#vanathiarulmozhi

[yehsahihai]

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

Please forgive me if there's someone else who should have been tagged but isn't

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

[khushireadsandrambles]

Veera Raja Veera..!

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

Ilavarasar Arulmozhi Varman had crowned the Prince Madhuranthakan Dev, and now was the time for the entertainment. The Princesses from the small Kingdoms of the Chozha Naadu came together with small lightened lamp in their palms, and the singers around them strung the strings of Veena and Yazh.

Kaaneero neer kaan,

Sozha Vetri vaal ondrai Kaaneero...

O azhagiye poovae,

Selludhiyo, malaridu po sagi...

(Are you not seeing it?

Can you not see the victorious Chozha sword?

O beautiful flower,

Will you not garland him, o friend?)

Their movements were slow, going with the beautiful Raaga and voices of the singers.

Veera Raja Veera

Soora theera soora

Veezha sozha veera

Seerar gnyaalam vaazha

Vaarai vaagai soora

(O royal warrior!

O brave and strong one.

Invincible Chozha warrior

May the world prosper

Hail to your victory!)

Sundara Chozha's chest swelled with pride when the Kathaakaars (storytellers) dressed as his ancestors and acted their tales of bravery outt. From Karikala Valava hoisting flag at Imaiya Malai to Vijayalaya Chozha's incomparable battle prowess, everything made his chest swell with pride.

Thoduvor pagai porai

nadugal serkkum veera

maara kaadhal maara

Poovor engum theera

Paavor pottrum veera

(Those who dare to oppose you,

you send them to their graves

O angel of undying love

Lovely damsels yearn for you.

We sing your glory, o brave one!)

Vandiyadevan remembered the day when a drunk Adithan confessed that he chopped of Veerapandiya's head. A nostalgic smile washed over his which soon turned sad smile. Kundhavai's eyes roamed towards Vandiyadevan and she frowned slightly at his sad smile, while Arulmozhi's eyes secretly tried to find Vanathi who was mssing.

Udaivaal araithaanga

Paruvol puvithaanga

Vaalava emai aala

varuvaai kala era

Aayiram vezham pola

Porkkalam serum sozha

Vendha Raja Raja!

Vaarai vaagai Soora!!

(A sword on your waist,

carrying the world on your shoulders

come and rule us

Board your ships!

Enter the battlefield like

Thousand charging elephants!

O Lord! King of King! Come,

Hail to your victory!)

The dancing male dressed as Chozha soldier soon returned dressed as Adithya Karikalan and gave him a proper tribute. The young soldeir made to look like Karikala was so similar that it immediately brought Vanavan Mahadevi and Sundara Chozha to tears.

The Dancing men soon dispersed and were replaced with females. The familiar voice of the female made Arulmozhi whip her head towards the arena, where he saw a beautiful damsel dressed in pretty white saree and golden jewellery sang and danced.

Viraliyar gaanam paada

Kanigaiyar nadanam aada

Paavaiyar kulavai poda

Parithear sagadam aada

(Royal maidens sing

and women dances

Singers sing in celebration

Horse chariots move in harmony.)

Kundhavai smiled widely and looked at Vanavan Mahadevi and Sembiyan Mahadevi and they too smiled in return. Arulmozhi felt glances at him but he pointedly ignored them, all while looking at Vanathi who danced like the celestial nymphs of Swarga Loka.

Alaimel Kathirai Pola

Vilangidum aruma deva

Padaiyani Perumai saattra

Pulavargal thamizhum theera

(Like the rising sun over dappled waters

You shine O Lord!

When singing praises of your army

Poets struggle to find words.)

Vanathi immersed herself in singing, Kundhavai's training finally fruiting when everyone was enchanted by this innocent and courteous Princess of Kodumbalur. Even Poonguzhali was spellbounded.

Kadalmel puyalai pola

Kalangal virainthu paaya

Vannalai seeratta

Thenpulam eengum veera

(Like the blustery wind skimming the sea

Ypur ships sped across the choppy waters

Blowy waves caress you

Charge south, O valiant warrior!)

Vanathi twirled around when her eyes locked with Arulmozhi, and with a outstretched hand towards his direction, she stopped. While evryone thought it was a dance pose, only he knew that she was again lost in his amethyst eyes like she always did. One of the other dancers noticed this and purposely bumped into her, with intention to waken up her, and she succeed.

Kootraagil Sel, Kaatraagi sel

Sara sara sara saravena

velmazhai than Peidhida

Para para para paravena

paayattum paaimaaram

(Be assertive, go like a wind

to rain arrows

let's sail the ship faster)

The soldiers returned behind the twirling damsels, now the naayagan dressed as Arulmozhi Varman. Madhuranthakan shared a smile with Arulmozhi Varman.

Malavargal veeram kanna

Samuthiram veruvi pogum

Uruviya vaalai kandu

Piraimadhi naani pogum

(To witness the bravery of warriors

the sea becomes scared of

when he pulls out the sword

The Moon will shy away)

Vanathi twirled around the naayagan, all of her fluid movements making everyone a fan of her. Kundhavai smiled proudly. While the other girls were also great, Vanathi was always the most talented.

Ethirigal uthiram serndhu

Kuthikadal vannamaagum

Udhirndhidum pagaivar thegam

kadalukku annamaagum

(The blood of enemies

Makes the sea change its color

the bodies of enemies become food

for the creatures in the ocean)

Arulmozhi perked up with an idea as he stood up from his throne and went towards his father. Upon hearing, Sundara Chozha smiled widely and gave Arulmozhi his blessings. Vandiyadevan moved to get up but he denied.

Pulimagan veeram kandu

pagaikkulam sithari odum

saramazhai peithal kandu

kadalalai karaikku odum

(After witnessing the bravery of Chozha tiger

The enemies run away

After witnessing the rain of arrows

The sea waves runs to seashore)

Adada perum veera

edada thodi vaalai

thodada sara maalai

adhuda pagaivorai..

(O such bravery

take your sword

make garlands

kill your enemies)

Vanathi was so immersed in the dance that she didn't saw a majestic elephant making its way towards them. The others dancers did and stepped away after noticing the mahout. Soon he reached Vanathi and the huge shadow that loomed over her made her tun away. Vanathi smiled when she saw the face of Mahout.

