Author's note

Hello makkaley, hope you all are doing well. I'm doing okay, I guess. Once I feel perfectly fine, I'll give regular updates. Please bear with me till then. Thank you to all those who are constantly supporting my books. It means a lot. Thanks to all those who have read, voted and commented on the previous chapter.

Please do stream Adipoli whenever possible. Support them professionally and keep them both in your prayers.

Also, please check out "Thozhudhen Unnaiye" by iceeyyy_writes  The story is based on real life and the story is really engaging. Do give a try, you won't regret for sure.

I don't even have to give a shout out for this story but I really love "Invisibly Visible" by my chellakutty Santhiyakannan

Thank you.

~ * ~

Ashaangi SS Bewitched

Chapter Forty Two

Ashwin adjusted his kneecap before stretching his limbs. He and his cousins had come to the designated ground, near the lawn, to play a friendly football match between the bride and bridegroom's families. He and Rahul were playing while Shravan sat down with his mobile.

Hearing a whine, Ashwin turned and looked at a guy walking behind a woman. From the looks of it, the young woman seemed angry, and the guy was trying his best to convince her to no avail.

A smile touched Ashwin's lips as he recalled the times Sivaangi used to get angry and how he tried to convince her. Sivaangi was considerate and usually understood him easily, but there were instances where she got upset over small things, and he had to calm her down.

Whenever Ashwin got angry, he would go silent. He didn't want to lash out, so he preferred staying quiet and maintaining distance, giving himself time to think before reacting. But Sivaangi, with her overthinking, didn't have the patience for that. So, they had their fair share of fights and arguments too.

Of course, going after each other to make amends wasn't easy in Arasur, with people always around. Yet, somehow, they managed. After all, who wouldn't love it when their loved ones try cute things to get their attention?

Ashwin sighed as he walked away from his cousins. He glanced over the lawn area, his phone pressed against his ear. The Mehendi ceremony would be held there. Preparations had already begun, and he was trying to get a glimpse of Sivaangi. Raking his fingers through his hair, he tried to be as subtle as possible.

"Yenna Maamzz, enn akka va theduringala?"

(What, Jiju, are you searching for my sister?)

Ashwin jumped when he felt a pinch on his hip and looked up to see Vinayak. Startled, Ashwin blinked at him before his eyes fell on Harish, who stood next to him.

Harish chuckled at Ashwin's reaction and shook his head. Overcoming the initial shock, Ashwin gave a nervous smile to Vinayak.

"Adhu..."

(That...)

"Podhum, podhum. Yedhachum mokkai ah samalika vendam. Enaku okay dhan. Aana yenna, neenga dhan paavam, enn akka ta maatikitinga, Maamz."

(Enough, enough. No need to come up with a dumb excuse. I'm fine with it. But you're the one I pity—you're stuck with my sister, Jiju.)

The way Vinayak called him "Maamz" (Jiju) with such familiarity warmed Ashwin's heart. They hugged it out, and then Vinayak went on complaining about Sivaangi not opening up to him for a few minutes before the guys decided to practice for a while.

Meanwhile, Sivaangi texted Ashwin before getting busy with the Mehendi ceremony preparations. The Mehendi artist started working on Anusha's hand. Soft music played in the background as Anusha's friends and cousins teased her. Everyone was getting their Mehendi done by other artists.

The elder women excused themselves to have their Mehendi done in the banquet hall, while the younger women stayed on the lawn. Sivaangi caught glimpses of Ashwin now and then. To her, he looked hot in his red jersey with "Team Bride" and the number 7 written on the back (specially designed for Anusha's wedding by the bride's family) and black shorts. He had a headband tied around his head and looked sweaty.

The match had already started, and Sivaangi grinned when Ashwin performed tricks with the football before passing it to Vinayak. But before she could sigh dreamily, she heard her cousins go "aww" over him, making her huff.

The real mood killer was when Sivaangi's cousins started gushing over Ashwin's looks, calling him handsome, hot, goodlooking, etc. The Mehendi artist asked Sivaangi to sit still. She mumbled an apology and sat still, but her eyes stayed fixed on the field, especially on her boyfriend.

