to knock out air in his lungs.

She took a few more pictures just a few meters away from the stage and he had a clear view of her from where he stood.

"Arun anna, indha angle la onu edunga!" She was instructing her photographer Arun and posing for the photos effortlessly with Kani, Sunitha, and Pavithra and also requested him to take a few solo pics after a while. Who could say no when they get to enjoy her cute antics? Arun obliged and walked towards the stage.

(Arun, could you take a pick in this angle?)

"Ponnu ready! Mapla dhan konjam tolanju poitaru pola, la?"

(Bride is ready! Looks like the groom is a little lost, right?)

"Poda" He said in his sweetest tone.

(Get lost!)

Everyone's head turned towards the aisle of the marriage hall when the bride made a graceful entry, But nothing bothered Ashwin. He could just not take note of anything else around him. His eyes were only fixed on her and everything around was apparently in bokeh mode and she was like this perfect portrait that stood out in the pictures that his mind captured.

When Pugaz stood there enchanted by his lady love walking her way towards the stage, there stood Ashwin right next to him with his eyes fixed on his girl who joined the bride and split her way before the stage to join Pugaz's side. He could see nothing, literally nothing else other than her.

When she took each step forward, her heartbeat raised without giving her a reason. How much ever mentally prepared she was, she could not help but melt away when ever her eyes meet those killer eyes of his. She automatically made a quick scan down to his chiseled jawline that can be clearly spotted under his well-groomed beard that she could just not avoid while climbing up the stair from the other side of the dais. She also caught a glimpse of the attire he wore. She did notice that their outfits matched and she knew very well it would have been their designer's plan apparently! She was still not aware that she had chose that for him. She had to peel away her eyes from his built form that was evident through his well-fitted top.

It felt like a moment of blissful torture that still makes butterflies flutter in her stomach as she hurriedly walked towards her brothers and settled in a spot between Rakshan and Sakthi on the stage. She let out a sigh in relief for not slipping anywhere in the middle looking into those brown orbs and messing up even walking in front of the gathering. That would be embarrassing as she would not even be able to give a reason for her fall or worse what if he catches her saving her from the fall in front of the crowd! 

As if able to sense what was going on in her tiny head he chuckled looking nowhere in particular. She narrowed her eye at him suspiciously. This time he immediately raised his eyebrow, questioning her. She instantly turned her head towards the couple to be engaged and tried to concentrate on the ceremony though her mind was completely stuck elsewhere. She stood there mindlessly smiling at everyone and everything she saw and she could also feel an intense pair of eyes following her tiny moves.

Ashwin quickly tapped on Rakshan's shoulder and he seamlessly switched positions with him. He then nodded at Arun who showed a thumbs up and clicked pictures of the duo like how Ashwin had instructed him earlier. How could she not sense his presence next to her? Her head quickly turned around and found only Rakshan next to her and Ashwin was at the same spot where she saw him last, making conversation with Kani.

"Ennachu thangam?" Rakshan asked pretending to act cool. She shook her head and turned away confused.

(What happened?)

She could not understand this weird sensation and her thoughts were distracted when the pandit started reciting hymns for the Ganapathy Pooja that was part of the engagement ceremony. He was leading the way and instructing both the families and the couple on what to do.

Sivaangi was restless and bored half the way through the ceremony when both the families were busy exchanging gifts and what not.

Pugaz and his parents invited Dhamu appa and other elderly people onto the stage before the Lagna Patrika was to be read out and engagement rings were to be exchanged. Rakshan and Ashwin helped them walk up to the stage and soon the stage was almost crowded.

The front row was occupied by the elderly people and everyone else who was previously on the stage moved back.

Feeling a little claustrophobic, Sivaangi took a step clumsily backward and tripped over the numerous wires that were hidden under the carpet and couldn't manage to stay on her feet. Right when she was about to grab onto some support, Ashwin's left arm effortlessly hooked around her bare waist and pulled her back to her feet. She scrunched her eyes fearing to fall and her left hand swaddled his collar fabric and her other hand tried to catch hold of his supporting hand but managed to clutch around the thumb finger of his hand that was firm around her waist. She turned towards him automatically, seeking balance. He pulled her against him trying to calm her down. But he had no idea how she felt in his arms.

She went breathless. She felt like she was in the hold of her solace that was repeatedly seized away from her, leaving her feeling empty and pathetic. It felt beautiful! Magical! But it also felt far beyond the realms of reality to her now. A myriad of emotions fogged her mind.

