Again, this story is a fiction. I don't have anything against anyone, so please don't feel offended. Not particularly fond of some characters in general though😀😀.

Sorry if this looks like a filler chapter, have been really busy with my brother's wedding preparations. Took a break to write something but don't seem to have the flow!

Sivaangi's eyelids started to droop. She couldn't keep up with Ashwin's long list of dos and don'ts at the shoot today.

Doesn't he know that I have a memory of a goldfish when it comes to following rules? Going to be an interesting day! Sorry Ashwineyy! You are in for a shock. Nee pesarathu ethuvume en kathu kula kuda pogala.

(Doesn't he know that I have a memory of a goldfish when it comes to following rules?Going to be an interesting day! Sorry Ashwineyy! You are in for a shock. Don't remember a word of what you said.)

A: Sivaangi??

S: Hmm??

A: Maa.. Enna thoongitaya? Naan sonnathellam kettaya? Illa repeat pannavaa?

(Are you sleeping? Did you even listen to what I was saying? Do you want me to repeat it?)

S: Aiyooo! Repeat ellam vendam. Relaxed ah irunga. Onnum prechana aagathu.

(Nooo! You don't have to repeat it. Stay calm, I assure you that nothing will go wrong.)

As soon as they parked up outside the CWC set, she turned towards Ashwin, kissed his cheeks and ruffled his hair and said bye. As she opened the car door to hop out, he grabbed her hand and said with a little annoyance in his voice.

A: Sivaangi, enna panara? Namma EVP set la irukom, nee enna jolly ah kiss pannitu pora?

(Sivaangi, what are you doing? We are in EVP set already, how can you just kiss me ?)

S: Sorry sorry. Night varaikum unga kita oru stranger maathri irukanumla, athaan etho nyabagathila kiss panniten.

(Sorry, I have to behave like a stranger until evening right, so I kissed you without realising what I was doing.)

A: Why do you have to be a stranger? Just be yourself. Please Sivaangi, konjam serious ah iru ma.

(Why do you have to be a stranger? Just be yourself. Please Sivaangi, can you not take it lightly?)

S: Ashwin, let me tell you how I feel. Ithellam ennaku pudikala, ennaku nadika varaathu. Naan kandipa unkita eppavum pola thaan iruka try pannuven. Maybe konjam excitement la ethavathu pannuna, care pannikaathe. End of the day, it is about us. Don't try to control everything around you, you will lose your peace of mind when something goes against your wish.

(Ashwin, let me tell you how I feel. I can't pretend and I really don't like any of this. I will do my best to be normal with you. But in case, I do something out of excitement, just let it be. End of the day, it is about us. Don't try to control everything around you, you will lose your peace of mind when something goes against your wish.)

Ashwin did not look convinced.

S: Please look at me. I understand your feelings and I know you are asking me to be careful for our wellbeing. But can you trust me? I am not stupid, I won't do anything foolish. If I do something unintentionally, just take it in stride.

A: You are definitely not stupid. But you are a very innocent soul Sivaangi, you wear you heart on your sleeve. There are some hyenas around here targeting you for being the object of my affection. Once details of our engagement sees the light of day among these people, there is no stopping!

Sivaangi touched her forehead in irritation and he noticed the ring on her finger.

A: What's with you wearing the ring to the shoot?

Sivaangi glowered at him.

S: Tell me you are not serious!

A: I am! Did we not discuss it earlier?

S: Discuss what?? About taking off my ring? No! We discussed about not disclosing the engagement. This is not just another piece of jewellery for me to take off when convenient. Ashwin, don't test my patience. Don't you value me more than your fears?

A: This isn't about my fears. This is about us! Our mental well being.

S: I don't get it! Whatever! I am not happy to hide the ring.

A: So it is about the acknowledgement of our relationship in front of everyone, you want to shout to the world that you are taken and show off the rock on your finger?

Ashwin regretted saying as soon as he saw the look of anguish on her face.

S: You are so mean. Here, I will take it off. Make a list of when and where I am allowed to wear it. Until then I will lock it away in a safe place.

Sivaangi took the ring off and put it in the tiny jewel box that she carried with her in her bag. Her face was red and she was fighting back her tears. Not wanting to continue the conversation, she wordlessly stormed out of the car and Ashwin knew that the damage was done.

For once, Sivaangi was glad that she wasn't his comali but she hated being Daksha's comali. They had all the eliminated contestants back in set as it was a celebration round for yet another reason and she was losing count of the number of celebration episodes. She felt really low and wanted to get done with the shoot and sort out their problems.

Ashwin was upset about the bad start they had before the shoot. He kept looking at Sivaangi who refused to meet his eyes. She was clearly avoiding him because she knew that she would run to him, feeling hypnotised by those eyes and she wasn't ready for it yet.

