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yehsahihai · 9 months

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Panivaanavan

Second collab with @harinishivaa and oh my god, there were so many butterflies while writing this

The night sky twinkled serenely like a million stars, the full moon glowing brightly. Arulmozhi Varman sighed when he saw Vanathi’s eyes in the stars and face in the moon . Why is she still haunting his thoughts?

Ever since he’d rescued her from falling into the canal, it seemed as though all streams of thought led back to her. More specifically to the way she had felt in his arms. Was this even right for a man to be feeling?

But why was it so natural with her? When he had seen her falling it seemed like the most natural thing to run to rescue her. Then why did it feel like a line had been crossed between the two of them? And then she had slid out of his arms and it had felt like there was a sudden thrum under his skin, urging him to not let her go, to keep her in his arms. It was most bizarre.

She had been fully clothed, for heaven’s sake.

He had never even touched her skin.

And all he could think of now was how soft her skin was. He had touched her palm in an entirely planned fashion, and the softness of it…

He had stayed awake many a night wondering if the rest of her was as soft as her palm as well, then mentally berated himself for thinking as such.

Just as he was thinking of getting back to his chambers, the soft voice of Vanathi reached him. She was singing some unknown tune, it seemed, as she walked into the clearing he was in.

Vanathi had been having a difficult few days. Ever since her near-fall into the canal it seemed as though something around her had fundamentally shifted. More specifically, it felt as though something had changed in her relationship with Ponniyin Selvan.

They gravitated to touches often, and even light shoulder brushes when possible. What had changed? She had worn her night clothes, bare of jewelry and with her hair in a loose bun, she looked like some mad woman, she knew. But it wasn’t like anybody would be around to see her, she thought.

She walked into a clearing humming, when she met the eyes of the one who held her heart in his palms. She froze as she saw him, taking in how he too seemed to be bare of any jewellery, without an upper cloth. The blush that overtook her was so hot she wondered if her colouring matched the kumkum that was given during poojas.

Arulmozhi was frozen. What was she wearing? How had he never seen her in this? Is this what she wore to sleep? Bare shouldered and bare waisted? With a single cloth covering her chest area? Hair half open, strands of it flitting around her face?

Ishvara, save me, he prayed, even as he took a step forward toward her.

Vanathi felt her breath hitch as she saw him move towards her, the intensity of his gaze unfamiliar to her except for her occasional dream.

“Vanathi, Ardha raatriyil inge? (Vanathi, you are here in the middle of the night?)” he questioned her, gaze roving over her face and body, not really bothering to hide his reaction this time. Something about her glow in the full moon and stars made him bolder than usual.

Vanathi visibly shuddered at his tone. Since when was his voice so deep? Was this a dream or reality itself?

“I couldn’t sleep, Ilavarase,” she said shyly, well aware of his lingering gaze, but feeling completely comfortable due to the deep respect in his eyes despite the intensity that radiated from them.

Arulmozhi’s brow furrowed as he heard her response. Was she not well? Did she get injured earlier?

“Vanathi, is your health fine? Should I call…”

“Selvare I am perfectly fine. Just….”

“Restless”, she concluded, still looking at his face, afraid that if she looked anywhere else she would give away all the feelings jumping in tandem with her heartbeat.

“Why, is something the matter?” He felt as if she was restless for the same reason as him.

“Not e-exactly, my Prince.” She stuttered out, trying not to turn red once again when he seemed to smirk knowingly.

“Is that so? It seems we are sharing a similar restlessness, Devi,” his gaze darkened when his eyes fell on her bare shoulders. By the heavens, what was she thinking?

Suddenly realsing the state of undress she was in, in front of Ponniyin Selvan no less, Vanathi’s eyes widened. Ishavara, what must he be thinking of her, looking like this?

“What is it, Vanathi?” He asked, concerned.

“I–we- you”, Vanathi attempted to string together a coherent sentence, even as he took another step towards her, a smile playing on his lips.

“Wonderful”, she thought. “Now I really should add lunacy to my long list of accomplishments, like he said.”

Clearing her throat, she cast her eyes downwards, determined to not let him reduce her to such a mess.

He stepped into her personal space, itching to touch her waist, feel her soft skin. Vanathi, look at me, he pleaded in his mind. He saw as Vanathi took in a deep breath, the flush on her cheeks much more prominent now that he was closer. He mentally preened at being able to draw such a reaction out of her.

What was he doing, why was he doing this? She tried to look at him discreetly, only to meet his eyes full on. She felt her body shiver at his nearness, yearning to sink into his arms and feel him around and in her.

“I should go.” She nodded in affirmation.

“Really?”

“Yes. I should go because if someone sees us here it would not be good for you, or your reputation.”

Arulmozhi cocked his head to one side as he continued studying her, causing her heart to cartwheel in her chest. Her entire body felt hot, and she wished she could take a dip in a pond or lake in the clothes she was in, but his presence stopped her.

“My reputation? Vanathi, what about yours then?” he asked, still watching her with an intense gaze. She seemed to be blushing all over her body, and he was filled with a wish to feel the blush under his palms. He could see the blush disappear under her upper cloth and wondered if it extended till-

No. He could not go there. And yet….

“M-mine? It will be fine, my Prince,” she said. She knew her reputation of being in love with him was one many knew, and one she was proud to have. Even if he didn’t know it or trust it even if he did…

‘That’s enough negativity, Vanathi, you idiot,’ she chided herself, looking at his now darkened eyes. Oh why did he look at her like that?

“Will it? You are alone, with a young man…”

“Said young man is respectful of me,” she retorted, annoyed that he was trying to find fault with himself. She blushed when his smirk widened at her words.

“You are defending me to me?”

“Indeed I am, my Prince,” she said, raising her head defiantly.

“The maiden I met at Thirunallam is back,” he said in awe, tracing her features. “Why did she disappear?”

“She thought she had made a grave error in calling the one meant to rule the three worlds as Yaanai Paaga,” she said, hoping he would read in between her words.

“The Yaanai Paaga has only been yearning for that maiden,” he confessed, gently taking her palms in his, trying not to groan at how soft they were. He saw her shiver, but felt her palms tighten around his, and he could not help the brilliant smile that made its way to his face.

“I am sorry, my Prince. My idiocy at running away cost us an early understanding,” whispered Vanathi.

“I should have been better to you,” he whispered, pulling her close. “And I will, hereafter.”

“Ilavarase, are you saying what I think you are?”

“What do you think I’m saying, Vanathi?”

“That you feel for me as I do for you,” she whispered, shyness overcoming her as she ducked her head down, looking at his feet rather than his eyes.

“I’m not quite sure I understand. After all, you did say there are so many matters to engage my mind.”

