Here is part 2 of Home. I know that it has some likeness to my last chapter of YDS but it truly does have a similar storyline.

Hope everyone in Chennai are safe xx

Sivaangi hurried out of the airport as quick as her tiny feet could take her. She has never found a four hour flight to be this slow and tedious. It felt like forever before she got out.

A seven day family vacation turned out to be a dreadful ordeal for her. For Sivaangi, all the various food spreads at the restaurants, all of the shopping, and the sightseeing in Singapore did nothing to improve her mood. The couple missed each other way too much and way too often. His hectic work schedules and night shoots did nothing to make life any better without his baby girl in town. They did not meet everyday but she visited him if she thought that he missed her even without him vocalising it to her, and there were times he would drop in unannounced at her doorstep.

He went back to her house every night after work. Laying on her bed helped him get some sleep in the nights. They felt completely miserable staying apart. Being away from each other was so hard that it was difficult to even breathe normally.

Sivaangi was restlessly tapping her shoes on the hard floor cursing the delay in the baggage arrivals. She took her phone out and called Ashwin to inform that she was waiting for her bags.

A: Sekiram vaa ma. Romba miss panaren. Ulla odi vanthu thookitu vara vaikaatha.
(Come soon my love, I miss you so much. Any longer, I will come in and take you away.)

Sivaangi smiled at how desperate he sounded.

S: Ennaku onnum prechanai illa. Unga hero image yenna aagarathu?
(I don't care. What about you hero status symbol?)

A: Periya hero image. Ennaku nee ippove venum, aana naan anga vanthu yaaravathu fans illati media paathutaa, unna naan en kuda kootitu porathu kashtam. Athunaala than naan ingaye iruken.
(Who cares about the hero image? I need you now but I don't want anything to delay it any further. What if any fans or the media finds out that I am here to take you with me? I will stay here)

S: Ashwin, it is okay! I don't expect you to come here. I really want to be alone with you and I will come to you. Just a few more minutes!

A: Okay, I am waiting for you. Come soon! Love you.

She grinned from ear to ear as she hung up. She was happy to be back.

She remembered the previous Thursday she had left to Singapore. She was pleasantly shocked to find out that he missed her so badly that he was in her room just a few hours after she had left for her trip. He sounded like a lost child when she called him that night. She disliked the idea of making him weak and unguarded but she was totally helpless.

Ashwin, the 30 year old man who has braved the humiliating situations during his struggling phase, was a child to the 21 year old Sivaangi. He thoroughly enjoyed being her baby. If it was true that he saw a second mother in her, it was also true that she saw her first child in him. He would openly admit that she was superior to him as she was the only one capable of dealing with his emotional side with a calm demeanour.

Literally no one has ever seen the fragile side of the man. Not even his mother saw the child in him after a certain age. Not that he was difficult to read, he just did not show it to anyone. But he had always let his guard down with her. He was less vigilant with his display of emotions when he spoke to Sivaangi, that made her only person privileged to know the real him. But none of their family members, friends, fans or co-stars have ever noticed this silent, sweet yet strong communication between them.

He was lucky to have her in his life. There are times in life when you think that no one has time for you. The moment when you feel completely alone. Even your friends who are with you at times of fun and frolic, don't really stay by your side when you need them during your bouts of depression and loneliness. Not that they mean to do it, or maybe they do it intentionally. End of the day, it affects your everyday activities knowing that good friends ain't making an effort to cheer you up. He felt that way all the time before her. Along came this lovely little angel, the person who filled that void in his life with all the happiness in the world.

Sivaangi, for whatever reason had shown an immense interest in him from day one. In all likelihood, it was his good looks that made the 20 year old feel infatuated with him. But her genuine care was a reason for him to fall head over heels in love with this simple yet beautiful girl. But what started off as a mere crush turned out to be pure love by the end of three months.

He simply loved the attention she gave him. No one has ever made him feel like he was the most important person in their life. Literally nobody!

It was the whole environment and circumstances in his life at that phase. Honestly, with not a lot of hope, the last chance to try his hand at his chosen path of career started off at CWC and along came his lucky charm to change his life upside down.

Life has been truly good since Sivaangi.

As he stood outside his car fidgeting with his phone, he remembered how she included him in everything when he was practically invisible and non-existent to the rest of them.

Two weeks after their first meeting, he badly wanted to get her number but he was too shy to approach her. He was packing up in his room trying to  the think of the right words to get her to give him her phone number, when she walked in after knocking at his door.

S: Hi Ashwin, pack panniyaacha? Veetuku poga ready ah?
(Hi Ashwin, are you all ready to go home?)

A: Aama ma.

S: Okay, I will see you next week.

A: Okay ma. Yaar kuda veetuku pora?
(Okay. How are you going home with?)

He was worried about her safety and wanted to make sure that she was going home with someone he can trust.

S: Appa kuda. Oru ten minutes la vandhiduvennu call pannunaaru.
(With my dad. He said he will be here in ten minutes)

A: Okay ma. Bye.

S: Yen thorathureenga?
( Why are you shooing me away?)

