Author's note

Hello makkaleyy, hope you all are doing good. I had to take this break because of professional and health reasons. I'll try my best to update regularly. Please do stream Adipoli whenever possible and keep them both in your prayers.

A bit lengthy chapter as I have to rush their meeting. Happy reading.

~ * ~

Ashaangi SS Bewitched

Chapter Five

"Amma" Saradha walked inside Dhanalakshmi's house and placed the hotbox on the dining table.

"Pooja arai la iruken saami"

(I'm in Pooja room)

On hearing Dhanalakshmi's voice, Saradha walked to the pooja room.

"Suda idli dining table la vachuten. Avanga yepo varuvanga nu ketingala?" Saradha asked once Dhanalakshmi stepped out of the pooja room.

(I have kept hot idlis on the dining table. Have you checked with them about their arrival?)

"Kaalai la nerama vandhruvanga nu dhan Anuradha sonna. Vandhruvanga. Yedhukum namma Rajesha munna poe paaka sollu. Indha, indha number ku call potu pesa sollu. Avanga driver number ahm"

(Anuradha said they'll arrive early in morning. They'll come. Ask Rajesh to check on them anyway. Ask him to call this number. This is their driver's number)

"Seri Maa"

(Okay)

"Aprm Ashwin yenga? Velayada kelambitana?"

(Where's Ashwin? Did he go out to play?)

"Andha Charu pilla perandha naaluku thuni ketuchu la. Adha thaika poren nu nethu rathiri kadai ku ponan. Anga dhan irukan innum um"

(Charu has asked him to design her birthday dress. So, he went to shop last night to work on it. He's still there)

"Seri kannu. Avana nerathuku vara sollu. Endra pillai rathiri ellam mulichu kedandhurukum. Saptutu thoongi endhrikatum"

(Okay, dear. Ask him to come early. My boy must have stayed awake the whole night. He should eat and rest properly)

"Seri Maa, na solren. Neenga modha nerathuku sapdunga. Illa na avan ena dhan thittuvan ongala sariya pathukala nu"

(Okay, Maa. I'll tell him. You first eat on time. If not, then he will scold me for not taking care of you properly)

While Dhanalakshmi and Saradha were getting ready to receive Harish and Sivaangi, Ashwin was at his working room. It is a tin shed two room space brick building where he works on his tailoring works. It is within the same compound wall as the flour shop where flours are freshly grounded to take to nearby villages where flour grinding units aren't set up.

Placing his toothbrush in the stand, Ashwin washed his face. He looked at his face in the mirror as he caressed his beard before wiping his face with towel. Stretching his limbs, he stepped out of the flour grinding building and walked inside the tin shed building which is his working space.

Charu wanted something simple and elegant for her birthday. She's from an upper middleclass family and she studies in a nearby international school. She was bullied for her dress in one of her school events and she wanted to dress best on her birthday in front of her friends. So, Charu requested Ashwin to make one for her which he happily accepted.

Ashwin finds a thrill in designing clothes that meets the customer's expectations. The thing is he always exceeds their expectation leaving no chance for them to get disheartened.

He sees it as a task which challenges him. So far, he has designed only limited set of clothes. Apart from the thrill of pleasing those for whom he designs the cloth, he enjoys the process but not too much to make it a full-time profession.

With hands on his hips, Ashwin looked at the mannequin, pleased with what he has created. Burning the midnight oil was worth for what's in front of him. The dress still needed some works to be down which he decided to do after his workout.

~ * ~

Sivaangi woke up with a jerk when Selvam pressed the break too hard. Dumbfounded, she kept her hand on her heart trying to make sense of what happened. She jumped on her seat and looked at an equally startled Harish when they heard someone thumping their car bonnet hardly.

"Anna?!!"

(Brother)

"Ullaye irunga!" Selvam tensed as he stepped out of the car.

(Stay inside)

Harish looked at a startled Sivaangi. Heaving a deep sigh, he reached over to his sister gently wounding an arm around her shoulder.

"Eii Sivu, onum illa. Relax" Harish comforted his sister as he looked at the front glass.

(It's nothing, relax)

There were five men surrounding Selvam, scolding him.

"Neyy, yenna achu neyy?" Sivaangi asked relaxing under her brother's warmth.