En Thamizh vaazhga vaazhga

veera sozham vaazhga

natramizh vaazhga vaazhga

nallore dhesam vaazhga!

The elephant moved his trunk, and not breaking their eye contact, Vanathi stepped on the Trunk. Elephant rose it's trunk higher and higher, while Arulmozhi outstretched his hand for Vanathi to hold. Everyone stood up from their seats watching in awe as she held his hand, and stepped in the small chariot that was made on the Elephant.

"Yaanai Paaga."

He couldn't help but smile when she put her hand on his left shoulder.

————————

@vibishalakshman @thatacademic @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @rang-lo @willkatfanfromasia I desperately need a feedbackkk!!!

#ponniyin selvan #arulmozhi #desi culture #vanathi #arulmozhi varman #fanfic #veera raja veera #vanathiarulmozhi

[harinishivaa]

Sambandham: War of Hearts

I am FINALLY back with a new story on VanMozhi, which is something on them at least. It is a modern story, and is pretty angsty, to be very honest. However, it is a happy ending, and I hope you all enjoy this story as much as you have enjoyed my previous ones.

I hope to have a Prologue up in a day or two! For now, please check out these aesthetics, and let me know your thoughts!

These are our leads, Kshithija Velan and Arun Vishvanathan, the ones whose POVs will be fully featured. There are deuteragonists whose storyline will add to the main leads, but their books will not come out till I am fully done with this one. However, if you all are interested in their stories, I will endeavour to write OS' on them, though these OS' will not come till April at least.

Please let me know your thoughts, I would love feedback!

****

@thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijaysena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee @vijayasena

#ponniyin selvan #vanathi #arulmozhi #vanthiyathevan #kundavai #ponniyin selvan 2 #aditha karikalan #vanathiarulmozhi #vanmozhi #nandini #adithaxoc #iladitha #iladaamaadeviyar #vanthiyavai

[leoprincess21]

Vanmozhi OS - Shivapada Sekaran

(Inspired from Ponniyin Selvan novel)

Arulmozhi Varman had lots of dreams. He had many ambitions mainly due to Kundavai's influence. He wanted to establish the Chola empire as the most powerful empire and extend the boundaries of it even across oceans..by conquering Ilangai, and other islands -maalatheevu and kachhatheevu (Maldives, Lakshadweep). He did not want to be a ruthless, power hungry and cruel ruler and conquer those areas. He wanted to be a kind yet powerful, secular, leader who can achieve these goals and contribute to the welfare/prosperity to his people and Chola desam.

He wanted everyone in his kingdom to be prosperous. He wanted to promote artists and poets and give them recognition. He wanted to encourage and praise his soldiers who day and night work on the security of his Chola desam. He wanted to build his empire in a way that it will be remembered even after 1000 years. He wanted everyone in this world to know the greatness of this land. 

But mainly he wanted to express his never ending devotion and submission to the one who controls this universe, the one whose dance influences this universe - blissful dance (Ananda Thandavam) in which entire universe is filled with bliss, joy and ecstasy, the ferocious and the most violent dance which leads to the destruction and annihilation of this universe. The one who has no start and no end, the one who is infinity, the one who has form and yet formless, the one who is far from the duality of this world - Shiva who can't be defined or described by anyone in mere words but can be attained by one's love and devotion. A simple leaf, flower, fruit submitted with love, devotion and faith can satisfy him but even money, gold, diamond and material riches submitted without devotion, faith would forever prohibit one from receiving his grace. His name - Om Nama Shivaya - is enough to attain his grace and to escape from the death - birth cycle and attain Moksha. By consistently remembering his name and praying him one can reach his feet. Arulmozhi was just lost in his thoughts about how to express the greatness of his Ishta Deivam(Favorite God) - Prameshwara, Nataraja.

"Azndha sindanayil ullirgal pol therigiadu. Enna yosikirirgal Iyyane. Ungaluku virupam irundal ennidamum thangal ennangalai pagirungal.(It seems you are in deep thought- lost in thoughts. What are you thinking about my lord? If you don't mind you can share your thoughts with me.)"

"En kanne! Nee epodu vandai? Romba neramaga kaathu irundai aa enna? enge va. en aruge utkar. (My love. When did you come? Were you waiting for a long time? Come here and sit with me)"

"Epoduthan vanden. (I arrived just now)" Vanathi replied and sat beside him.

"Hmm. I am just lost in my dreams en anbe. I was just thinking about how to show the greatness of our land and Shiva to the whole world."

"Hmm. Indeed it is a very huge task. What are your thoughts on this my lord?"

"Well I am dreaming of building a temple which would house the lord of Kailash - Shiva. The temple should be very big and grand to house the deity of Kailash. It should be magnanimous, astounding and spell bounding to anyone who visits this temple at the same time it should also show the greatness of the Tamil language. The Nandi statue should be big as he guards the entrance of Kailash and the idol should be even bigger than the Nandi as he is the powerful lord Shiva. The temple should stand firm for a long period of time withstanding natural calamities and foreign invasions. It should act as a testimony to our rich culture and heritage. I am dreaming of building such a temple kanmani."

"And I want to show the greatness of our Tamil language anbe. The lingam should be of 12 feet height indicating the 12 uyir ezhuthu(vowels) of Tamil language. The pedestal which contains the lingam should be of 18 ft indicating the mei ezhuthu(consonants) of Tamil. The temple tower(gopuram) should be of 216 ft indicating the uyirmei ezhuthu of Tamil language. The total distance between Nandi and Shiva lingam should be 247 ft indicating the total characters in Tamil. Our language plays a major role in shaping our culture, heritage and spirituality. You know our staunch Shaivaites - Nayanmars praised Lord Shiva by various songs and hymns - Thevaram( 12 Thirumurai). I want to collect such precious treasures and sing those verses in our temples which will protect and guide us and our future generation. Similarly  Azhwars sang various songs on Vishnu and I want to collect those as well (Nalayira Dhivya Prabandham).Their worth can't be described in mere words. Our ancestors left such treasures for us we should save those and daily sing those hymns in our temples."

"You will build such a temple my lord. You will fulfil all your dreams. You  will recover those hymns and make sure that it is sung daily in our temples. You are Ponniyin Selvan(son of Kaveri river), eezham konda veeran(warrior who won Ilangai) , Cholar kula manickam you can do it."