Vanathi gaped at the prince whose eyes seemed to be twinkling with mischief. Surely this could not be the same Ponnyin Selvan who, she had heard so much about. This childishness, the teasing, the laughter that he seemed to be holding back…. Where had this come from? Shaking her head, she took a step away from him, determined to not lose all sense of control.

“Tell me, Devi.”

“If you do not know, how can I tell you, Ilavarase?”

He smirked, gently pulling her back close. “Hmmmm… I'm sure there are ways to remind you Ilavarasi”, Arulmozhi said, his skin burning at every point where her body touched his. Ishvara why did she have to be so soft, so lovely?

Vanathi drew in a sharp breath as she felt his arm around her waist, securely holding her, until she was almost fully pressed against him. She saw the darkening of his eyes as her chest brushed his with each breath and instinctively moved to put her hands on his shoulders. She felt his breath hitch, and slowly, shy but sure, she trailed her hands down his arms, feeling his hardened warrior skin with delight.

Aulmozhi drew in a shuddering breath as he felt her hands move to trace his arms, stopping occasionally to linger or trace imaginary shapes on them. It was all too much; her doe eyes peering at him, her soft frame pressed against his, her petal like hands touching him. He could have sworn that there were actual sparks flying where her hands traced over him. Shutting his eyes tight, he prayed that she wouldn’t notice the small shiver that ran through him at her touch, even as his arms moved to encircle her waist tighter.

She paused, thinking she had done something wrong.

“Why did you stop, Vanathi?” he opened his eyes to meet hers, reading the worry in them. Was she thinking she did something wrong? To encourage her, he said, almost ordered, “Continue.”

Vanathi bit her lips lightly as the realisation struck her that the prince was more than a little affected by her. She touched only her fingertips to his arms, gently tracing again, trying not to laugh in sheer happiness.

Arulmozhi shuddered as her hands resumed their journey, doing his best to not collapse where he stood.

Vanathi, on the other hand, was starting to feel hot, for his skin, hardened with his hefting heavy swords, spears and axes like they were nothing, felt warm under her palms, his biceps rippling under her touch. She could feel his power as she traced his arms and shoulders over and over- was it even possible for someone with such power to hold this much control over himself?

Her Prince was incredibly unique.

Vanathi dipped her head down, as a smile made its way onto her face as a sudden flash of boldness overtook her. She wanted to see how far his control went. She could see that she impacted him. Now she wanted to find out exactly how much of an impact she had on him. Tracing one hand upwards, she reached his shoulder, biting the inside of her cheek as she trailed one finger down, moving to trace his abdomen, even as she felt him clench his muscles at her touch.

She was testing him, wasn’t she? His bold maiden… He had done his best not to react too outwardly, though it was clear Vanathi was not fooled. Her touch to his abdomen made him clench his muscles, wondering how the petal touch of a single finger made his muscles want to flex, as if to show off for her. Yet, exerting the highest restraint he could, he gazed at her, not realizing the impact of his smoldering gaze.

Vanathi shuddered as she met his gaze, wondering if it were possible to spontaneously combust and liquiefy at the same time. “Ishvara this is unfair”, she thought. Why did he get to be so.. So perfect? How was anyone not to love him?

Maybe now was his time…hmm. Arulmozhi moved closer and closer now, making her back away, till her back almost hit a tree, when he held her instead, softening the impact. His arms caged her against the tree, as his eyes traced her face, though alternately focusing between her plump red lips and darkened gaze, the pink on her cheeks now obvious all over her in a deeper shade.

Vanathi stopped breathing altogether, as she realised she could feel the warmth of his body against her own, their noses brushing against each other, his lips a breath away from hers. It was the most natural thing in the world for her to whisper, “Swami-”

“Vanathi,” he whispered, now focusing completely on her beautiful eyes, brighter than the stars.

“What-What are we doing?”

“I don’t know… but with you, it feels natural,” he whispered softly, gently touching her palms with his own now, bringing them up to his lips to kiss, finally letting the ocean of love he had pushed deep within him to be released.

Vanathi sighed happily, even as a thousand bolts seemed to strike her with his touch. Gently moving her hands out of his grip, she held her illavarase’s face, taking in a moment to just admire him. Had the universe made anything more perfect than him? Rising on her toes, she pressed her forehead to his, feeling her heart beat with his.

Arulmozhi was sure that no other moment in his life had ever felt as exquisite as this one. She truly was made for him, he thought, noting how each contour of her body seemed to fit against his, how her eyes made him feel alive from the inside. She was his, and he was hers; he knew that with absolute certainty. And when he had accepted her as his queen…

Vanathi let out a small gasp as he dipped his head towards her, giving her the perfect access to place a kiss on his forehead, a small tear making it’s way down her cheek as she registered the significance of the move.

Arulmozhi’s thumb instantly swept away the tear as it rolled down her face. Keeping their foreheads he smiled as he said, “En Idhaya Arasiye, unnidam endrume naan panindhavan thaan.” (Oh Queen of my heart, to you, I am always the one who bows down)

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @dumdaradumdaradum @dr-scribbler @kovaipaavai @celestesinsight @thirst4light @rang-lo @thegleamingmoon @whippersnappersbookworm @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @arachneofthoughts @anushyaselvaraj @vijayasena @mounamelanoyi @nerdreader @thereader-radhika @lavanya-lakshmi @willkatfanfromasia

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#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #desiblr #vanmozhi #Arulmozhi varman #vanathi #vanathiarulmozhi

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nspwriteups · 11 months

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An Oath of Feelings - Final part

pic credit: @reeeereeeereeereee

Arulmozhi made his way through the long corridor. He swore he saw Vanathi just a minute ago , her jasmine-decorated long hair fluttering in the soft breeze, her voice echoing as she laughed at a joke of one of her Sakhis. Goodness! when did he became attuned to her so much? Now he understood what his Anna was saying about love- it was sweeter than honey, addicting than any intoxicant in the world and it strengthens one's resolve, not weaken it. He thought of all this while he stood in the empty corridor, wondering how his Anna was able to survive all those years not able to see Nandini when he himself was feeling morose after not seeing the stealer of his heart for a day. Maybe he should talk with Vanthiyathevan? No, he dismissed that line of thought immediately. There was no limit to how much Kundavai teased him after the incident the other night about his brave-but-utterly reckless attempt at window jumping. And how dare Vanthiyathevan join in when he was the one who suggested the idea in the first place? No, he isn't going anywhere near those two. He will prove his love on his own. Thus deciding, he retraced his steps back to his chambers.

Once his footsteps started to fade away, Vanathi came out of her hiding place behind the pillar and gazed at the retreating figure. Maybe she was taking this a bit far? Should she talk to him? But what result would that give? He may say something sweet and she will fall for it and then he would go back to ignoring her again. What she wished, what she craved was for him to show his feelings for her, feelings that her Akka claim exists. Many a time she has seen Vanthiyathevan kissing the back of Kundavai's hand or whispering in her ear or simply gazing at her when she was preoccupied by some other task. He was indifferent to the fact that they were other people watching or making remarks about them. How many times has she imagined her Yaanai pagan gazing at her so, of him whispering sweet nothings in her ear or him standing close to her in public so that everyone will know they belong to and with each other. She wondered if all these fantasies will come true or remain the same. Her train of thoughts was broken by one of her Sakhis.

