Author's Note

Hello makkaleyy, hope you all are doing well.

I know day eh mudinchu irundhalum Iniya Tamizh Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal and Happy Vishu! ✨💜 May we all be blessed with prosperity, good health, wealth, hope, believe, magic and kenaru virumbi. Hehehe.

As always, do stream Adipoli, support them professionally and keep them both in your prayers. Thank you to all those who have read, voted and commented on the previous chapter. Seriously, it means a lot!

Sivaangi was gorgeous! Divine! Wow! Manushan romba kuduthu vachavaru. I mean, look at her! Adhee mathiri, enn annan dhan aana mann, he looked awesome! Hope. Believe. Magic. ✨💜☃️❄

I know you all are invested in Bewitched, thank you so much. Can you help me out so that I stay disciplined and give you updates continuously? Thanks in advance. Yenna na, if I don't update for more than three days, please comment and ask me for update. Would help me stay disciplined. Also, vote and comment. My biggest driving force to update sooner.

Spent most part of the day working on the chapter. Hope you like it. Happy reading!

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Ashaangi SS Bewitched

Chapter Twelve

Ashwin's eyes shined with mirth when Charu hugged the dress he designed for her birthday. She loved the gown and he was happy. She gave the dress to her mother and hugged Ashwin who draped an arm around her and kept his other hand on her head.

After drenching Ashwin with appreciation and love, Charu moved to Saradha, Dhanalakshmi and Sivaangi and showed the dress to them. Sivaangi looked at Ashwin who was looking at Charu. She touched Charu's dress and loved the intricate work he has done on the gown.

"Beautiful" Sivaangi mumbled to herself as she caressed the dress.

Once Charu and her mother left, Ashwin left after them without meeting Saradha's eyes. She looked at the direction he went and sighed while Sivaangi glared at the direction he went for his ignorance.

Ashwin rarely bolts the lock in his room when he sleeps. So, that night, when his room was locked, Saradha retired to sleep with a dull face. She didn't want anyone to paint her son in a bad light.

As a single mother, Saradha has done everything in her strength to raise her son well. If someone points at the lack of father's presence and blame Ashwin's behaviour then it will really break Saradha's heart. She knows who her son is but she doesn't want to give people chances to point finger at him.

Saradha didn't mean What Ashwin thought she did. If only he had let her complete that he would have realized she was listing possible ways people can slander him; slander them.

Only a single mother of a single child who barely had any support in life would understand Saradha's fear and insecurity. She didn't have Ashwin's father in their life and she had to man the house and raise her child in a young age back then.

Saradha also realized she should have articulated her words better. She knew her son and she shouldn't have said such things. She knew how respectful and responsible Ashwin is. Spilled words can't be taken and now she doesn't know what to do to earn her son's forgiveness.

Ashwin, on the other hand, laid on his back and stared at the fan. His mother's words disturbed him. Yes, he knew about his mother's insecurity and fears. He also knew that his mother overthinks and restrict him out of fear. But what she said has deeply hurt him. I mean, it was his mother who said that!

And then his thoughts drifted to a bite sized woman who plagued his thoughts. Ashwin sighed and rolled on his bed. His eyes didn't miss the way Sivaangi was staring at him, expecting him to look back. He noticed her frown and how she was lost in her thoughts.

Despite her harsh words, Saradha was right. Sivaangi was their guest. Her family trusted his grandmother and mother to take care of her which means he was also responsible for her. He couldn't control his thoughts whenever she was nearby. So, whatever that was, that has to be stopped.

But those eyes! Those damn, kohled, beautiful eyes! Ashwin groaned and twisted on the bed. Her expectant eyes and the way she pouted when she was disappointed flashed before his eyes.

While Ashwin was struggling with his thoughts, Sivaangi was busy scolding him in her mind. Why did he have to behave this way? She knew he was interested in her. That was pretty evident in the way he looks at her. But why did he avoid her today?

When they met, they were attracted to each other, yes. They have made each other feel things they have never felt before. But it wasn't just that. Living almost in a same house has given them the chance to see their domesticated self. It has made them quite easy to get to know each other better despite short duration of meeting each other.