"I would like to be addressed as Shivapada Sekaran(the one who places his crown at the feet of Shiva) kanne. I am a mere instrument, puppet used by  Mahadeva. We humans/beings are nothing but puppets/pawns in Mahadeva's hands. Everything happens as per his wish. Without his wish not even an atom can move then what can we humans do? "

"Then by Shiva's wish and blessings you will fulfil your dreams my lord."

"Nee solvadu palikattum anbe. (May your words manifest soon and turn true my love).  Meanwhile can you sing the first stanza of the pathigam that Sundara sang in Thiru vennainallur....Pitha pirai soodi ?"

"பித்தா! பிறை சூடீ! பெருமானே! அருளாளா!

எத்தால் மறவாதே நினைக்கின்றேன்? மனத்து உன்னை வைத்தாய்; பெண்ணைத் தென்பால் வெண்ணெய் நல்லூர் அருள் – துறையுள்

அத்தா! உனக்கு ஆள் ஆய் இனி அல்லேன் எனல் ஆமே? "

Meaning:

O crazy one! O the one who is wearing the crescent moon! O the great one! O the one who bestows blessings! You have installed yourself in my mind. I remember you always without forgetting in any manner. O father in the temple in the town of Vennai ~nallur on the southern banks of the Pennai river! How can I say any more that I am not your slave?

"Ah!"

"Enna achu en kanne?(What happened my dear?) Are you hurt? Are you in pain?"

"I am fine my lord. It seems your offspring agrees with you. He/She is kicking in my womb and praying to Shiva. Just see your son/daughter will contribute to manifesting your dreams. Your son/daughter will play a major role in visualizing your dreams."

"Ha ha. It seems my son/daughter has already started planning ahead. By Shiva's blessings I hope that it happens. We will see that soon kanne. We will be living in that reality in a few years. Kanne. " 

#vanathi #ponniyin selvan #vanathiarulmozhi #ps1 #ps2 #chola #shiva #nataraja #vanmozhi #arulmozhi #arulmozhivarman #rajarajacholan #kundhavai #vanthiyathevan #ponniyinselvanoneshot #ponniyinselvanfanfic

[harinishivaa]

Chapter 3: Inner Ramblings (Sambandham: War of Hearts)

Links to:

Prologue- https://www.tumblr.com/harinishivaa/741119072854573056/prologue-sambandham-war-of-hearts?source=share

Chapter 1- https://www.tumblr.com/harinishivaa/741675299243261952/chapter-1-starting-fresh-sambandham-war-of?source=share

Chapter 2- https://www.tumblr.com/harinishivaa/743447339726995456/chapter-2-picturesque-sambandham-war-of-hearts?source=share

******

Two weeks later

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

"Thiju!"

Kshithija's eyes met Nila's bright, lucid eyes, shining with an excitement that the former was sure was reflected in her own eyes. Nila had matured even more, her hair in a loose ponytail, long, swishing around behind her back in her excitement. Her beauty had a glow to it, the glow that only romantic feelings acknowledged, accepted and returned could give one.

Had Aditya asked her out?

Kshithija thought all of this, as she embraced her sister tightly. Nila often felt like a part of Kshithija's heart, an integral part of it. Without Nila, her heart would not be complete, just like without Arun, her heart had no blooming. Even through the harsh rejection, and the many years it had been since she had been in anything more than vague and distinct contact with him and his family, he still ran through her heart and veins, like he had never left it.

And he hadn't. She had tried to be as with-the-flow in healing as possible. Though loving him from many thousand miles away was very different from loving him when in close contact. And she doubted the intensity between them would have died down; in fact, if she could hazard a guess, it was going to be much more intense. More than it had ever been.

How she could guess that she had not divined yet, but she knew her gut too well to doubt it anymore.

"What is it, Vaandu?" Nila asked very affectionately, giving Kshithija a knowing look, tinged with some shyness rare in her.

"Did you end up getting a date, Akka?" Kshtihija whispered, not wanting her uncle, who she had embraced earlier to hear just yet. The delightful blush on Nila's face, splashing across her bronzed skin told Kshithija that Aditya had finally asked Nila out. "Oh! He finally asked you out then."

"He did," Nila agreed, the dark blush filling her cheeks, as she looked at Kshithija, the latter smiling brightly.

"What great news to get as I return, Akka. May you always always be happy," Kshithija wished her cousin, hugging her once more, before both grabbed the suitcases and wheeled it to the car, Kshithija more than ready to return home, to the safety of the place she grew up in.

Kshithija was curled up in her favourite nook on the first floor of her house, the couch as comfortable as her usual bean bag back at London. She looked at the book open on her lap, smiling at the worn out pages. She had read this multiple times for comfort, and somehow felt the urge to pick up the book at that moment.

If she thought deeply, she would know why she was in this state; it had everything to do with Arun, with having to meet Arun again. Maybe not immediately, but they ran in very similar social circles, that meeting him socially would happen at some point. Further, the closeness of the two families also guaranteed that she would have to meet him in informal family gatherings.

Since the loss of her father, her Periappa and Sundar uncle, Arun's father, had bonded even more. While both had been close before, the loss of Appa had sealed the friendship in a deeper, more instinctual way than ever before. When they teamed up, it was known that they could win any argument. Given that she was still the heir of her father's company, and Arun was going to be Managing Director eventually, she suspected matchmaking endeavors.

Would she be able to deal with them? She was after all well aware of the ways this set up will happen. And worse, if Iramathi wanted it to happen even now. Kshithija's affection for Iramathi had not receded by any means, and she was aware she was often a pushover, especially with people she loved. But one thing she had gotten with clarity during her time away was perspective.

Iramathi was loving, but she was also not above pushing people together if she thought it would help her family and the mega empire they ran. Aditya could be ruthless sometimes, despite being gentle as well when needed, though it was not the case every time it was needed. Paavai was a little firecracker, and her two brothers often spoiled her, which often gave her a sense of superiority, despite the genuineness that ran in her. Kalyaani was quiet, but could be very cunning when needed. And Arun...