"Vanathi, why didn't you tell us you were playing hide-and-seek with Ponniyin Selvan?" her sakhi taunted her.

"Oh be quiet!" Vanathi whispered in annoyance before walking off.

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Vanathi has never really been jealous of her Kundavai Akka, in fact she greatly admired her Uyir Thozi's intelligence and courage. But at this moment, when she was sitting with her in her chamber, preparing for the evening aarti, she realised she was envious of Kundavai - not of her reasoning and understanding but of her success at a fruitful relationship. Ever since they had been acquainted with a certain Vana clan prince, she had seen a budding affection forming between the two. She didn't exactly knew when it became solidified but once she heard him call her Akka an 'Apsaras' and saw Kundavai's face turn as red as kumkum and she knew - this was not a mere flirting. She heard a genuineness in his voice, the same genuineness she heard when he earlier declared " Uyir ungalodayathu Devi". She thought of all this when she kept glancing at Kundavai, who was humming while arranging the Pooja thali. Just then a servant came in " Ilaiya Piratti, Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevan is seeking permission to enter" .

"Let him in " Kundavai said excitedly

"Speak of the devil and the devil is here" mused Vanathi. She was quite fond of the Vana Kula Prince and already considered him as a brother but she was still disappointed that he didn't attempt to give some good advice to Ponniyin Selvan despite their close friendship.

Vanthiyathevan came in " How are you this evening, ladies?" He asked . His sense of formality was often times confusing. In public, he resorted to formal titles such as 'Ilaiya Piratti' and 'Kodumbalur Ilavarasi ' but in private he called her as 'Devi' or even 'Maya Kannan' while he reserved the sweetest of nicknames for his lady love.

"Vanthiyar, do you have any news for us?" Kundavai asked

"Devi, things are as you know. Sendhan Amudhan will reach Thanjai in 2 days time" Vanthiyathevan replied

Vanathi was confused. What? Sendhan Amudhan is coming? But why? Suddenly she remembered Arulmozhi's oath of bestowing the crown. Surely he didn't say it seriously? Surely he only said it to spite her?

"And Samudrakumari will also be joining him. They decided to have the wedding ceremony the day after they arrive. So much preparations yet to be made" Vanathi heard Vanthiyathevan continuing his narration and Kundavai nodding along. Marriage? What marriage? She realised she said this thought aloud as both faces turned towards her.

" Yes, Maya Kanna. Perhaps you missed out on the news. Ilavarase wasn't joking when he said he wished to hand over the crown to Sendhan Amudhan. He presented the matter with the emperor and he too agreed that this was a rightful decision"

"And what about Samudrakumari?"

"Ah that. Amudhan has always loved Poonguzhali and although she was reluctant at first, as she doubted the genuineness of his feelings she later returned his feelings and has now accepted his hand in marriage. I am not bragging but I may have had a hand in uniting the couple." Vanthiyathevan said with a smirk and earned a pinch in the arm from Kundavai for 'going off topic'.

Vanathi was already in her world of overthinking. So, Ponniyin Selvan wasn't in love with Poonguzhali? Then why did he admit having that conversation with Kundavai Akka? Was there any existent feelings for her in his mind as Kundavai Akka claimed? Now she decided she have to talk to him. At least before she leaves for Kodumbalur. With these thoughts in mind, she stood up.

"Kanne, where are you going?" Kundavai asked

"Akka, I'm just going to meet someone. I'll be right back" Vanathi hoped she was being discreet enough but Kundavai managed to see through it.

"No, you can meet anyone you want after the pooja. Now go, time is ticking "

"Yes Akka" Vanthiyathevan and Kundavai watched a disheartened Vanathi leaving the chamber.

"Ennavale, as much as I like your idea I'm afraid it is lacking action" Vanthiyathevan turned to his lover with a mischievous smile.

"I know my plan doesn't involve tree-climbing or window-jumping like you'd wish but it is effective. It's exactly like you said - they want to come closer. We are just giving them the necessary push" Kundavai said calmly.

---------------------------------------

Vanathi was hyper-focused on her aarti plate as she, along with Kundavai's other companions, made their way back from the temple. All through the Pooja, she prayed for happiness for all and a ray of clarity on her otherwise chaotic life. She was wondering when she would get the answers to all her questions (even Kundavai Akka was not with her, making some excuse after the Pooja that she didn't even pay attention to) .

"Vanathi, are you done playing hide and seek with Ponniyin Selvan?" One of Kundavai's companion started her teasing.

"Aren't you leaving for Kodumbalur anyway? Don't worry , I don't think Ponniyin Selvan would come to find you since all of us would be here to take care of him" another companion chimed in

They had reached the gardens when Vanathi decided to retaliate.

" What is all this talk? Keep your Ponniyin Selvan with you. He wasn't mine in the first place" She said, with her back to them, determined not to show them the sadness in her face.

"I beg to differ Devi"

All of them turned towards the source of the voice and found the object of their conversation standing in front of them.

"You are exceptionally good at hiding Ilavarasi" Arulmozhi said with a triumphant smile, " But now, since I have found you may I have a word with you"

He led her a safe distance away, so that her companions can only watch them and not eavesdrop on them.

" Akka told me I can find you here"

"I wanted to talk to you, Ponniyin Selvare about Poonguzhali..."

He sighed and said " I don't blame you for misunderstanding Vanathi. It is true that once I had a conversation with Akka about my then feelings for Poonguzhali but then I also asked you whether you would believe me if I said my feelings have changed over the months... Because that is what happened"

"What do you mean?"

"I was always under the impression that what you sought after was the throne and Poonguzhali always thought Amudhan's feelings will fade away someday. Then, Vanthiyathevan once asked if we have ever got to know you both as a person and to that we were answerless. So we decided to get to know you both better before making a final decision, just so we wouldn't feel guilty afterwards. Little did we knew fate had other plans"

Vanathi stared at him wondering about the direction of his narration. " In the few months that I got to know you I learned to appreciate your presence and adore your personality which made me confused because I was unfamiliar to this sensation"

"what sensation, Aiyya?"

"I understood you were insecure of the prospective marriage to me, and I wanted to erase that insecurity. I couldn't understand that feeling so I stayed in denial for weeks"

He looked at her then "I met with Poonguzhali again and she admitted she also started to develop an affection for Amudhan's sincerity. We still cared and respected each other but the feelings we began to develop for you two felt..stronger. Finally it was Vanthiyathevan who advised us to follow our heart and that's what we did"

"So you like me?" Vanathi asked. She was hoping this wouldn't be any of her usual dream. Her Yaanai Pagan was actually declaring what she wanted to hear all this time. "Better than that" Arulmozhi said, gazing lovingly at her " Nan unnai katalikkiren"

Saying this, he reached out and touched her hand. The sudden movement caused Vanathi to lose balance and the aarti plate to tumble down.

