Ashaangi SS Bewitched

Chapter Thirty

Ashwin smiled as he watched Sivaangi's singing portion in Harish's vlog. As planned, they shot the vlog the very next day of confirming the shoot location. For the vlog Harish and Sivaangi roamed around Arasur, showing a piece of their life there.

The siblings pulled each other's legs and were candid in the vlog. For the last portion of the vlog, Harish asked Sivaangi to sing. After the event at Phoenix mall, Harish fans wanted to listen to Sivaangi sing. So, the publishing house requested if Harish could ask his sister.

Sivaangi was hesitant at first. But keeping certain things in mind, she agreed after thinking over it. Ashwin managed to get her a new half saree for the vlog. And so, the vlog shoot happened without a glitch.

The very next day Ashwin had to go to Bangalore. Stanley wanted him to accompany him to get partnership rights with a cartoon channel for their graphic tee collection. While he went there, Harish and Sivaangi were busy in LS Showroom.

Priya asked Georgian's help in setting up the elite section first. Anuradha agreed and Anusha has curated few bridal collections. The construction of the showroom was over and interior work was going on in full swing. So, the clothes have to be curated and stocked. Georgian have to complete their specially designed clothes before the opening date.

Ashwin was busy at Bangalore. Getting the partnership signed was tedious. His lawyer and the channel's lawyer had to go on with lot of negotiation before finalizing on the share percentage.

Just as Ashwin hit the bed, he saw Sivaangi's text with the vlog link and he started watching right away. He was lost in the way she sang. But he was even happier for something else; she drew courage to sing as Sivaangi. If only he had half the courage she has! He sighed and closed his eyes.

~ * ~

Anusha flew to Coimbatore to help set up the specially curated elite section. Party wears are yet to be completed. Dhanalakshmi and Saradha were happy when she came home. Harish spent his time managing both his work and his sisters.

Sivaangi was happy to have her big sister by her. She had fun with Anusha but was also conscious enough to not make mistake with work. She also missed Ashwin. He was supposed to come back in two days but his work got stretched and it has been five days.

Once the work stabilized there, Anusha and Harish left for Mumbai. Harish had to go for his book promotion event. His book is releasing in two weeks. Because he was already an established and famous novelist, the hype around his book was high and the publishers tried to use this hype to promote the book further.

Sivaangi was bit agitated about the work. But she somehow managed. Ashwin went to Chennai from Bangalore. He and Stanley had few more pressing matters to attend to. Although both were busy with their work, they called each other every night.

It has been ten days since Ashwin left for work. That day Sivaangi decided to work from home. She had some finalizing work to do. By evening, she sat down with Dhanalakshmi and watched tv to cool her mind.

Saradha came with four young women. She recognizes three of them as Meena, Raji and Kirthi. There was another woman who looked the same age as the rest. The women greeted Dhanalakshmi and waved at Sivaangi who waved back.

'Aiyo, ivalunga vera avara mama, mama nu solli saavadipangale' Sivaangi mentally whined.

(Aiyo! They will call tag him as 'Mama, Mama' and annoy me!)

As expected, the young women crowd sat down and spoke with Dhanalakshmi and tagged Ashwin as 'Mama'. Sivaangi tried not to show her irritation on her face. Saradha refreshed and joined them. Raji kept on talking about Ashwin and tagged Saradha as 'Athai' repeatedly.

'Avanga enaku dhan urimai ah Athai! Iva mama nu sonna, avaru ivaluku mama agiruvara? He is mine!' Sivaangi gulped, trying to keep her emotion in check.

(She is rightfully my Aunty! Just because she calls him Mama, that doesn't make him as her Mama! He is mine!)

Pursing her lips, Sivaangi texted Ashwin that she was missing him. She sighed when she saw single tick. God! She missed him. Meena enquired Sivaangi about her work. Trying not to let others' word about Ashwin affect her, she faked a smile and replied.

Ten minutes later, when Sivaangi realized the crowd won't disperse, she stood up, excusing herself from them. Saradha asked Sivaangi to wait as she has brought snacks for Sivaangi.

The young women were still tagging Ashwin as Mama to Dhanalakshmi. Sivaangi gulped, trying to focus her thoughts elsewhere.

'Yepovum illama yean enaku ivlo kovam varudhu?!' Sivaangi frowned.

(Why am I getting so pissed off like never before?)