Arun was more morally righteous and truthful than any of his siblings. But he also had a habit of not trusting anyone easily, despite having known them for a long time. While there was nothing wrong with being cautious, there was wrong with actually believing rumours more than the friendship that had been shared for many years.

She sighed to herself. This was the exact path she did not want herself in, and she had, of course found herself venturing into it. Being a psychologist could not prevent her from completely getting over her overthinking habits, it could only help her understand who could advise and guide her through it, leading to healing.

What was she to do though, if such a situation came up?

"Thiju!"

Kshithija was bought out of her thought spiral by her younger brother, who bounded in and plopped down next to her. They were best friends, having only one and a half years between them.

"Yes Kumara?" she asked, playfully rolling her eyes, giggling at his mock offended look. "What do you need me for, mischief maker?"

"Thiju, we both know that you are the biggest mischief maker between the two of us," he nudged her, making her laugh in agreement, responding, "That is a secret!"

The two siblings basked in the cheerful silence, before Kumaran again broke it.

"The social events of the year are starting, Thiju. In about a month," Kumaran announced. Kshithija knew well that he was aware that she had kept herself informed of all this.

"And?"

"And, Periappa hopes you would join us this time," Kumaran said softly. "But you must know..."

"Arun will be there," she sighed softly. She took in the concerned look her brother threw at her, and squeezed his arm, saying, "Well, I will have to meet him at some time, don't I?"

andha vezham nokkida, ingu thaazhai nokkida, oru mouna kaaviyam pirakka

******

Glossary:

andha vezham nokkida, ingu thaazhai nokkida, oru mouna kaaviyam pirakka- That elephant approached, as did the thaazham flower; that meeting gave birth to a silent epic of sorts.

@thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijayasena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee @vijayasena Please let me know your thoughts!

#ponniyin selvan #vanathi #arulmozhi #kundavai #vanthiyathevan #aditha karikalan #ponniyin selvan 2 #vanathiarulmozhi #vanmozhi #nandini #iladitha #iladaamaadeviyar #arunmozhi varman #kshithijaarun #desi writing #desi stories #desi tumblr #writers of the world #writers of tumblr #sambandham

[harinishivaa]

Of Babies, Cookies and Love

@yehsahihai and I are back with yet another collab! It is SUPER LONG, so enjooooyyyyyy.

Arun- Arulmozhi Varman

Kshithija- Vanathi

****

“We really should do something about it, shouldn’t we?” Aditya asked Nandhini, who was playing with their daughter Srija. “They helped us get ourselves together and understand that we really want each other.”

Nandhini briefly paused, wondering for a second whom he was referring to before wincing slightly and saying, “I’d say we should, but I am seriously considering if it is worth the headache we will have to go through to get them together.”

“Areyy-”

Aditya was interrupted from finishing the rest of his statement as his nine month old daughter loudly squealed in joy as her mother’s fingers found a particularly ticklish spot on her stomach. He stopped, admiring her rosy cheeks and dark eyes, the latter inherited from him, the shape round and wide like her mother’s.

He did not realize his wife now smirking at him, her expression one of amusement. 

“You were saying, Adi?”

“Nandhu, come on. They need to be together. It is tiring even the parents on both sides out, and Kaveri has already planned half of Thija’s baby shower by now.”

Nandhini waved him off, as she said, “Please. I’ve got a whole binder of their wedding arrangements planned, plus her bridal trousseau and his too.” 

Aditya laughed as he heard his Nandhini say that, before realising that she was in fact not laughing. “Wait, you’re serious?”

She nodded in affirmation.

“Oh wow… I may have a bachelor party trip planned for Arun, like Zindagi Na Milenge Dobaara,” he said, half sheepish but not really sorry. 

She rolled her eyes, but smiled, giving away the fondness she felt. She knew he would! Plus Deva had helped. 

“We really do need to get them together don’t we?” 

Aditya grinned as he recognised the glint in her eyes, Scooching to be closer to her. “What are you thinking?”

***

“Arun please. You know I wouldn’t call you for this unless it was really an emergency.”

“Anna, you know that I work late on Fridays na? Then why?”

“Arun please. Plus you can work from here right?”

Arun groaned as his anna kept persisting, wondering if it would be too rude to just cut the call right there. 

“Anna-”

“Thija will be there as well.”

Arun stilled instantly as he heard that, internally cursing his anna for being so perceptive. He knew that whatever he had been feeling for her for a while now was more than just friendship, but the fact that even Aditya anna and Kaveri akka had picked up on it……

He was beginning to think he was a terrible actor.

Snappily he asked, “Why does that matter?”

Aditya grinned at the phone, easily picturing his brother’s disgruntled expression and blush that seemed to spring up whenever Thija was mentioned. 

“Oh it doesn’t. I’m just saying it because she can help you so you don’t have to worry so much about looking after Sri through the night.”

Arun huffed, before giving in, realizing it was a lost cause. Plus he did love his niece the most, and so did she, despite whatever akka might say.  

“Fine. But you owe me for this. Big time.”

“Whatever you say, kuzhandhai,” Aditya teased, cutting the call thankfully. Arun sighed. Srija and Thija in one night?

How could he even think of work?

He called his secretary, asking him to cancel all his work for the evening. He should groom a little before going.

****1

Kshithija had been called by Nandhini to babysit her god daughter Srija, the light of her life. She would be spending time with Arun too, for they had been asked together, for some reason. Not that she minded. 

Arun was one of her best friends, and she loved being around him. She tried not to name the butterflies that danced in her every time he was mentioned around her, every time she thought of him, or any time he was as much in her vicinity. He was her best friend’s brother, her other best friend, and it was not done by girl code. Though Kavi had been pushing her towards Arun often, now that she thought of it. 

She should not be thinking about this, but here she was.

Logically she knew that asking him out was the next step. She also knew however, that if he did not return her feelings, she would be left feeling terrible which would then make him feel terrible which would then mean..

Ughh, it was too much to think of. It would be a cycle of misery for both if he rejected her. 

She parked her car, turning it off and grabbing the cookies she had baked for Aditya, Nandhini and Arun. 

Maybe they could share it as dessert.

Arun’s car was already there. Damn it, now she had no time to prepare herself. She knew he worked longer hours on Fridays, so that he could take Saturday off, and had planned accordingly, but now…

She immediately smiled as she saw Nandhini and Aditya exit their home, knowing how rare it was that they got to go out these days, with Sri being so young. 

