Sivaangi dabbed her eyes as she looked out of the cabin window.

She closed her eyes and but she couldn't erase the kiss from last night. Her fingers automatically moved to her lips reminiscing how gentle and passionate it felt. She wasn't this affected even after her first kiss. Tears rolled down her cheek and she was too lost to even wipe them.

She felt lonely without him around. This was the lowest point in her life. She wasn't this upset when Sridhar told her that his son won't be able to give her a life that she wanted.

The person responsible for her loneliness was the person she needed right now. She wanted to feel the warmth of his hug, the feel of his strong arms that held her close to his heart whenever she was distressed, the words from his mouth that reassured her.

He was her safe haven, his very presence comforted her. She missed him. And it was killing her from inside. She pulled her feet up, hugged her own self and started sobbing.

The middle aged couple on the other side of the aisle watched her break down and the woman moved to sit next to her. She touched her shoulder and Sivaangi looked up, not bothered about the tears flowing like a river down her cheeks. She handed her a wipe and introduced herself as Vinitha.

Vinitha: Yen ma ippadi thembi thembi azhara? Paaka kashtama iruku. Yennoda ponnuku pathinezhu vayasu aaguthu. Unna paartha ava nyabagam varuthu.
(Why are you sobbing like a child? You remind me of my 17 year old daughter. It hurts to see you cry like this)

Sivaangi was silent but held the wipe to her nose, trying to stop the sobbing. The lady wrapped her arm around Sivaangi's shoulders and rubbed her arms to calm her down.

Vinitha: Kuda yaarum varalaya?
(Are you travelling alone?)

Sivaangi shook her head in negation.

Vinitha: Kalyanam ayiducha?
(Are you married?)

Sivaangi shook her head again. Vinitha's husband handed her a bottle of water which she took mumbling a thanks.

S: Sorry, ennoda behaviour ennake romba embarrassing ah iruku. Naan okay ippo. Thanks aunty.
(Sorry, I feel embarrassed with my behaviour. I am okay now. Thank you for helping me)

Vinitha: Aunty vendam, amma nu kupidu. Un peru enna ma?
(Don't call me aunty, call me amma. What is your name dear?)

S: Sivaangi.

Vinitha: Sivaangi, I know you are not okay. You can tell me if you want to. Un amma maathri nenachuko.
(I know you are not okay. You can tell me if you want to. Consider me like your mother)

Sivaangi hesitated to discuss it with a stranger. But this lady has been very warm and seemed genuinely worried for her. She let out a deep sigh.

S: Ma, naan en best friend ah love panaren . Aana avar enna love panna maatarunu therinjum, naan ennave yemmathitu iruken. Ennaku manasu valikuthu. Yenna pannunaalum, avaru en kuda life long iruka maatar la? Yeppadi itha ethukurathunu therila.
(I am in love with my best friend. I am fooling my heart even though he will never love me back. It really hurts. No matter what I do, he will never be mine right? I can't deal with pain)

Vinitha: Have you told him?

S: I can't. There is someone else in his life.

Sivaangi started crying again.

Vinitha: Achoo, thirumbavum azha vachiten ah?
(Oh no, I have made you cry again!)

S: Illa ma, neenga help panna than ah vantheenga. Sorry.
(No, its not your fault, you tried to help me. I am sorry)

Vinitha: Inga paaru da. Un friend un manasula irukura ivlo love ku deserving aana oru aal thaan ah?
(Listen to me. Your friend deserves the love you have in your heart right?)

S: Aama.
(Yes)

Vinitha: Kashtama than irukunu theriyuthu, aana ippadi azhuthaa, athuku apparom nee yenna yosipa? Avar ah veruthura maata? Naan yen unna poi love pannanumnu thoonum la, appo avar ah verukka thonum illa? Avar life la vera yaro irukaruthu avaroda thappu illa ma. Athayum meri unnaku avar mela love vanthatum thappu illa. Aana unga rendu perukulla irukura nalla friendship kettu poga kudaathu illa?
(I know you are hurt but if you keep thinking about this, you will soon end up hating him. Him being in love with someone else or you being in love with him isn't anyone's fault. But you don't want to ruin the relationship you have with him right?)

Sivaangi was silent wondering if she could be friends with him and talk to him normally after last evening. Vinitha squeezed her hand.

Vinitha: Move on Sivaangi. Don't hate him.

S: I can never hate him.

Vinitha: Good. Now wipe your tears and try to relax.

She tried to distract herself by looking at the sea of clouds from the aeroplane window which was usually fascinating but now, it made her feel like she was lost at sea. She drowned in her sorrow not knowing the other person in the relationship was equally sad.

