The morning after the night in the tent felt blissful. Unlike the previous morning, she did not feel compelled to pull herself away from him.

She woke up to find herself facing him, their arms around each other and their limbs entangled. Her face was inches away from his, and she could feel his warm breath on her face.

She lifted her hand and traced his cupid's bow with a finger. She let her fingers stay on his lips for a good minute and then kissed her fingers, sighing at the fact that this was probably the closest to a kiss she can manage with this man.

She then moved her palm to cup his cheeks so lightly as to not wake him. She loved his two day stubble and wanted to feel how it felt on her skin. She removed her hand quickly and shifted to her back as she felt him stir in his sleep. He tightened his grip on her to prevent her from slipping out of his reach.

He moved closer to place his cheek on her chest and she cradled his face close to her heart and kissed the crown of his head. Her heart surrendered to him as she whispered an inaudible 'I love you Ashwin'.

It might look like an immoral thing to do for a woman engaged to another man, but she knew she had to break off  her engagement when she was clearly in love with this beautiful man. But her inner voice argued with her.

S's MV: Adi paithiyame! Ashwin isn't going to marry you. You do know that he is unattainable.

She shot back at her inner voice with such urgency.

S: That doesn't mean that I can marry Tarun when I don't feel anything towards him anymore. It is unfair and he cannot be the scapegoat for my love failure. He deserves better than this.

S's MV: Do you think you can hurt your parents and his parents by breaking up with him?

S: It is better than being in a marriage without any love. Best for everyone. If they get hurt, they will get over it.

S's MV: Mariyaathaya naan sonnatha kelu. Meeting ah mudichitu flight la Vaishali yoda ooruku po. Tarun kita sorry sollitu, kalyanam pannitu settle aagura valiya paru. Intha Ashwin ellam vellaiku aaga maaten.
(You better listen to me. Get down with your work and fly back home with the rest of them. You can speak to Tarun, apologise and get married to him. Ashwin isn't the one for you)

S: Nee ennoda mind voice ah illa enemy ah? Chi po!
(Are you my inner voice or my enemy? Get lost!)

S's MV: Ekkedo kettu po. Apparam vanthu azhadha.
(Do whatever you want to! Don't come back to me crying)

Sivaangi was arguing with her inner voice while toying with his silky soft hair.

Ashwin woke up to feeling the warmth of her body. He looked up to see that she was lost in thoughts.

A: Care to share?

His husky voice brought her out of her thoughts and she shook her head. He moved himself up so they were at eye level.

A: Morning sunshine!

He pushed the hair on her face behind her ears and caressed her earlobes. She closed her eyes enjoying the feel, and it brought a smile on his face. She tried her best to swallow the moan that threatened to erupt from her.

S: Mmmm.. Mmorning Ashwin.

A: Sivaangi, naan romba varshuthaku apparom nalla thoongunen ma. I know it sounds cliché but that is the truth. I am used to waking up frequently feeling disturbed by random thoughts. But I slept like a baby last night. Thanks! Nee relaxed ah thoonguniya ma?
(For the first time in years, I had a good night's sleep. I know it sounds cliché but that is the truth. I am used to waking up frequently feeling disturbed by random thoughts. But I slept like a baby last night. Thanks! Did you sleep well?)

S: I am so glad you slept well. Why would you thank me for that!

En thookatha keduthutu, nee nalla thoongu. Romba santhosham.
( You ruined my sleep and you have been sleeping well, is it? Great!)

A: Sivaangi? Promise to never leave me.

He looked so vulnerable that she put aside the million questions and confusions in her head and placed her hand over his.

S: I will stay with you. Forever.

He smiled and turned his face to rest his eyes on the back of her hand.

After bidding bye to Ajay and Varshini, they packed their stuff and started the three hour drive to Bangalore. Sivaangi offered to drive as he had sprained his shoulder earlier while loading everything into the car. An hour later, she turned to his side and found him sleeping. She ruffled his hair and wondered what life would be like if she was blessed to spend it with him as his wife.

Right then, the image of Tarun flashed in front of her eyes ruining the moment. Her guilt was playing mind games.

As if on cue, she received a call from Tarun. She declined it, not wanting any drama that would wake Ashwin. But he kept calling her back. So she parked the car in a suitable parking spot and got out to speak to him.

T: Sivaangi! Where have you been?

S: Yen kathara?
(Why are you screaming?)

T: WTF! Yenna nenachitutu iruka nee? Rendu naala, phone off panni vachitu avan kuda yenna panara?
(WTF! What do you think of yourself? It has been almost two days since you last spoke to me. What have you two been doing with the phones switched off?)

S:  STOP! I do not want to speak to you now. I am giving you another chance to think about what you just said. I will talk to you when I come back home. BYE!

T: Wait!! Don't you dare hang up on me.

S: Don't make it worse. I think we need a break.

T: What do you mean by a break? What for? We have known each other for just a few months now. What is the need for a break already? Are you bored of me? I don't need a break.