Nanadhini reached her first, immediately pulling her into a hug, followed by Aditya.

“Well, you look nice”, Naadhini said, giving a once over to Thija who immediately felt a blush rose as she realised what was being implied.

“Oh shush”, she retorted. “I should be saying that to you.”

Aditya’s grin widened as he saw the box in Thija’s hands, as he asked, “Are those cookies?”

She nodded, prompting an exchange of very suspicious looking grins from the couple in front of her. 

“What?”, she asked defensively.

“Nothing, nothing. Arun is already inside, so if you need anything he’ll be there ok? Bye”, Nadhini threw over her shoulder as she walked with Aditya towards their car, still grinning in that all too suspicious manner.

Did they suspect her feelings for Arun?

Her cheeks turned red at the very thought. Shaking it off, she walked into their house, closing and locking the door, knowing that both had their keys on them. Slipping off her footwear, she checked herself in the hallway mirror and took a deep breath. 

“He is your best friend, Thiju,” she whispered to herself, before walking to the living room, where she was sure Arun would be with Srija. 

“Hey you…” she paused at the entrance of the living room, her breath completely knocked out of her chest. Her eyes could only gaze in pure love and adoration at the blissful sight in front of her. Arun sat on the floor, his knees propped up, Srija cradled there, his two hands holding on to his niece incredibly tenderly. He had gotten rid of his shirt, now only in a black vest and jeans, his strong, well built arms flexing with the amount of control he was applying, something he made look easy. He was pressing his forehead to Srija’s, whispering to her in a baby voice, random nonsense that somehow made sense to him and Srija. 

Oh…

Oh my…

Ishvara!

She was completely head over heels in love with him, wasn’t she?

She could feel her body tremble with the fever of sudden realization, and her mind spun wild images of him with their child; what a doting father he would be. Her lips parted in surprise at her thoughts, as she forced them down, Arun looking at her that exact moment, a smile brighter than the morning sun spreading across his ethereally handsome face. 

Arun knew of course. Somehow it was like he’d developed a sixth sense for her. He knew when she had walked in, and he had felt her gaze piercing him, setting off a low heat that spread through his body, somehow managing to relax him and give him jitters simultaneously. 

“Arun,” Kshithija said, her voice breathy, filling him with thoughts of her breathing his name in gasps and moans. 

“Thiju, there you are,” he turned to his niece, focusing on her sweet eyes, saying in a baby voice, “See, your Kshithija Chitti is also here!”

Srija seemed to understand, for she immediately clapped her hands as best as she could, squealing happily. 

“I am here, chellame,” Kshithija went into Chitti mode, cooing and keeping the box in her hand on the coffee table before scooping Srija up, her hair brushing against Arun’s forearm unplanned. 

Arun stilled ever so slightly at her touch. Damn his heart for doing all sorts of gymnastics around her. And why did she have to be so heart-wrenchingly lovely that he couldn’t even look away for a second? 

He continued to take her in, a flood of emotions and feelings overtaking him as he saw her with Srija in her arms, spinning her around and laughing. Truly, if he could bottle her laugh, he knew he’d be intoxicated for the rest of his life. 

The urge to wrap his arms around her waist and play with Srija along with her was filling his eyes and mind, hurting his heart with just how much he wanted that. 

Wanted her. 

Would she be his if he asked her this very second? Would she let him date her? Take her for street food festivals, long beach walks and drives, take her to exotic places around the world. Would she let him hold her hand every day, cook for her, press her feet when she is tired?

Thija glanced over at him at that moment, raising her brows as though to ask, “What’s wrong?” causing him to quickly shake his head and flash a small smile at her. 

She walked over to him, making him crane his neck in order to see her properly, breath catching as he saw her ginning down at him. 

“Hi”

“Hey”, he said, playing along.

“What happened? You zoned out just now. I saw it. Work?”

“No no. I am not working more for the day,” he said softly, tracing her lovely face with his eyes, like a man parched without water. 

“Hmm, in that case help me out. There’s cookies in that box and-

“There’s COOKIES?”

Thija startled slightly, not expecting the reaction from Arun. Slightly bemused at his sheepish expression she continued, “Yes there’s cookies and they need to go in the fridge.”

“Can I have one?” he asked her hopefully, flashing his famous puppy eyes at her, though they rarely worked on her, for some reason. That very thought made him pout. 

“Only one, Run. The rest is for post dinner,” she laughed sweetly when he hurried to take one.

“Ok but, consider-”

“No. Honestly, one would think you’ve never had sweets the way you pounce on them the moment they’re within reach.”

“But you always make the best desserts”, he partially whined, turning the puppy eyes to max. She remained unmoving. 

“Still no. Go put them in the fridge. And I know how many there are in the box by the way”, she called out as he huffed and walked away with the box. “So don’t even think of sneaking one.”

He placed the box in the fridge, smiling at how well she knew him, and how much she accepted her rights over him. Would she not take it romantically too?

He walked back outside, melting at the sight of Kshithija still cooing at Srija, who was watching the former with wide, happy eyes, squealing when she saw him. 

“Want Chittappa, my darling?” he cooed, taking her from Thija’s arms, but purposely touching the latter’s palms fully. He tried not to smirk at the gasp she let out, glad that he did have that effect on her. 

Kshithija blushed, his touch sending sparks through her. It was almost like he knew… she paused. Wait… he was not the kind to do something like this unless… HE KNEW! 

Of her feelings. 

And he is not the kind to tease a woman like that if they had feelings for him, except if… he too felt something for her… He liked her too?

Hope bloomed within her when she realized that he too felt something for her… could they then build something together?

“Thiju? Thij? Are you okay?” he called out. She came back to reality, looking at him, taking in his concerned eyes. 

“I am Run. I am,” she allowed her affection to peek out in her tone and gaze. 

He nodded, though still seemed skeptical. “Well, what should we do?”

Srija took that moment to grab his hair, yanking at it with all the strength in her body, causing his to wince in pain as he muttered, “Ow, ow, Sri no! We’ve talked about this. You do not- OW!”

Thija burst out laughing at the sight of Arun, now flailing about trying to get a baby to leave his precious hair. 