"Vidu!" She whispered meekly with her forehead resting on his chest and her left arm that was holding his collar moved towards his shoulder almost resisting her urge to wrap her arms around him. Her breathing was labored, she could hardly speak. That was the kind of impact he creates on her by just holding her.

(Leave me!)

"Ennala mudiyadhey!" He whispered back in his damn base voice with a hint of playfulness in her ears, but his words had other meanings that made her look up into his eyes with mixed emotions.

(I dont think I can!)

https://youtu.be/PsIENwsq0kk

Right then Pugaz and Priya exchanged their rings and the stage was showered with flower petals and akshadha from the crowd that fell over the place.

Sakthi turned around and spotted the pair, standing there so close to each other, and gasped. He nudged Rakshan and said, "Pinnadi nadakura kootha pathingala?!!"

(Did you see what is happening behind us?)

Rakshan turned and chuckled saying "Ipo dhan pakuriya? Adhu romba nerama nadakudhu ana ivangaluku mattum enna apdi oru kadavul setting oh! Ellam timing la nadakudhu! Seri nalla irundha seri! Nalla irunga da!" he said and threw a few petals over them and raised his hands in the air to bless them dramatically as Sakthi joined him in action and giggled. But the couple was so into each other that they hardly took note of them or anything else around them. On a serious note, Rakshan was happy seeing them take one tiny step of progress without any fights involved.

(You are late! But what surprises me is the timing! May the Lord bless you both!)

Other than these two, there was another pair of eyes watching it all through the lens. Arun was smart enough to capture this candid backstage romance that was going on and he, for sure knows Ashwin would flip seeing those pictures.

Ashwin blew away a lone rose petal from her lash and said, "Nii dhaney enna pudichi vechitu iruka" he eyed down at her arm that was between them and her palm wrapped around his thumb finger of his hand that was still holding her intact. He gave a silly reason as if her tiny palm can lock him down.

(You are the one holding onto me!)

She immediately unfastened from his hold and moved next to Kani and tried to catch up on what she missed. Thankfully the entire crowd was watching the couple at the front of the stage only. Though she was a few steps away from him she could still feel his hold around her, his touch tingled every nerve of her body sending too many signals for her brain to process. That moment she felt too greedy and wished she could get more of him.

"That is impossible Sivaangi! Stop dreaming!" She heard a loud scream in her head and she shut her eye tight.

-----

"Okay engagement nallabadiya mudinjudhu. Elarum nalla saptu themba irukinga nu nambureyn. Ipo nama elam inga en koodi irukom nu patha oru fun ana game segment kaga dhan!" Sakthi announced to the gathering consisting of the CWC team and cousins of the couple. It was around 9 PM that evening and most of the people gathered for the engagement had retired back to their rooms. 

(Okay, the engagement went on well. I hope everyone had had a content meal and is ready for this. So we have gathered here for a fun game segment! )

"Ama idhu oru jollyana game segment. Namma pudhu Jodi Pugazhu kum, Priya kum chemistry epdi iruku nu test panna dhan indha game!" Rakshan added.

(Yea! So we have our new couple here Pugaz and Priya. This game is to mainly test the chemistry between the two!)

"Idhu romba simple task. Pugaz anna oda vazhka enga start acho, avaruku enga periya reach kedachudho adha inga konjam recreate panni, apdiye nama kooda irukuravangala lam ulla izhuthu, cooking without fire nu oru game velayada porom" Sakthi narrated.

(So this is a simple task. Pugaz brother's life-changing events started to happen after CWC, so this is going to be a small recreation of that. We would also like to rope in the other cooks and comalis here for this cooking without fire game!)

Ashwin knew exactly where this was leading. Rakshan gave him a wink reading his mind.

"Ama Sakthi sonna mari, CWC mariye cook and comali ah pair panni indha task panna porom. Romba periya setup lam panna mudiyadha karanathala edho nama kita irukura anda, satti, karandi elam kadan vangitu vandhu table la vechurukom. Ingrediends nangale kuduthuruvom ninga samacha mattum podhum. Aprom vazhakam pola namma judges Dhamu appa and Bhatt sir dhan, anaaa anga dhan twistu"

(So as sakthi mentioned, we will be pairing up cooks and comalis for this task. We will provide you guys with the ingredients and asusual Dhamu sir and Bhatt sir will be our judges. But here comes the twist!)

"Adhu enna neyy!"

(What is that?)

"Samaikurapo table la irukura cook and comali, rendu perum pesika kudadhu!"