"Indha kannu. Unaku pidikum nu dhan vaangitu vandhen" Saradha extended a box to Sivaangi making her smile at Saradha.

(Here, dear. You like it right, so I bought it for you)

Sivaangi's eyes darted to the crowd once and then back to Saradha before she smiled and raised her voice, "Thanks Athai"

(Thanks Aunty)

Saradha was shocked and surprised when Sivaangi called her as Athai (Aunty). Even Dhanalakshmi twisted her head and looked at them.

"Yenna apdi pakuringa? Andha ponnungalam sondham illa aana romba varusham therinja naala Athai nu kupduranga nu soninga la. Apo, naa kupda kudatha, Athai? Enaku urimai illaya yenna?" Sivaangi beamed at Saradha and added, "Adhuvum onga paiyan matum enoda Amma va Athai nu kupuduraru la. Naa kupta thappa?"

(Why are you looking like this? Those girls weren't related to you but they know you for a long time. You said that's why they call you Athai. Then, why shouldn't I, Athai? Don't I have that right?... Anyway, when your son can call my mother as Athai then why shouldn't I? Is that wrong?)

Saradha was taken aback for a moment. She saw Sivaangi who looked at her with an expectant smile. Cupping Sivaangi's chin, Saradha smiled.

"Nee dharalama Athai nu kupidalam thanga mayilu" Saradha patted Sivaangi's cheek, "Nee vandhadhula irundhu unna Athai ney kupda sollalam nu dhan irundhen. Aana city la valandha ponnu, unaku thayakkam irukum nu dhan sollala kannu"

(You can call me Athai, dearest... I thought of asking you to call me Athai ever since you came here. But I hesitated given you grew up in city and doesn't like these titles)

"No, no, no. Apdilam illa. Enaku ongala Athai nu kupda dhan pidichuruku, Athai. Ini naa apdi dhan kupduven" Sivaangi gave a quick hug to Saradha and pulled back, "Thanks Athai"

(No, no, no. Nothing like that. I love calling you as Athai, Athai. Here after this is how I will call you)

Smiling, Saradha watched Sivaangi leave. When she said it is okay to call her as Athai to Sivaangi, she didn't think about the brewing feelings between her son and Sivaangi. She has always loved Sivaangi and it warmed her heart that Sivaangi finds her close enough to call her Athai.

But does that mean Saradha was completely okay with whatever that's brewing between Ashwin and Sivaangi? She wasn't sure. She turned and saw the teasing smile on Dhanalakshmi's face. Shaking her head, she moved to kitchen.

~ * ~

It was the third and last day of photoshoot for the elite collection. The photoshoot for the bridal wear were already done. Women party wear collection was over too. Sivaangi was busy with overlooking the whole thing.

Ashwin boarded the bus last night and reached early in morning. Sivaangi didn't had the time to meet him, for she has to be at the spot earlier. The male model for the men's party wear has come from Mumbai.

Abhay was tall, lean fit good-looking model. He had a charming aura and he tried his luck with Sivaangi, who rejected his advances politely. When she was talking with the photographer, her mobile buzzed.

It was Abin from BLU. Sivaangi's face lit up and she answered the call with excitement. She excused herself from the photographer and moved aside to speak with him.

When Sivaangi was immersed in discussing about her new song, she felt a shadow towering over her. She didn't notice until she felt someone brushing against her from the back, making her jerk and turned around.

Sivaangi frowned and glared at Abhay who gave her a charming smile, creeping her out.

"Excuse me! Move!" Sivaangi spat pushing Abhay away.

"Woah! Woah! I just came to check on you, Sivaangi" Abhay tried to cup Sivaangi's face but she moved back.

"This is highly inappropriate. Stop stepping into my personal space, Abhay! I believe I have made myself clear earlier" Sivaangi was pissed off, yes, but she was bit scared inside.

"Oh, come on sweetheart. Nothing wrong in getting to know each other better" Abhay held Sivaangi's arm but she wriggled from his grip.

"Abhay!" Sivaangi snapped and tried to walk away but Abhay held her wrist, stopping her.

"Why do you have to hurry now? Don't misunderstand me now, baby. I just want to talk" Abhay didn't leave his hold on Sivaangi who tried to wriggle her wrist out of his hold but failed.

"Abhay!" Sivaangi snapped, "Leave me!"

"Sivaangi!"

Abhay let go of Sivaangi when they heard heavy steps behind them. Sivaangi turned to see an angry Ashwin walking towards them. From his anger, she understood that Ashwin has witnessed what happened here.