“Oh I’m glad you find this amusing”, he almost growled at her, trying to gently pry her hands away. To her credit she did not budge, latching on tighter. Arun was sure she had pulled out his hair at this point. The thought almost made him weep. His hair had taken so long to grow and he took such good care of it to make it look good. Plus he had put in extra effort today for Thija and here his own niece, his flesh and blood was ruining it. 

Kshithija laughed, gently reaching up to remove Srija’s hand from his hair, trying not to sigh in contentment at how luscious and soft his hair was. She really wanted to run her hand through his thick curls. How delightful it would be!

“Thank you, Thiju,” he smiled at her, his heart beating fast. Would she not rake her hand through his curls and soothe him after long days of work?

“You’re welcome”, she said, softly, trying to cover her blush at their proximity. Clearing her throat she stepped back, looking at the now-fussy Srija who seemed extremely upset at not having her uncle’s hair to yank on anymore. 

“I-uh. I’m gonna go heat up her milk bottle. Then we can bathe her and put her to bed”

She began to walk over to the kitchen, before realising Arunw as following her. Whirling around she asked, “Arun, what-”

The words dying down as she saw a very sheepish Arun, holding Srija who seemed to be holding the end of her dupatta. 

“She just grabbed on, and I didn’t want her to cry, so…”

She stared for a beat longer before shaking her head and gently prying it away from Srija’s hands, who immediately began to pout as her eyes filled with tears. 

Arun quickly exchanged panicked glances with Thija who seemed to have frozen as she realised that a tantrum was well on its way. 

“Do something!”

“Me? You’re the one who took the dupatta from her. You do something!”

“I’m heating up her milk! She’s in your arms, ergo your responsibility.”

“Did you seriously just use ergo in a conversation?”

Srija took that moment to let out a wail, causing both of them to flinch. Fixing him with a galre that screamed, “Fix this”, Thija turned to look for her bottle. 

He hummed softly to Srija, rocking her in his arms. 

“Chitti is making food for you, see,” he said in a cute voice. “Please don’t cry chellame.”

Srija continued wailing, and he looked desperate. Smirking when Thija turned, he grabbed the end of her dupatta, giving it to Srija, who stopped crying. 

“Run!”

“Yes Thiju?” he said innocently, laughing when she glared at him, though the smile on her lips gave her real thoughts away. 

“I cannot have her fiddling with my clothes and work near the stove at the same time. Take her away.”

This was apparently the wrong thing to say because she burst out crying even louder than before causing Arun to glare at Thija.

“Now look what you’ve done.

“M-Me? YOU GAVE HER MY DUPATTA! This is on you!”

“Can we please deal with the crying child first!?”

“You”, she said poking a finger into his chest. “You are dealing with the child.”

He shot a glare at her, before maneuvering Srija to rest her head on his shoulder as he began to softly pat her back. Pacing the kitchen he quietly began to hum, relief settling in as he realised she had quietened. 

“Manikkam katti, vairam idai katti, aani ponnal seidha vana siru thottil,” he started singing the Pasuram, which he knew his niece loved listening to. 

Kshithija almost froze as she cooled down the milk. His voice… oh his baritone had become smooth like butter, silky in texture, pure love and reverence abundant in the tone, as he sang to calm his niece down. Oh, how his voice made her want to rock against her feet and fall into his arms, sleep on his chest as they cuddled up to Srija together, holding their niece and each other to sleep…

“My sweet girl, see, your milk is ready,” said Thija softly, going close and feeding Srija, the little one refusing to leave her rest. 

Srija promptly turned her head away, refusing to look at Thija, prompting Arun to stifle a snort. 

“Looks like someone’s upset.” 

“Mannupugazh kosalai than, mani vayiru vaaithavane,” Kshithija sang, ignoring Arun, knowing her niece always came around to this song. 

Arun felt time slow down as he heard the melody leave her lips. How was it possible that he had never heard her sing before? How could he have missed this? Her voice seemed to comprise the sunlight itself, his heart being doubly fast the longer he let it linger in his mind. For one moment he pictured it; A time in the future when they would share the same space, lying on their bed, her singing as he held their child. It was overwhelming in the best of ways. 

Kshithija sang to her niece, who finished her milk, Arun burping her gently on instinct alone, still lost in Kshithija. 

“Run? Arun?”

Her call of his name brought him back to reality. 

“Shall we bathe her and put her to sleep?”

H nodded, lifting Srija up in the air as she giggled and said, “Let’s go bathe you challeame”

Srija, in fact, did not want to take a bath. No she wanted a water fight. The floor of the bathroom was completely wet, Arun’s hair was dripping water, and his clothes were in a similar state. How could one child cause so much havoc was beyond him. Thija was in a similar state, although she seemed to be enjoying it just as much as the little demoness currently splashing about in her little tub. 

“You”, he said pointing to Srija, who looked up with an expression of perfect innocence, “Are a menace.” 

Thija laughed, a clear bright sound that enchanted him every time, as she responded, “Please. You love her.”

“That does not mean that she is not a menace,” he laughed. 

“True”, she answered as she picked up a squirming Srija, and swaddled her, bumping their noses together as Arun felt his heart grow two sizes too big for his ribcage.

Taking her to her nursery, they quickly dressed her despite her incessant wriggling; Thija couldn’t help feeling as though something was fundamentally shifting between them the longer they stood there, near each other, working seamlessly. Could this be her future? Their future one day?

“Doing up the last button on her onesie, Thija suddenly realised something, turning to face Arun who had already turned towards her. Their foreheads collided, as she winced from the impact, muttering “Ow, ow, ow.”

“Oh gods. Are you ok? Let me see”, came Arun’s slightly panicked voice. 

Waving his hand away she replied, “I’m fine, I’m good. I just realised, now we actually have to get her to-” 

The words faded as Arun's hand made its way to cup her face, looking at her with an odd intensity in his eyes, causing an instant blush to appear on her face. 

“Ar-Arun? What are- What are you doing?” she stuttered as he brought his face closer. He wasn’t going to-

Gently, she felt him bumping his forehead to hers, still staring at her as he whispered, “We’ll grow horns if it only happens once.”

Shaking her head slightly, giddy from his proximity she replied, “You’re such a child.” 

Arun grinned as he fired back, “Please. You love me.”