Ashwin did not remember the last time he actually cried. He woke up and tried reaching her on her phone which reached the voicemail so he thought it was switched off. He then called her room's intercom which went unanswered. He knocked at her door frantically and the housekeeping told him that the room was vacant. He stormed down to the reception and the lady at the lobby informed him that Sivaangi had checked out early that morning.

He started panicking and raked his fingers through his hair. He called her phone again and it reached the voicemail yet again. He left her a voicemail to call him back as soon as possible. He asked the receptionist for the time she checked out. And then he looked at the flight timings from Bangalore to Chennai and it dawned on him.

She had taken the early morning flight back home. She's gone.

He walked back to his room, his vision distorted by the tears pooling in his eyes.

Why did you leave me alone? Do you not love me at all?

He sat on his bed not knowing what to do next. He did not realise that he was crying. He stayed liked that until his thoughts were broken by the shrill ringtone of his phone. He grabbed it, hoping it was her. But he was disappointed to see Rohit's name flashing on the screen. He answered it.

A: She left me. How could she? Did she not understand my love? Or did she just reject my love? Did she not feel special last night?

R: What?

Ashwin was sobbing.

A: She can't do this to me. I need her. Now. Please do something.

R: Calm down. I don't understand a word. Take a deep breath and stop crying. Have some water.

Ashwin took a minute to calm his racing heart.

R: Now, tell me. What happened? Where is Sivaangi?

A: She left.

R: Dai! Yenga da pona? Yaar kuda pona?
(Where did she go? Who did she go with?)

As Ashwin explained to Rohit about what happened that morning, a sense of weariness swept over him sucking all of the happiness out of his body.

R: Night yenna aachu?

Ashwin was silent.

R: Dai Ashwin. Yenna da pannuna? Sollu da. Ennaku bayama iruku.
(Hey! What did you do? Come on, tell me! I am getting worried)

A: I kissed her.

R: Are you fucking kidding me? Don't you feel ashamed of yourself? She is not your girlfriend.

A: She is mine!

R: Mine my foot! For the last time, get it straight. She is engaged to Tarun.

A: Stop it! We talked about it last night, didn't we?

He stood up pacing as he felt a searing rage listening to his friend spill out the reality of the situation. He was clearly not ready for it.

R: In a few months, she will be his wife!

A: Fuck you!

R: You are completely fucked! Lost your mind, have you?

A: You are fired.

R: Thanks buddy. But I will wait for you to come in person to fire me.

A: I am your boss. Out of my office before I come.

R: You don't scare me. Now, stop this childish behaviour and get your arse over here.

Ashwin was so angry that he threw his phone on the wall. He slumped into the sofa and leaned forward, placing his head in his hands. Sorrow replaced anger and sobs racked his body. He was feeling drained trying to reach for her heart.

A: Just go with the flow.

S: Wha..

Ashwin took her face between his palms and inclining it towards his face, he took her lips in a sweet kiss, her words dying out in his mouth. His eyes closed as he watched hers close in pleasure. Her hands automatically slid up his chest, around his neck, pulled his face closer and responded to his kiss. His hands shoved into her hair holding her captive as he felt the burgeoning desire in him fighting with his self control.

Her sweet scent, the taste of the fruity wine on her palette combining with the soft feel of her lips were all making it difficult to keep his resistance in check. He pulled back a little, sucking on her plump lower lip. Her grip on his hair increased and he pecked her lips and traced the trembling line of her lips with his tongue tip, urging her to part it and drove his tongue in with an intensity that wrecked havoc upon her senses.

They were in their own world not caring about anyone or anything around them. He led her in the kiss, long and slow lasting a good few minutes. Swapna stomped her feet as she shamelessly witnessed the couple engaged in one of the most passionate kisses.

Swapna: Ashwin!

Ashwin forced himself to drag his lips from hers and moved his lips along her jawline peppering her soft skin with tiny kisses. They became unaware of their surroundings and had eyes only for each other. She felt his hot breath on his neck as he nibbled on the skin on her bare neckline making her whimper. He pulled back to look at her face for a second before moving back to her lips.

A: God! You are so damn sweet, my love.

He sought her mouth again in a incredibly sensual kiss. With a soft moan, she pulled him closer if that was even possible and kissed him back with the same fervour.

Neither of them were bothered that Swapna had left the place, the love birds were lost in their kiss when they heard a voice behind them.

Manish: Get a room guys!

Manish laughed shocking them and then he quickly walked away from the couple. They reluctantly broke the kiss, taking a much need breath and Ashwin's smouldering heavy lidded gaze fell on a visibly shaken Sivaangi clutching him for support. He pulled her closer to his body and held her tight. He opened his mouth to finally declare his love for her.

A: Sivaangi, look at me. I want to tell you something. I..