"Oh Lord, she has dropped the aarti plate. How inauspicious!" One of the onlookers commented.

"No, look closely I think the wick is still burning, so it's not inauspicious " another replied.

Vanathi felt Arulmozhi's hand circle her waist and pull her close to his chest. She gasped and put both her arms round his neck.

"Don't faint on me again Vanathi" He said almost breathlessly, "You made me so worried the last time"

"Ponniyin Selvare, what are you doing? Everyone is watching" Vanathi said, blushing but making no attempt in getting out his hold.

" Let them watch" Arulmozhi said with a grin, quickly glancing at the group of girls standing at a distance away, looking awe-struck.

"If you still wish to go to Kodumbalur, then let me come with you. Not as Ilavarase Arulmozhi Varman but as your varunkala kanavan. I respect your oath and proud of your determination" he continued and smiled wholeheartedly when Vanathi nodded. " I finally understood what Vanthiyathevan said . Sometimes love can be shown better through actions"

"What do you mean?" Vanathi cocked her head to the side and looked at him with confusion.

Arulmozhi simply gave her a smirk and tightened his arms around her, lifting her up and twirling her. Her squealing mixed with his laughter and the loud gasps from the onlookers. Well,not all onlookers. Kundavai and Vanthiyathevan watched the happy couple from the balcony.

"Who knew my Thambi was such a romantic?" Kundavai remarked with a short laugh

" Why Devi? Do you me to twirl you like that? " Vanthiyathevan asked with a wide grin and Kundavai smacked him in the arm.

"Noo" She said playfully "maybe another time?" She smiled sheepishly when Vanthiyathevan raised his eyebrows.

The End

A/N: Me dropping a long af fic once in a while. You can clearly see how much I was influenced by the Veera Raja Veera full video song...come, let's rant in the comment section

@ramcharanobsessed @dumdaradumdaradum @vibishalakshman @thatacademic @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @rang-lo . @willkatfanfromasia @thelekhikawrites @thegleamingmoon @deafeningflowercat @yehsahihai @whippersnappersbookworm @itsfookingloosah @gemsmusings @chiyaanvikram @elvenladysakura . @matka-kulfi . @madatdisney @bumblebeeskywalker @vahnithedreamer @nkarti @dosai-maavu @utterlynotperfect @winter-birds @happy-bookworm @tumbledout @anabanana4115 @freeunknownwasteland @bhataktiatmacore @rapunzels-stuff @celestesinsight @mairablue @rationalelderberry @existenceiswhateven @arachneofthoughts

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #vanathi #arulmozhi #kundavai #vanthiyathevan #aditha karikalan #arulmozhi varman #nandini #vandiyadevan #vanmozhi #ps fanfiction #poniyin selvan fandom #fanfiction series

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harinishivaa · 11 months

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Vaazhkaiyin Niram

As promised, @yehsahihai and I are back, with the entire fic now. It is kind of long, so have fun?

********

Arulmozhi Varman was in a quandry.

He had been trying to get some time alone with Vanathi, and she had somehow, successfully avoided him at every single turn. Even his patience could end, it seemed like, for each time she avoided him, he felt another chip off the block he called his patience. Why was she avoiding him? He had not even teased her in a while…

Oh maybe that was it?

But… why would that make her avoid him? What had he done?

He knew the feelings he bore for her all too well. He also knew that he had been in denial far too long for her to not have noticed something amiss. What he did not expect was how far Vanathi was willing to go in her love for him.

It was mid-afternoon as Arulmozhi paced his akka’s rooms, with Samudra Kumari and akka watching him with a growing mixture of concern and amusement.

I mean, I just don’t understand. Why is she doing this? What is she trying to do?”

“Thambi even I don’t know and I almost always know what is in her heart.”

“Illavarase, maybe the Kodumbalur Illavarasi has been in the sun too much. That is why she is acting like this.”

“Samudra Kumari, this is no time for humor” came his akka’s sharp rebuke, making Poonguzhali raise her hands in surrender.

“Akka?” came the sweet voice of the maddening princess who had robbed him of all his sleep.

“Kanne? What is it?”

“Nothing akka. I couldn’t find you anywhere so I was wondering where you were.”

Kundavai suddenly had an idea, as she addressed Vanathi, asking her, “Kanne, just one question. If the one you love is in love with another, what would you do?”

Vanathi froze for a second before looking towards Arulmozhi who had not let his eyes wander away from her since she stepped in.

“Why akka, then I would do my best to ensure he won over the one he loves”

Arulmozhi physically felt the need to sit down, as she turned to leave, worrying that he would faint after hearing that. Really he had to stop picking up his kanmani’s habits. Holding his head in his hands, he bemoaned, “Akka, why is my wife like this?”

“You’re not married to her yet thambi!”

“AKKA IN MY HEAD I AM ALREADY MARRIED TO HER!”

He sighed, remembering the amusement on Samudra Kumari’s face and the knowing look his elder sister had gotten. That just reminded him of another incident, engineered by his darling.

Arulmozhi was excited, having seen his Vanathi walk towards him.

“Ponniyin Selvare,” her sweet voice, which was like nectar to him, sounded in his ears, filling his being.

“Kodumbalur Kula Vilakke,” he said, trying hard not to call her, my Kodumbalur Devadhai, instead.

“Selvare, Poonkuzhali is looking for you. She is waiting by the boat at the banks of Ponni Thai,” she said softly, a tinge of sadness in her eyes, something that did not escape him. What was wrong with his Vanathi? He wanted to cup her cheeks and peer into her eyes, reading through them so that he could first understand, and then wipe away her sadness. He wanted to bring that luminosity he so loved seeing in her eyes.

“Devi, are you okay?” he asked instead. Samudra Kumari could wait, Vanathi came first. She would understand- this was how she was with Amudhan.

“I am fine, Selvare, why do you ask?”

“It doesn’t seem so to me,” his eyes roved over her face, concerned.His hands itched to tilt her chin up, to look into her eyes and understand and solve all her problems. He noted the tiredness in her eyes, and he ached at the sight of it.

“No no Selvare, I am fine. But you must go, Poonkuzhali is waiting for you,” with a departing smile, she slipped away, and he blinked.

Why was his beloved running away again?

Sighing, he made his way to the banks of Kaveri to meet Samudra Kumari.

It had turned out that his kanmani had ensured that he and Samudra Kumari could be alone?