If only he knew how true it actually was. Feeling her blush intensifying she retorted, “In your dreams Arun.”

“Always,” he whispered.

“I am sorry?” Kshitija blinked. Had he just said always?

“Nothing Thiju, nothing,” he lingered with the touch before moving away reluctantly. 

“Arun,...”

“Come, let us get her to sleep.”

Srija was out like a light, ten minutes later. Sighing in relief, they made their way out of her room, tiptoeing in order to not alert her of their absence. Quietly shutting the door behind him Arun turned to look at Thija who had collapsed on the sofa, turning to look at him with a tired smile on her face. He made his way over to her, poking her side to let her make space for him, prompting a halfhearted glare from her. Settling down he said, “I don’t know how they do it everyday. I’m exhausted and it’s only been a few hours.” 

“I think when it’s about your own child you don’t think about the effort. Just about the happiness that comes with it.”

Arun hummed, throwing his head back in a similar fashion to rest, as Thija cracked open an eye to look at him. 

“Arun. Run. Oye, listen.”

“What?”

“Your clothes. They’re wet. You should change out of them before you catch a cold.”

He got up, grumbling as he realised she was right. Looking over at her kurta, though he had been trying very hard not to, he said, “So should you. I think you got a worse treatment than me.”

“I know. But I genuinely don’t think I can rifle through Nandhini’s closet and try to figure out what I can wear.”

Arun grinned as he got up, telling her, “Wait here.”

Walking into the spare room, that had practically become his with the number of times he stayed over, he looked through the drawers, grinning when he found it. Walking out, he shook Thija gently, feeling his heart melt as she sleepily looked at him. 

“Here. I left it here the last time and didn’t take it back, so…….”

Grinning, Thija took the hoodie from him, craning her neck to look at him, feeling the butterflies erupt at his gesture. 

“You know if I take this, you won’t get it back right?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“You sure?” asked Thija. “I have seen you wear this exact hoodie many times, Run.”

‘That is why I want you to wear it,’ he thought, but out loud, said, “Thiju, wear it, please. It is fine.”

Nodding, she got off the couch, taking the hoodie from his hands, breath hitching as their fingers grazed each other. Walking into the room, she quickly shrugged off her kurta, grabbing a towel to dry herself off before slipping the hoodie on. A wave of instant warmth hit her, as she took in a deep breath, noticing how much bigger it was on her. She was reminded of the warmth and comfort of being under a warm blanket during the rains, as she buried her face in the hem of the hoodie noting how it distinctly smelled of his cologne. 

“I am so far gone”, she thought as she walked out, closing the door only to look up and see Arun staring at her, the same intensity from earlier returning to his eyes.

By Ishvara, had he done the right thing? 

She looked like she was his in his hoodie, and he just… wanted to gather her in his arms and kiss her beautiful face, hold her and never let her go. It was as if he had laid a claim on her with her use of his favourite hoodie. 

How could words do justice to the beauty she showcased in that moment? With loose hair, a pair of palazzo pants, and his hoodie, she looked homey, cozy and comfortable- a combination that made him feel home, the blush on her face giving him sudden hope. 

Maybe…

Should he ask her out?

Clearing her throat to ease the sudden tension that was building up, she asked, “Do you- Do you want to eat dinner now? Or the cookies?”

Raising one eyebrow at her, Arun teased, “Are you suggesting we eat dessert for dinner Thiju?”

Goodness, the blush was becoming a permanent fixture on her face at this rate. Pulling herself up she retorted, “If you don’t want to Arun that’s fine. More for me.” 

He stared for a beat, then another, then

“ME FIRST”

“NO WAY”

Scrambling their way to the kitchen, the skidded to a stop in front of the fridge, reaching for the box at the same time. Glaring at him she tugged the box towards her, announcing, “I made them so I get them.”

Unrelenting he tugged it back, scowling as he said, “Given that I reached it first, I get it.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.”

She narrowed her eyes at him for a second, suddenly darting her hand out to tickle his side, knowing exactly his weak spots after years of friendship. Yelping he quickly swatted her hand away leaving the box free to be wrenched out of his grasp.

“YESSSSS!”

Arun’s mouth fell open as he realised exactly what she’d done. Walking over to her, he quickly spun her around, pleased at the little gasp she let out as he bent to lift her in his arms.

“Arun, this is not funny! PUT ME DOWN”

“Give me the box and I will.”

She spluttered for a moment, giving him enough time to note how perfectly she fit against him. 

“Absolutely not.” 

He shrugged, saying “Fine. Then I’ll just-

Feinting dropping her, he let out a low grunt as her free arm came to wrap around is neck, fingers digging into the skin most likely leaving a mark. Not that he was complaining. 

“Fine, fine”, she gasped out. “We’ll split. 50-50” 

“Deal?”

“Yes, deal. Now put me down.”

“But I am so comfortable like this,” he pouted at her, not really wanting to let her go. 

“Run…” it was not like she wanted to leave his arms, but any more holding from him, and she would start kissing him wherever she found space to. 

“Okay,” he half pouted, seating her on the couch and plopping down right next to her, pressing his thigh to hers as casually as he could. 

Thija stopped breathing for a second as she felt the warm press of his body against hers. This whole evening was starting to feel like they’d stepped into uncharted waters and she wasn’t sure that there was any way to turn back. 

Still in her mind, she didn’t register Arun calling out to her, until he poked her side, eliciting a very undignified yelp from her. 

“What?”

“Cookie?”

“You are unbelievable.”

He grinned; the same broad one that always sent her heart into a tizzy as he held out the treat to her. Muttering a soft thank you, she took it from his hands, smiling in pride at the appreciative groan he let out. 

“Have I ever told you that you make the best desserts?” 

“Many times.”

“Good. Because it’s true.”

Her answering smile was enough to cause a swarm of butterflies to erupt in his chest, even more so as he felt her slowly lean into his space. Holding his breath he waited till she had fully settled against his shoulder to exhale, resting his cheek against the top of her head as they both sat there in content silence. 

Mustering up the courage he said, “We should do this again. Without the kid, I mean.”

She froze as she heard the words from him, slowly sitting up to look at him properly, causing his heart to work double time in his chest as he mentally cursed himself. He was just about to take it back when-

“Like a date?”

