Author's Note

Hello makkaleyy, hope you all are doing good. Thanks a ton to all those who have read, voted and commented on the previous chapters. Means a lot. Keep streaming Adipoli whenever possible. We are getting to 94 M soon! Support them professionally and keep them both in your prayers.

Hope you like the chapter. Happy reading!

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Ashaangi SS Bewitched

Chapter Eight

When Sivaangi woke up the next morning, she couldn't make sense of why she dreamt of Ashwin, the guy whom she just met yesterday. She had her lists of crush stories but she couldn't put a finger on why she's drawn to him.

In Sivaangi's dream Ashwin was driving his bike and she sat behind him with her arms wrapped around his waist. And then she running and he chasing her behind in her Chennai house. Nothing made sense for her.

Shaking out of her reverie, Sivaangi got ready and went down. Kamala informed her that Harish has went out to play football with Ashwin. Harish did leave her a text which she saw later. She greeted Dhanalakshmi who enquired whether she slept well.

Once Saradha came the women folk sat down together for breakfast. Sivaangi shared her agenda for the day. Dhanalakshmi advised Sivaangi not to stress too much and work on their pace while Saradha asked her to take Ashwin along when she and Harish goes out.

"Avanga vandhu, Anna fresh agi, saptu, romba neram edukum, Aunty. Na onga kuda adhu vara kadaiku varen"

(It would take time for brother to come back, fresh up and get ready, Aunty. I'll come along with you to shop)

Saradha agreed and took Sivaangi along. Settling down in Saradha's office room, Sivaangi worked on her laptop. Her team has already sent the required data and potential local resource supplier.

With Rajesh's help, Sivaangi searched the address for all the factories and mills. By the time Harish and Ashwin reached the shop, Sivaangi was ready with the requirements of the day.

Ashwin went to Saradha while Harish sat down with Sivaangi. She quickly filled him in. He listened intently and then agreed to leave.

"Machan"

(Buddy)

Ashwin hollered from outside.

"Maapla?" Harish yelled back.

(Buddy; It translates to brother-in-law as well but Harish meant as buddy here)

Sivaangi stiffened for a second before looking at her brother. 'Yedhey, mapilai ah?!' She wondered when this development happened.

(Did he call him buddy/brother-in-law?)

"Kelambalama da?" Ashwin asked.

(Shall we leave?)

"Idho varoom da" Harish yelled and then looked at Sivaangi, "Sivu, thevai aana things eduthuko. Kelambalam"

(We'll come now... Sivu, take your necessary things. We'll leave)

They decided to go in their car. Selvam Anna went back to Chennai last evening. So, Harish was driving and Ashwin was at the front, guiding him. Sivaangi sat at the back and watched the duo conversing effortlessly with each other.

Sivaangi's eyes fell on Ashwin through the front mirror. He was dressed in a yellow shirt with black slacks. Sensing a strong gaze on him, Ashwin looked at the front mirror only to catch Sivaangi staring at him. She quickly looked away when her eyes met his.

Smiling to himself, Ashwin tuned on the fm. Sivaangi gasped slightly when 'Chillanjirukkiye', the song which she has sung played on the fm. Her eyes immediately looked at Harish who was about to open his mouth but she shook her head. He sighed and shook his head. She doesn't want Ashwin to know about this, at least not now.

'Male : Chillanjirukkiye
En chillanjirukkiye
Chillanjirukkiye
Enna kollura arakkiye..'

(Chillanjirukkiye song from the movie 'Lubber Pandhu')

Sivaangi looked at Ashwin who was humming the song with a smile as he looked front.

' Female : Onna suthi onna suthi
Ennam sozhaludhu
Ullukulla sondha buththi
Enna marakkudhu

Female : Manaserangi ippom vara
Yekkam egurudhu
Kattivecha kottiyellam
Pootti kedakkudhu'

"Semma voice la da indha ponnu ku" Ashwin complimented when the female portion started playing out. Sivaangi's lips curled unconsciously as she focussed on Ashwin who enjoyed her singing.

