"Me Before You" is another ongoing Ashaangi story and it is going great.
Do check it out!
***
1
Laughter reverberated around the sets and Ashwin stood in the middle of the crew of fifteen who just acknowledged his silly joke with roaring laughter and pat on the back.
Five years ago if someone has told him he would be comfortable in a crowd and work it like a pro, he would have called them delusional. Ashwin Kumar until his thirties was a man of no words. He was introvert to the point of clinical fault and bordered on mild misanthropic.
Today, however, he was a charmer with words. People who worked with him loved him. They wanted to talk to him, be in his presence and loved his vibe.
He used to be like a parched desert with no ounce of optimism, but now he was a fountain of positivity.
"Ennamo iruku pa unkita." His recent producer told him. "Un kooda vela seiyum bodu ellathayum santhoshama vechukara. End result super ah varudhu."
(There is something about you that makes everyone positive. End result comes out so well.)
His career was as contrasting as his personality from five years ago. Now, with one super hit, three average hits, five music albums with 20M+ views, numerous commercials and events, one super hit web series with Prime in lines of John Wick that is going to be renewed for next season and a major film with a big production house in pipeline to be released, he was on all time peak of his career.
Ashwin couldn't imagine taking full credit for whatever change that has happened in his life. Deep inside he knew it was all because she trusted him. She saw in him something that no one saw, not even him. She projected him as the noteworthy human being for the world to see and ever since the world has not stopped seeing him. He owes her his everything.
"Tickets ready ah?" Ashwin asked his manager as soon as he sat in the car to drive back home.
(Are tickets ready?)
"Appa ku mail panniten."
(I have mailed it to your father)
Ashwin has finally managed to convince his parents to stay with him in Chennai. Though he loved his hometown and his parents lived all their life there, he was keen on bringing them to the city that gave wings to his dreams. He wanted them to enjoy the perks of everything that he has worked so hard for. His dream house has been built and he couldn't wait for his family to stay there proudly.
"Nalaiku enga shoot?" Ashwin asked picking his phone to send a customary everyday photo that his PR insists he sends them so that they can post on his behalf on all his social media accounts. He realized how important marketing oneself in the industry very late, but now he was doing it the right way by associating him with right talent management team.
(Where is the shoot for tomorrow?)
"EVP."
Ashwin's fingers stopped their action and he lifted his head to look at his manager.
EVP. He hasn't visited that studio in the last three years, even though it is the place that saved his sinking life and soul.
"EVP ah?"
"Pudhu padam promotion ku. "
(For movie promotion)
"Enna show ku poram?"
(Which show?)
"Super Singer Junior"
Her show.
***
Shivangi looked at herself in the mirror as she adjusted the pink dupatta over her pale yellow salwar. She chose to wear her hair in twisted braid instead of leaving it free like the hair stylist suggested.
Looking at Shivangi walk out of the dressing room looking like a strict matron of a nursery school, Anu Radha sighed.
"Enna idhu? Tirumba pale colour la dress? Enna aachu Shivangi unaku?"
(What is it with you and pale clothes? What happened to you?)
"Idu nalla illaya?"
(Isn't good?)
"Nalla dan iruku, aana..."
(It is, but...)
Anu Radha didn't know how to say that she didn't look the old lively Shivangi she used to known and loved during early days of the latter's career. Now, this subtle, under playing woman looked like totally another person. Not for the first time Anu Radha wondered what happened to the Shivangi that the world loved.
"Nalla colourful ah, bright ah irunda dana nalla irukum."
(Bright, colourful clothes will suit you)
"Mam naan contestant um illa, judge un illa Mentor dana. Idhu podum."
(Mam, I am neither contestant nor judge, I am just a mentor. I am good with this.)
"Mentor na summa va? Nee evlo famous. Evlo songs paadi iruka. Filmfare nomination ellam vaangi iruka."
(You are famous in your own way. You have sung so many songs. You have fimfare nomination.)
Shivangi shook her head not willing to accept any praises thrown at her as usual.
"Mam, adellam vidunga. Shooting ku late aachu. Polam."
(Forget it ma. We are late for the shoot.)
"Late ellam aagala." Anu Radha said as both the women began walking towards the set. "Edho movie promotion ku varangalama. One hour delay-ah dan arambipanga."
(We aren't. Shoot is delayed by an hour as a movie crew is coming for promotion.)
"Enna movie?"
(Which movie?)
"Kadhal Kadida-nu edho sonnanga. Anirudh music ama adunala namba set-ku varanga." Anu said failing to realize that the younger woman has stopped walking.
(Kadal kadida something. Anirudh music. So they are coming here for promotion.)
Turning around, Anu Radha looked at Shivangi who looked shaken.
"Enna aachu?" Anu Radha asked
(What happened?)
"Kadhal kadidam Teetinen-ah?" Shivangi asked surprised
(Is it 'Kadhal Kadidam Teetinen'?)
"Ade dan."
(Yes)
His movie.
***
This is an idea suggested by @preposterousbanshee
Imagine Jab We Met. It is another very popular version of a reserved hero learning life through a chirpy girl. As we all know, towards the end, after few months, they have a role reversal. This story is based on that prompt.
What if they both have changed and the reason for it is the other person?
Unlike the other story, this is going to be a very short one. Maybe two or three chapters more.
If you haven't figured already, then let me clear that it takes place five years later in 2026.
How do you like it?
@advikavk suggested a song and it suits super aptly for this story. Here it is.