For what reason even, he had wondered then. Of course, she was his good friend… but she would much rather listen to Sendhan sing Thevarams, and he would prefer to be around Vanathi, even with his Akka present.

“You?” they had both exclaimed upon seeing each other.

“Illavarase what are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same, Samudra Kumari.”

“Illavarasi Vanathi.. She asked me if I would give her a ride in my boat.”

Arulmozhi frowned at that, trying to understand what his beloved had been thinking.

“But that doesn’t make sense. She told me you were waiting for me? To talk to me?”

“Talk to you? No Illavarase, I never said anything of the sort.”

Arulmozhi groaned at that, as he sat down on the river banks, head throbbing as he thought of Vanathi’s behaviour in the past few days. His illavarasi had almost continuously avoided looking at him, preferring to engage in conversation with his akka or any other lady in the palace rather than talk to him. There was a pit of anxiety in his stomach as he tried to understand what had happened to the playful, bubbling Vanathi he knew. It was slowly driving him crazy, to be able to see her but never talk to her, to exist in the same sphere as her and still feel like she was miles away from him. Even when she did speak to him it was almost completely formal and clipped, like she was trying to do her best to avoid prolonging their conversations. He had been living with an almost constant dull ache in his heart these days and it was frustrating him to no end that he couldn’t unravel this mystery.

“Oh… oh!”

Poonkuzhali’s voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked at her, confused as to why she looked both exasperated and endeared at once.

“Ilavarase, I think the Ilavarasi thinks you and I want to be together. It is clear she does not know of your overwhelming love for her.”

Arulmozhi let out another loud groan at that, tipping back fully to sprawl on the riverbanks, uncaring of the numerous small pebbles digging into his skin.

“Why is Vanathi like this? I’ve been trying so hard to express how I feel for her and yet she doesn’t understand. Every time she looks at me, her doe eyes are downcast and her honey like voice is subdued. What do I do to make her believe that I love her?”

“Perhaps Illavarase,” Poonguzhali began, in a matter-of-fact tone, “you could start by telling her all this instead of crying about it in front of Ponni thaaye?”

Since then, he had been trying to get her alone, but she still evaded him,and also continued her setting up attempts.

Arulmozhi was trying to get near Vanathi, wanting to stand near her for the poojai. He felt that her presence around him will keep him successful in gaining the blessings of Durgai Amma. But getting to her seemed to be getting more tiresome.

Luckily, he had spotted Samudra Kumari near her, and had sent a signal to her requesting her aid, which his doe eyed damsel had misinterpreted,and had artfully pushed Poonkuzhali next to him, instead of standing next to him herself.

How was he to confess if she would not listen?

Maybe he should shout it out in front of everyone?

Hmm maybe that’s what he would do… but what if his love got embarrassed? He could not do that to her… Ishvara, he was really sounding like Vanathi now. Love really made people stupid, he thought, unclear whether he meant himself or his beloved.

Which was exactly how he had found himself in his akka’s chambers as she had watched the whole scene at the poojai happen and immediately demanded answers.

“Thambi, what is going on?”, akka had asked, ever straight to the point. “First Vanathi loves you, then you don’t love her, then you like Samudra Kumari, then she likes Sendhan, then you love Vanathi, and now Vanathi is trying to get you and Samudra Kumari together? What are you all doing????”

Poonguzhali, who had until then been silent, said, “Ilaya Piratti, we think the Kodumbalur Illavarasi has had a misunderstanding. She believes that Ponniyin Selvan and I love each other, though I am not sure why. But since then she has been trying to get us together.”

“I am aware”, came Kundavai’s response to which his head shot up.

“What? How?”

“Because thambi, she approached me before the poojai, asking to speak with me alone. And then she went exonerating about how good of a woman Samudra Kumari was, and how she would make a worthy queen for you and how I should accept her and give you two my blessings. I have to admit, she almost convinced me.”

“I… WHAT?”

“Thambi, calm down. I was not convinced fully, because her love for you was visible, and so is yours for her.”

“Akka,” he said, burying his face in his hands. “What do I do?”

“Well, you have to tell her, thambi.”

“How do I do that when your best friend keeps avoiding me?”

Poonkuzhali sighed, standing up.

“Leave it to me.”

“Somehow that just made it worse”, he muttered under his breath as he watched her leave.

Poonkhuzhali really didn’t understand these royals at times. When it was so clear to everyone with eyes that the prince had eyes only for the kodumbalur Illavarasi, why was she the only one who couldn’t see it? She knew that her brief infatuation with him had been clear to many, but that was all it was; an infatuation that had worn off when she realsied her love for Sendhan. But this princess, had been steadfast in trying to push her and the prince together. How can one love so selflessly, she wondered. The princess was willing to sacrifice her love for Ponniyin Selvan because she thought it would make him happy. Those two were really made for each other, she thought.

She walked down the palace halls, trying to find the princes until she finally spotted her in the garden, sitting on a bench as she stared off into the distance. Taking a deep breath, khuzhali approached her.

“Illavarasi”, she said bowing to her, as the princess seemed to snap out of her reverie.

“Samudra Kumari! What brings you here?”

“Devi, I came to find you specifically,” said Poonkuzhali. “I wanted to ask for your thoughts, as Ilaya Piratti told me that you are fantastic at organizing any event.”

“It’s all Akka’s teaching, Kumari,” Vanathi smiled. “What can I help you with?”

Truly, thought Poonkhuzhali, she was the most gracious person she had ever met, apart from Ponniyin selvan. It just strengthened her resolve to bring them together.

“My engagement ceremony, Ilavarasi,” Poonkuzhali said, feeling bad when Vanathi’s face shrunk and eyebrows frowned.

“Of course, how can I help?”

Poonkuzhali gave Vanathi details, requesting her help for organizing it, and the Princess did not disappoint. She helped Poonkuzhali organize it in a matter of half an hour.

“Is there anything else I can help with, Kumari?” Vanathi asked softly.

“No, thank you Devi. Sendhan and I are very grateful to you.”

“Sendhan? You are getting engaged to Sendhan!?”

Poonkhuzhali bit her lips to keep from smiling as she said “Of course devi. Did Illavarase not tell you? I am going to marry Sendhan”

Vanathi felt as though the ground had been pulled out from under her feet, as she stared at Samudra Kumari trying to comprehend her words. She was going to marry Sendhan, which mean she was not in love with Ponniyin Selvan. Oh Ishvara, what had she done?

She had evoked the anger of her Prince by doing such, by setting him up with a woman whose heart was another’s? How will she face him? Maybe she should just avoid him?

Yes, that’s what she will do. She will avoid him.

Standing up abruptly she said, “I-I should go meet akka, samudra kumari. Excuse me” Saying so she ran off, determined to avoid the prince at all costs.

*****

How had Samudra Kumari’s confession not helped?