(She has an amazing voice)

"Ama da. Vera level" Harish, the proud brother he is, smiled widely.

(She sure does)

'Female : Ennoda irukkura
Enakkunu irukkiya
Pakkathula nadkkura
Paasamaa irukkiyaa

Female : En sollaadha pollaappa
Kaatta nenachu
Nee solladha nesatha
Vaanga thavichen

Female : Naan thekivacha thevaiyellam
Unakku puriyala
Atha korthu solla
Vaartha edhum enaku theriyala'

"Sivani. Talented aana singer da machan. Enaku ivanga voice romba pidikum" Ashwin looked at Sivaangi through the front mirror. Their eyes met but this time she didn't avert her gaze. Rather she smiled at him making him pause for a second before smile back at her.

(Sivani. Such a talented singer she is, dude. I like her voice a lot)

Harish wholeheartedly agreed. Ashwin guided the route and they reached the first mill. Ashwin accompanied them inside as he knows that particular mill. He helped Harish and Sivaangi throughout the process, asking the right questions.

"Indha oru mill ku poetu vandhadhe afternoon agiruchu" Harish sighed, "Lunch saptu adutha edathuku themba pogalam. Edhachum nalla hotel ah sollu da"

(It took this much of time just to visit this one mill...We'll go to next place after lunch. Suggest a good hotel)

Ashwin gave few suggestions. He was surprised to learn that Sivaangi is a vegetarian by choice. So, keeping her preference in mind, he suggested a mess that serves homely food. He was amused to see the way Sivaangi get excited about food and her expression whenever she ate.

Sivaangi kept appreciating the woman who served her.

"Akka andha vathakolambu vera level uh" Sivaangi appreciated the woman for the last time before leaving.

(Sister that vathakolambu (gravy) was too good)

They walked to the car. Harish got a call. So, he stood out and attended the call while Ashwin got on the front side and Sivaangi on the back seat. He looked at her through the front mirror. She was fidgeting her fingers, looking out.

Was she nervous because of him? Ashwin chuckled softly.

"Oi" Ashwin's voice dropped octaves as he looked at Sivaangi through the front mirror.

Sivaangi felt a tug in her stomach as she looked at Ashwin.

"Water bottle" Ashwin held her gaze.

"Huh?"

"Water bottle eduthu kudu ma"

(Pass me the water bottle)

Sivaangi took the water bottle that was on the holder and passed it to Ashwin. He mumbled a thank you and turned front. He took few gulps and closed the water bottle before keeping it in the holder by him.

"Aduthu yenga poganum?" Ashwin asked looking at Sivaangi through the front mirror.

(Where do we have to go next?)

Sivaangi took a deep breath and composed herself. She checked her mobile and told Ashwin.

"Indha factory koncham dhuram. Enga enga ponumo andha list ah kaatunga"

(This factory is quite far. Show me the list of places you have to go)

Sivaangi opened notepad in her mobile and extended the mobile to Ashwin. When he was getting the mobile from her, their fingers brushed. It gave them a tingling sensation, making both look at each other for a second before moving back.

Ashwin cleared his voice and said, "LS Mills inga irundhu pakkam dhan"

(LS Mills is nearby)

"We are yet to come up with a campaign plan for LS Mills" Composing herself, Sivaangi said holding Ashwin's gaze, "Also, Anusha, my sister, she's the Fashion House Director. Avanga designer team anupuna aprm dhan LS Mills open panra showroom ku plan panna mudiyum. Prepare ah illama yepdi poguradhu?"

(...Only after she sends the designer team, we can plan for LS Showroom. How can we go without preparation?)

Ashwin listened carefully and then said, "If you want to come up with a campaign, you should have in-depth intel about LS Mills. Onga team kudukura files vachu matum idha decide panna kastama irukum. I suggest you go there, speak with them about their requirements and ideas in person, study them close before working on the campaign"

(...You will find it difficult to decide only with the files your team give you...)

Sivaangi gave it a thought and it made sense.