(The cook and the comali are not allowed to talk in between the task!)

"Aprom epdi ney!"

(What? How will the coordinate?)

"Avangaluku venumna kannalaye pesikatum, kaiyala pesikatum, adhu avanga problem, ana vai torandhu oru vartha solla kudadhu! Namma judges um avanga samaikuradha vida avanga chemistry epdi iruku nu dhan test panna poranga"

(That's their problem! Let them communicate with their eyes or whatever but they are not allowed to talk! More that the dish they present their chemistry will be tested!)

"Superb! Seri vanga game kula povom"

(Superb! lets get into the game then!)

"Adhuku munadi pairing! First uh namma pudhu Jodi Pugaz and Priya, maple un power ah kata vendiya neram idhu. Aprom adutha Jodi elam Dhamu appa soluvaru" Rakshan sneakily passed on the mike to Dhamu.

(Before that, Pairing! First our new couple Pugaz and Priya, bro now is the time to show what you are capable of! Next pairs will be announced by Dhamu appa!)

"Okay! Na sola poradhu elamey elarum pathu romba enjoy panna pair dhan, so next pair kani and sunitha, Rithika and Bala, Pavithra and sarath, Shakila and Thangadhurai, Deepa and Mani and last but no the least Ashwin and Sivaangi"

(Okay! These are pairs that we are never bored of watching, the next pair is  Kani and Sunitha, Rithika and Bala, Baba Bhaskar and Sarath and last but not the least Ashwin and Sivaangi)

Sivaangi's eyes widened although she was expecting this to happen and thinking of ways to avoid it.

"Appa na epdi..." She tried her best to decline it.

(Appa how can I...)

"Eyy va da kutty! Vandhu samachu tha appa ku! Romba varusham achu un kaiyala saptu!" Dhamu knew what he was doing.

(Come on! Come cook fr ur dad! It's been long since I ate food cooked by you.)

"Adhunala dhan pa romba varushama nalla irukinga" Rakshan dint leave a chance to tease her and ease the tension. She gave a death glare to him and hesitantly walked towards the table where Ashwin was all set and ready."

(Appa, do you realize why you are healthy? Do you still want to do this?)

When things were being set up on every table she stood there next to him, leaving a good one-meter gap between them, which seemed to be a safe distance to maintain for the sake of her poor heart.

He, not wanting to miss this golden chance, slid close to her and said "Hii!", In a chirpy way.

She crossed her arms across her chest, gave him a glare, and looked away rudely. He pouted on his first attempt of miserable failure.

"Seri Hii sola vendam, listen to what I say so that we can just cook easily when time starts and we can avoid....."

(Okay you dont have to say hii, listen to what I say so that we can just cook easily when time starts and we can.....)

"Look!" She stopped him right in the middle of the sentence.

"Don't become too ambitious! Enaku onum idhu win panna vendam. This is for Pugaz anna and anni dhan. We are not a couple to give them a tough fight. And moreover, I don't care!" She said as if really doesn't matter to her.

"Seringa Madam!" He said playfully.

(Okay Madam)

She was genuinely confused about his behavior and said, "Na serious ah solreyn!"

(I am serious!)

"Nanum seriousa dhan solreyn." He repeated her words making her all the more irritated.

(I am serious too!)

"Enakum onum win lam panna vendam. Samaikavey teryadha ponnu kita enna epo pathalum mati vittuduranga. Idhula pesavum kudadhu na inga ennena disaster nadakumo! Adhuku dhan oru precautionary measures plan panneyn! I don't want to take the blame for burning down the marriage hall!"

(Even I dont want to win. They have given me a person who has no idea of the concept of cooking. On top of that, I am not allowed to talk! God knows what kind of disaster is to happen! That's why just wanted to take some precautionary measures. I don't want to take the blame for burning down the marriage hall!)

"Onnum theva ila! Engalukum samaika teriyum" She pounced back dropping in a line so casually like she also knows how to breath!

(You dont have to instruct! I also know how to cook!)

Ashwin blinked at her confidence. He knew she was zero with her cooking skills. There was no way she could have mastered it in these 3 years especially in a house where the mum itself depends on their cook's food.

"Seri idhuku mela kadavul dhan kapathanum!" He said and stood there quietly.

(Only God can save us from this then!)

The hall was half-filled with people chattering, there was music playing here and there. Everyone was busy with something or the other. Right in the middle of the chaos stood Ashwin and Sivaangi without exchanging one single word yet making a loud conversation with just their silence. It somehow soothed their ears, their hearts, their souls that were entwined. It was not just the silence but their presence next to each other that made them feel that way. 