Sivaangi noticed the Mehendi artist asking Anusha about her fiancé's name and then incorporating his initial into the Mehendi design. By that time, Binni walked in with fruit for Anusha. Sivaangi and Anusha sat next to each other, but with two seats between them.

Binni sat between both her daughters and fed them alternately while complimenting the Mehendi artist. That's when Ashwin scored a goal, and the girls cheered. Sivaangi beamed, though she was a bit annoyed by her cousins' reactions.

"Azhaga porandhadhu avaru thappa?" Sivaangi sighed.

(Is it his fault that he was born this handsome?)

"Aduthu unaku dhana kalyanam."

(You're the one getting married next.)

That was when Sivaangi snapped out of her thoughts. She looked at her sister Sudha, at whom the question had been directed by their mother.

"Chithi, kalyanam pannanum na, adhuku modha paiyan kedaikanumey."

(Aunt, if I'm going to get married, I need to find a groom first.)

"Adhellam unaku vegama kedaikum, chella kutty. Veetla thedunalum seri, ila neeya thedunaalum." Binni said with a smile.

(You'll find one soon, dear. Whether your family chooses or you do, it'll happen.)

"Apdiya?" Sudha grinned and gestured toward the ground. "Apo andha no 7 enaku okay dhan. Kattikata?"

(Is that so? Then I like the one in the No. 7 jersey. Shall I marry him?)

"Enn Annan ah?" Meghana and Janani asked in unison, while at the same time—

(My brother?)

"Yedhey!!" Sivaangi exclaimed loudly, catching everyone's attention.

(Whaatt!!)

"Yenna aachu, Sivu?" Devika asked.

(What happened, Sivu?)

Giving a nervous smile, Sivaangi exclaimed, "Aiyo, anga match ah paarunga! Vinu goal poda poran!!" and then she cheered, "Vinu! Vinu! Vinu!"

(Aiyo, look at the match! Vinu's about to score a goal!)

Anusha snickered quietly while Binni narrowed her eyes at her daughter, knowing the reason behind her distraction. Sivaangi gave a sheepish smile but then pouted when she heard them returning to the same topic again.

Sivaangi's cousins began chatting with Ashwin's cousins, asking for more information about him. Sivaangi looked down at her almost-finished Mehendi. She glanced at the others before saying in a loud tone, "Akka! Enn mehendi la 'A' podunga."

(Sister, add an 'A' to my Mehendi.)

"A?" One of her cousins raised her eyebrows, while the others looked at her curiously. Anusha was surprised by Sivaangi's openness, and Binni stared at her daughter.

"Aama, A for Anusha." Sivaangi shrugged, pretending, and then looked at Binni, "Yenna, correct dhane, Maa?"

(Yes, A for Anusha. Right, Maa?)

'KD, KD, yepdi plate ah mathura nu paaru.' Anusha chuckled mentally.

(KD, KD, look how she's twisting things to her convenience.)

Sivaangi heaved a sigh of relief when the topic shifted to whether everyone should include an "A" in their Mehendi for Anusha. Binni smiled, caressed Anusha's hair, and then got up. She patted Sivaangi's cheek and walked away.

The girls cheered when Team Bride won the friendly match. Sivaangi watched as Ashwin and her brothers hugged. She saw how his eyes were frantically searching for her, and when they finally met hers, he smiled as his eyes crinkled in joy.

Later, Ashwin went off with the boys to celebrate and help Harish with a few tasks. Sivaangi patiently waited for her Mehendi to dry, feeling relieved when she finally washed it off. Her lips curled into a smile as she admired the beautiful design and color on her hands, tracing her index finger over the spot where the "A" was written.

Since Anusha and Vikranth were leaving for their honeymoon the night after the wedding, the family had decided to combine the official reception with the sangeet, held the day before the wedding.

Sivaangi took a quick hot shower. She came out in a bathrobe and started drying her hair. Her lips curled as she took out the bag containing the outfit Ashwin had made for her to wear to the reception. It was perfect. She quickly texted Ashwin, expressing how much she loved it. Then, she called the makeup artist who was supposed to help her get ready.