Vanathi was still avoiding him, extremely skillfully, which did impress him, as much as it exasperated him. He had tried to catch hold of her many times over the past few days but each time she had managed to excuse herself, slipping away to either be by his akka’s side or by his patti’s side or his amma’s side. It had gotten to the point where he was seriously considering if he could somehow climb into Vanathi’s chambers during the night to talk to her. He dismissed the possibility almost immediately knowing that if someone found out both of them would be in deep trouble with his family member, him more than her.

Should he try and kidnap her instead? Hmm.. what if he kidnapped her after informing his Akka that he was kidnapping her? No that was ridiculous. Plus his akka would never let him hear the end of it. Maybe he could ask Vanthiyathevan………… No, no even worse. The Vanar Kula warrior would immediately go to tell his akka and then he would have to deal with being ribbed by both of them. Terrible idea. He could ask Samudra Kumari to talk to her, but given their last interaction with each other, he had a feeling Vanathi would just flee upon seeing her.

He sat down as he massaged his temples trying to think, as he looked out into the palace courtyard….

Right at Vanathi who sat with his Akka, chattering away like she had not nearly driven him to insanity with her actions.

He watched her for a second, blinked, and made a decision. Like the tiger he was, he rushed towards them, smirking mildly when he saw Vanathi’s eyes widen.

“Akka!”

“Thambi?” Kundavai had a knowing smirk on her face, and had mildly angled herself to ensure Vanathi couldn’t get away that easily.

“I am sorry to do this to you, but I have to talk to my wife!” he scooped her into his arms, bridal style, and raced across the courtyard, as fast as lightning.

Vanathi shrieked as she was lifted by him, feeling mortified as he carried her through the palace, burying her head in his chest, praying that no one saw them.

Arulmozhi didn’t stop until they had reached his chambers, uncaring that anyone could have seen them being so brazen. It would only speed up their marriage after all. He set her down gently, before turning to lock the door and stared at her, his illavarasi who now seemed to praying to the earth to swallow her up. Biting away a grin he asked, “So, Kodumbalur Illavarasi, can we finally talk?”

“Talk? About what, Ponniyin Selvan?”

“You know what about, Devi,” he said softly, taking a step closer.

“No, no, I do not,” she gulped, still staring at the Earth, making him smile softly as he took another step forward.

“Yes you do. Why have you been avoiding me?” he had crossed a personal boundary, but considering how she had been clutching him when he had held her, he knew she would tell him to move if she wanted that.

“I… I just wanted to give you space with your loved one, or so I thought…”

“Then you should have been around me!”

Vanathi’s eyes snapped up at those words as she tried to search his face for any traces of a joke, or him being another one of her daydreams. But he was right there, evidenced by the fact that he had just carried her throught the palace.

“Illavarase, this is all highly inappropriate, we shouldn’t be………..” She found herself robbed of all speech as he took another step closer to her. Oh lord, any closer and she was sure he would almost hear the tandavam her heart was doing in her chest.

She backed away slowly from him, hand reaching blindly for the door behind her hoping to find it’s bolt, but the prince was faster, moving closer to her so she had no option but to startle away from the door.

“You cannot possibly hope to avoid me forever Vanthi”, he chided her though his voice held no sternness.

“Illavarase, one only avoids those whom they feel scared of”, came her reply, eliciting a small smile from him.

“And is that why you have been avoiding me?” came the question, much softer than before.

Oh god, they were now circling around a table, each waiting for the other’s next move. Vanathi had heard tales of how the eyes of tigers were often hypnotic, but now standing in front of her illavarase she believed them, for there was no other reason that the world fell away as she looked at him.

Swallowing with difficulty, she replied, “Ayya how can I be scared of you? I was just….”

“Just?” Was he teasing her? Vanathi was suddenly beginning to doubt if all her assumptions about him having no affection for her were false.

“I had other things to be doing, and I am sure even you did. I did not want to bother you.”

Arulmozhi stilled at that, before throwing back his head to laugh, loudly until he almost felt tears of mirth gathering in his eyes. He was sure, that his beloved probably thought him mad at that moment but he couldn’t bring himself to stop.

“Ponniyin Selvare, are you all right?”

Shoulders still shaking, he gasped out, “Vanathi, anbe, has anyone told you that you are a terrible liar?”

Vanathi felt the world cease all movement for a moment as she heard the term “anbe” slip out of his mouth, so effortlessly, so casually, as if it was not the first time he had ever called her that, as if he had been wanting to say it to her for a while.

“A-anbe?” She stuttered out, cursing the blush that had formed on her cheeks, not realizing how delighted he was to see it.

“Anbe, Kaadhale, Kanmani, Arasi, Iniyavale, every single term of love is for you, Vanathi,” his voice had turned intimate, his eyes resting on hers, not moving away from her gaze, allowing her to capture his emotions in full force.

Vanathi suddenly felt faint, as it hit her that she had been wrong, so very wrong. She had been blind to every gaze he had directed at her, every word he had said she had been deaf to, even now she had been the one avoiding him while had been searching for her. She sat down heavily on a chair as she felt herself beginning to lose consciousness, only to be jolted out of it as she felt two very strong, callused hands on her shoulders.

“Vanathi? Vanathi? Look at me, look at me. Are you ok?”

She nodded weakly as she focused on his face, now scrunched into an expression of worry, as he looked her up and down to assess her.

Arulmozhi felt an almost blind panic hit him as he saw Vanathi collapsing onto the chair in front of her, and he reached forward instinctively to hold her.

“Kaadhale?”

“Vanathi?”, he tried as she seemed not to hear him, causing him to place his hands on her shoulders to ground her. It seemed to work as she focused on him, causing a flood of relief through his system. Making sure she was fine, he turned to fetch her a glass of water, handing it to her, as he noted how much her hands seemed to be shaking.

“Wait, let me”, he said as he slowly brought the glass to her lips, watching as some of the water spilled down her chin. Making sure she was fine, he leaned down to wipe away the excess water on her face even as he felt his heart pick up pace with her gaze on him.

Vanathi for her part was doing her best not to shiver at his close proximity, unable to look away from him for even a second as he fussed over her, suffusing her being with warmth.

Seeming satisfied that there was no immediate threat of her fainting, he moved to cup her face with one hand as his thumb ran lightly over her face. Vanathi froze as she felt his touch so intimately, resisting the urge to simply melt into his arms.

“You scared me kaadhale.”

“N-Natha,” she mumbled, blinking and blushing when she says that. “I am s-sorry…”

“Don’t be, not for calling me Natha, Swamini,” he whispered. When she flashed wide eyes at him, he cupped her cheek very gently, whispering, “Yes, you are my Swamini, Devi.”

She looked at him deeply, with luminous eyes, which suddenly filled with tears.

“You were trying to talk to me.. and I just, I hurt you,” she wept, falling into his arms.

Arulmozhi immediately pulled her close to him, trying to calm her as he assured her that she had not done any harm to him.