Is it going to be the same as how we cooked before?  Both breathed out through their mouth loud at the same time as the flashbacks took over their emotions and immediately looked at each other wordlessly.

"Is she thinking what I am thinking?"

"Is he thinking what I am thinking?"

"Irukadhu" She turned away.

(There is no way!)

"Just give me a sign that even you are thinking about the same thing Sivaangi!" He wished loudly to himself and almost pleaded with his eyes fixed on her.

"Huh?" She looked at him questioningly. He just shook his head and looked away. His eyes turned moist unknowingly. That pain, that hope, that love was all reflected in those glassy eyes.

"Okay unga table la ipo bread, mayo, vegetables and every other ingredient to make a sandwich vechirukom. Ungaluku 15 minutes time idhu kula ninga evalo sandwich clean ah panni vekuringa nu pakalam. Ana inga sandwich panradha vida, unga chemistry dhan important ah gavanipo. Rendu perum pesikama silent evalo co-ordinated ah vela panringa nu dhan mukiyam, ok ah? Rules purinjidha? Shall we begin?" Bhatt said.

(Okay so we have places bread, mayo, vegetables and every other ingredient to make a sandwich on each table. We will give you 15 minutes and you guys will have to make sandwiches. The count doesn't matter, chemistry does! We will be checking on how coordinated you work in silence. Did you guys get the rules? Shall we begin?)

"Sir enaku oru doubt uh!" Sivaangi raised her hand. Ashwin almost jumped in the sudden voice out.

(Sir, I have a doubt!)

"Adhaney patheyn! Enna ma doubt uh?"

(That what I was wondering! What is it?)

"Indha task na kandipa ivaroda pannanuma?" She asked briskly pointing a finger at Ashwin.

(Should I really do this task with this man?)

"Thalaivi! unga doubt uh romba pudusa iruku. Ana to answer to your question, ama vera vazhi ila. Avara ningalum, ungala avarum samalichu dhan aganum. Ipo game start panna vidunga Please!" Sakthi almost pleaded.

(You always surprise me with your doubts. But to answer your question, yes, you dont have a choice. You will have to put up with him and he will have to put up with you. Now please let us being the game!)

She gave a glare at Ashwin who stood there staring at her with an open-mouth, taken aback by her question as she sulked back to her previous position.

"Seri ipo shall we start?"

"Yes sirrr!" All chorused at once.

"Okay your time starts now!"

Everyone's eyes were on Pugaz and Priya. But there was Rakshan, Shakthi, Kani and Dhamu hu kept looking at Ashwin and Sivaangi every now and then.

Ashwin handed her a knife and Onion and drew a circle in the air, asking her to cut it into round slices. She scowled at him for giving her a tedious task. He could have given her tomatoes or cucumber or mayo to smear on bread slices. But No! Onions it was! Just to look at her all railed up!

She snatched it from his hand and started to peel the skin of the onion. Ashwin was doing all the other work without bothering her.

He kept a check on the progress and every time he turned, his eyes asked "Innuma thol edukura?" and she replied with a blunt stare for imposing this annoying task on her.

(Are you not done with that yet!)

Rakshan, Sakhi, and chefs paid a visit to all the tables keeping the task fun and energised.

Sakthi came near their table and called out "Thalaiviiiii!"

He did not get a welcoming response from both but still he choose to stay there and ask a few questions.

"Ela table um gala gala nu iruku ana unga table mattum enna para para nu iruku?

(Every other table is enjoying the task! But why is this table so serious?)

She looked up from her onion slicing and gave him an irked look.

"Ninga dhan best chemistry ulla couple nu title vanga dhan ivalo menakadureengala?"

(Are you guys giving a tough fight to get the best chemistry couple title?)

She raised her knife straight pointing it towards Sakthi and flicked it telling him to get the hell out of there.

"Aiyo kathi! Ennanga kelvi keta weapon ah thukuringa? Idhulam kekuradhu iliya bro ninga?"

(Oh no knife! Why do you lift ur weapon for this? Bro won't you question all this?)

Ashwin called him closer and said "Mooditu odi poidu ilati kathiya sorugiduva aprom na porupu ila" and got back to his work.

(Run for your life, she is this close to stabbing you! Then I am not responsible!)

Sakthi's eye widened and he shut his mouth with his palm in shock, "Aiyo kola kara kudumbam pola!"

(violent family!)

Before they could react he escaped from the spot.

