AN: Hey doston! I dunno why I started this. but now I cant ditch it. so here's next chap.

Introducing Aniruth Ravichander as Aniruth :) no doubt he's one of my fav music directors and I so love his music. :*

Thank you my dear sweetx, sachin angel aka @sagel-runsh, aradhna acharya and everyone :*

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Hope you guys like this as well :D

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Part 4

Colours

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Maari is seen sitting in his room after returning home from the market, lost in thoughts.

Adith and Sani exchange looks, "What are you thinking, Anna?"

"Munna Bhai..."

"What? We don't need to give him a damn, Anna... so why?" Sani trails off.

"If he's really desperate to get this area under his control, I'm afraid he'd do anything... we really need to keep our eyes open. And keep watching..........Sridevi."

Maari looks at his feet.

"Huh? Sridevi? Why should we keep an eye on... Ohhh!! Yes, Anna! We will not let anything happen to Anni, I mean how can we huh?" finally Adith, Sani understand the meaning behind his words.

Maari glares, "keep your mouth shut and just listen."

Sani and Adith laugh it off, "Ok anna."

"So why are you still here? Go to bed, duty starts early tomorrow."

Adith and Sani exchange smiles and leave to their respective rooms. Maari is alone on the terrace, which is sort of his bedroom. He lies on the charpai, recalling how Sridevi had earlier challenged Munna.

"Don't you know this area belongs to Maari?'

"Hey watch it! She's Maari Anna's lover! Lay a hand on her and you're dead!"

"You can't handle him.. So you better leave."

He sighs recollecting those bits of conversation between Devi, the local people and Munna.

"Just what were you thinking? Do you want to become a gangster now... rowdy girl... always getting yourself into trouble.."

He smiles thinly, "you honestly thought you were the one who scared him off, how naive..."

He shakes his head once before getting some sleep.

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The next day.

As per Maari's orders Sani is keeping an eye out on Devi's botique from outside. He sits by the chai shop, watching... just when he thinks everything is calm, there's a commotion-

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Same time, Sridevi's boutique-

Munna steps inside. Hearing footsteps, Devi turns around with a smile, thinking it's Maari. She frowns seeing that it's Munna.

"You-- why are you here?"

"Can we just be civil, gorgeous lady?" Munna asks flirtateously.

Devi bites her tongue, "if you don't have any business, just leave.."

"Please, let me talk my dear.. Sridevi is it? We can be.. Well partners...." says Munna with a grin.

"Maari is already my business partner. I also plan on making him my llife partner. So, Ugh-- just leave--"

"Listen me out. Why don't you switch sides? you could be lot more happier if you're with me.."

Devi gives him a disgusted look.

"What's so good about him? You sent him to jail right?"

She bites her lip. This man, he knows everything, including her name

"See, I really am busy with work, so please leave.." she pleads him softly.

"What? Aren't you going to answer me? Why did you fall in love with him? Is it because he's a don? I'm a much bigger one... I have committed many crimes, choose me."

Sridevi laughs, "do you honestly think that's what a lady wants in a man?"

"What does she want?"

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Outside:

Sani watches the exchange through the window and quickly calls up Maari.

"Anna you were right! Anni is in trouble!"

Maari on the other side doesn't even correct him, "I'm coming!" he shouts before hanging up.

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Sridevi's boutique:

"Just leave! Why don't you understand? Look, don't even dream about claiming your rights on this area, or myself!"

Munna is angered by Devi's words..

"You are the one who doesn't understand!" he growls reaching out to grip her hand.

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Sani calls Maari again, watching the scene with anguish. The entire henchmen of Munna are blocking the exit and he doesn't dare to barge in.

"Anna where are you? Come soon..."

When he looks up, the scene inside changes dramatically-

"Huh?"

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"I'll teach you some manners!" Munna shouts, reaching for her hand once more.

A little scared Devi steps back. Before Munna's hand can reach for hers again, a hand holds it back-

She smiles in relief... Maari has made it. He's here when she wanted him--

She looks at the person who stepped between them and is shocked!

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"Anirudh?!!"

Dressed in police uniform, Anirudh stood there. He takes of his glasses, showing off his swag as he grips Munna's hand.

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Outside-

Sani smiles, talking on phone "Anna... Anni is saved. Some guy showed up. He's a police officer!"

"What?" Maari growls from other end, "who the hell is that?"

And he hangs up.

Sani scratches his head. "Why is Anna Mad?"

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Inside, Devi's boutique

"You are committing a big crime brother. Don't touch a girl without her permission-" Aniruth says, squeezing Munna's hand hard-

"Police officer?"

Munna is surprised as he looks between Devi and Aniruth.

