This chapter is a continuation of the previous work En Arunthozhi: 7.
Disclaimer: This is a work of FICTION.
As always, there's a note at the end of this chapter. Please do read the note at the end, if you make it there!!
Trigger warning : Grief, death, miscarriage
This chapter isn't proofread. Please ignore typos.
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En Arunthozhi: 8
Ashwin stood nervously in the premises of the medium sized private theater where the production house had organized a special show for a few celebrities, cast and crew. He was not the naive film maker he was, half a decade ago. He had seen a few releases since then and was quite confident in what he had to offer this time around. He knew if it worked with the audience he'd be happy, but if not he knew he'd pick himself up and try to do a better job. But despite all that, releases always made him anxious. He knew that every movie was not just a milestone in his career, he understood it went on everyone's resume not just his. And it could make or break people's careers. He was always wary of the fact that several people's livelihood rode on it. And he knew without a doubt a movie's failure would almost always be attributed to the technicians rather than the cast.
Despite being confident in his new movie he was a little more anxious than his usual self. And he knew precisely why. Five years ago, when he had invited Sivaangi to one of his movies' premier, he knew without a doubt she'd show up. But one of the very many things he was nervous about that day was if she'd like the movie. Today he knew she'd enjoy the movie if only she gave him a chance and decided to watch it.
He had invited his wife the previous Saturday but he hadn't heard anything from her. He had stuck to his decision and texted her every single night. He knew she read his texts, but was yet to get a reply from her. He had also met with Arvind the past week once for a game and invited his brother in law to the screening as well. Arvind made no promises about bringing Sivaangi but had given his word that he would attend the screening. When he called Priya, she had responded much like Arvind had.
"Ashwin", one of the executive producers calling him brought his attention back. He was quickly going around the room welcoming celebrities, colleagues until he spotted Arvind and Priya in what seemed to be a serious discussion. His lips involuntarily formed a thin line as his eyes searched for the woman he was looking for close to Arvind and Priya. He had told himself the entire week not to get his hopes up, but yet here he was.
Excusing himself, he walked over to the duo "Enna aachu? Enna prachana? Ava varaliya? Is she unwell?".
Confused, Arvind asked "puriyala? Sivaangi ku Enna? Onnum illiye?".
"Illa, you both seemed to be in a serious conversation. Did she say something and are you guys keeping it from me?", Ashwin asked slightly worried.
Arvind and Priya looked at each other for a beat before Priya spoke up "ayyo, adhellam Illa. We were arguing about something else. There was an issue with the car on the way here", while Arvind grumpily looked at his wife's friend.
Ashwin looked between the duo clearly unconvinced. Muttering something inaudible Priya spoke "promise ah Onnum Illa. Idhu vera prachana. Nothing to do with you or Sivaangi or the both of you. But Enaku Ava varuvaalaa nu Therila Ashwin, when I asked her about coming here she didn't reply. Arvind Enna hospital la irundhu pick pannitaaru and we came here straight. Honestly I thought she would be coming with Arvind. Sorry Ashwin, I know how much this means to you", squeezing his hand.
"Oh", Ashwin sounded disappointed to his own ears.
"Ava veetla Illa Ashwin, when I started. Kaalela kettapo ava edhum sollala. She went out in the morning after breakfast apparently. Sathyam ah vandhiduvaa nu dhaan naanum nenachen and I also waited for a while. Ava veetla kooda onnum sollala. Amma vum semma kovam ah dhaan irukaanga. Hostel maari veeda use panraa, edhum solla maatengraa nu. Sorry Ashwin, may be she'll be here?" , Arvind spoke sympathetically.