Ashwin got back to his business and suddenly he heard Sivaangi yelp in pain. Before he could even turn back the cutting board had large blood patches dripping from her finger. She started quivering in pain and shut her eye tight.

"Ma!" Ashwin panicked as he pulled out his handkerchief and wrapped it around her finger and held it tight with his palm. There was a sudden tension in the air and everyone gathered around her worriedly. No one could see their little angel suffer in pain.

"Pathu vetta matiya papa. Adhey veral la thirupi vettitu iruka paru. Enna papa nii!" Pugaz rushed towards her and scolded her in concern.

(won't you pay attention! Look what you have done to yourself! It's the same finger again! Won't you be careful?!)

None of the first aid helped as her finger kept bleeding.

"Thangam hospital polam va. Sakthi en car key room la iruku kondu va takkunu."

(Let us go to the hospital. Sakthi get my car keys from the room. Quick!)

"Ila en car key iruku va kutitu polam" Ashwin suggested.

(No wait, I have my car keys.)

"Va nanum vareyn!" Pugaz pitched in.

(let me also come along!)

"Nii enga da vara? Ingaye iru. Mapla da nii! Unna theda poranga vetula. Nanga takkunu poitu sekrom vandhuruvom"

(Where are you coming? Stay here. You are the groom and people will search for you here! We will come back soon!)

"Adhuku? Papa ku adi patruku epdi da na varama?"

(So? She is hurt! How can I leave her?)

"Adhan nanum Ashwin um porom la. Pathukurom da! Hospital poitu vandha aprom pathuko!"

(That's why me and Ashwin are going right? We will take care. You can meet her once we come back)

Ashwin had already taken her out near his car and Rakshan came running behind them. He opened the car door for her and got into the driver's seat quickly. Rakshan got in and sat with Sivaangi at the back.

"Polama? Ava kaiya nalla pudichiko Raksha!" He instructed worriedly and followed the map as he drove them to the hospital.

(Shall we leave? Just hold her hand tight Raksha!)

He kept checking on her through the rearview mirror, He could see stains of blood on his kerchief and kicked himself for giving her the knife in the first place.

"Valikidha da?" Rakshan asked.

(Is it paining?)

She nodded her head meekly with tears in her eyes.

Ashwin let out a staggered breath cursing himself to let her suffer.

The pain was bearable and it wasn't new as she has gone through this before. But what made her eye tear up was not because of the cut on the finger. The moment she cut her finger, her lip had uttered his name with an inaudible wince for help. Not her mom, not her dad, not her brothers, but his name came out first. The second he took a note of her he had immediately held her hand wrapped in a kerchief and his other hand was around her shoulder giving her support to stand. She leaned into him helplessly when they were trying out first aids. 

In between that chaos, her mind had caught the attention of how soft and confortable his dress was against her bare skin. That's when she realized it was not Anusha's choice but her's. Her eyes glistened in mixed emotion. She spotted a small bloodstain on his kurta. Her left hand moved tremblingly tracing the stain and her palm clutched his dress and burried her face in his chest.

Sensing her touch she looked down at her. He rubbed her left arm softly in a way of consoling her, when he could feel her tremble against his body. "Onnum ila Kaiya pakatha! Blood patha unaku thala suthum! Look up! Look at me or anywhere else" He had whispered into her ears while people were crowding around them and adviced Rakshan who was looking into her wound, to do all possible things in concern.

(Nothing! Just dont look at your hand! You will feel dizzy if you look at your blood! Look up! Look at me or anywhere else)

She looked up at Ashwin and looked only at him after that. Her pain, her fear, her worry was all reflected in his face too. He managed to not break and stood there providing her the much-needed comfort and support. She was confused why it bothered him so much? Am I that important to him to be worried of? Why is he wearing an outfit I picked? Her thoughts went flying haphazardly from one question to another which had no link. She didn't understand why but she felt much better in his arms than the first aids. She needed him next to her. If not forever, at least for a few moments. Just to keep her alive. Just to keep her safe and protected. Though she was away from home she felt like she was at home in his protective arms. He was her much-needed dose of medicine even though he was the reason behind her pain. He was the pain and only he could be her cure! 

...........

He couldn't see her whimper in pain, so he got out and sat outside the doc's room and held his head in between his palms.

When Sivaangi and Rakshan came out they spotted Ashwin sitting there worried.

"Enna sonnanga?"

(What did the doctor say?)