(Bro, what happened, bro?)

"Yedho prachana pola iruku, Sivu. Nee ingaye iru. Na poe pakuren"

(It looks like there's some issue. You stay here. I'll go and see)

"Naa naan-"

(Bro, me-)

"Venam. Iru, na varen ipo"

(No. Wait, I'll be back)

Harish quickly stepped out of the car. He pushed his way through the people surrounding Selvam, his eyes quickly noticing a TVS Heavy duty XL down on the road in front of the car.

"Anna, yenna na achu?" Harish stood next to Selvam.

(Brother, what happened?)

"Thambi adh-"

(Brother tha-)

"Vaa ya, nee dhan indha car owner ah? Paaru, enn vandi ah indha aalu epdi idichutan nu" The owner of the bike sounded enraged.

(Come, you are the car's owner, right? Look, how he has crashed my vehicle)

"Road ah paathu ootuna dhana? Isthathuku ootuna ipdi dhan" The guy next to the owner added.

(He should have kept his eyes on the road! If he drives according to his will then this is how it will result)

"Naa, yenna Na achu?" Harish asked Selvam.

(Brother, what happened?)

"Harish thambi, na sariya dhan vandhen. Idho indha thirupathula avaru dha gavanikaama vandhu idichutaru, sonna sandai ku vararu"

(I was coming in the right way. In the curve he was the one who didn't notice the vehicle and crashed into our car. As I pointed out this, he's arguing)

"Yedhu? Na gavanikaama vandhu iduchena?" The owner, enraged, tried to grab Selvam's shirt collar but Harish stopped him.

(What? I didn't notice and crashed?)

"Irunga!! Pesitu dhana irukom inga!")

(Stop! We are speaking right!)

"Eii! Avan istathuku pesuvan, enn vandi nelamai ah paaru!"

(Hey! He's talking rubbish. Look at my vehicle's state)

"Niruthunga modha!" Harish pushed the owner's hand that was about to reach Selvam, "Onga vandi sari panna evlo selavu aagum nu sollunga. Na tharen. Yean ipdi prachana ah perusakuringa?"

(Stop. Tell me the expenses to get your vehicle repaired. I'll pay. Why are you stretching the issue?)

Selvam tried to take Harish away but the argument got heated when the owner showed the scratches on his elbow and started scolding again. That's when Selvam received a call from Rajesh, who earlier spoke with Selvam and guided him to Dhanalakshmi's house.

Sighing, Selvam quickly attended the call and filled in Rajesh and asked him to come as soon as possible.

"Neenga yean ipo pidivadhama sandai ku ne pesuringa?" Harish frowned at the gang of men.

(Why are you so stubborn in dragging this issue?)

On watching Harish's tensed face, Sivaangi stepped out of the car. She was scared of the small ground gathered around, fear evident on her face. That's when a bike stopped near her and two men got down.

Sivaangi watched as the two men pushed through the men.

"Muthusaami anna! Yenna prachana?" Rajesh asked, quickly glancing at Selvam who nodded at him.

(Muthusaami brother. What's the issue?)

When Muthusaami, the owner ranted his query and scolded Selvam and Harish, the guy who came with Rajesh, Satish stopped Muthusaami in middle.

"Naa, sari vidunga Naa. Idha prachana panna vendam. Engaluku therinjavanga dhan" Satish said.

(Brother, leave it, brother. Let's not make it into an issue. I know these people)

"Unaku therinjavangala? Paaka ooruku pudhusa irukanga, indha paiyan vera pechuku pechu pesuran. Yenna pana solra Satishu?" The guy next to Muthusaami, Raasappa said.

(You know them? They do look like outsiders and this boy keeps on talking back to me. What am I supposed to do, Satish?)

"Aiyoo anna, ivanga Dhanalakshmi amma veetuku dha vandhrukanga" As soon as Rajesh said the small crowd silenced and Muthusaami's eyes widen a little.

(Brother, they are on their way to Dhanalakshi Amma's house)

"Dhanalakshmi amma veetuka?" Muthusaami asked lost in words.

(Dhanalakshmi Amma's house?)

'Dhanalakshmi paati ku ivlo power ah? Wow!' Sivaangi thought as she stepped near her brother who hold her hand in his.