A: Appadi illa ma. Sollu? Yenna aachu?
( No, I did not mean to. What is it?)

S: Unga phone number thara mudiyuma?
(Can I please have your phone number?)

Ashwin was amazed at that girl's courage to ask him for his number without any hesitation. Yet she was very polite.

A: Of course.

He took her phone and saved his number.

S: You don't want my number?

A: Nee message pannuve la, appadiye save pannikuven.
(I thought I will save when you text me)

S: How are you so sure that I will text you?

A: Why else will you take my number?

S: Enna asinga padutheeteh irukeenga.
(You keep insulting me)

A: Cha cha, ithula insult enna iruku? Actual ah naan unna maara gutsy illa. I wish I had the courage to ask you for your number.
(Not at all, I did not mean it as an insult. I am not gutsy like you. I wish  I had the courage to ask you  for your number.)

S: You can ask me for something else then?

A: What?

S: I don't know. Like my insta name to follow me on Instagram?

Ashwin watched her without blinking his eyes. He observed that despite the display of outward courage, she was sceptical about being turned down by him.

He opened Instagram and followed her. He then pulled her by her waist gently and made her stand next to him. He let go off her waist and took a selfie of them. Sivaangi was still lost at how he touched her waist while he posted the picture as a story.

S: Wow, really?

A: Thanks to you! I just wanted to do try something that I wouldn't have the guts to do. I am taking a break from my usual boring self. I want to be spontaneous like you. To live the moment.

S: Yayy! YOLO! Unna nenacha romba perumaya iruku Ashwiney!
(Yayy! YOLO! I am super proud of you Ashwiney!)

A: Athu yenna Ashwiney?
(What is Ashwiney?)

S: Nalla iruku la. Oru flow la paasama vanthiruchu.
(It sounds cute right? I made it up! Out of love)

That was the start of their friendship which eventually became life partners.

He smiled as he remembered her possessiveness when he was paired with Sunita. But even when angry, she never gave up on him or ignored him.

S: Dai Sunder, sekiram vaa da.
(Sunder, come quickly)

Sunder: Iru di. Kaal valikuthu. Call panni location share panna sollu Ashwin ah.
(Wait, my feet hurts. Call Ashwin and ask him to share his location)

She did and they found out that he was parked at the farthest end of the airport parking.

Her heart beat faster as she saw his silhouette at the distance leaning on the door of his car. There were hardly anybody in the area he had parked up and so she screamed his name out.

S: Ashwineyy!

The tall figure clad in blue denim and white tshirt turned his attention from his phone as she heard the beautiful voice call his name out in the most endearing way. He pocketed his phone and his legs automatically started walking towards her.

She handed her bag to her brother and started jogging towards him. Ashwin himself broke into a run. She jumped on him with her arms around his shoulders as his arms went around her slender waist and he swiftly lifted her off the ground. They murmured a lot of I love yous and I missed your as they stayed in each other's arms placing discreet kisses on each other's cheeks. They stayed like that for a good few minutes until Sunder reached the couple.

Ashwin placed her on the floor and side hugged his future bil while still holding Sivaangi in his other arm. She wound her arms around his waist and pulled him away from her brother. Sunder facepalmed at his sister's possessiveness towards him.

Sunder: Naan un thambi di. Yethuku intha jealousy enkita?
(I am your brother. Why are you jealous of me?)

S: He is mine. Don't touch him.

A: Ma, vidu.
(Let it go baby)

Sunder: Aama bro, neenga yethuku vantheenga?
(Alright bro, why did you come?)

A: What do you mean?

Sunder: Innum oru kilometre nadathiruntha, naangale Adyar la iruka unga flat ku vanthirupom.
(Had we continued walking another kilometre, we would have watched your flat in Adyar)

A: Dai!

Sunder: Chumma bro.

A:It is safer to stay here from the public eye.

Sunder: Bro, of course, I know why you are parked here. It is desserted.

S: Dai. Bro nu kupidaathey nu evlo thadava solarathu. Avaru unnaku mama da.
(Hey! Don't call him brother. He is going to be your brother in law)

Sunder: Not yet. I will call him that after you guys get married.

S: Appo Ashwin nu kupidu. Bro nu sollathe. Yosichu paaru! Appadina naan sister ah? Aiyoo!!! Kaduvule!
(Then call him by his name. If you call him brother, then I am his sister. Oh god, I don't even want to think of calling him my brother! Seriously!!! How could I relate to being his sister?)

Sunder: Sister illa. Neeyum bro ayiduva. Look at your clothes. Payyan maathri iruka.
(Not a sister, you will become his brother too. Look at your clothes. Dressed up like a tomboy)

Sivaangi whined as she pulled a face at her brother.

S: Paaru Ashwiney.
(Look at what he is saying Ashwin!)

Ashwin hugged her and kissed her nose.

A: Avan kedakuraan ma. Cute ah iruku intha baby pink joggers and wine colour top la.
(Ignore him babe. You look cute in that baby pink joggers and wine colour top)

Sunder snickered at their PDA. His phone rang just then saving him from being audience to their display of love. He stepped away to answer the call.