Like a moth to a flame, they were drawn to each other. It may or may not be love but there were feelings involved, including desire. Sivaangi never had such a handsome man fighting for her attention and Ashwin, whose dream girls ranges from Simran to Dipika Padukone, found all the beauty, both internal and external, in Sivaangi.

It wasn't love between them; at least not yet. It wasn't plain attraction or physical desire either. For Ashwin and Sivaangi, it was as if they have casted a spell on each other; as if they have bewitched each other.

Both were lost in their thoughts until sleep consumed them. Couple of days rolled by just like this leaving them both frustrated. The day after that Sivaangi decided to sleep a bit longer. A phone call woke her from sleep making her grumble and pick her mobile.

But the grumpiness faded once Sivaangi saw the caller id. With a broad smile, she picked up the call.

"Punith Anna!" Sivaangi squealed.

"Thangachi maaa" Punith greeted back in equal excitement.

(Sister)

Punith aspires to be a director and has already shot few short films. He also works on the music videos produced by few music labels including BLU. That's how Sivaangi met him. Right from the first meet, the duo hit off right away. He sees a sister in her and he was a caring brother.

They both conversed filling each other of whatever happened in their life in recent times.

"Kanthaloor, Attapadi side la dha oru short film ku location pathrukom, Sivu. Ellam Coimbatore kitta dhan"

(We've finalized Kanthallor, Attapadi side for a short film location, Sivu. Those places are nearby Coimbatore)

"Apdiya? Super neyy. Kandipa neenga ena paaka Coimbatore varanum"

(Is that so? Super brother. You have to come to Coimabatore to meet me for sure)

Punith promised to visit Sivaangi. They conversed for few more minutes before they hanged up. Sivaangi took her time in getting ready. Harish's publisher wants Harish to interact with his fans. He has a YouTube channel and many fans have requested Sivaangi also to appear with him in the videos after the fan meet.

Harish asked if Sivaangi would be up for that. She didn't have any objection. So, they decided to make a vlog of them exploring the village. For that vlog Sivaangi decided to wear a half saree.

Ashwin went out early in the morning. Harish and Sivaangi went to Coimbatore to meet the designing team. Whenever they have to visit other mills and factory they take Ashwin along. If it's to Coimbatore, they don't trouble Ashwin.

Once their work was done for the day, Harish and Sivaangi went for shopping. She bought a yellow and violet half saree. Harish suggested her to get something ready made as they decided to take the vlog the next day but Sivaangi really liked it and ended up buying it.

They reached home in late afternoon. After resting for a while, Sivaangi packed her the dress she bought and decided to go to Saradha's shop. Saradha will get someone to stitch the blouse for her.

Her thoughts were plagued by a certain guy who made her lose sleep, Sivaangi walked to the store. By now she has learnt the route. Just as Sivaangi stepped inside the building compound, her eyes darted to Ashwin's workspace. He was just getting inside.

Sivaangi looked at the flour grinding workspace building once and then to Ashwin's workspace. Before she could even come to a decision, her legs moved towards Ashwin's workspace.

Ashwin paused when he saw Sivaangi. His eyes darted to the bag in her hand and then back to her before averting his gaze.

"Blouse stitch pannanum" Sivaangi said when she sensed Ashwin won't begin the conversation.

(I want to get my blouse stitched)

"Na blouse lam stitch panna maten ma" Ashwin said looking at Sivaangi.

(I don't stitch blouse)

"Panna matinga la illa panna theriyadha?" Sivaangi asked holding Ashwin's gaze as she stepped forward.

(You don't or you don't know?)

"Naa tailoring unit la yarayachum odanae stitch panni thara solren. Dress ah vachutu ponga" Ashwin averted his gaze.

(I'll ask someone from tailoring unit to stitch your blouse asap. Keep your dress and leave)

"Na ketadhuku bathil varlaye" Sivaangi stopped couple metres away from Ashwin, "Panna matinga la illa panna theriyadha?"