His phone rang and he pulled it out to decline it making Sivaangi notice Rohit's name and she immediately pulled out of his arms and stepped back.

Reality check! Fool, he used you to escape Swapna.

Her inner voice looked disgusted.

She wrapped her arms around her, suddenly feeling exposed and she looked up to noticed Ashwin's furrowed brows.

S: Swapna is gone. I need the restroom. I will be back.

She turned around and ran off before he could answer. He was confused about her sudden coldness and he was deeply worried about her reaction but waited for her to come back so he could talk to her. Meanwhile Rohit called him back again.

A: Hello? Yenna da venum?
(Hello, what is it?)

R: Yen da erunju vilara?
(Why do you sound annoyed?)

A: Ippo, unnaku yenna da venum?
(What do you want now?)

R: Ashwin, no beating around the bush. Let me get straight to the point. What is this new obsession with Sivaangi? Why did you make her stay the weekend with you?

A: What? How do you know?

R: Everyone can see it! I am not blind to not notice it.

A: Yes, I love her. I need her.

R: What? Are you insane?

Ashwin heard Manish's voice behind him and turned around to see Sivaangi standing there behind his cousin. Her face looked calm and blank.

A: Rohit, hold on.

Manish: Dude, I am drunk. Can I stay with you tonight? I can't go home, amma will kill me if she sees me drunk.

A: Okay. Sivaangi, are you ready to leave?

He heard a meek yes. He hoped that the downcast eyes was not because of shame but because of feeling shy from their kiss. His thoughts were interrupted by Rohit screaming his name.

A: Dai! Kathaathe. Nallaiku nerula vanthu explain panaren. Please da. Phone ah vai ippo. Bye.
(Stop screaming. I will explain it to you tomorrow when I am back in Chennai. Put the phone down now. Bye)

Manish climbed into the front passenger seat and made himself comfortable before Ashwin could ask him to get out and sit at the back.

S: It is okay. He looks very tired. I will sit at the back.

Without waiting for his answer, she got into the car while Ashwin walked around to the driver's seat and got in feeling thoroughly exasperated. He adjusted his mirror so he could watch her.

A: Sivaangi, are you okay?

She forced a smile on her face. She looked deep into his eyes and felt her heart aching thinking that no matter what happens, she can never reach his heart.

S: I am fine.

A: We need to talk. I will leave Manish in his room and come to yours.

The happy girl who managed to brighten his day looked like a plastic doll with a dull distant look in her eyes which looked sad.

Did she cry? Her face looks red and puffy.

S: Okay.

He watched her from time to time and noticed that she was sleepy.

Or pretending to be sleepy!?

A: Ma, recline your seat. Don't sprain your back sleeping in this position.

She reclined it and closed her eyes. She was still faking her sleep when they reached the hotel. Ashwin opened the door and tried to wake her. He definitely knew she was pretending to sleep. He thought she was confused about the kiss and was buying time to process it.

He picked her up startling her. She opened her eyes looking scandalised.

S: Ashwin, what are you doing? People will see you carrying me.

A: So the problem is people watching us, not that I am carrying you.

Ashwin smirked at her and she looked down avoiding his eyes.

A: I don't care what anyone thinks. You are tired and sleepy, so I am carrying you to your room.

He asked a sleepy Manish to pick her bag and follow them. Sivaangi having no choice, wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in the crook of his neck. She felt his lips on her hair but did not want to look up. She was tired. Both mentally and physically exhausted. She felt at home in his arms that she actually drifted to sleep by the time they reached her room.

She felt disturbed as she felt the loss of the comfort of his arms when he placed her on the bed. She held on to his collar for a few seconds making him smile and place a kiss on her forehead.

She woke up at 2.45 am and realised that she was in her room and had actually fallen asleep. She suddenly felt scared and lonely in that empty room. She wanted her dad. The only other person she goes to when she was low. She took her phone from the side table and booked the first flight to Chennai which was at 6 am. She changed into comfortable clothes suitable for travel and packed her stuff. She then called the reception for a cab to drop her at the airport.

She walked out of the room with a heavy heart and stared at his door. Her heart still wished to reach out to the man peacefully sleeping behind that door. She struggled to keep her tears in check and hurried to get on that damn flight to be back home so she could cry her heart out to her dad. She had made up her mind to break off the engagement and was wondering how to tell Tarun about her decision.

Sivaangi felt a hand on her shoulders as she was remembering the events of the last eight hours of her life.

Vinitha: Sivaangi, land ayiduchu. Yaaravathu varunvaangala? Illa naanga unna drop pannitu porom.
(Sivaangi, we have landed. Is anyone coming to pick you? If not, we will drop you home)

S: It is okay aunty. I will take a cab.