"Don't ever think she has no one to back her up, I'm here. I'm her best friend. Recently got posted here as Circle Inspector."

Munna laughs, "what a weirdo, Sridevi... you are a weirdo. You're lover is a Don and your best friend is a police officer?"

Aniruth looks surprised for a bit then he smiles, "so? Do you have any problem? We can always move to the station to discuss."

"Pass."

Munna mutters and leaves the place.

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Outside-

Sani immediately calls up Maari, moving a little further away from Devi's boutique-

"Anna, that guy turned out to be her best friend, Anirudh. He's also a police officer Anna, who got posted here. So you don't need to rush Anna. hello-"

He doesn't get any answer but looks around at the sound of a speeding motorcycle-

Maari has arrived.

"Anna? Why did you rush back?"

Maari shakes his head, "I shouldn't have gone out. It was urgent business, but maybe I should have sent you two in my place. Where's she?"

"Ohh? You mean Anni? she's safe Anna. that police officer was so heroic."

Just then Adith arrives. Maari sits near the teastall as Sani keeps praising Anirudh who saved Sridevi.

"Ehh!" Adith shouts, "don't praise other men before Anna!"

Then he pulls Sani aside, "can't you see Anna is already mad that he couldn't be there to save Devi.."

Sani smacks himself.. Then he goes to Maari to apologize.

"Sorry Anna. Please. Don't blame yourself that you couldn't be--"

"Did I say I am blaming myself?" Maari shouts, sipping his tea, he throws the paper glass into a bin and begins to walk. "you two are crazy."

He suddenly remembers it's Holi. he checks his watch 9 AM. Munna was fast enough to put his moves on Devi. he wasn't cautious enough.

"I should make sure nothing like this happens."

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Devi's boutique-

Sridevi has a lively conversation with Aniruth who showed up after nearly nine years-

"Anniruth!! How are you?? You are still alive huh? I'm glad..."

She slaps his arm, and he extends his hand. They highfive eachother.

"So.... you're a cop now?"

"I messaged you on fb right?"

"Hmm but that hardly counts... "

"You're right. We finally meet, Sree. even though we were apart, I could never forget you."

"Aniruth..." Devi trails off remembering suddenly that this is the same Aniruth her parents were tying to get her married to.

"I know.." he laughs, "It's fine. I know you have feelings for someone else. By the way, I didn't think I had any chance. I'm younger than you, so... and when your parents asked me if I would marry you then... just imagine-"

Devi slaps him on the shoulder and hides her face, "Don't. My parents embarrassed me. And I'm only 4 years older. So... "

"So you don't mind the age gap then?" he asks slyly.

"Hey!!"

"Haha! Just joking.... I dunno, I've always liked you, candy."

Devi frowns at the childhood nickname.

"I never called you Akka, remember? Because i knew you were special.."

"Weirdo! Haha! Um.. Aniruth, actually... he doesn't love me."

"What?" Aniruth appears shocked.

"You heard. He doesn't have any feelings for me..." Devi looks sad.

He frowns, "So.. Will you marry me?"

His sincerity moves her heart but she's stil confused.

"That... that..." Devi doesn't know what to say.

He smiles, "so it's one side then. Will you consider me if it won't work out?"

"That again! Of course not!

"I'm sorry Aniruth. I don't want to get married, right now."

"Did you tell Amma, Appa?"

"They won't listen!" Devi plops into a chair looking tired.

Aniruth smiles sadly, "I'll tell Amma, Appa to cancel marriage plans-"

"Nooo!!" Devi shouts, "I mean... please... don't say anything-"

"I'll let Amma, Appa know that we decided to give it a go and need some time to know each other. Now how's that?"

Devi smiles, relieved, "thanks."

Aniruth nods. He thinks, "I wish in the end, everything will be in my favor..."

Just then, Maari walks in wearing, the white shirt she gave and Devi is mesmerized.

"Wow!!" she jogs to greet him, "the shirt I gave, looking cool huh?"

She smiles. Maari frowns, irritated.

"No need to flatter me, maa.."

She smiles widely at that. He groans internally. What a pain! Sure, he went home to get changed and come and greet her properly. But he won't admit it aloud. Well, he's just sorry for the girl. Those baseless rumours put Munna on her back and he's sorry for that.

"Why aren't you dressed in white? Come maa, the celebrations are about to begin."

Devi grins, happy with the invitation, "I will."

That's when he sees Aniruth.

"Ohhh! Inspector sir..." Maari smiles, greeting Aniruth, "my boys told me that you're the new cop. You're also Sree's best friend, no?"

Aniruth smiles, "that's right."

Pushing back his jealousy, he says-

"Nice to meet you Maari. I heard a lot about you. That you're the Robinhood of this town."

Maari laughs, "ayyo that's a rumour sir, just like many."