The MUA and her assistant arrived within five minutes and helped Sivaangi put on the dress. Sending a quick reply to Ashwin's text, she sat down, and the MUA began her work. After an hour, once she was all dolled up, the assistant helped her take some pictures.

After appreciating their work and thanking them, Sivaangi left to check on Anusha. Teasing her sister to her heart's content, she then stepped out of the room and went to her mothers to put on the diamond jewellery they had bought for her. Anuradha complimented her dress while Binni took out the jewellery for her as Sivaangi removed the ones she was already wearing.

"Azhaga iruku la. Ashwin dhan thacchu kudutharu." Sivaangi beamed, removing her necklace. "He clearly has a great eye for fashion. Really talented."

(It's beautiful, right? Ashwin designed it for me.)

"Apdingala madam. Georgian offer vendam nu sollitan. Adhenna avan unaku matum thacchu kudukuran?" Anuradha raised an eyebrow as she helped Sivaangi wear the diamond bangles.

("Is that so, madam? He turned down Georgian's offer. But how come he stitched something just for you?")

"Yean na, naa avaruku special uh" Sivaangi flexed, hiding the soft blush on her cheeks.

("Because I'm special to him.")

Anuradha and Binni exchanged glances before looking at Sivaangi.

Sivaangi had always been vocal about her crushes with her family. She had even mentioned the handsome guy she noticed in Arasur — Ashwin — when she first arrived. But once her feelings deepened, she stopped talking about him altogether. Even after their confessions, Sivaangi and Ashwin decided to keep their relationship under wraps until Ashwin's business stabilized. Yet, they sensed that others might have already suspected something between them.

Sivaangi hadn't planned to be so obvious, but Sudha akka's comment about Ashwin triggered her. She thought of dropping subtle hints instead of being direct. But she forgot how well her moms could read her.

"Apdiya?" Binni sat next to Sivaangi, helping her wear the diamond earrings. "Avan adhigam pesa matane. Aprm yepdi nee avanuku special nu solra?"

("Really? He doesn't talk much. How can you say you're special to him?")

"Adhigam pesura aalu illa dhan aana enta neraya pesuvare" Sivaangi paused briefly, collecting her thoughts before continuing. She turned to face Anuradha as she tilted her head for the other earring.

("True, he doesn't talk much. But with me, he talks a lot.")

"Naa keta, adam panna seiradhuku vaangi tharadhuku enn family ku enn mela iruka paasam thaandi obligation iruku nu vachukonga. Aana avaruku apdi yedhuvum illaye. Aana naa kekuradhu, naa yenna kepaen nu yosichu adhellam enakaga yedhuva irundhalum panraru. Considerate ah irukaru. Adhuvum enta matum dha ipdi irukaru. Apo naa avaruku special dhane?"

("If I ask for something, it's your love and duty as family to provide it. But he doesn't have that obligation. Still, he goes out of his way to think of what I need or might ask for and does it. He's considerate... and only with me. Doesn't that make me special to him?")

Anuradha and Binni felt the depth of Sivaangi's love for Ashwin through her tone. She didn't have to confess outright; the way she spoke was enough. Smiling, Anuradha passed the necklace to Binni, who fastened it around Sivaangi's neck.

"Unaku Ashwin ah pidikuma, Sivaangi?" Anuradha couldn't resist asking, curiosity piqued.

("Do you like Ashwin, Sivaangi?")

Sivaangi glanced at their expectant faces as she stood up from the bed. With a smile, she pointed to the 'A' inscribed in her mehendi. Then, with a quick grin, she added, "Late agudhu, naa porenn," before rushing out of the room.

("I'm getting late. I'll leave.")

Anuradha wasn't quick enough to catch what Sivaangi pointed to, but Binni understood. As they realized what Sivaangi was hinting at, the best friends grinned, hugging each other in excitement. They were thrilled their daughter had found such a well-mannered, thoughtful man.