(You didn't answer me...You don't or you don't know?)

"Panna theriyum aana naa yarukum panradhu illa. Naa ve-"

(I do know how to but I don't do for anyone. I can as-)

"Enaku blouse stitch pannithanga Ashwin" Sivaangi deadpanned as she extended the cover in her hand to him.

(Stitch this blouse for me, Ashwin)

"Sivaangi" Ashwin heaved a sigh as he looked away before looking at him, "Yean ma ipdi panra?"

(Why are you doing this?)

"Enaku blouse stitch panni kudunga, Ashwin"

(Sitch this blouse for me, Ashwin)

Ashwin stared at Sivaangi for a couple of seconds before shaking his head. She looked determined. He knew she was well aware that he was avoiding her. But to see her come to him, despite that made him feel jittery.

"Measurement edukuradhuku kadai la irundhu yarayachum vara solren" Ashwin said getting the cover from Sivaangi.

(I'll ask someone from the shop to get measurements)

"Yedhuku? Ongaluku alavu eduka theriyadha?" Sivaangi asked in a stern tone.

(Why? You don't know how to take measurements?)

Biting the inside of his cheek, Ashwin looked at Sivaangi, "Measuring tape ulla iruku. Eduthutu varen"

(Measuring tape is inside. I'll bring)

Ashwin went inside the other room. He picked the measuring tape from the table and turned back but paused when he saw Sivaangi standing in front of him.

"Sivaangi!"

"Hmmm, alavu edunga" Sivaangi said, standing with her arms wide.

(Take measurement)

"Veliya poe edukalam. Inga vendam"

(We'll take from outside. Not here)

"Ada edu ya!" Sivaangi said annoyed and Ashwin closed his mouth.

(Just take!)

With his heart racing, Ashwin stepped towards Sivaangi. He has never measured for young women. The need never raised and he wasn't comfortable doing so, even though during his teenage, teen girls would come to tailoring shop just to see him and try to get measured by him. Of course he didn't.

Now that Sivaangi's standing in front of him, waiting to get measured, Ashwin felt nervous, especially when he was trying to avoid her. Gulping his nervousness, he stretched the measuring tape.

Sivaangi's eyes was fixed on Ashwin's, studying his facial reactions. She can clearly see how hard he's trying to pull himself back from being normally with her; his fun filled and flirtatious self as before.

When her eyes looked at Ashwin's gaze, Sivaangi felt her whole being relax under his gaze. He took measurements of her arms and hand length. Her breath quickened when he wounded the tape around her waist before dragging the tape up.

"Enaku bust ending la tight ah pota moochu pidikum. Lite ah loosa irukatum" Sivaangi said and held her breath when Ashwin stepped a little closer to look at the measurement size in the tape properly.

(If the blouse is tight in bust ending, then I struggle to breathe properly. Make it a little loose)

Ashwin finally looked up at Sivaangi, meeting her eyes. Her lips parted slightly as he moved the tape up to her bust.

"Evlo irukam venum nu paaru ma" Ashwin said meeting her eyes.

(See how much fitting you want)

Sivaangi gulped feeling a whole zoo in her stomach.

"Ma?"

On seeing Ashwin waiting for an answer, Sivaangi composed herself and said her preference for the blouse.

"Thirumbu" Ashwin's voice was deep making her stomach churn.

(Turn)

Sivaangi turned and put her hair on the front. Ashwin put the tape on her shoulder, his finger grazing her neck. He didn't realize but she felt. Ashwin leaned down a bit to see the measuring number of the tape but paused when he smelt her fragrance making him unconsciously take a sniff. She shivered when she felt his body warmth.

Only when Ashwin stepped back to note down everything, they both released the breath they were holding. He looked up once he finished noting down the measurements.

"Night kulla stitch paniduren" Ashwin said closing the measuring note.

(I'll finish stitching by tonight)

"Yedhuku ipo ena avoid panringa?" Sivaangi asked not wanting to beat around the bush.

(Why are you avoiding me?)

