Me Before You

14

14

Pugazh was in deep sleep. It was back to back shoot for him and he didn't manage to catch any rest as he was hell bent on finishing everything soon to make time for this trip.

So, when someone shook him awake calling his name, it took a minute for him to know if it was dream or reality.

"Dei Anna." Shivangi called patting Pugazh on his shoulder.

(Lousy Brother!)

Pugazh sat straight awake and looked at Shivangi bemused. "Dei Anna va? Enna mariyadha korayudhu?"

(Loust brother? Is that how you respect your brother?)

"Naan eppo irundhu ungala kooptutu iruken!" she complained angrily.

(I have been trying to wake you up)

"Eppo enna?" he asked then noticing that car was pulled over he looked at Ashwin. "Yen inga nirithi iruka?"

(What is it?) (Why have we stopped here?)

Ashwin didn't answer anything, but kept staring at the steering wheel.

"Naan pinnadi varen neenga munnadi vaanga." Shivangi said

(I want to sit in your place. You move to passenger seat)

"Ada loose-ae idhuku dana elupana?" Pugazh scolded. "Thookam varudhu enaku."

(Idiot! Why did you wake me up for such silly reason? I am sleepy)

Before Pugazh could go back to sleep, Shivangi pulled his hand. "Neenga ippo munnadi varalai na, naan ingaye irangeeduven." she said with finality

(If you don't come to sit here, I will get down now.)

Pugazh has not seen this adamant side of Shivangi though he has many times heard her mother complain that Shivangi can be unwavering when she wants to be.

"Ei Papa enna aachu?" Pugazh asked concerned

(What happened, doll?)

Shivangi ignored his question as she climbed down from her side and opened the door of the back seat waiting for Pugazh to switch places with her.

Pugazh climbed on the passenger seat and looked at Ashwin. "Enna aachu maapila?"

(What happened, dude?)

"En kitta en kekara? Un tangachi kittaye kelu." Ashwin replied sternly.

(Why do you ask me? Ask your sister.)

As the drive continued, Pugazh was unsure what had transpired between the two seemingly sweet people when he was asleep. He was surprised to see both of them irritated. While Ashwin does get agitated when something goes wrong with cooking, he was otherwise a very composed and reserved person. Shivangi on the other hand is chirpiness personified. So, it was surprising that they both were annoyed about something and especially with each other.

Pugazh was fairly privy to the evolution of Ashwin and Shivangi's friendship in the show. His only concern was if Shivangi knew what she was doing. Even to a man, media can be unforgiving while being so open about interest in opposite gender and so Pugazh wasn't sure if Shivangi comprehended what she was getting into. He tried warning her, however, once he understood Shivangi had clarity, Ashwin was a sorted guy and more importantly Shivangi's parents had no qualms with the budding friendship, he took a backseat.

Pugazh saw whatever that was between Ashwin and Shivangi as a cute bonding that not many are blessed with. With his own life taking unimaginable turns, he had less time to analyze if their bond was more than platonic.