(Dhanalakshmi grandma holds this much power? Wow!)

"Ama Naa, Dhanalakshmi amma veetu virundhali dhan. Theriyaama nadandhrukum. Idha perusu pannama vitrunga Naa" Satish said.

(Yes, brother. They are Dhanalakshmi Amma's guests. They did it unknowingly. Let's not make a big issue out of this, brother)

"Athepdi paa mud-" Raasappa started but Muthusaami stopped him in middle.

(How come we-)

"Ada nee iru paa" Muthusaami thought for a second and then looked at Harish and Selvam, "Inga paarunga, prachana vendam. Enn vandi ah matum sari panni kuduthrunga podhum"

(You wait... See, let's not drag the issue. You get my vehicle repaired. That's enough)

"Muthusaami yenna pa ne-" Raasappa started again only to get cut in middle by Muthusaami.

(What are y-)

"Rajesh sonnadha keta dhana Raasappa. Ivanga Dhanalakshmi amma veetuku poetu irukanga. Yedhacham prachana na aprm Dhanalakshmi amma ta thittu vaanga mudiyathu. Adhu matum illa. Aprm Ashwin thambi namma ta kochukum"

(You heard Rajesh right, Raasappa. They are on their way to Dhanalakshmi Amma's house. If the issue prolongs then I can't get scolding from Dhanalakshmi Amma. Also, Ashwin will get upset with us)

"Ama pa, Ashwin thambi kaadhu ku pochu na aprm adhu sangada padum. Yeppa Muthusaami, vandi ah sari panni vaangitu prachanaya mudichuko pa" One among the small crowd of men said.

(Yes, if Ashwin hears about this then he'll feel bad. Hey, Muthusaami, get your vehicle repaired and end this issue)

"Yosichu patha sari dhan pa" Muthusaami looked at Harish and Selvam who's watching everything wordlessly, "Enoda vandi ah sari panni kuduthruvinga dhana?"

(It sounds right... You will get my vehicle repaired right?)

"Onga vandi ah sari panni ongata bathirama kuduthruvom. Engala nambalam" Harish said.

(We'll get your vehicle repaired and give it back safely to you. You can trust us)

"Sari aagatum. Neenga Satish ta en vevaram pathi ketukonga" Muthusaami looked at Rajesh, "Yeppa Rajeshu, yendha prachana um illa. Nee idha pathi ellam Ashwin thambi ta solladha. Aprm thappa nenachukum. Andha pulla enala sangadam pada vendam"

(Okay, fine. You get my details from Satish... Rajesh, no issue at all, You don't mention any of this to Ashwin. Then he'll mistake me. He doesn't have to get upset because of this)

'Kathi kathi sanda potutu irundhavanga lam Ashwin thambi ta solladhinga nu pammi poranga. Yaaru andha character uh?' Sivaangi wondered.

(He was screaming at us and now he's soft asking not to say anything to Ashwin. Who's that character?)

Rajesh and Satish finally sorted the issue. The crowd dispersed and Satish took Muthusaami's vehicle with him while Rajesh asked them to get in the car and follow him.

"Yenna ney idhu inga vandhadhum ipdi agiruchu?" Sivaangi was bit tensed.

(Bro, why such a thing happened just as we reached?)

"Hey, adhellam onum illa, Sivu. Paaru sort agiruchu la"

(Hey, nothing like that. See, its sorted)

"Sorry pasangala. Enala dhan ipdi agiruchu" Selvam felt sorry.

(Sorry, dears. I was the reason for this)

"Haiyoo adhellam onum illa neyy" Sivaangi was quick to say.

(Nothing like that brother)

"Neenga correct ah dhan Anna poninga. Vidunga pathukalam. Adhan Rajesh pathukuren nu sollirukaru la. Neenga free ah vidunga. Veetla lam solla vendam"

(You were driving correctly, brother. Leave it. That Rajesh has assured us that he'll take care of it. You be free. Don't say anything to parents)

Rajesh guided them to Dhanalakshmi's house. When Sivaangi stepped out of the car, her tensed face was replaced with a curious and admiring smile as she saw Dhanalakshmi's house.