Before anyone could react, Ashwin went straight to Abhay and punched him on his face. Abhay's cheek bruised as he yelled but Ashwin didn't give him time to react and kicked him.

"Is this how you behave with a woman? How dare you!" Ashwin fisted Abhay's shirt and slapped him across the face. When Abhay tried to hit back, his moves were feeble and Ashwin easily dodged and punched him back.

Sivaangi didn't even try to stop Ashwin. She was disgusted by what Abhay did. When she saw Abhay's blood spill on the floor, she hurried to Ashwin and pulled him away. On hearing the commotion, the floor guards and few people rushed there.

Sivaangi asked them to take Abhay away. He was screaming at her and Ashwin but she doesn't care anymore. Before he was dragged, she warned him that Anusha will hear about this.

Ashwin pulled Sivaangi into his arms as he breathed in anger. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her face against his torso. He sighed, caressing her hair and she relaxed under his touch.

"Are you okay?" Ashwin asked with Sivaangi still in his arms.

"Yes" Sivaangi mumbled weakly as she tried to shake away Abhay's presence and soak herself in Ashwin's embrace, "Dhairiyam ah dhan irundhen aana ulla koncham bayama um irundhuchu. Avan yepdi enn kai ah pidichu ilukkalam?!"

(Yes... I was brave but I was a bit scared inside. How can he drag my hand like that?!)

"Onum illa ma" Ashwin patted Sivaangi's back and pulled back from the hug. Cupping her cheek, he said, "Bayapadatha. Indha mathiri nayee ah ellam summa ve vida. Nee relax agu. Vaa, veetuku polama?"

(Nothing, dear...Don't be scared. We shouldn't leave dogs like him. You relax. Come, we will go home?)

"Illa Ashwin. Inum shoot mudiya-" Sivaangi paused and exclaimed, "Shit! Inum shoot mudiyala!"

(No, Ashwin. Shoot isn't ov- ... Shit! Shoot isn't over yet!)

"Yenna achu?"

(What happened?)

"Look test lam panni Anusha akka dhan Abhay ah western custom-made party suits ku model ah choose panna. Shoot inum mudiyala!" Sivaangi pursed her lips.

(After look tests Anusha akka selected Abhay as the model for western custom-made party suits and the shoot isn't over yet!)

"Adhuku nu avana thirumba kupda poriya?" Ashwin asked in disbelief.

(Do you want to call him back then?)

"What?! No! I have to get a replacement for him. As per schedule, photoshoot has to be completed today" Sivaangi side hugged Ashwin who relaxed under her touch, "It is so tiring to overlook everything alone, Ashwin. I don't want to mess things up"

"I'm sure Anusha and others will understand, Sivaangi. We-"

"I know they will understand, Ashwin. But I don't want to mess up the schedule. I know whatever happened wasn't my fault but I have to figure out a way to solve this. I-"

"Ssh. Relax. You'll" Ashwin side hugged Sivaangi, "So what if you don't have that Abhay for shoot? I have some old modelling friends in Coimbatore. I'll ask if anyone's available. We'll get the shoot done. Okay?"

Sivaangi visibly relaxed on hearing Ashwin's words.

"Thank you" Sivaangi pressed her face against Ashwin's chest. He kissed her head and broke the hug.

"Nee unn team kitta po ma. I'll make few calls and join you"

(You go, be with your team. I'll make few calls and join you)

Ashwin urged Sivaangi to go but she wordlessly stared at him, her arm still wrapped around him.

"Yenna ma?" Ashwin asked softly, caressing Sivaangi's cheek.

(What?)

"I missed you" Sivaangi blinked at Ashwin.

"Naanum dhan" Ashwin softly patted Sivaangi's cheek with a smile, "Work mudinchadhum veliya polam, seriya? Ipo po. Naa call pesitu varen"

(Me too... We will go out once the work is over. Okay? Now go. I'll make some calls and come)

Sivaangi sighed as she pulled back from Ashwin, nodded at him and walked away. Ashwin fished his mobile out of his pocket and he opened the contacts. His finger paused when he saw the list of contacts he had from his old life.

Sighing heavily, Ashwin contemplated whom to call.

"You are doing this for Sivaangi" Ashwin muttered under his breath as he called a friend. He didn't pick up. So, he called another one who cut his call. Sighing, he called another one who finally picked up. His name was Thyagu. He was the one who helped Ashwin land some good modelling and advertisement gigs back then.