S: Ennaku venum. Naanum oru manushi than, vai pesa mudiyaatha porul illa intha relationship la.
(I need one. I am a person in this relationship not a thing.)

T: Sivaangi, you are being very unfair to me. You called your mum from Ashwin's phone but you did not think about calling me. And when I called you on his phone after getting his number from your mum, I couldn't reach you. Has he blocked my number? I regret letting you go with that scumbag. Basta...

S: One more word about Ashwin, you will never get to even speak to me. NEVER!

The murderous rage was evident in her voice and Tarun shut up instantly.

Calling Ashwin a bastard was hitting below the belt. It was very offensive.

T: I am not going to apologise.

S: I don't want your apology. It won't change anything.

T: Sivaangi, enough with this nonsense. Come back home right now. Even better, share your location and I will pick you right away.

S: I am not going anywhere. You have no right to order me.

T: I am going to be your husband.

S: Not yet, and most importantly, being my husband doesn't give you the right to tell me what to do with my life.

T: Sivaangi, you better listen to me.

Sivaangi hung up on him and switched her phone off.

She took a few minutes to calm her nerves and walked back to the car. She plugged in Ashwin's phone for navigation and started driving. Luckily, Ashwin slept through the entire ordeal.

After reaching the hotel, she switched her phone back on and was relieved that there were no texts or voicemails from Tarun. She wanted complete focus on her presentations and QA sessions that was scheduled for the next three days.

Corporates adopting villages was becoming a common thing but her ideas were aimed at making a real difference. After the meeting, Sivaangi was overjoyed that it was well received and respected. They were given thumbs up to go ahead with their plans.

As they walked out, Sivaangi launched herself on Ashwin. He hugged her back with the same intensity.

S: Ashwin! I am so happy!

A: I told you! You have such amazing ideas, it is bound to be a success.

S: This is not about my success. I am happy we can help the families there. That is the whole point isn't it? That is our motto.

A: I know sweetheart!

They had spent an entire week together. Literally together, like a husband and wife. Ashwin had managed to make her spend two nights in his room after reaching Bangalore. He faked feeling sick and she offered to stay with him, in the pretext of keeping an eye on his health.

Contrary to his happiness, Sivaangi was very confused. This week with Ashwin totally changed her life. Her hidden feelings for her so called best friend on this week long trip was testing her power to resist his proximity.

Their team watched the efforts Ashwin took to keep Sivaangi close 24x7 and Rohit was a little worried about his friend. Rohit happened to be Ashwin's best friend from his high school days. He was the only other person at work who knew that Sridhar was his biological dad.

Rohit made a mental note to speak to Ashwin about his relationship with Sivaangi at the first available opportunity. He was confused when he witnessed Ashwin throw a tantrum making Sivaangi stay back for the weekend as his date to the party. He was very reluctant to leave her with this new version of Ashwin but he had no choice.

Ashwin was glad that he did not miss the party. He found out that Triumph's merger with Rajan's firm was meant to bring in a lot more revenue. It helped them takeover successful start-ups, thereby increasing the stock prices of the new formed entity. As Rajan discussed Sridhar's masterplans for their firms, Ashwin's evil smirk was hidden as he raised the glass in his hand to his lips. Ashwin inwardly made his own plans with all the funds that the new acquisitions was going to bring in.

I can't wait to take over the entire business. Dad, you have no idea what is coming your way!

Another important reason that he was glad to be there that night was the pretty woman standing alone burning with jealousy as she watched Mr Rajan's daughter, Swapna all over Ashwin. He was delighted to know that she was equally possessive about him but he did not have the heart to play along to let her suffer.

On the flip side, as much as he tried to avoid her, Swapna couldn't keep her hands to herself. When they arrived with Ashwin holding Sivaangi by her waist, he introduced her as his date to Rajan's daughters.

Swapna: This is your date?

A: Sivaangi is her name. She not a this!

Swapna: Sorry! I meant she is your date?

They were both furious at the way Swapna and her sister Sasha looked down at Sivaangi. Ashwin ignored them and held Sivaangi closer as he continued talking about the new business ventures. Swapna was annoyed at being ignored by Ashwin but she wasn't ready to give up. The clueless fool just nodded her head listening to them discuss work.

Swapna: Ash, dance?

A: Umm.. I am good, thanks!

Swapna: Come on! Don't be such a bore, man!

Ashwin turned to Sivaangi in his arms and asked her if she would like to dance.

Swapna: I asked you!

Sivaangi wished she could throw away those heels and grab this brat by her hair which looked like it was full of hair spray and throw a punch to break her pretty face.

Bloody tramp! I am going to kill you with my bare hands!

S: I don't want to dance now.

A: Not in a mood? Apologies Swapna, I am not interested either. You guys carry on.

Sivaangi noticed the flash of irritation on Swapna's face and gave her a smug smile while placing her hand on Ashwin's abs over his shirt showing Swapna that she owned him. Swapna's anger spiked at the open humiliation making her turn on her heel and stride out with her sister following her.