"Apo angaye polam. Anna vandhadhum sollalam"

(Then we will go there. Let's say to brother once he comes)

Just then Harish finished his call and got in the driver seat. Sivaangi shared whatever Ashwin and she discussed to Harish who also felt that it was right. Ashwin guided them to LS Mills.

LS Mills was a huge factory with lot of workers moving around. Harish parked the car and they stepped out. Ashwin received a call from Satish who asked him if he could come to Sulur as their delivery vehicle got breakdown and the vehicle was loaded with freshly grinded rice flour.

Ashwin explained the situation to Harish who asked him to take the car and pick down once he's done with his work. Sivaangi watched as Ashwin drive away, his face a bit stern.

'Chaa, kelambitare!' Sivaangi thought moving inside with Harish.

(Damn, he left!)

It may have been Lingeshwaran's father who started LS Mills but it was Lingeshwaran who built the small mill into a huge successful business. He's in his mid-fifties now.

Lingeshwaran and his wife were blessed with two kids; a son and a daughter. His son, who was the Managing Director, passed away in an accident couple of years back, leaving his wife and child. Lingeshwaran's daughter, also married, stepped up and both she and her husband help her father and sister-in-law in running the business.

The couple were heartbroken after loosing their son but it was their grandkid who came as a blessing in their life. LS Mills is one of the top famous mills in the kongu belt. Their decision to venture into a textile showroom was planned after months and months of discussions.

The business between LS Mills and Georgian runs decades back. So, when they wanted to venture into textile showroom, they decided to team up with Georgian again. The plan was to come up with a campaign that would build brand awareness, promotion and a chance for lot of creative minds to work for the showroom.

Harish and Sivaangi was directed to meet Priyanka, Lingeshwaran's daughter. Priyanka was a graceful woman who clearly knows what she's doing. After a brief introduction, they discussed and brainstormed together.

It was Sivaangi who came up with the idea to host a designing competition for independent designers. Priyanka loved the idea and approved it from her side. As a part of the campaign, LS Mills and Georgian will collaborate on the competition and the designer who wins would get an opportunity to work in Georgian's team in LS Showroom project.

By the time they were done it was six thirty in the evening. Priyanka sent them off with an invite to come to her house for dinner sometime. As the brother sister duo walked out, Ashwin was waiting in the car.

"Romba neram wait panniya?" Harish asked getting in the passenger seat while Sivaangi got in the backside.

(Were you waiting for a long time?)

"Illa da, na half an hour munna dhan vandhen" Ashwin said and drove out from the factory, "Velai ellam mudinchadha?"

(No, I reached half an hour back... Is your work done?)

Harish shared about the campaign idea while Sivaangi dosed off. Harish woke Sivaangi when they reached. She woke up to find Ashwin missing and only Harish was there. Rubbing her eyes, she dragged herself out of the car and leaning against Harish, she walked inside.

Kamala informed them that Dhanalakshmi was at Saradha's place. They went upstairs. Sivaangi closed her room door and threw herself on her bed. Curling herself into a foetal form, she closed her eyes and soon slept.

Harish woke Sivaangi around eight thirty. She whined wanting to sleep but he knew she would wake up hungry in the middle of the night. So, he disturbed her to an extent that she ended up waking up.

Asking her to fresh up and come to Saradha's house for dinner, Harish left downstairs. Grumbling, Sivaangi changed into her night suit. Texting Vinayak, she walked down the stairs. As she was too lost in her mobile, she missed the last step. Her right ankle twisted and yelping, she sat down on the stair with a thud.

"Ah!" Sivaangi's eyes pooled as she held her ankle.

Ashwin, who came to take his laptop bag, got alerted when he saw Sivaangi siting on the stairs and holding her ankle. Frowning, he hurried to her and he quickly bent down in front of her when he saw tears in her eyes.

"Heyy! Yenna ma achu?" Ashwin asked, hesitating to touch foot without her permission.

(Heyy! What happened?)

