Bewitched - Chapter Forty Five

                                    

                                          
Ashaangi SS Bewitched
Chapter Forty Five
Ashwin hummed to himself as he prepared masala bread toast for breakfast. He was so engrossed with cooking that he failed to listen Sivaangi hopping down the stairs. He didn't realize her presence until he felt her hugging him from behind.
A smile curled on Ashwin's lips when he felt Sivaangi's arms around him. With a teasing smile, he asked, "Yenna, madam ena miss paningala ila pasi ah?"
(Did you miss me or were you just hungry?)
There was a glint of mischievousness in his voice, but Ashwin realised that Sivaangi was not paying attention. No, rather, she was hugging him very tightly He frowned and tried to pull her to his front but she shook her head and continued to hug him.
Ashwin felt that something was bothering Sivaangi. So, he didn't fight it. Rather he stood still, giving her comfort in whatever ways which he could. He can clearly feel that she was disturbed but couldn't put finger on Few minutes passed by and Sivaangi slowly pulled back from Ashwin. Taking this as a chance he turned over and looked at her with concern. 
Gently grabbing Sivaangi's chin, Ashwin lifted her face up and stared into her eyes. With a soft voice, he asked, "Yenna ma achu?"
(What happened?)
Sivaangi stared into Ashwin's expectant eyes. He studied her face and then softly caressed her cheek. With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes and turned from him for a second before facing him. 
Sivaangi's lips quivered as she tried to shift her thoughts into words. Sensing her, Ashwin pulled her closer to him, side-hugging her. She heaved a deep sigh and leaned against him comfortably. 
Ashwin wanted Sivaangi to know that he was there for her. He gently ran his hand up and down her arm. Slowly easing herself, she looked up at him with slightly welled up eyes.
"Ashwin" Sivaangi gulped, "Enaku-enaku- enaku theriyala yepdi idh-adhu-"
(I-I-I don't know how to proc-I mean-)
Ashwin could see Sivaangi struggling to get it out of her system. He was not sure what it is. So, he shushed her, gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her to the couch in the living room. He made her sit down and then he took her hand in his. 
"Sivaangi" Ashwin placed his palm on Sivaangi's cheek and asked softly, "Ena ma achu?"
(What happened dear?)
Maybe that was all Sivaangi needed to hear. She took a long deep sigh and hugged Ashwin. He was quick to wrap his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. He swayed her in his arm, comforting her in his own way.
"Ashwin" Sivaangi rested her chin on Ashwin's chest and looked up at him.
"Sivaangi, onnu sollata?" Ashwin continued swaying them. She nodded at him.
(Shall I tell you something?)
"Sivaangi naale ellarukum avaloda siricha mugam matum dha ellarukum nyabagam varum. Aana nee epovum apdi iruka person kedaiyadhu. Unaku inoru side iruku. Adha romba koncham per dhan pathrukanga. I think I have the privilege of being one among them"
(Sivaangi everyone looks at you as some happy-go-lucky girl who always smiles. But very few know about your other side. I think I have the privilege of being one among them)
Ashwin pulled back and placed his palm on Sivaangi's cheek,
"Enaku puriyudhu you are fighting within yourself. Unoda dilemma, self-doubt and insecurity una voice out panna vida matendhu. I don't know what it is but I want you to close your eyes, take a deep breath and think. Whatever that's holding you back, adhula irundhu overcome pani varadhukaana strength unakullaye iruku"