ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟮𝟳

𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘦𝘳
>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

Avi opened his eyes to the sound of the arrival announcement, stretching his arms with a lazy yawn. As his gaze drifted across the walking path to the window seat on the opposite side, he found Ananya fast asleep, curled up comfortably with her feet resting on the extended footrest. A blanket was snugly wrapped around her, and her usually sharp and fiery demeanor was replaced by a peaceful calmness. Avi leaned his head back against the headrest, his eyes lingering on her serene expression. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he found himself thinking she looked unexpectedly cute.

Lost in the quiet moment, Avi's thoughts drifted as he continued to watch her. Her hands were gently tucked beneath her head, and there was a softness to her that he rarely saw. The fiery spark that usually defined her was absent, replaced by something far more delicate. Just as he was about to look away, something caught his attention outside the window. A cloud, lazily drifting by, had formed into the unmistakable shape of a heart, and Avi's eyes widened in shock.

He blinked rapidly, rubbed his eyes with his hands, and then looked again. Sure enough, the cloud had returned to its normal, nondescript form. He shook his head, half-amused and half-unnerved. A wry smile played on his lips as he leaned back in his seat, making a mental note to be cautious around Ananya-who clearly had some kind of "witchy" influence over him.

Clearing his throat, Avi called,

Ananya?

Ananya continued sleeping, Avi cleared his throat more louder,

Ananya

Ananya peeled her eyes open and quickly sat up, looking around in confusion as she tried to figure out where she was. Her gaze eventually landed on Avi, who was staring at her in a way that made her pause. She blinked at him, still half-asleep and trying to process what was happening. Avi, caught off guard, quickly averted his eyes, pretending he hadn't been staring at all.

Land aga porom

( We're about to land)

It finally clicked for her, and she nodded with a hum, settling back into her seat as she stretched her arms and ran her fingers through her tousled hair. She could feel a gaze on her, but when she turned, she caught Avi quickly looking away, focusing on the window beside him. She narrowed her eyes at him, sensing that she might have seen him smiling, but dismissed the thought-after all, it seemed impossible.

Ananya folded the blanket and gathered her belongings as she and Avi prepared to disembark. After landing, they quickly completed all the necessary procedures before heading to the pick-up area. When they spotted Avi's driver already waiting for them, Ananya sighed and turned to him.

Naaliki kalaile na unga hotel'ku varanuma, illa office'ku-

( Do I have to come meet you at the hotel, or the office-)

What do you mean? Ore hotel dhane?

( What do you mean? We're going to the same hotel)

Ananya scratched her head and shook her head,

Actually no, na en veetuku poren

( Actually no. I'm going to my house)

Avi's frown deepened as he tried to grasp what she was implying. Ananya awkwardly glanced behind her, prompting Avi to follow her gaze. He noticed a middle-aged man enthusiastically waving at her. Ananya returned the gesture with a polite smile before turning back to Avi. The realization dawned on him, and his lips formed an 'o' in surprise.

Nee ooruku free'ya varadhan anniki avlo dialogue vittiya?

( You spoke that much that day just so you can visit your home for free?)

Ananya pressed her lips into a thin line. No woman would easily admit to being stingy, especially not to the very person whose money she had just spent-unless they were best friends. Since they weren't in that category, Ananya quickly jumped to defend herself.

Excuse me, oru dedicated employee'ah unga company'oda expenses'ah na manasula vechi, en stay'va naane arrange pannirken. You should be proud of me!

( Excuse me, as a dedicated employee who is concerned about the company's welfare and finance, I have opted to arrange my stay on my own. You should be proud of me!)

Ama ama, yevlo dharalam'ana manasu ungaluku madam?

( Of course, what a generous heart you have?)

Hello, yenna sarcasm'ah? Yennamo perusa selavu pannitae maridhan, venumna en salary'la cut pannikonga

( Excuse me, are you trying to be sarcastic? Just cut it from my salary if it's that big for you)

However, Avi simply deadpanned at her, his expression unchanging. Just then, a horn blared, interrupting the moment. Both Avi and Ananya looked around and spotted the man parking the car by the side of the road. He quickly rushed out to take Ananya's luggage.

Papa, vanga povom. Veetla amma'lam kaatutu irukanga

( Papa, let's go. Your mom's waiting for you at home)

Avi was clearly amused by the "princess treatment" she was receiving, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Ananya awkwardly smiled at the elder man as he took her luggage to load it into the trunk. Sensing Avi's gaze on her, she turned to find him watching the scene unfold with his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Naaliki paklam sir.

( See you tomorrow sir)

Avi nodded, biting back his smile as he noticed the slight flush on Ananya's face, trying to be a good and polite person in front of that man, he noticed. Without another word, he dragged his luggage and with a final nod to her and the man, he walked towards his own car, where his driver was patiently waiting.

Once Ananya was settled in the backseat of her car, she sighed, letting her head rest against the headrest as they began the drive to her house.

Ama papa, andha paiyan yaaru? Yedhavadhu prechana pannana?

( Oh, and who was that talking to you? Did he trouble you?)

As Selvam Uncle, a loyal and important figure in Ananya's family, drove, he asked her a question. Ananya glanced at him and gave her response,

Avaru dhan en boss'uh

( He's my boss)

Boss'ah? Boss ah paartha morachi pesittu irundhinga? Thappa nenachika maatanga

( Boss? You were talking so angrily to your boss? Won't he get mad?)

Andha aal kitta moraikama na pesnalum, adhu avaruku pudhikadhu

( Even If I try to be nice to him, he won't like it)

Selvam frowned, puzzled by Ananya's smile as she answered.

>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<