It's Complicated

Twenty Six

The glittering venue for the Star Awards pre-show was packed with celebrities, media insiders and influential people from across various fields.

Vihaan peeked out from backstage at the crowd, nervousness and excitement flowing through his senses.

He had been handed responsibilities over arranging a few of the musical acts, which was his favourite type of work. He would be singing too, but putting together a piece of an event like this was his dream.

"Ellam super ah pogom, don't worry," Sivaangi said placing a hand on his shoulder.

He turned with a smile.

"Thanks again for agreeing to perform, I asked so last minute and you just got back from shooting in Pollachi."

She laughed.

"Hey, I returned two weeks ago da! I had lots of time to relax and prepare. Puthu vellai mazhai all set."

Vihaan and Sivaangi went over some technical details for her performance, then both walked to a table where a few of their friends were gathered.

Ashwin looked up as the two approached, and Sivaangi wondered how one could be so handsome all the time. Just the sight of him fixing his hair made her knees weak. 

She waved at him, her hair in bouncy curls dressed in a silver gown that brightened her angelic glow.

"Ready ah ma?" he asked as she sat next to him.

"Born ready," she replied to which he rolled his eyes.

"Unmalai kekkuren, I mean this pre-show is such a big event. You always sing beautifully, but also full ah practice pannama lyrics maranthuruve," he said half serious half teasingly.

She pushed his shoulder.

"Na pakka sincere and dedicated ah prepare panni vanthuruken Ashwin!"

"Apdiya? Vihaan ku aapu veikkama irruntha seri," he said, earning him an even harder push.

Sivaangi pouted.

"You never tease anyone else this much, it's not fair."

"Vera yaaratha tease panna ipdi cute reactions kuddupangala ma?"

She raised an eyebrow.

"So my punching is cute?"

He shrugged, letting his stare linger.

"Everything is cute."

Sivaangi's face blushed hard as Manimeghalai turned to them.

"Aama, anga enna kusu kusu nu pechu?"

"Well-wishers pesuranga, nammaku ethukku," Sakthi said jokingly.

"Dei nanga chumma pesurom da," Ashwin said unconvincingly as everyone laughed.

Sivaangi socialized with the group until an assistant came to take her away for a sound check. After twenty minutes of making sure all was in place, she returned to the table.