Thyagu was surprised when he received Ashwin's call and he expressed the same to Ashwin.

"Machan, adhu...oru help venum" Ashwin straightly went to the point. He didn't want to explain what happened and why he left everything two years ago.

(Dude, that... I need a help)

Ashwin explained the situation to Thyagu who listened patiently. He said he will check and call back Ashwin. Five minutes later, Thyagu called Ashwin and there was a model available. Smiling, Ashwin thanked Thyagu but his smile dropped when Thyagu told the name of the model.

When Ashwin used to model, Rajesh a.k.a Rocky began his modelling career. He was rude and full of himself. He never gave proper respect to anyone. When Ashwin quit, the last thing he heard was Rajesh degrading him for being a loser and quitter.

When Thyagu said only Rajesh was only available at Coimbatore, Ashwin thought for couple of seconds. Keeping Sivaangi in mind, he asked Thyagu to send Rajesh to LS Showroom, thanked him and hang up the call.

Ashwin found Sivaangi looking at the clothes hanged in a stroller.

"They are gorgeous" Ashwin said walking to Sivaangi with a smile. She smiled back at him, "We have got a model; Rajesh. He has attitudes issue but otherwise he is really good"

Ashwin ran his fingers over the designer clothes. Sivaangi questioned about Rajesh and Ashwin showed her Rajesh's picture. She confirmed the details and spoke to the photographer. She asked one of the team members to convey the model change to the makeup artists and asked the designers to find a fit for the new model.

"Ashwin, vaanga. Elite collection ellam stock pannitu irukanga. Poe pakalam" Sivaangi wounded her arm with Ashwin's. He agreed with a smile and she took him to the elite collection section.

(Ashwin, come. They are stocking the Elite collection. Let's go and check that)

"Yepdi iruku ellam? Okay dhana?" Sivaangi asked as Ashwin looked at the clothing.

(How is everything? Are they okay?)

"Okay for Georgian dresses? Sivaangi, they are amazing!" Ashwin's eyes had an appreciative glint.

They went from one section to the other, with Ashwin looking at every designer piece while Sivaangi listened to him talking about the clothes appreciatively. His mobile buzzed with Rajesh's number and he became stiff.

"Ma, I think Rajesh's here. Naa kuptu varen. Crew ah ready ah iruka sollu"

(I think Rajesh's here. I'll bring him here. Ask the crew to be ready)

Sivaangi agreed and Ashwin walked away. She instructed one of her team members and asked them to get everything ready. It was over ten minutes but Ashwin didn't come yet. So, she took the stairs to the ground floor to look for him.

Calling Ashwin's number, Sivaangi walked couple of steps but paused when she spotted Ashwin and the other guy standing near the lift in the other corner. There wasn't anyone working in the front and few ladies were sweeping the floor.

Frowning Sivaangi walked towards them but paused when she heard the other guy, whom she identified as Rajesh taunting Ashwin. Her frown turned into a glare when Rajesh taunted Ashwin for giving up on his acting dream.

Ashwin's face was devoid of any emotion. His fists were clenched and he gulped hard but didn't respond anything. When Rajesh taunted him further, Ashwin sighed and said,

"Shoot ku late agudhu, Rajesh. Mudinchatha pathi pesa vendam. Polam" Ashwin's tone was calm.

(We are getting late for shoot, Rajesh. Let's not talk about the bygones. Let's go)

"Yeah, yeah. You know, earlier when I entered this field I used to see you as my inspiration. But glad that I jerked out of it. Whatever the reason may be, you abandoned your dream. You gave up on what you worked for. You are one bad example, bro"

Ashwin, whose face was devoid of emotions till now, twisted in a painful frown as he looked at Rajesh who looked at him with a mocking smile. That was the last straw for Sivaangi who stormed towards them.

"Ashwin!" Sivaangi held Ashwin's hand who looked away, as his eyes was moist. He didn't expect Sivaangi here and he was praying that she shouldn't have listened to any of that. Boy was that embarrassing!

"Excuse me! Mr. Rajesh?" Sivaangi gritted her teeth.

"Yes?"

"Sorry for wasting your time. You can leave" Sivaangi's tone was firm. Ashwin blinked back his tears and looked at Sivaangi.

"Ma?!"