"Ahh!" Sivaangi groaned and with tear filled eyes, she looked at Ashwin, "Paadham maathi vachuten. Kaal sulukikichu, Ashwinn"

(I have misplaced my foot while walking down and twisted my ankle, Ashwin)

"Seri, seri. Iru, paadhatha lite ah asachu kudu" Ashwin asked focussing on Sivaangi's right foot.

(Fine, fine. Wait, slightly move your foot)

Sivaangi tried but she yelped and shook her head.

"Valikudhu!"

(It is paining!)

Ashwin heaved a deep breath and looked at Sivaangi once before placing his hand on her foot. Her body jerked feeling his hand on her foot. She tried to protest out of respect but Ashwin asked her not to move.

"Na lite ah asachu kudukuren" Ashwin said and Sivaangi looked at him but he was looking at her foot.

(I'll slightly move your foot)

Ashwin moved her foot. In pain, Sivaangi clutched his shoulder, squeezing him as he moved her foot, "Vendam! Vendam! Valikudhu!"

(No! No! It pains!)

"Seri! Onum pannala!" Ashwin paused but didn't let go of Sivaangi's foot and she didn't take her hand off his shoulder as well.

(Fine! I won't do anything!)

"Paadhatha nagataama, kaala asachukuduka mudiyudha nu paaru ma" Ashwin said slowly taking his hand off Sivaangi's foot and added, "Valichudhu na iruki pidichuko aana move panna try pannu"

(Don't move your foot, try to move your leg... If it pains hold tighter but don't try to move)

Sivaangi yelped and then slowly moved her leg but groaned in pain. Ashwin's lips thinned when her tear fell on his hand.

"Nee iru, na Amma ah kuptu varen"

(You stay put. I'll bring Maa)

Sivaangi wiped her tears as she watched Ashwin dashing out of the house. Within a couple of minutes Harish rushed in followed by Saradha and Ashwin. Harish was shooting questions after questions at Sivaangi who whined and asked him to stop. She explained what happened.

Saradha asked Ashwin to got some oil. Once he came with the bowl, she sat on the floor, in front of Sivaangi. By the time even Dhanalakshmi came. When Saradha applied oil on Sivaangi's foot, she clutched her brother's hand to bear the pain.

In pain, Sivaangi asked Saradha to stop but Saradha didn't. She moved Sivaangi's foot and massaged with oil.

"Ipo paadhatha asachukudu thango" Saradha said wiping her hands on the cloth Ashwin gave her.

(Now move your foot, dear)

Sivaangi was able to move her feet but she still felt pain.

"Oru painkiller matharai ah potu thoongu kannu. Nalaiku elundhadhum sariya poerum" Saradha said standing up.

(Put a painkiller tablet and sleep dear. When you wake up tomorrow, you'll be fine)

Harish helped Sivaangi on her feet. Saradha said she will bring Sivaangi's food to her room but Sivaangi denied.

"Ipdiye yepdi kannu varuva? Inga keela eduthutu varata?"

(How will you come like this? Shall I bring it here?)

"Aunty, adhan enn annan irukaru la" Sivaangi patted Harish's arm and looked at him, "Avaru ena thukitu varuvaru. Illa neyy?"

(Aunty, my brother is right here...He'll carry me. Won't you, brother?)

In response, Harish bended, placed on arm around Sivaangi and another under her knees before lifting her in his arms, making her squeal and wrap her arms around his neck.

"Hehehe"

Dhanalakshmi, Saradha and Ashwin can't fight the smile that bloomed on their face. It warmed their heart to watch such a brother-sister bonding. As a single child, Ashwin has always missed having a sibling. He smiled at them. They all walked out, save for Ashwin, who picked Sivaangi's mobile from the stairs.

Ashwin's eyes landed on Sivaangi's face. Even the dried tears mark on her face failed to make her look dull, for the smile on her lips lightened up her face. He eyed at his scrunched part of the shirt where she held him. Shaking his head, he pocketed her mobile and walked out with a smile.

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So, how was the chapter? Do let me know. Let's see how things between them grow further.

Thank you for reading,

Nan ~