~ * ~

Ashwin had gone out with Ravindran and Rahul. They had left that afternoon and returned to the resort by 6:30. By the time Ashwin was ready, it was already 7:20. Dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and a silver blazer with glittering lapels, Ashwin stepped out of the room with Rahul. He was eager to see Sivaangi in the dress he had designed for her.

He quickly made his way to the parking lot. The convention center, where the reception was to be held, was just a fifteen-minute drive from the resort. It was also where the post wedding function would take place.

Ashwin drummed his fingers anxiously on his wrist as they waited for Ravindran. After ten minutes, Ravindran arrived, and Ashwin took the wheel, his excitement growing. He reached the destination in eleven minutes. While Ravindran headed inside, Ashwin parked the car and walked in with Rahul.

As soon as Ashwin entered, he spotted Sivaangi on stage with her family, posing with Anusha and Vikranth. His heart raced as his eyes took her in. She was breathtaking in the dress he had painstakingly crafted. Every detail of that dress had been made with care, with Ashwin even pricking his fingers multiple times during the stitching. He had suffered from back pain for weeks, but seeing her now made it all worth it. She looked stunning — the embodiment of his vision.

Ashwin didn't approach her right away, allowing her to enjoy her time with her family. Instead, he walked over to his mother and sat beside her. From his seat, he glanced up at the stage, only to catch Sivaangi's eyes on him as she smiled for the camera. She gestured, asking how she looked. He discreetly gave her a thumbs-up and then shrugged, asking how he looked in return. She sighed dreamily, and he ducked his head, blushing as he scratched his neck.

Meanwhile, Dhanalakshmi's family was getting ready to click pictures on stage. Ashwin found himself standing between Dhanalakshmi and Saradha. Sivaangi watched them from the sidelines, a pang of envy hitting her as she realized she couldn't just walk up and join him on stage for a family photo.

Harish, who had been sitting next to her, stood up and held out his hand. Confused, she looked up at him.

"Sivu, vaa de. Paati kuda, Aunty kuda pic eduthutu varalam" Harish said fondly, having grown attached to the family during their stay in Arasur. He genuinely wanted to take a picture with them.

("Sivu, come. Let's take a picture with grandma and aunty.")

Sivaangi grinned, happy that her wish was coming true through her brother. Harish dragged Sivaangi to the stage and asked Dhanalakshmi to stay back, expressing his wish to take a photo with them. Dhanalakshmi, always welcoming, pulled Harish next to her, while Sivaangi tactically stood between Saradha and Ashwin. She looked up at Ashwin, who looked down at her, their eyes filled with happiness.

They smiled brightly for the photo. Once it was taken, they stepped down from the stage. Harish dragged Ashwin along, and Sivaangi sighed, realizing she hadn't had the chance to talk to Ashwin properly yet.

Devika dragged Sivaangi for the final dance rehearsal. Two dance performances from the groom's side had already finished, and the crowd cheered as Vinayak and his friends took the stage. Ashwin and Harish sat with the boys, cheering for Vinayak's performance.

After that, Sivu and her cousins took the stage, performing to a mash-up of six songs. Everyone cheered for them, but Ashwin's eyes were fixed solely on Sivaangi. He couldn't help but admire her, the urge to embrace her growing stronger with each passing second, but he kept himself in check.

Anusha hugged her girls after the performance, and then a special song played for Anusha and Vikranth's dance. The crowd cheered as the photo session with the bride and groom continued.

Sivaangi pouted when her cousins went to have dinner while she stayed back, helping Binni with preparations for the early muhurtham tomorrow. She was texting Ashwin as Binni rattled off instructions, none of which registered in Sivaangi's mind. She was relieved that Binni didn't mention what had happened earlier.

"Maa, dance pannitu pasikuthu, Maa. Vaa polam" Sivaangi whined as she put her phone down.

(Maa, I'm hungry after dancing. Let's go eat.)

"Ada iru dee. Indha boxes ellam bag kulla potutu nee po. Anu kupta, naa keela poren. Kelambura appo room lock panitiya nu pathuko" Binni instructed.