Rajesh walked inside and came out with Dhanalakshmi. She welcomed Harish and Sivaangi with a huge smile and affectionate words.

"Onga veedu dhan idhu. Ongaluku ista patta mathiri inga irundhukalam kannu. Vali la seramam yedhuvum illa la?" Dhanalakshmi asked as they walked inside.

(Its your house. You can be here as you wish, dears. You didn't have any troubles on your way, right?)

"Ammachi, adhu va-" Rajesh started, with the intention of saying about Muthusaami incident but Harish cut him in middle.

(Grandma, tha-)

"Adhellam yendha prachanayum illa paati" Harish said with a smile.

(We didn't have any troubles, grandma)

"Ama paati, onga ooru nalla pachaiya azhaga irundhuchu. Jolly ah pathute vandhom" Sivaangi quickly added.

(Yes, grandma. Your village is filled with beautiful greenery. We were merrily gazing out)

Rajesh shook his head with a smile before helping Selvam with the bags.

"Ongaluku mela room sutham panni vachuruken. Enga iruka pidichuruko, anga thangikonga kannugala" Dhanalakshmi turned to one of house helps, "Maariyamma, nee mela poe ivangaluku room ah kaami. Apdiye yarayachum anupi Saradha va vara sollu"

(I have cleaned the room upstairs for you. You can stay wherever you like dears... Maariyamma, you go along with them and show them the rooms. Also, send someone to bring Saradha)

Harish and Sivaangi took some of their bags from Rajesh and Selvam. They didn't let the house helps carry their bags and politely refused.

"Enaku dhan balcony room!" Sivaangi declared and rushed in the room when Maariyamma said there's only one room with balcony in the floor.

(I want balcony room)

Harish huffed as Sivaangi was quicker than him and entered the balcony room. He sulked but looking at his excited sister, he shook his head and smiled before placing his things in the opposite room.

By the time they refreshed and came down, Saradha was there. Harish and Sivaangi awkwardly smiled at Saradha as they have no introduction with her.

"Idhu Saradha. Enn vaithula perakala naalum ena ava Amma mathiri pathukura endra maga" Dhanalakshmi introduced Saradha with a huge smile.

(This is Saradha. Though I haven't gave birth to her, she is my daughter. She takes care of me like her mother.)

"Maa" Saradha slightly whined before looking at Harish and Sivaangi, "Neenga night travel panni asadhiya irupinga. Vaanga, modha sapdunga. Pinna rest edunga"

(You must be tired after your night travel. Come, first eat. Then take rest)

Harish and Sivaangi had their breakfast with Saradha serving them. Later they settled in the hall. They both conversed with Saradha and Dhanalakshmi, getting to know about the place. Sivaangi then remembered about one doubt which kept nagging her.

"Enaku oru doubt uh" Sivaangi said drawing attention to her.

(I have a doubt)

"Kelu kannu" Saradha said.

(Ask dear)

"Inga Ashwin nu yarachum irukangala, aunty?"

(Is there anyone named Ashwin here, aunty?)

Saradha and Dhanalakshmi gave a surprised smile on hearing Sivaangi's question.

"Enoda paiyan dhan da. Veliya poerukan, vandhruvan" Saradha said and then asked, "Ama, unaku yepdi da avana pathi theriyum?"

(He is my son. He has gone out, will be here soon... How did you know about him?)

"Adhu vandhu vara vali-" Sivaangi started to say, forgetting that they decided to not mention the issue to Dhanalakshmi.

(That on our way-)

"Adhu vara vali la Rajesh dha Ashwin nu solitu irundharu" Harish quickly stepped in.

(That on our way here Rajesh told us about someone named Ashwin)

Sivaangi paused, realizing what she was about to blurt out. Giving her signature thirutu muli, she ducked her face before composing herself and looked up.

"Ama, ama. Rajesh anne dhan Ashwin Ashwin nu solitu irundharu. Inga apdi yarum ilaye nu ketaen" Sivaangi gave a sheepish smile.

(Yes, yes. Rajesh brother was taking the name Ashwin, Ashwin. Since I didn't notice anyone here, I thought of asking you)

"Idho, andha poto la irukane enn peran" Dhanalakshmi pointed to the photo frame hanging on the wall.