“Shhhhhh anbe. Do not weep like this. You have never hurt me, ever. How can I be hurt by you, hmm?”

She still did not stop crying, every tear that fell feeling like a knife to his heart. Gently detangling himself from her he knelt down fully in front of her, as he took her hand in his, ignoring the slight gasp she let out.

“Ponniyin Selvare, what are you-”

“Vanathi, my uyirin uyir, my kanmani, you can never hurt me. You are not just in my heart but also my soul. I wish I could say my heart was mine but the truth is it has become yours long ago. You are in every breath I take and every one of my senses. I have been wanting to say this for far too long now, but there was always something preventing me. And today, I am kneeling before you to tell you I love you. Wholly, truly, irrevocably I love you.”

Vanathi gasped, her hands going to his neck to cup his jaw.

“Once more, please?” She pleaded.

“I love you, wholly, truly, irrevocably,” he whispered, tender smile on his face.

“Swami,” she whispered softly, leaning to tip her forehead to his. “Swami, Swami, I lost my heart to you when we first met at the banks of Ponni Thai. And I only kept losing it over and over to you, every second of every day. I have dreamt so much of you telling me you loved me, that I couldn’t even process it at first. Oh Swami, I can’t express how I love you, but I do. So so so much. To see a smile on your face, I would even sacrifice my life.”

Arulmozhi vehemently shook his head, bringing one finger over her lips. “Never, ever say that again Vanathi. My life is in you. I cannot survive without you.”

Vanathi laughed as she finally realized what had happened, pressing closer to her Swami as she just looked at him, determined to not miss even a second of possibly the happiest occurrence of her life. Separating from him, she moved to lay a soft kiss on his forehead as she murmured “I love you”, moving down to kiss his eyes as she said the same, then onto his cheeks, stopping only when she reached his lips. Drawing back slightly, she watched as his eyes opened as he looked at her, absolute love spilling out of them as he raised himself slightly to cup her face and slowly meld their lips together.

It felt as though a million butterflies had been released in Arulmozhi’s stomach as he finally kissed those lips he had dreamt of for so long, the smile that threatened to overtake his face making it difficult to keep kissing her like he wanted to. Drawing away only a few millimeteres to breathe he said, “You do know now there is no question of you ever avoiding me?”

Vanathi giggled as he said that, replying, “If avoiding you gets you to be so poetic, Swami, I will gladly do it.”

Arulmozhi too felt a laugh bubbling inside of him as he got up and lifted his arasi in his arms to spin her around even as more laughter spilled forth from her lips, stopping only to press their foreheads together and say, “You are my whole heart Vanathi.”

“And you are my everything, Arase,” she whispered, shyly kissing the corner of his lips, blushing but wanting to shower him with her love.

He kissed her lips over and over, still twirling her, both of them joyous in the colours their life and love took.

*****

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @dumdaradumdaradum @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @kovaipaavai @celestesinsight @thirst4light @rang-lo @thegleamingmoon @theambidexterousarcher @whippersnappersbookworm @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @arachneofthoughts @krishna-sahacharini

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #arulmozhi #vanathi #vanmozhi #kundavai #poonkuzhali #sendhan amudhan #vanthiyathevan #desi #desiblr #rajaraja chola

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dr-scribbler · 2 months

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Sea of Desire (Sundara Chola x Mandhakini)

Reader discretion: This story contains mature themes and explicit content. Reader discretion is advised.

(Preview)

His warrior's hands untied the strings of her blouse with ease as if he were untying his bow. Like a feather, he slowly traced a pattern with his fingertips. Her neck hair straightened as her heartbeat fastened.

Just as he untied the strings, his hands slowly combed her hair, and his soft lips kissed the side of her neck. With a slow gasp, she felt her breath quicken, and her eyelids halfway closed as her vision started to blur with the sensation his lips were creating all over her body.

As he inhaled her jasmine-covered hair, he experienced a euphoria he had never experienced. This was not his first time with a woman; he had his fair share of them in his youth and as a prince. But with her, he felt home, passion, and the fire that burnt, which only engulfed his mind and body.

As she felt her blouse loosen away with instinct, she covered her now exposed chest, her mouth hanging open with the extreme pleasure she was feeling right now.

His muscular arms took hold of hers from behind as he whispered the words into her ear, ‘Don’t be shy, just as you engulfed my mind and soul, I will engulf all of yours as well as it is mine to devour’ He growled as he spun her around and kept her arm above her head.

Both their naked chests brush together, making them moan in the dim light inside the caves in the middle of the island where the saltwater in the sea creates magic in the air as they both look into each other eyes, and right there, nothing could separate them, nor they indent to separate anytime soon.

With that, Sundara Cholan captured the lips of the innocent flower Mandhakini as if they were nectar created by gods.

Stay Tuned!!

@whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa @thelekhikawrites @willkatfanfromasia @yehshuhua @arachneofthoughts @vibishalakshman @nspwriteups @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @celestesinsight @curiousgalacticsoul @themorguepoet @tranquilsightseer @nature-writes29

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khushireadsandrambles · 7 months

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EXCUSE ME—

We need more outfit BTS PLEASE IT'S A NEED

@harinishivaa @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @thegleamingmoon @chemicalmindedlotus @yehsahihai @ambidextrousarcher @thirst4light @celestesinsight @thereader-radhika

#ponniyin selvan #vanathi #desi culture #arulmozhi varman #desiblr #ponniyin selvan 2 #bts #behind the scenes

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balladedutempsjadis · 11 months

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Shoutout to my movie boyfriend Arulmozhi Varman and his nerves of steel. First in the Buddhist monastery, with five assassins waiting to kill him, unarmed, calm and quiet, walking out of there without a scratch, shielded by the respect and love of these Buddhist monks.

Then, while Vandiyadevan and Nambi are frantically chasing Pandya assassins all over Nagapattinam, he doesn’t rush the procession at all, walking slowly and calmly with Vanathi, while people throw flowers at him which could have been spears or knives.*

And then poor Nambi and Vandiyadevan are freaking out about the rogue mahout and my dude is like “I got this. Elephants and I have an understanding.” (Vanathi looks impressed too! Who wouldn’t be?)

He’s so composed and confident and reliable. It’s super sexy (so are his arms but that’s for another post.) In the books, another character compares Arulmozhi Varman to the Dhruva Nakshatram (the Pole Star) that sailors at sea rely on above all other aids to navigation. “All the other stars and the planets may change positions and directions, but the Pole Star alone remains steadfast.” Somehow, Mani Ratnam, his amazing cinematographer Ravi Varman** and Jayam Ravi’s physical presence and expressions managed to translate these qualities - steadfastness, constancy, the essence of the lodestar - to the screen even without dialogue.