(Wait. Put all these boxes inside the bag before you leave. Anu called me, I'm going downstairs. Make sure to lock the room before leaving.)

Sivaangi looked at her mother in disbelief, but Binni ignored her daughter and walked out. Huffing, Sivaangi stuffed the boxes into the bag, pushing the last one inside with a sigh.

Ashwin was walking toward where Sivaangi was, knowing she had been complaining to him about Binni. He paused and quickly hid when he saw Binni leave the room. Once he was sure she was gone, a wide grin spread across his face, realizing that Sivaangi was probably alone. He quickened his steps and stood by the door, watching her pack.

Ashwin tiptoed into the room and quietly closed the door. He walked up to Sivaangi and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the floor. Startled, Sivaangi yelped, placing her hands on Ashwin's palms. It took her a couple of seconds to understand what had happened.

"Ashwin!" Sivaangi exclaimed, tapping softly on Ashwin's hands.

"Hmmm" Ashwin tightened his hold around her as he twirled her and poked his nose against her cheek. "Azhaga iruka, Sivaangi."

(You look beautiful, Sivaangi.)

A soft blush crept up Sivaangi's face as she smiled and patted Ashwin's hand. "Put me down, Ashwin. Let me see you."

"Uh huh, no" Ashwin teased, walking toward the dressing table. Sivaangi beamed when she saw their reflection in the mirror. He held her gaze and said, "See, you look stunning in this, Sivaangi. You make my heart go crazy!"

Blushing, Sivaangi softly whined his name and held his gaze. "We look perfect together."

"We look perfect together" Ashwin echoed, his deep voice making her insides flutter.

"Namma selfie edukalama?" Sivaangi asked, relaxing in his arms. When Ashwin nodded, she added, "Seri, keela vidunga. Kai valika pogudhu."

(Shall we take a selfie? ... Okay, put me down. Your hands will hurt.)

"Wait" Ashwin said as he slowly placed her down and fished out his phone. He leaned down and rested his chin on her shoulder, placing his other hand on her waist. She leaned against him, and he clicked the photo. Then, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek and captured that moment too, making her blush.

For the next few minutes, they clicked selfies from different angles. Afterward, Ashwin pocketed his phone, and Sivaangi gently pressed her hands against his blazer. Raising an eyebrow, he looked into her eyes.

"Enaku dress romba pidichuruku. Romba, romba azhaga iruku, Ashwin! I know it must have taken a lot of time. Thank you so much for this" she said, wrapping her arms around him.

(I really love the dress. It's very, very beautiful, Ashwin!)

"I'm glad you liked it" Ashwin said, kissing her head. Sivaangi looked up at him with her chin on his chest. He pecked her forehead, making her smile.

"Polama?" Ashwin asked, his thumb gently tracing circles on her waist.

(Shall we go?)

"Ponuma?" Sivaangi pouted.

(Do we have to?)

"Vendama?" Ashwin's lips curled as Sivaangi shook her head, signalling she didn't want to go.

(You don't want to?)

"Function nadakudhu. Unn family unna theduvanga ma" Ashwin reasoned, his fingers drawing lazy patterns on her waist.

(The function's going on. Your family will look for you.)

"Psch! Thedatum" Sivaangi pressed herself against him. "Enaku oru umma kudu, Ashwineyy."

(Let them search! Give me a kiss, Ashwineyy.)

Ashwin chuckled softly, "Ma?"

Sivaangi pouted, "Yenna?"

(What?)

"Naalaiku kalyanam mudinchathum kelambiduvinga la. Naa paavam illa? Umma thara maatiya?"

(Tomorrow, after the wedding, you'll leave, right? Poor me. Won't you give me a kiss?)

"Acho, apdi illa ma. Unn lipstick smudge aana parava ilaya?" Ashwin asked, his finger tracing the corner of her lips. "I don't want to ruin your lipstick. You still have to give a singing performance, remember."

(Acho, nothing like that. Wouldn't it bother you if your lipstick smudged?)

"Huh," Sivaangi twisted her lips and pulled back from Ashwin. "Romba thaan."