(There, the one in that photo is my grandson)

Sivaangi looked at the photo and her lips curled into a smile on seeing Saradha and Dhanalakshmi standing on the either side of a teenage boy. The photo frame next to that one had the same boy a little older. He was charming and handsome.

"Aiyoo, ena vida chinna paiyana irupan polaye aana aalu paaka semma smart ah handsome ah irukanee. Chaa, yenna boyish charm uh" Sivaangi whined mentally as she saw the photo that was taken when Ashwin just joined college.

(He looks younger than me but he looks so smart and handsome. He has such a boyish charm)

"Elarukum onga perana pidikum polaye paati" Harish casually said, hiding his curiosity of how people reacted when they heard Ashwin's name.

(Everyone adores your grandson it seems, grandma)

"Pinna ilaya kannu. Avan elarutayum apdi nadandhupan. Thangamaana manasu enn pillai ku" Dhanalakshmi beamed with pride.

(How will they not? He'll behave in such a way with everyone. My boy has a golden heart)

Later Harish went to sleep while Sivaangi stayed by Saradha's side. She learned about Saradha's business and expressed her wish to accompany Saradha along.

"Naanum onga kuda varenn Aunty. Samatha irupen"

(I'll come with you Aunty. I promise to behave)

Saradha laughed before agreeing.

"Nee pathu minishathula kelambi iru da. Na scooty eduthutu varen"

(You be ready in ten minutes. I'll bring my scooty)

Sivaangi quickly got ready. When she came down, Saradha was already waiting for her. Kamala handed a basket to Sivaangi.

"Idhula Ashwin thambi ku sapadu iruku ma. Amma kuduthu vida sonanga" Kamala said referring to Dhanalakshmi.

(There's food for Ashwin in this basket. Amma has asked me to give you)

Sivaangi bid bye to Kamala and walked out of the house. She alerted Saradha before getting behind her on the scooty.

"Kudai la yenna ma iruku?" Saradha asked as she started driving.

(What is there in the basket?)

"Onga paiyanuku Paati sapadu kuduthu vitrukanga aunty" Sivaangi said looking around, "Onga ooru nalla iruku aunty"

(Grandma has sent food for your son, aunty... Your village looks amazing aunty)

Saradha stopped the scooty when three young women waved at her.

"Yenna athai, yenga kelambitinga? Kadai ka?" One of the women asked Saradha.

(Aunty, where are you going? To shop?)

"Ama Meena"

(Yes)

"Ashwin mama ka sapadu eduthutu poringa?" Raji, another woman asked excitedly.

(Are you taking food for Ashwin mama?)

'Indha ponna paaka ena vida vayasu adhigam irukum pola. Andha paiyana poe mama nu kupduthu' Sivaangi frowned before shrugging, 'Namaku yenna? Sevanenu irupom'

(She looks older than me yet calling him as 'mama'... What does this have to do with me? Let's not focus on that)

"Yaaru athai idhu?" Kirthi, the last woman asked.

(Who's this aunty?)

"Idhu Sivaangi. Namma veetla dhan koncham vaarathuku thanga poranga. Amma ku sondham"

(This is Sivaangi. She'll stay in our house for few weeks. She's related to Amma)

The women greeted Sivaangi to which she politely greeted them back.

"Seri, athai. Neenga vegama ponga. Ashwin mama sapdanum la" Raji beamed.

(You hurry up, aunty. Ashwin Mama has to eat)

Saradha shook her head with a smile before bidding them bye while Sivaangi waved at them.

"Yaaru aunty adhellam? Onga brother daughter andha mathiri relative ah?" Sivaangi questioned out of curiosity.

(Who are they aunty? Are they your brother's daughters or related in some other way?)

"Enaku apdi nerunguna sondha kaarangalam illa da. Romba varushama indha oor la iruken la. Enn munna valandha pillainga. Adha paasama ena athai nu kupduvanga" Saradha said.

(I don't have that kinda close relatives dear. I'm living in this village for so long. They grew up in front of my eyes. So, they call me aunty out of love)

Sivaangi kept on conversing with Saradha and within minutes they reached the shop. Saradha took Sivaangi inside the building. Sivaangi was excited to see the whole grinding set up. Few women were working. Saradha introduced Sivaangi to them and then explained a bit more about her business to Sivaangi.