* I understand why the Pandya assassins make themselves so visible in Nagapattinam, because they want to draw Nambi and Vandiyadevan away from the monastery so the five assassins posing as Buddhist monks can do their work unhindered. (They didn’t count on Ponniyin Selvan’s ability to make people willing to die to protect him ;)) And then elephant assassination is a good backup plan. But most of the time, it seems like they would have done better to act by stealth instead. If I were directing these attempts, I would have had them blend into the crowd and throw knives etc at the prince while he was walking through the crowd. 🤷‍♀️

** just as an example, there is way less camera movement for Arulmozhi Varman’s scenes than for Aditha Karikalan. In PS1, contrast the camera work when Aditha is telling Parthibendran about Nandini (it’s swirling around all over the place to match Aditha’s inner turmoil) to the camera work when Arulmozhi is telling Vandiyadevan and Nambi about the Oomai Rani and her role in his life. Both brothers are talking about love, but the total difference in what they are talking about and their own personalities is reflected in the camera work.

#ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #Ponniyin Selvan 2 spoilers #arulmozhi varman

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deadloverscity · 1 year

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do you ever just think about the elephant scene in ps2 where arulmozhi walks out like the king he is, and is unnecessarily hot as he makes an elephant kill the assassin and that all-knowing calmness when nambi and vandu are trying their best and then he turns back and gives this ‘wasn’t that impressive?’ smile ???? and in the background we have a vandhi hanging onto his life If I was there, as a vandu kin i too would be look at arulmozhi dreamily thank you

#ponniyin selvan 2 #arulmozhi varman #vandhiyathevan #Vandiyadevan #what is his spelling #and what are they called again?#vandhiya varman #??#anyways jayam ravi hot #he is THE #ponniyin selvan

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hollogramhallucination · 1 year

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“on today's episode of cholatwt: aditha is still going through it” — credit: deardevotee

#death is a social construct #ponniyin selvan #ponniyin selvan 2 #ps2 #aditha karikalan #aditya karikalan #nandini #nandini x aditha #kollywood #please do not ask for further kunduvai content #i have a tense relationship with the character in the books and the films #i do not want to argue over it

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thirst4light · 10 months

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In Memoriam

This is my first try at Vanmozhi Fanfiction. Inspired from the PS 2 movie scene. Planning to do a two part follow-up of this prologue. Let me know what you think!

Prologue

'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.’ (In Memoriam A. H. H., 27.13-17)

The sky of Thanjavur was strangely grey on a Vaikasi afternoon as the people waited for their beloved crown prince, Aditha Karikalan, to come home.

Only this time, there was no line of excited girls, wearing their best sarees, chattering away with their aarti thali on the steps of majestic Thanjavur fort, waiting to catch a glimpse of their handsome prince.

Instead, a grief-stricken royal family waited patiently. Chakrvarthi and the young prince, Ponniyin Selvan were waiting at the front, while the women of the royal family waited behind.

Slightly behind the royal family, Kodombalur Ilavarasi Vanathi was also waiting along with other royal women, looking over the sea of the people that gathered at the outer court of the fort. Since last night, as the news of the prince’s death spread, people kept coming from all corners of the Cholanadu.

While Vanathi waited, she thought of everything and nothing.

Such a contrast, Vanathi reflected, looking at the grey sky briefly before her gaze settled on the royal family who were clad in pristine white, a decorum when someone in the family passes away.

As if even the sky was mourning along with this family.

Vanathi’s thoughts got interrupted as people’s clamour suddenly increased, making her focus at the entry gate of the fort.

Finally, Aditha Karikalan had arrived in Thanjavur.

In the city where he grew up. In the city where he belongs.

A long procession of regiment came by foot, closely followed by the prince's beloved horse regiment, waving the chola flag.

From where she was standing, Vanathi could see the chariot carrying the prince’s body from a distance, closely flanked by his trusted fighting companions, Manamalyan, Parthibendran and Vanthiyadevan; not leaving their beloved prince’s side, even in death.

As the chariot slowly moved across the crowd, Vanathi could hear muffled cries while some people started to shower flower petals at the chariot, a sign of their last respect to their Ilavarase. A section of the crowd even started to tussle with the guards to touch the chariot and pray.

It took a long time for the guards to clear the way for the chariot to cross the short distance of the entry gate to the steps of the fort.

When the chariot carrying the prince's body finally stopped in front of the fort stairs, there was a momentary pause among the royal family members.

As if they could not believe what they were seeing.

The ailing Chakravarty was the first to break down as he could not support his weight anymore. Ponniyin Selvan gripped his father tightly, making sure his father could come down the stairs to meet his beloved elder son.

Raṇi varataṭcaṇai Sembiyan Mahadevi, Rani Vanavan Mahadevi, Iliya Piratti slowly started to walk behind the Chakravarty to meet their nephew, son and brother, Aditha Karikalan, one last time. Vanathi followed them as well, her steps heavy with grief.

As everyone in the family huddled at the front of the chariot and tried to caress the beloved prince’s face, the cries of the Chakravarti and Rani were the most heart-breaking. Vanathi, who was standing at the end of the chariot, could not take it anymore. She bowed her head, closed her eyes to drown out the sound of cries and desperately put her hands together in prayer.

Ishvara, may the Ilavarase join you in heaven. And…And give my beloved royal family and the people of Cholanadu the strength to overcome this difficult time.

Vanathi stayed still for a few minutes, hoping the cries had subdued. As she opened her eyes, she knew that her attempt at focusing on praying was futile.

But she had to try.

In desperation, her eyes searched for the only face that could give her strength at this moment.

As her eyes landed on Ponniyin Selvan’s face, Vanathi realized, despite being such a pillar of strength to his father, the young prince could not hold himself together anymore.

His face contorted with unspeakable grief; tears were streaming down his eyes continuously.

Vanathi had endured loss in various forms from a very young age. Her mother’s death, even though she had never met her, had left a deep wound in her childhood. Then her father’s death at Ilankai war, leaving her as an orphan in this cruel world. Then bidding farewell to her only father like figure uncle Periya Velar before every war, not knowing whether he would return alive from them was always tantamount to loss for her….Yet, no pain of these losses compared to the pain of seeing her beloved Ponniyin Selvan grieving at this moment.

Until this point, Vanathi did not realize that she had been crying along with everyone else. But seeing her Ponniyin Selvan break down like this, fresh tears blocked her vision completely. Her heart felt so heavy that for a moment she felt like she could not breathe anymore.

Wiping her tears with pallu, Vanathi took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

As the guards started to move to take the chariot away for cremation, on a whim, Vanathi decided to come at the front of the chariot and touch Ilavarase Aditha Karikalan’s feet, seeking blessings.

An opportunity she never had before.

While she looked at the crown prince’s resting face one last time, Vanathi realized, in death, Aditha Karikalan had finally found his peace.

The peace that he had been searching for a long time.

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