It's Complicated

Three

The brutal mid-afternoon sun beat down as shooting for a big delivery app commercial wrapped up. Sivaangi, Manimeghalai and Sakthi had all been cast and had been filming a choreographed dance number for hours, sweating it out in the heat. After one last take, the director had called cut.

All three sighed in relief as they collapsed in their caravan.

Mani fanned her face dramatically.

"Pah, intha Chennai veil thanga mudiyala. Ithuku thaan ennaku chance keddaka pothulam na grammam ku odi poidrathu."

Sivaangi smirked.

"Paavam, chennai veil ah kaaranuma vachu ethukku antha ooru makkal ah torture pandringa."

"Hey! They adore me you know, I'm basically the Marilyn Monroe of that place."

"Apdiya? Ketta kari thaan thuppu vaanga."

The three broke into a light laughter.

Sakthi checked his watch.

"Shooting did end earlier than expected, right? I thought it would run until the evening."

Mani shrugged.

"It's only due to everyone being inspired by my outstanding, amazing, exemplary work ethic.

Sivaangi groaned.

"Aiyoo akka!"

"Don't be jealous pasangala, learn from me."

Mani paused.

"Aama, Ashwin ooda puthu veedu intha pakkam thaana? Na innum oru thadava kooda pathathula."

Sivaangi froze at the mention of Ashwin's name.

Sakthi nodded.

"Aama ka, from here oru 10 minutes distance irrukum. Veetu super, avlo azhaga decorate and maintain pannu varu."

Though she'd been there several times, Sivangi stayed silent. She had zero interest in seeing him right now.

"Apdiya? Thambi ku ivlo style irrukuma...paatha thaan nambuven. Venna poi pathutu varruvoma? Apdiya avan ethathu lemon juice, rosemilk pottu kudutha super ah irrukum."

Sakthi laughed.

"Na ippo Ashwin bro text panni avaru free ah nu kekkuren."

Sivaangi cut in.

"Dei Sakthi vennam da, avaru ethathu busy ah irruparu."

"Avan free ah thaan irrupan, yenna yetho kitchen la kinditripan. Nee text panna da."

Sivaangi sighed as Mani akka and Sakthi eagerly made plans to visit Ashwin's place. It had been one week since Sarath anna had told her the news, and the initial sorrow and hurt had turned into anger. She tried not to let her irritation grow, but her mind could not avoid raking over the situation over and over. She stayed quiet as they drove and arrived at his house. It was a beautiful, modern home in a gated community full of important, notable people.

Sivaangi loved it, and especially loved his balcony and patio. He had hung fairy lights and set up tons of hanging plants to make it the dreamiest setup imaginable. The image of him excitedly giving her a tour of the home for the first time was forever etched in her memory. He had covered her eyes and led her out to the space as a surprise, smiling as she gazed in wonder at every nook and cranny. But despite how lovely and picturesque it was, he was only renting it. She knew his real wish was to build a home from the ground up.

The trio walked up the pathway, and rang the doorbell.

Ashwin opened the door with a wide grin.