It's Complicated

Twenty Two

Sivaangi laughed, running through the open field as he chased behind her. He finally caught up to her, grabbing her arm as she dashed back into his chest.

He tightly hugged her from the back as she blushed, turning to gaze into his eyes. She smiled shyly then took a step away to dance in the breeze. He watched with amusement, then moved to dance with her. Together they spun around and around and waltzed slowly. He dipped her low, with her arms clinging to his as he leaned in...

"Cut!"

A swarm of assistants surrounded the pair, touching up Sivaangi's makeup and the hero Arjun's hairstyle. The director noted corrections through his megaphone and the cinematographer adjusted his camera lens.

Ashwin stood watching the scene from a corner, hood up trying to be as discreet as possible. He didn't want to draw any attention to himself but wanted to watch her perform as well. Sivaangi was breathtaking in the scene, the picture perfect shy village belle.

He was so proud of her. Acting came to her naturally, and he'd wished for her to take a lead role like this for awhile. He was sure she'd be a hit, it was just a matter of time.

As they reshot and Arjun's arms went around Sivaangi again, Ashwin felt a burn of displeasure. Of course as an actor he knew it was all artificial and carefully constructed. But as a man he didn't like it when any other guy touched her like that.

"Dei, Ashwin nee enna inga?"

Ashwin turned in the direction of the voice, and smiled.

"Prakash? Mr. assistant director, eppadi da irruka?"

They quickly hugged, then stepped back. Prakash and Ashwin were old friends, they had met when working on ad shoots together.

"Na nalla irruken, shooting la tight ah poguthu da. Aama na oru kelvi ketten, nee enna inga panra?"

"Chumma thaan shooting pothu nu sonnanga, vanthu pakkalam nu thonuchu."

"Yaaru sonna?"

He scratched his head.

"Sivaangi sonna da."

Prakash laughed.

"As I guessed. She's always talking about you, I don't even think she realizes it."

He glanced at her.

"Super ah pandra la?"

Ashwin nodded.

"Ella movements, expressions porutham ah varuthu. She's a natural."

Prakash placed an arm on Ashwin's shoulder.

"Apron? Neenga rendu perum eppo senthu padam pandringa? Audience have been begging for years now, vera level hit ah irrukum."

"Ava ippo thaana debut pandra, athu kula intha kelvi ah?"

He shrugged.

"I honestly thought she would debut opposite you."

Ashwin shook his head.

"Ava thaniya mela varanum da. Antha ponnu evlo talented theriyuma? She deserves to be recognized fully for her individual ability, I don't want to be made about me in any way."

Prakash smiled.

"She's lucky to have a well wisher like you. Ipdi genuine support keddaikaruthu romba rare."

Sivaangi smoothed out her kurti, stepping out of her caravan as the crew hurried to pack up. She should be tired after hours of shooting but she was exhilarating to the core, spirits high. All because of him, only ever because of him. Her eyes searched the crowd until she spotted his tall figure standing alone.