(You're too much.)

Ashwin wrapped his arms firmly around Sivaangi's hips, pulling her closer before pecking her lips. He pulled back and cooed at her in his Kovai tongue, "Endra thangamayil la, koncham siringa ammani."

(Oh, my dear one, smile a little.)

Sivaangi tried to put on a straight face but giggled when Ashwin repeatedly pecked her cheek.

"Seri, polam vaanga."

(Alright, let's go.)

They decided that Sivaangi would go down first, and then Ashwin would follow after a few minutes. She adjusted her dress, checked herself in the mirror, and threw an air kiss at Ashwin before leaving the room.

A couple of minutes later, Ashwin closed the door behind him and headed to the function area. He spotted Sivaangi standing with a group of men. One of them was the guy who helped them shoot the cover songs reel. Putting two and two together, Ashwin realized they were from BLU.

"Ashwin?"

Ashwin turned to his left and saw Punith approaching him. Smiling, he greeted Punith with a handshake. After a brief formal exchange, Punith took him to meet the BLU team. Sivaangi greeted Punith with a hug, and the boys shared a warm hug as well. She tugged at Ashwin's hand and introduced him to the group.

Abin shook hands with Ashwin, followed by Siddhu. Sivaangi couldn't resist hyping Ashwin up, and Ashwin accepted it all with a humble smile. Abin and Ashwin quickly hit it off with professional talk, while Sivaangi posed for photos with her "brother squad."

Punith observed Ashwin, a thousand thoughts running through his mind. He averted his gaze when Sivaangi pulled his arm, bringing him into the conversation. Later, they all went to the stage, clicked photos with the bride and groom, gifted them, and went to have dinner.

"Pasikudhu nu sonna la, sapda po ma" Ashwin stood a couple of feet behind Sivaangi, his eyes fixed on the distant stage.

(You said you were hungry, right? Go eat.)

"Neengalum vaanga. Onna sapdalam."

(Come with me, let's eat together.)

"Illa, nee po ma. Naa Rahul, Shravan kuda okandhu saptukuren."

(No, you go ahead. I'll sit and eat with Rahul and Shravan.)

Sivaangi sulked and walked away. Ashwin shook his head with a smile and joined his cousins. After dinner with her cousins, Sivaangi went to wash her hands. That's when Ashwin and his cousins came to the dining area. She rolled her eyes at him when he smiled at her and walked past.

Still smiling, Ashwin had dinner with his cousins and then went back inside the hall. Ten minutes later, Sivaangi graced the stage to sing, and Ashwin couldn't have been prouder when everyone applauded as she finished her performance. Her eyes met his as she accepted the applause with a slight bow, placing her hand over her heart— a gesture she had picked up from him.

After her performance, the DJ started playing random songs, and soon everyone, especially the youngsters from both sides of the families, began dancing. Taking the chance, Sivaangi dragged Rahul and Shravan to the dance floor before pulling Ashwin in. The 5'11 guy let the petite woman drag him, a smile etched on his face as she nudged him towards her brothers.

While everyone enjoyed dancing, Kaleeshwaran and Krishnakumar stood talking with a few close business associates. The conversation gradually shifted to Sivaangi's marriage, and one of the businessmen hinted that he wanted to ask for Sivaangi's hand for his son.

Krishnakumar's eyes darted to his daughter and then to Ashwin, who was dancing near her. He smiled and politely declined the proposal, then glanced at Kaleeshwaran. They shared a knowing smile.

That night, Sivaangi posted the pictures taken by the makeup artist's assistant. She tagged both Ashwin's personal Instagram handle and his brand's handle. Given her association with the Georgian family, she had a decent number of followers.

Sivaangi shared her Instagram post as a story with the words "Styled by @ashwinkumar_ak" in bold, for her cousins to see. As expected, her cousins replied to the story, and ignoring them, she coolly opened Ashwin's inbox to chat with him.

Ashwin was pleasantly surprised by the gesture, but he wanted his lady love to be happy, so he reshared her story. The lovers chatted for a while before calling it a night, as the wedding was scheduled for an early muhurtham.