Sivaangi was imprisoned in Ashwin's arms and she looked up at his handsome face. She touched his three day old beard with her fingertips.

S: Ashwin, I missed you so much.

A: I missed you too.

Sunder came back and rolled his eyes at the lovey dovey couple. He was annoyed at them for not having done with their PDA.

S: Poi sollathe Ashwiney! Naan paathiruken. Cinema la miss pannuna, bus pinnaadi odi varuvaanga. Nee yen varave illa?
(Don't lie. I have seen in movies and TV. Boyfriends run behind the bus if the girlfriend is going on a trip. That is what expresses how much he misses her. Why didn't you do it?)

Sunder: Yethu? Flight pinnadi odirukanuma avaru?
(What? You mean to say that he should have come running behind the flight on the runway?)

S: Aama!
(YES!)

Sunder: Athu seri.
(Yeah right)

Ashwin looked at her with a 'Are you serious?' look on his face. She looked serious!

A: Naan paithyam illa terrorist nu pudichu jail la illati mental hospital la vitrupaanga. Yeppadi  ma unnaku mattum ithellam thonnuthu?
(I would have ended up in the jail for being mistaken for a terrorist or the mental institution for being mistaken for a mad man! How do you come up with these ideas? What goes on inside your little head?)

Sivaangi pouted at him like a child.

A: Okay okay! Come on let us go.

S: Okay! Sunder, aren't you going home with amma and appa?

Sunder: They just called me. It was getting late so they left. They asked me to tag along with you two.

A: WHAT!!!

S:WHAT!!

Sunder: Yen ivlo shock aagareenga? Neengalum veetuku thaana poreenga, so what is the problem taking me along?
(Why are you guys so shocked? You are going home right, what is the problem if I tag along?)

Without waiting for the answer, he got into the backseat and made himself comfortable. Ashwin threw his arms up in the air and got into the driver seat while Sivaangi stomped her feet like a child!

Sunder demanded some music while the love birds were busy discussing their week. Sivaangi was so angry that she called her mum.

S: Ma, ivan ah yen enga kuda annupuneenga?
(Amma, why did you have sent him with us?)

Binni: Safety ku than.

S: What? Don't you trust Ashwin? What do you mean by safety?

B: Yen kathura di? Porumaya kelu. Un safety ku illa, Ashwin safety ku.
(Why are screaming? Listen, it is not for your safety, it is for Ashwin's safety)

Ashwin had to bite the laugh threatening to erupt from his throat while Sunder openly laughed.

S: I hate my family! Bye!

Sivaangi huffed at being made fun of by everyone. Ashwin held her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it. She calmed a little and then he pulled it along to place it on the gear stick with his hand over hers. He rubbed the back of her hand with his palm and traced the tiny ring on her ring finger. It was his first present and she never took it off.

Krishakumar: Ashwin, it is really late. Why don't you stay back?

Sunder: Appa, athu than plan.
(Appa, that is the plan)

A: Dai!

Ashwin glared at Sunder while Sivaangi let go off Ashwin's hand and walked up to her room.

K: Seri Ashwin, go get some sleep. We will see you in the morning.

A: Okay uncle.

Binni and Krishnakumar stood up to go to their rooms while Sunder was still sitting in front of the TV.

K: By the way, don't worry about anything. I know you are going to Sivaangi's room. I trust you two. There must be a lot to catch up. You can go to the guest room when you are done talking.

Ashwin wished that the ground would open up and swallow him. Sunder fell off the couch laughing after his parents had left the place. Ashwin left to Sivaangi's room not before hitting Sunder with the cushions.

A: Ma, maanam poiduchu.
(I feel ashamed!)

S: It is okay. Vidunga. Come I will show you the pictures form Singapore.

They lay on the bed looking at the pictures as she described everything in detail. And he talked about his shoots, co-stars, incidents from the sets, the couple of interviews he had done. He couldn't take his eyes off her pictures. She looked stunning.

A: Was it allowed?

S: What?

A: To look this beautiful!

Sivaangi was surprised.

Did he read my mind? The uncertainty in wearing western clothes after the slight weight gain. How does he make her confident just when she wanted to ask him if she looked good? His ways of dealing with my insecurities is something else.

S: All thanks to you.

A: What do I have to do with all this beauty?

He pecked her lips. Every little thing about this man made her fall for him over and over.

S: You bought these clothes for me.

A: But it is not the clothes. It is you, my princess. You are glowing.

S: The credit goes to you. You, your love, the pampering, everything is making me glow!

A: I did it for me as much as for you.

A: Okay ma, I will go to the guest room.

S: Noooo!

A: I don't want to make your dad uncomfortable.

S: I will set an alarm for 7 and you can sneak out then.

A: KD!

S: Okay sollu.

A: I am actually tempted!

S: YES! Come!

She pulled him down with her and Ashwin laid his head on her bosom as she hugged him tight. After a week, he finally breathed a sigh of relief as all the stress melted away.

A: I prefer it this way. Close to your heart. There is not a place like your arms. You are my home.

S: And you are mine.

How was it?

I will post the next chapter of 'Your dark shadows' in a day or two xx