Fascinated, Sivaangi listened to everything with great concentration. Then Saradha talked about her tailoring units.

"Paa! Neenga nejama vera level aunty! You are truly an inspiration" Sivaangi praised Saradha wholeheartedly.

(Wow, you are truly amazing aunty!)

"Idhu na matum illa da kannu. Dhanalakshmi amma um Ashwin um enaku ella nilai la um urudhonai ah irundhanga. Avanga ena pakathu veetu kaari ah pakala, avanga ponna dhan pathukitanga. Ashwin um oru naalum ena serama paduthunadhu ila. Aprm ivlo varusham enn kuda velai pathavanga. Ivanga ellam dhan idhuku karanum" Saradha's humble words moved Sivaangi.

(It isn't all me dear. Dhanalakshmi Amma and Ashwin supported me in all stages. She didn't treat me as a neighbour but as her own daughter. Ashwin has never troubled me. And all these years, the women who worked with me, they all are the reason for where I am today)

"Aunty, ongata onnu kekata?"

(Can I ask you onething?)

"Kelu saami"

(Yes, dear)

"Na ongala oruka katti pidichukata?" Sivaangi asked so cutely that Saradha couldn't resist hugging Sivaangi.

(Can I hug you once?)

"Akka, Rangan annan phone la. Order pathi pesanum ahm" One of the workers said.

(Sister, Rangan brother is on call. He wants to talk to you regarding his order)

"Iru varen, Shanthi" Saradha said and looked at Sivaangi, "Na pesitu varen da. Nee indha sapada pakathula oru tin shed pota building irukum, anga enn paiyan irupan. Avanuku kondu poe kudukuriya?"

(Wait, I'll come Shanthi.... I'll speak and come, dear. There's a tin shed building next to this building. My son will be there. Can you take food for him?)

Sivaangi agreed and took the basket from Saradha. On her way out she saw Rajesh walking in. She greeted him and walked out of the building. She looked around and spotted the tin shed building.

"Apdi yaaru dhan andha Ashwin nu pathruvom" Sivaangi thought as she walked inside the building.

(Let's see who that Ashwin is)

(A/N: I have made small changes in prologue. Do read without skipping)

Sivaangi gasped softly, her eyes widened in appreciation as she looked at the mannequin draped in an elegant piece of clothing. This has got to be one of the finest dresses she has come across in recent times! And to think she found this in a town! She frowned when she saw someone stepping in from behind the mannequin, her eyes taking in the male footwear and then eying up.

To say she was bewitched would be an understatement as her eyes looked up to meet the man dressed in a dark blue lungi and an orange shirt; a measuring tape wounded around his neck, his trimmed-beard, a sharp handsome face and his eyes, oh his warm brown eyes! He was tall and fit, she noted, and he looked dashing despite his humble clothing.

The charming boy whom she admired in the photo was staring at her with his manly aura making her heart thud faster. So, that was his old picture! Despite how his presence overwhelmed her, relief flooded her when she realized he isn't the young boy she saw in the photo anymore. The man in front of her just made her heart go crazy, her stomach churned on holding his gaze.

His forehead was adorned with a frown but Sivaangi couldn't care much for she was lost in the man in front of her, too distracted to make sense of the situation.

"Yaaru neenga? Inga yenna panringa?" His voice was warm, sending shivers down her spine as Sivaangi met with his brown orbs.

(Who are you? What are you doing here?)

"A-aad-aadhu va-" Sivaangi stammered trying to get a grip of herself.

(Th-tha-that-)

God! She was embarrassed! And he is looking right at her, expecting an answer.

Before Sivaangi could open her mouth and ridicule herself, they heard a woman calling him from outside,

"Ashwin-nu! Irukiya pa?"

(Are you there?)

His eyes flickered outside before looking right back at her as he yelled, "Idho, varen Maa"(Coming) Giving her a pointed look, he stepped outside while she stood rooted, her eyes following him as her lips tasted his name,

"Ashwin"

~ * ~

How was the chapter guys? They have finally met. Hope you enjoyed reading. Any idea on what's coming next?

Thank you for reading,

Nan ~