It's Complicated

Eight

"What do you mean you don't like singing?!"

Sivaangi blinked her eyes in disbelief at the statement.

"It's not that I dislike singing, I just don't have that deep passion, you know?"

Vihaan and Sivaangi were seated in the back of a cab, on their way to see the new Conjuring movie. She had taken Sharanya's advice and decided to hang out with him. But not to use him as a way to move on, rather to genuinely spend time together and maybe form a stronger friendship. So far they were having a great time, he was really funny and they shared a lot in common.

"I love music Sivaangi, but ennaku business and marketing side of the industry la thaan most interest irruku. Neriya innovative ideas ennaku irruku, athalam introduce pannanum nu neriya asai. Like giving more space for independent artists and mixing world genres."

"So why don't you do it?"

"I wish I could, but you know my entire family is made up of singers. They all want me to only focus on recording songs and practicing, but my mind is always somewhere else."

He stared out the window wistfully.

"I wish I could open my own music marketing company, or record label. There's so much I would do, so much change would be possible. Evlo kanavu."

Sivaangi was moved by the yearning in his voice.

"Listen Vihaan, you can't compromise on your dream. If you believe in yourself and your ideas, then go for it! No one who's worked with their full heart and mind has ever failed."

He gave her a smile.

"It's true what they all say. Talking to you for even ten minutes will instantly lift a person up to the sky."

Ashwin leaned back in his seat, grabbing a fistful of popcorn. Rakshan and him had met up to see a movie together, at Rojya Cinema which was exclusive and private for only industry members to attend. Thus their theater was basically empty, with only a few people scattered here and there.

Rakshan turned to him.

"Hey nee oru bayanthakulli nu theriyum, but konjum adaki vaasi seriya? Intha movie ku na romba naal waiting."

"Dei, horror movies la ennaku set agathu, nee avlo kooptathu kaaga thaan vanthen. Inniku night thookam galli confirmed. Ella light on pannikutu cartoons paatha thaan nimithai ah irrukum."

"Aiyo Ashwin nee vazhalanda kozhantha da," Rakshan said with a chuckle.

As trailers played, he suddenly heard a very familiar laugh from the side entrance.

Sivaangi?

He turned to see the figures of a boy and girl walk in and move toward seats a few rows ahead.

He felt a subconscious frown settle on his face.

"Hey Raksha, antha ponnu Sivaangi thaana?" he said as he pointed forward.

Rakshan squinted, but the two had already settled in their seats and the lights had dimmed.

"I can't tell from here, macha. Maybe we can see at the intermission."

Ashwin nodded, but kept his eyes on the duo. The way the girl moved and motioned her hands around made him sure it was her. As the movie began to play, his focus was elsewhere. The two were sitting quite close. It didn't feel like Rakshan and him were sitting that close.

At intermission, they left to the lobby and saw Sivaangi standing alone, scrolling on her phone. Rakshan gave him a nudge.

"Macha athu Sivaangi thaan da! Va poi hi sollalam."