"Na yenga ma avoid panen?" Ashwin averted his gaze.

(When did I avoid?)

"Apo yedhuku ipo mogatha thirupuringa?" Sivaangi asked stepping forward making Ashwin step back and look at her.

(Then why are you turning your face now?)

"Ma..."

"Kan muli thirutu thanama anga inga enn kanna paaka thadumaarudhe" Sivaangi stepped forward making Ashwin step back, "Like what you see nu keka theriyudhu, don't you feel the same nu keka theriyudhu, ipo yedhuku avoid panringa nu keta padhil ilaya?!"

(Your eyes struggle to look into mine... You can ask 'like what you see', you can ask 'don't you feel the same' but can't answer me when I ask why you are avoiding me?!)

Sivaangi's petite frame cornered Ashwin. He stopped only when he felt the wall behind him. He averted his gaze from her but gasped when she pulled him down by his collar, shocking him.

"Sivaangi!" Ashwin placed his hand on top of Sivaangi's but didn't pull her hand off.

"Sollu, Ashwin. Unna dhana kekuren"

(Say, Ashwin. I'm asking you)

Seeing Sivaangi up-close, Ashwin struggled to think. Her kohled eyes were looking at him with question; a tinge of anger glistened in her orbs. Her lips were painted in a soft pink. He was eye-to-eye with her. He's pretty sure both can feel each other's breath.

"Sivaangi..." Ashwin barely whispered her name.

"I know how you look at me. Don't deny that it was nothing" Sivaangi took a sharp intake of breath, "Yedhuku Ashwin?"

(Why, Ashwin?)

Ashwin shivered when Sivaangi wetted her lips as she stared at him in question.

"Nee modha thalli nillu ma" Ashwin tried to move.

(You first step back)

"Psh! Yaaru patha yenna?" Sivaangi didn't budge. She wanted answers.

(Psh! I don't care if anyone see)

"Nee pakathula ninna enala theliva yosika mudiyala. Seri, thappu la marakudhu. Etta po ma" Ashwin sighed trying to take Sivaangi's hand off his collar.

(I can't think clearly if you stand closer. I'm forgetting what's right or wrong. Step back)

Sivaangi can see Ashwin struggling to react on what he feels. She wondered what happened that he was behaving this way. But that can wait.

"Yedhu seri? Yedhu thappu?" Sivaangi took a bold step closer. Their bodies slightly touched making them both feel jittery as they eyed each other.

(What's right? What's wrong?)

"Sivaangi..."

It took everything in Ashwin to keep himself in control. His mind was racing with wild thoughts; to hold her in his arms, to caress her cheek, to nuzzle into her neck, to thread his fingers through her hair and to kiss her. Damn, he needed to get away from her!

"Neenga pakathula irundha enakum dha theliva yosika mudiyala. Adhuku nu naa velagi polaye" Sivaangi, on the other hand, didn't want to step back.

(Even I can't think clearly when you are near. But I didn't move away)

"Ma, na apdi-"

(Listen, I-)

"Enaku unna kattipidikanum pola iruku, Ashwin" Sivaangi's voice was octaves lower as she stared at Ashwin whose heart skipped a beat. She gulped and added, "Thappu dhan aana enala onga kitta varama iruka mudiyala. Naa-"

(I feel like hugging you, Ashwin...I know it is wrong but I can't help but come near you. I-)

Ashwin let what was holding him back. He wrapped his arm around Sivaangi's waist. She looked at him with a gasp and loosen her grip on his collar. His eyes held her gaze. He saw her comfortable with his touch and then he did something he wanted to do for quite some time now; he hugged her. 

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Idheppdi iruku? 👻 Rendu perum aduthu yenna panna poranga? 🤔

How's the chapter makkaleyy? Hope I'm not rushing too fast. Any guesses on what's next?

Double update lam kekadhinga. My anxiety levels will only shoot up, update varadhu. Also, it will always take me at least two days to get the next update. I'll try to update asap for you people though.

Love you all 💜❄

Thank you for reading,

Nan ~