The task was to make swirl omelettes. The cooks were supposed to whisk the eggs and the comalis had to make the omelettes with their eyes blindfolded. Sharath was Ashwin's comali and so they got it done quickly. On the other hand, Daksha who had seen the lack of communication between the love birds assumed that they had fallen out and decided to use it to her advantage. She tied the blindfold really tight in spite of Sivaangi's protests about it hurting her. She accused her of trying to cheat and called her lazy. Sivaangi was too consumed with sadness already that she choose to keep her mouth shut and get done with it. Daksha complained nonstop about her inability to do anything in the kitchen.

Ashwin was oblivious to the torment Sivaangi was going through as he was on the last table. Rakshan spotted Daksha yelling at Sivaangi, so he tried to help her but he was worried noticing her being ill at ease. He decided to wait until the task was over to find out what was wrong.

Ashwin won the advantage task and he noticed Sivaangi being very quiet while Daksha hit her shoulder accusing her of her incompetence. Sivaangi just smiled back but it looked forced and she was constantly fidgeting with her apron.

When the break was announced, Sivaangi was too quick to leave the place. She shut herself in the bathroom crying. Her nose had some marks from the tight blindfolding.

When she came out, fresh tears streamed down her face as she looked at Ashwin standing in front of her. She jumped into his open arms and sobbed clutching his shirt.

Ashwin could feel her intense pain but he misunderstood the reason. He blamed himself for her pain. He hugged her tight and it made her cry harder. A simple sorry at this point would sound hollow, after all he was the one who caused the pain. When she finally pulled away, he held her face in his palms and noticed the mild abrasions on the bridge of her nose.

A: Enna ma aachu?

(What happened?)

Sivaangi said something incoherently and he made her sit down to have a sip of water. Rakshan was at the door and Ashwin let him in. Ashwin then explained to him about the marks on her nose.

A: Sivaangi ma, alugaama sollu da. Enna aachu?

(Sivaangi, please stop crying and tell me what happened)

It finally crossed Rakshan's mind as to why she was so quiet and uneasy during the task.

R: Was it the blindfold?

S: Daksha akka romba tight ah katti vittanga, naan sonnapo, onnum illatha vishayathuku scene podarennu thititaanga. Naan already upset ah irunthen, appadiya quiet ayiten.

(Daksha tied the blindfold really tight and when I objected it, she told me off. She said I make a scene for everything and I choose to keep quiet as I was already upset.)

Ashwin was beyond furious. Sivaangi sensed his boiling fury as he balled his fingers into a fist and he was clenching his teeth. She held his fist and he looked at her questioningly.

S: Ennaku strength illa Ashwin. Vitudu. IIthu oru periya vishayam illa, she probably did it because I was useless.

(I don't feel strong enough to confront anyone. Just let it go! This is no big deal, she probably did it because I was useless.)

A: She has no right to do this to anyone whatever the reason maybe. And you are not useless.

Ashwin felt anger on Daksha and on himself too for what he had done to his baby girl earlier. He tried to calm his nerves, he knew he was going to have a stern word with that woman. He took a deep breath and cradled her face in his palms.

A: I know I said a lot of things that I shouldn't have, I am sorry and I will make it right.

He took her bag, got the ring out of her jewel box and put it back on her finger and kissed her knuckles.

A: This is where it belongs.

S: Ashwin, it is okay, you must have valid reasons behind it. I am the one who seems to be clueless about everything.

A: No, you don't have to make me fine all the time. Don't take the blame when I am wrong. You are way too sweet Sivaangi and everyone including me are taking advantage of that.

I know that you were probably bothered that I am not ready to go public yet. True that I wanted our lives to be private because the world can be callous, there is going to be a sect of people who will pass unwanted comments. Then again, you are right, we can't hide it forever. We just have to learn to ignore the negativity and live our lives.

Sivaangi felt much better but she really did not want to go back to the shoot. She stayed in his arms and told him that she wished to go home as soon as possible.

Rakshan had a word with the director and producer about the incident and Daksha was called in for a warning. When she lied about not realising that the blindfold was too tight for Sivaangi, she was told that the cameras had it all on record and if the latter chooses to press charges against her for harassment, she will be in trouble. Daksha was alarmed at the turn of events. She went to apologise to Sivaangi and found Ashwin in the same room. She was really embarrassed but her career was more important.

D: Sivaangi chella kutty, sorry! Naan venum pannala da.

(Sivaangi, I am sorry dear! I did not mean to do that.)

S: It is ok akka..

Ashwin stepped in front of Sivaangi as Daksha stepped forward to hug her, he was done with Sivanagi's sweet forgiving nature. He looked really intimidating and Daksha took a step back as she found his low bone chilling tone truly terrifying.

A: Look, I have always found you repulsive but what I did not expect was for you to go so low and do nasty things. I am disgusted! She might forgive you but not me. Just stay away from her.