"Konjam deep cut, anniki mariye machan. Sitches potu dressing pani irukanga. Pain killer kuduthurukanga. She just have to rest."

(It's a slight deep cut, just like before. They have put stitches and dressed it. She is given a pain killer shot. And she just have to rest)

"Konjam iru na poi medicine matum vangitu vandhureyn" Rakshan said and left the two alone in the corridor.

(Wait here, Ill go get the medicine)

Both stood there quiet for a minute. Ashwin kept looking at her wounded finger for a while trying to gather some courage to say something.

"Sorry ma!" He said, finally looking into her eyes. His own eyes were brimming with tears of pain.

She looked at him point-blank. She was not sure if the sorry was for what happened today or for giving her the scars in the past because that was how her brain had decided to function for the moment. Imagining all the things possible and impossible!

She just nodded and looked down at her palm as she gulped down her emotions. She didn't want to stand there cry and create a mess.

"Sorry nu sonneyn" He repeated, wondering if she didn't hear it right or if he missed her reply.

(I said Im sorry)

"Paravala chinna adi dhan seriya podium" She said with a pearl of tear in her eye. Her words were much softer than before when she addresses him.

(It's just a small cut. It will be fine)

"Na inniki nadandhadhuku mattum solala!"

(It is not just for what happened today)

She looked at him startled. He has given her the answer to the question that was running in her mind a minute ago.

"Polama?" Rakshan walked up to them with medicines in his hands.

(Shall we leave?)

"Polam" Ashwin said and walked before them.

(Yea!)

Rakshan did not miss noticing that lost look painted on her face.

"Ennachu?" Rakshan shook her. She shook her head and walked back to the car.

On the way back to the resort Ashwin's mind was surprisingly calm. He hasn't felt like this for years. Sure he dint appologise the right way or at the right place but he was happy that he could atleast do that at the bare minimum. God knows when she will be willing to listen to him. But atleast this one sorry could touch the soft spot of her heart. Even if it made a neglidgible amount of change in her it was enough for him at that point. Its not gona be easy to win her back, he knew that and he is not going to rest untill then. He believed in his destiny, their destiny. There was a reason why they met years back and there was a reason behind the void. It was time to bring back some magic into their lives.

Ashwin looked at her through the mirror. He knew what was going on in her mind as she was gazing out of the window with her elbow resting on the sill and her finger drawing patterns over her slightly parted lips. Her mind has wandered off into her unsettled thoughts. Probably her ears were ringing with his sorry which felt like magical potion brewed to heal her wounded heart.

"Idhal ennum malar kondu
Kadidhangal varaindhai
Badhil naanum tharum munbe
Kanavaagi kalainthai

Pidivadham pidi
Sinam theerum adi
Izhandhom ezhilkolam
Inimel mazhaikalam"

(Your lips that part to bloom and beckon
Have written endless letters addressed to me...
And even before I could respond or reckon
You evaporated like a dream, melting away from me..

Throw a stubborn tantrum,
Lash out till you're spent.
We lost our intricately designed ways and forms,
But its only going to rain sunshine ever more..)

Ashwin raised the volume of the player slightly just enough to get her attention. She did not look at him but he saw her whipe away a tear with her thumb that esaped from her left eye as she breathed in sharply. She knew he was looking at her. She was not ready to give in yet; she was not ready to let her guards down before him yet. She wanted answers to her questions first. She wanted to forgive him only to heal herself. She was not sure if it was the pain or the pain killer that has started to kick in, that made her feel that way.

He pulled in the car at the parking. She got down and walked towards her room without saying anything. Rakshan has asked Kani to accompany her that night in her room.

"Pain reliever kuduthurukanga. Thungiduva.Edachum na enaku ila Ashwin ku call pannunga ka" Rakshan informed kani. Ashwin stood behind Rakshan at the door step watching Sivaangi walk in and crash on the bed, pulling up her blanket and turning the other side. She dint even bother to change into confortable clothing.

(Doc has given her pain reliever. She will doze off. If anything call me or Ashwin)

"Pathukonga ka" Ashwin said again with a worry filled eyes that were fixed on her, overlooking Kani.

(Take care of her!)

"Pathukureyn thambi. Kavala padadhinga" She said tapping his cheek. Kani could see the purest form of love in those tender eyes of his. He half heartely walked away from there. 

(I will! Dont worry!)

https://youtu.be/rpIlP6pI8fo

******

Phew! finally managed to post an update after so long! How did you like it? 

Can you feel them stepping closer? Let me know!

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Love you all! Meet you in the next one💜💜💜