"Excuse me?" Rajesh scoffed, "I was called here to shoot for Georgian. You can't just ask me to leave! I-"

"I own Georgian" Sivaangi spat, "So, I can and I will decide who will feature in Georgian clothes! So, please. You can leave"

Georgian is a big name in Fashion Industry and Rajesh doesn't want to lose the opportunity. So, he softened his tone.

"Ma'am, I believe you are mistaken. Ashwin bro has brought me here for the photoshoot" Rajesh looked at Ashwin, "Bro, tell her"

Keeping Sivaangi's workload in mind, Ashwin cleared his voice, "Sivaangi, n-"

"Apologies for the inconvenience, Mr. Rajesh. We have found someone else to model and the photoshoot session has started. But we will keep you in mind for further opportunities. Thank you!"

Rajesh frowned at Ashwin. Even Ashwin was clueless but Sivaangi dragged him away.

"Ma, nillu. Yenna solra? Do we have a replacement?"

(Stop, what are you saying? Do we have a replacement?)

Sivaangi didn't pay heed to Ashwin's words and pushed him inside the elevator before stepping in. She knew she wasn't man handling him. There was no way she could push him, if he doesn't want her to.

"I don't want that arrogant fellow to shoot for Georgian! The nerve of him to speak to you like that!" Sivaangi raged and Ashwin sighed, hanging his head.

"Sivaangi" Ashwin looked up, "His words were harsh but he didn't say anything that wasn't not true"

"What?" Sivaangi stepped closed to Ashwin, "Come again? He didn't say anything that wasn't not true? How dare you believe such things about yourself?"

"Ma..." Ashwin gulped trying not to let Rajesh's word affect him but unfortunately, it did.

Sivaangi pressed a random floor button when the lift stopped but didn't waiver her gaze from Ashwin.

"You did what you did because you had a reason! That doesn't make you a failure in life! God! It wasn't about whether you had the courage to do what you wanted! What happened with you was completely different, Ashwin!" Sivaangi fisted Ashwin's shirt, "You can't look at you in self-pity for that! You don't have to carry this burden, this shame which wasn't yours to begin with!"

Ashwin looked down as tears spilled from his brown orbs. Sivaangi breathed shakily and pushed Ashwin by his shirt before leaning against the lift wall.

"Unn vayasula neraya pasanga tharudhalaya suthuranga! Aana nee?" Sivaangi punched a random floor button and stepped front, "Evlo responsible nee! Amma business. Unnoda business. Nee dhan pathukura. Evlo velai irundhum unaku pidicha football velayada ground ku pora! Not many will hold onto playing like you do!"

(Lot of men your age is wandering around aimlessly! But you? ... How responsible you are! Your mother's business. Your business. You take care of it. You love playing football and so, you go to ground despite your heavy work!)

"Onnu illa, rendu illa, neraya theramai iruku unaku! Nadipu idhula unoda oru theramai dhan! Adha nee virupam pattu vidala! Adhula thappum unodathu illa. Adhu yean unaku puriya matendhu, Ashwin?! How many times do I have to tell you that you are extra-ordinary and that you are enough! That it wasn't your fault!"

(Not one, not two but you have lot of talents. Acting is just one among that. You didn't give up on it willingly! It wasn't your fault. Why don't you ever understand it, Ashwin?)

Sivaangi wiped her tears. Randomly pressing a lift button, she stepped close to Ashwin and lifted his face by his chin. His tears pinched her heart. She stayed mum for a couple of seconds and he didn't have it in him to look at her.

"Ongaluku ipdi sonna puriyadhu la?!" Sivaangi raised her voice at Ashwin.

(You won't understand if I tell you this way, right?)

Sivaangi knew her words won't matter unless and until Ashwin realizes it. Few things have been running in her mind and she believed it was the right time for it. Wiping Ashwin's tears, Sivaangi cupped his face and made him look at her.

"Ashwin" Sivaangi's tone was stern as they stared into each other's eyes, "Aladhinga! Naa solradha kelunga!"

(Don't cry! Listen to what I say!)

Sivaangi's voice was firm when she said, "You'll model for Georgian! You have to!"

~ * ~

Hello makkaleyy, how was the chapter? Yhe story has started progressing well, I believe? Any guesses on what will happen next? How will Saradha react? Hope the story isn't boring and is interesting. Thank you to all those who have read, voted and commented on the previous chapter.

Please do vote and comment, to boost my morale. Badly need it during insane workload and working hours.

Thank you for reading,

Nan ~