D: Are you threatening me?

A: Maybe.

Daksha thought she might explode into a rage but she was helpless right now and the safest thing was to actually stay away from them. She noticed the ring on Sivaangi's hand as she rubbed her hand on his arm to help him remain calm. She quietly turned around and walked out of the room dejectedly. The rest of the shoot was smooth. Daksha was clearly in a foul mood but she stayed civil with Sivaangi.

Ashwin parked outside Sivaangi's house and turned to the sight of a sulking child! Sitting crossed legged having pulled both her feet up on to the seat, the pout on her face and the arms crossed on her chest, she looked like a 5 year old ready for a meltdown anytime now.

A: Sivaangi, listen. Stop throwing tantrums and go inside.

S: Mudiyathu!

(NO!)

A: Ma, please I can't take you home just because my parents have gone back to Coimbatore. My sisters and her kids are home. And what will I tell your parents?

S: Not my problem. Find a suitable reason. You made me upset. You said you will make it alright. Take me to the beach and then take me home.

A: Pudhusa beach vera add panniruka?

(Beach is the new addition to the to do list?)

S: Keep delaying, I will demand more things.

A: No!

S: Please?

A: No!

S: Please? Just today. No beach, just take me home. Why do you never give in to my demands? Why are you such a bad boyfriend who makes me beg all the time?

A: Because your demands are dangerous.

S: I am asking you for the last time? Are you taking me home or not?

Ashwin took his phone out and called her dad.

A: Hello appa.

I am fine, thank you. How are you, amma and Sundar?

Great! I have a quick question. Is it okay for Sivaangi to stay with me and akka tonight? The kids have been asking for her.

Sivaangi clapped her hands and did a little cabbage patch dance move to celebrate her victory making Ashwin roll his eyes at her.

A: Ok, thank you. I will drop her off sometime tomorrow.

Sure will do. Bye goodnight. Take care.

He hung up and she pulled his cheeks.

A: Valikudhu ma. Happy ah ippo?

(It hurts! Are you happy now?)

S: Very! Let us go home.

Sivaangi watched Ashwin playing with Anjali's kids, Neha and Nithin. He was a totally different person. He was playful, patient and a lot of fun. His interaction with the kids made her wonder what it was going to be like when they become parents.

Anjali sat down next to a speechless Sivaangi who was watching the trio playing dress up.

Anjali: He has always been like this with them. He can be a lot of fun, yet protective and loving at the same time. He tries to teach them a lot of stuff and disciplines them when needed. He is their favourite person in the entire world, they love how sincerely he listens to them even if its silly, I think it makes them feel important.

S: He will make an excellent father!

Anjali smiled at her to be sister in law admiring her soon to be husband.

It was close to midnight by the time they went to bed. As soon as they entered the room, Sivaangi pushed him onto the bed and she crawled next to him and rested her chin on his chest.

S: I loved watching you with the kids. Look at these pictures. We should frame it!

She showed him pictures she took of him playing with Neha and Nithin. She hasn't seen him laugh this happily in the last five months she has known him. It was a different side of him.

A: So will I make a good father?

S: Good? You will be the best father!

Sivaangi was playing with the buttons of his shirt and described how funny it was to see him play dress up with the kids.

S: When Neha dressed you up in the princess costume, it looked completely hilarious. Eppadi neenga oru kolanda maathri maaruneenga? Ennala nambave mudila!

(When Neha dressed you up in the princess costume, it looked completely hilarious. The genuine interest there made you look like a child. I couldn't believe my eyes!)

She opened a couple of buttons on his shirt and pressed a kiss against the mole on his chest and then looked up at his face.

A: Continue doing that and you stand a good chance of getting a baby for yourself.

Sivaangi lowered her eyes to his chest and said in a really low shy voice that sounded almost like a whisper.

S: I don't mind.

Ashwin rolled her on to her back, pinned her down and kissed her passionately.

A: Look at me.

Do you?

S: Do I what?

A: Want my baby?

Sivaangi wondered if she has ever felt broody. She loved kids but she was too young to want kids. There are women out there becoming mothers at 21 .But she wanted to spend enough time with him, get to know each other, grow together, career wise and then think about kids. She did want to have his kids but wasn't ready for that commitment yet.

S: I do. Maybe after a few years. Right now, you are my baby and I am yours.

A: Can't wait!

Sivaangi was almost asleep when she felt his kiss against her hair.

A: Are you okay? I am really sorry about making you upset and cry.

S: It is okay. We are learning. But I appreciate that you kept your word.

A: What?

S: That you won't let me go to bed sad.

A: Ah! Yes, never!

S: Is this what people call kiss and make up?

A: Did we kiss?

S: More than once. Let me remind you if you don't remember.

A: Never enough!