"Don't worry. I'm good with good men."

"Ayyo sir.. Who said I'm good? Did she tell you? She's really blind..." Maari gives Devi an irritated look, she sighs.

"And you're blind too.... Why can't you see she loves you?" Aniruth murmurs before extending his hand towards Maari.

"Huh? Police officer... don... shake hand? How sir?" Maari jokes in broken English.

"It's ok... I don't see profession. I see the other man's heart."

Aniruth and Maari shake hands. Devi smiles.

Adith, Sani are pleased watching this. Aniruth seems to be a good man. Now what's left is for the love birds to unite.

Maari leaves with his boys. Aniruth too leaves for the police station.

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An hour later-

In the community grounds, the large open space in the heart of the town, entire townsfolk are gathered to celebrate holi.

Devi arrives, dressed in white chudidar. Aniruth had left for the station. Her eyes find Maari who's sitting on the stage, shouting out orders on the megaphone- he wishes them happy holi, reminding them,-

"Remeber! No one can colour me... splash a bit of colour and see what happens... "

He sets down the megaphone to sit in his usual chair.

"Why Anna?" Sani asks.

"My shirt will get spoiled." says Maari.

"Ohh right, the shirt Sridevi gave you. Fine then."

Maari slaps him on the head.

"Shut up. Do you want to say bye-bye to all your teeth?"

"Ayyo Anna please don't beat me-"

"You deserve it! I said no one gets to colour me, no one will spoil my shirt-"

Maari is cut off as someone steps on the stage.

"It's fine. Let it be stained. I can always get you new one, Maari."

Maari looks up, and it's Sridevi.

"Ehh? How did you get here? No one is allowed on stage!" he stops beating Sani and glares at her.

Devi smiles widely, "am I?"

"What are you hiding behind you?" he asks, looking confused.

"Happy Holi Maari!!"

* sPLASH!! * *

"Whh---"

Maari is stunned as abucket of gulal drenches him from head to toe.

"What just!! Ehh! Stop!!"

But Sridevi is already running away, laughing and shouting, "bura na maano Holi hai!"

"What? What does it mean?" Maari is confused.

Sani looks super pissed, "anna... we can think about it later. She splashed colour on you. And you're letting her escape?"

"Oh... haa... why am I so stupid! How dare she?! I'll teach her not to mess with me again!"

Wiping his face, Maari runs after Devi. Adith, Sani smile watching them. Sani is happy, his trick worked.

"Anna is always running away... now he's chasing her. See, that's Sani's super trick."

Adith laughs patting his back and suddenly-

*SPLASH*

Sani is the one drenched in gulal. Adith has thrown a bucket full at him-

"Youu--"

Another chase begins...

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Ten minutes pass. Maari is still chasing her. Devi is laughing, out of breath....

"Ahhahaha! I'm sorry! Please!"

"Come I'll teach you a lesson! Hey stop, Sree!"

"Hahaha!" she laughs rushing further among the crowd.

Making sure, Maari isn't around, she pauses to catch her breath. It was really fun. Splashing gulal on Maari. More fun than she imagined.

She's recalling that fun moment when someone holds her hand-

"Gotcha'"

"Huh?"

Seeing that it's Maari, she attempts to flee but his grip tightens as he pulls her to him.

He puts his arms around her.

"Now how will you escape?" he asks grinning.

Sridevi is shy, happy, both at once. What's with him holding her suddenly?

"I guess I'm happy to surrender."

She smiles. He suddenly tightens his hold on her while frowning-

"Hey what are you doing? I'll get you a new shirt okay? Just lemme go..."

She really can't look him in the eye. He looks at her face, which is slightly pink, her wet hair, Someone splashed gulal on her as well.

When she looks at him, he's smiling softly. He cups her cheeks making her blush. Then he holds her by her shoulders again, then  pushes her back a little-

"Happy holi."

"Huh?"

A confused Devi touches her cheek and looks at her shoulders, which are now coloured in deep Green.

Maari winks at her and runs away. She stands there in a daze.

What just happened?

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Maari is behind the stage washing himself of all the colour. His shirt is still bright pink, but the colour seems to be drained from his face and hands. Why did he chase after her!? what will she think? and he smeared colour on her face and held her close-

"Kadavule.." he sighs, scrubbing at his face.

Adith, Sani throw another bucket of gulal at him. He glares at them.

Just when they think Maari is gonna hit them, he splashes colour on them. With that a new song begins to play and everyone begin to throw colours at each other, laughing and chasing around. For the first time, Maari has lot of fun on Holi.

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NEXT: Maari is tensed as Devi ventures out of town. He soon turns her bodyguard?!

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AN: So how was the chap? Thank you so much for reading. :D