Ashwin reluctantly left Sivaangi with some of his friends and his cousin Manish when a few members of the board present at the party wanted him to be part of their discussion. He was sure that she can handle herself but he hated Swapna who lurked around with an evil intent.

Thirty minutes later, when he turned around to peak at what his girl was doing, he watched her laughing at something that Manish was animatedly describing. Swapna was fuming behind her and he noticed her passing a comment which must have been rude because the rest of them looked away, feeling awkward. But his feisty girl turned around with the fakest smile on her face and responded back with such confidence and grace that Swapna's face looked like she was slapped. Sivaangi walked away with Manish after her comeback while a couple of girls in the group laughed at whatever the insult was.

That was his brave, independent woman who will never be the damsel in distress needing to be rescued. He was proud of her for refusing to yield to the spoilt brat's bad behaviour in front of an audience. He went back to his meeting feeling happy.

When he came back to the party area, she was standing with Manish near the dance floor and she looked bored. So he held his palm out and asked her to dance with him.

A: May I have the next dance?

S: Ashwin, you know me, I can't dance. It is like I have got two left feet!

Ashwin wasn't listening to her, he simply took her hand in his, pulled her with him and guided her to the dance floor.

S: Hand on your shoulder?

A: Namma enna first dance ah panarom? Free style dance ma.
( This isn't out first dance. It is just free style!)

Sivaangi pouted as he placed both his hands on her waist.

S: Appo nee mattum enna panara?
(What are you doing now?)

A: Stop talking. Listen to the music and follow my lead.

Ashwin moved in sync with the music and she tried to copy him. She was a pathetic dancer. She stepped on his feet a few times but he never complained. It looked like a lot of fun with the two of them teasing each other, not a care about anything around them. They had a good laugh about her dancing capabilities and she then noticed many pairs of eyes on them.

S: Ashwin, ellarum nammala than parkaraanga.
(Ashwin, everyone is watching us)

A: Ignore it. I don't care. I don't usually notice these things.

All of a sudden, Sivaangi's face showed disgust as she stared at something behind his shoulder and before he could turn around to follow her line of sight, he heard the annoying voice.

Swapna: Ash, dance with me!?

Before Ashwin could refuse, Sivaangi moved out of his hold and started walking towards her table but not before stepping on Sasha's feet with her stilettos making her yelp and curse Sivaangi. She did not even bother to apologise. Ashwin watched her intentional behaviour and chuckled. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to dance with Swapna for a few minutes before excusing himself to get a drink.

Ashwin watched a still furious Sivaangi downing the drink in her hand. He took slow strides towards her, devising a plan in his head. He was done trying to keep up his good friend image and was all set to drop the labels of him being this perfect and eligible bachelor. The sight of her in that little black dress paired with the strappy stilettos was stunning and it took every ounce of self control to fight the urge to pounce on her.

He had personally chosen the dress from the options that his stylist had sent him and she looked absolutely ravishing, a million times prettier than his mental picture of her in it. She wore it with a pair of simple diamond studs, a teardrop diamond pendant that rested on her slender neck and he had personally chosen the thin diamond bracelet that adorned her wrists. He had to really convince her to take the jewellery as a gift.

The dress and accessories were combined with her nude makeup and her dark hair curled to loose waves, spilled over her shoulders that gleamed in the party lights. She sure turned heads and some of his dad's accomplices started whispering to each other about Ashwin bringing a beautiful date.

A: Sivaangi?

S: Yenna aachu da?
(What happened?)

A: I need a favour.

S: Of course! Unnakaaga enna venumnaalum pannuven.
(Of course, I will do anything for you)

A: Nejama? Anything?

S: Name it!

A: Help me from Swapna. She hasn't stopped flirting with me the entire evening.

S: Paathen. It looked like you enjoyed the attention?

A: Seriouly? Ava aalum, moonjiyum. Paathave kovam varuthu.
(Seriously? I hate her, I find her unappealing)

S: Hmm.

Sivaangi did a little victory dance in her head and her inner voice stood there shaking her head at her foolishness.

Romba santhosha padaathe loosu. Avan avala pudikalennu sonnan than, aana unna pudikumnu sollala.
(Don't be too happy, you dumb fool. He said he doesn't like her but he hasn't said anything about liking you)

Podi! Nee than loosu.
(Get lost!)

S: Aana naan yenna panna mudiyum Ashwin?
(I did notice your irritation too. But what do you think I can do?)

Ashwin saw Swapna walking towards them. Her clothes and the flirtatious walk repelled him. He turned his back towards her approaching figure and stepped closer to Sivaangi until the front of his shirt touched her body.

A: Sivaangi..

His deep timbre in his voice had a deadly effect on her racing heart. She focussed on the speck of lint on his shirt's collar.

A: Look at me.

As she looked into his fathomless depth of his brown orbs, her pulse rate tripled and her eyes moved down from his stare to his hot and inviting lips.

A: Trust me, you can help me. Just go with the flow.

S: Wha...

She couldn't complete her question. It all happened in a flash.

How was it guys?

I will post the next chapter and part 2 of Falling out in the next couple of days. Love you xx