Vinitha: No! We don't want you to come home alone. Come, let us leave you at home.

S: Okay.

She appreciated the support and took up the offer. She really hated being alone right now.

It was 10.30 am when she heard the loud knocks at her door. She opened it to find an annoyed Tarun.

S: Hi

T: Hi? Really?

S: Please save your drama for another time!

T: Oh yeah! Hi Sivaangi. How are you? How was your trip?

Sivaangi was too tired to react to the sarcasm.

T: Can we go inside? We need to talk.

S: Can you wait in the living room? I will refresh and come.

Tarun opened his mouth to argue, then decided against it.

Anniku avan maatum iva kullikarapo, room la irunthaan. Inniku naan vellila irukanum ah? Kalyanam mudiyattum, unnaku iruku.
(She let him stay in her bedroom when she was in the shower. But, now she wants me to wait outside. I will deal with you after the wedding.)

He tried to ignore his irritation and decided to focus on why he was there. He really needed to get her away from Ashwin. So he had made some big decisions in the last few days.

S: Tarun, coffee?

Tarun looked up and nodded his head. She walked to the kitchen and he followed her in. She was shocked to find his parents in the dining room discussing something with her parents. Tarun's mum, Geetha stood up to hug Sivaangi when he spotted her.

Geetha: Sivaangi. Yeppadi da kannu iruka?
(Sivaangi, how are you?)

Sivaangi was feeling guilty about how she is going to hurt this sweet lady's heart by breaking off the engagement.

S: Nalla iruken aunty. Neenga yeppadi irukeenga? Sorry, ennala weekend vara mudila. Bangalore la vella athigama irunthuchu.
(I am fine, aunty. How are you? I am so sorry for ruining our weekend plans. I had to finish my work in Bangalore)

Geetha: Paravala da.
(It is okay)

Tarun glared at her trying to cover it up with an excuse.

S: How about I make coffee for everyone?

She looked around while her mum got up and pulled Sivaangi to sit next her to be mother in law.

Chitra: Nee ukkaru, naan coffee podaren.
(Why don't you sit down with them while I make coffee?)

Tarun walked to sit next to Sivaangi.

T: Sivaangi, oru good news.

S: Yenna?

T: I got promoted and I have been asked to lead the project in the Cali campus. For the next 3 years.

S: That's awesome. Congrats. When do you have to leave?

T: I was supposed to leave in 2 weeks. But I have asked them to wait for a few weeks so we can process your visa too. And we can have the wedding on the 27th of this month.

S: Whatt???

Geetha: Naan sonnen ma, innum 22 days than iruku. Seri kalyanatha ivlo sekiram yeppadiyaavathu pannerlam, aana nee yen avan kuda ivlo sekiram poganum?
(I did tell him, we only have 22 days to plan everything. We can somehow mange to get you guys married by then but why do you have to fly with him?)

Sivaangi stood up.

S: No no no! Stop this!

She held her palm to her forehead and huffed out the anger and frustration in her body.

Just what I want now! More complications!

S: Tarun, I am happy for you. But how can you decide for me?

T: I expected this. You have to put up a fight for everything right? Nothing is ever simple with you.

Geetha: Tarun! Yenna da ippadi pesura? Calm down.
(Tarun! Calm down, don't speak to her like that)

T: Amma, unnagalukku theriyathu. Neenga ithula thalayidaatheenga.
(Ma, you are cluessless about what she is upto. Please don't interfere now)

S: Hey!! Stop ordering everyone.

T: You don't have to teach me how to speak to my mother.

S: You need to learn some manners. Anyways, I am going nowhere. And I am not ready to get married in 3 weeks. It is my decision too. I can't believe that you all decided without asking my opinion on these important matters. Now, please leave me alone! I am so upset with everyone in this room.

She tried to walk out the room.

Krishnan: Sivaangi, nilu.

S: Appa please! I need some time alone. Sorry aunty, sorry uncle. I don't mean to be rude. I really need some time alone now.

Sivaangi rushed to her room without paying heed to everyone calling after her. Tarun stood there with his hands fisted and jaws clenching in anger and shock. He knew she wasn't going to make it easy but he did not expect her to say no to the wedding plans.

By the time she locked her bedroom door, she felt too numb to even shed a tear.

Her inner voice patted her shoulder.

S's MV: Good that you did not break off the engagement. Clever move!

S: Shut up! I intend to do it but not in front of his parents.

S's MV: Nee nalla kashta pada pora paaru life la.
(You will regret this)

Sivaangi decided to get ready and leave to work so she could escape the drama at home. Little did she know that there was a bigger drama waiting at work.

How was it? I wanted to write more but I think I will save it for the next update.

Will be updating the OS in a few hours. Much love xx