The next morning, Sivaangi woke up grumpy but didn't even have time to throw a tantrum, having had less than four hours of sleep. She quickly bathed and put on her blouse and in-skirt. Binni, all dolled up, came into the room and helped Sivaangi with her saree.

Sivaangi then went to Anusha's room and got emotional upon seeing her sister in bridal attire. When the makeup artist paused for a minute, she hugged her sister and sat beside Anuradha, who was equally emotional.

"You know, Sivaangi, Anusha has been away for years because of work. We didn't get to spend much time together, but I never felt like I was apart from her. But today, knowing she's getting married into another family..." Anuradha sighed.

"Anu Maa, she was, is and will always be your daughter and this is her family. That will never change" Sivaangi side-hugged Anuradha, "See, akka looks very beautiful"

Sivaangi also got ready with the help of the makeup artist's assistant. The marriage ceremony was scheduled to take place at a temple near the convention center. From the resort, they would first head to the temple, and after the rituals, proceed to the marriage hall.

Sivaangi was dressed in an orange and golden saree with a green blouse. Her hair was adorned with a garland of jasmine and small rose flowers. She wore an antique gold choker around her neck, golden bangles on her wrists, and anklets that chimed softly as she moved, adding to her beauty. Anuradha and Binni admired Sivaangi and took selfies with her before they left together to manage the arrangements.

Ashwin and his family arrived at the temple. His eyes immediately began searching for Sivaangi as he held Dhanalakshmi's hand, guiding her inside safely. He was dressed in a peach and light pink shirt with cream-colored pants.

Rahul pulled a chair over, and Ashwin helped Dhanalakshmi sit down. When he straightened, his breath caught at the sight of Sivaangi looking divinely beautiful in front of him. His heartbeat quickened as he took in the graceful sight of his woman moving around with ease.

When their eyes met, for a moment, Sivaangi felt captivated by Ashwin's handsomeness. He wasn't dressed in anything grand or high-end, just a simple formal shirt and pants, yet he looked incredibly handsome. Bewitched, they were lost in each other until one of Sivaangi's cousins pulled her away.

Rubbing the back of his neck with a smile, Ashwin joined his cousins, but his eyes stayed on Sivaangi, who was now busy with the wedding duties. Carrying a plate with the mangalsutra and rice coated in turmeric, Sivaangi made her way around the room, ensuring everyone blessed the mangalsutra and took some rice. Afterward, she brought the plate back.

Vikranth tied the mangalsutra around Anusha's neck, and the youngsters cheered. The parents were emotional as the rest of the wedding rituals followed. With teary eyes, Anusha bowed slightly, and Vikranth applied sindoor to her forehead.

Sivaangi glanced up at Ashwin, who was staring right at her. The intensity in his eyes made her blush. She ducked her head, biting her lips before sneaking another look at him. After the newlyweds received blessings from the elders and a short photo session, everyone moved to the marriage hall.

Noticing Sivaangi heading to have breakfast, Ashwin dragged his cousins and sat at the table opposite her. She smiled at his gesture but winced when Harish pinched her. She glanced at him, and he gestured for her to focus on eating. Twisting her lips at her brother, she smiled again at Ashwin and resumed her meal. The function quickly began, and Sivaangi got busy, while Ashwin helped Harish now and then but mostly stayed with his cousins.

After the function, Ashwin's family returned to the resort while Sivaangi stayed at the marriage hall with her family. They checked out from the resort later in the day. The elders, except for Dhanalakshmi, left for Coimbatore on an evening flight, while Dhanalakshmi, Ashwin, and his cousins planned to return to Coimbatore the next day.

Sivaangi was preoccupied with post-marriage rituals and went with the bride and groom to her house. Once the elders boarded the flight, Ashwin's family went to Stanley's place. The following day, after the eventful wedding celebration, Ashwin left for Coimbatore, his heart and mind filled with the thoughts of one person; His Sivaangi.

~ * ~

So, how was the chapter makkaley? Any guesses on what's coming next? Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Thank you for reading,

Nan ~