Thija waited for his response, her heart pounding in her chest as she saw him momentarily go silent, opening her mouth to speak, before he beat her to it. 

“Yes. Yes, exactly like a date.”

She giggled at that, a familiar warmth blooming throughout his body as she settled back against him and said, “Well, as far as asking someone out goes that was absolutely terrible. But yes, Arun, I will go on a date with you.”

Arun laughed, a full bodied laugh that vibrated through him and sent reverberations through her as well. Feeling the brush of his lips against her temple, she heard him say, “Trust me Thija. I will more than make up for it, as long as you let me have you.” 

*******

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijaysena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee sorry to all those I forgot to tag!  Let me know your thoughts.  

#ponniyin selvan #arulmozhi #kundavai #vanathi #vanathiarulmozhi #nandini #aditha karikalan #ponniyin selvan 2 #vanthiyathevan #vanmozhi #modern au #desiblr #desi tumblr #desi aesthetic

[harinishivaa]

Ch 3- Hopes and Wishes ( Kaavyam )

@vibishalakshman and I are backkk!

*****

Vishva was in a hurry to get home. His cousin, Suresh, had let slip that Jeevika would be at his house with Kaamaakshi that day, and he wanted to see her, especially after the long day he had, coupled with a bad feeling of something big coming his way, case wise.

He rushed in through the door, hastily taking off his shoes. His sister smirked at him and made an excuse to leave at that moment, exiting into the kitchen and leaving him alone with Jeevika.

*”Vishva! Hey,” she smiled softly, her sweet voice like nectar to his tensed self. He automatically relaxed, leaning into the couch next to her, just needing to be close.

"Hello, Jeevika," he said softly. He ran his eyes over her face, wondering how it was possible for any woman to look this beautiful.

“Are you okay?”

Her gentle concern filled his heart with delight, her warm gray eyes making him smile in delight almost. 

“I am… now.”

Her small smile melted his heart instantly. He would do anything for her to be his- but he'd rather he suffer without her than make her suffer with him.

“Home, hmm?” She smiled softly. “You know, this home is like home to me too?” 

He brightened. Was it really?

"You're practically family, Jeevika." He whispered. Oh, if only he could really make her family.

“Really? Practically family? Akka and Anna have been pushing me to move in, actually,” she blushed.

Oh, he'd love it if she moved in! But could he really see her every day at home and resist the urge to take her into his arms and kiss her?

*”I don’t want to push myself into living here though, Vishva. I would be a burden for you all,” she said sadly, diverting him from his work stress with purposeful words that made him suddenly realize what she was doing.

"A burden? Why would it be a burden?" He asked, confused. When had Jeevika ever been a burden to him or his family?

“No no, I’m not saying you think of me as one. I am saying, what if I become one?” She said softly. “I love being here, but what if you three get bored of me? What then?”

"We could never get bored of you," he said firmly, "You don't get bored of family. That's not how it works."

She smiled softly. 

“I’m glad you think of me so, Vishva,” she reached out to pat his hand. “Now tell me, what’s bothering you. You can’t hide from family, right?”

He gave her a tired smile. "Just a bad feeling about work." He frowned, "I need to talk to Varun to see if he feels the same."

“He will be here soon, he said,” Jeevika responded. “He has just gone to get me chocolate ice cream. I was craving, and.."

"And Varun can never resist you." He said with a knowing smile.

“Best friend’s charm,” she giggled softly. “Hey, I am making him peach cobbler in return, so…”

"Would I like some? Absolutely." He smiled. Jeevika was, in his not so humble opinion, the absolute best at cooking. He would never turn down food from her.

“I kept you in mind before offering it for him too,” she laughed. “It will be enough for the whole group of us.”

"Good. Akka and Anna will get mad otherwise."

“Okay so, I have been thinking to do a food drive to raise money for the cancer patients at the Apollo cancer ward. What do you think?”

"I think that's a great idea." He said, smiling at her kindness.

“Will you help?” She looked at him with such beautifully hopeful eyes. How could he deny her?

"Of course I will." He said softly. More time with Jeevika and helping people in need? He would never refuse.

She smiled at him and was about to ask something, when of course someone interrupted. 

“Jeevi!”

“Yes Anna?” Jeevika turned to Aakaash, who had just come out of his room, or man cave as Vishva teased him. 

“Will you ask the designer to come for the event? I want to thank her for such a perfect suit. Really, it fits like a glove.”

Vishva laughed at his brother. "Finally decided to make an appearance?"

Jeevika smiled at him, elbowing Vishva. "I already planned to, Anna."

“You read my mind, baby sister. Vaalu, you just came home da. How was your day?” Aakaash looked at Vishva in concern, just as Kaamaakshi came out. 

“Well, dinner is almost done,” she smiled softly. “We are having peas pulao, and Jeevi’s potato karamadhu.”

"Nothing, Anna, don't worry. And I'm starving, so let's go eat!" He said cheerfully.

****

Vishva frowned, tensed as he heard the details of the case. His bad feeling had inteunsified that morning, despite seeing Jeevika’s lovely face.

He looked up as Varun walked in, sighing in relief.

"Varun!" He called him over.

Varun walked towards Vishva, frowning at his friend’s tense frame. 

“What happened? You were smiling this morning at the house?”

"Do you have...a bad feeling that something is going to come up?" He asked, rubbing his forehead. It had slowly turned into somewhat of a headache for him.

“I did, actually…” Varun said slowly. “What’s going on?”

He shook his head. "I don't know... the Commissioner wanted us to take a case and I've been feeling off about it. He just handed me the file, I've yet to look in it. Didn't want to start without you."

“I’m here, let’s do this.” 

Varun sat next to Vishva, the latter opening the file, and both reading the details, horrified.

"So our uneasiness was justified." He groaned.

"You bet it was."

“Let’s start then, Varun,” Vishva said, taking over once more, focused completely.

****

Pandimaa poured over her recent designs, crumpling the paper and throwing it away. Her room was filled with various pictures: dresses, awards, designs- all interspersed with pictures of her foster brother and Aakaash from when she was in college.

The sound of the shop opening reached her ears. She had to go and attend to a customer it seems. 

She walked out, only to hear a familiar voice say, “are we at the right place, Jeevi?”

“Yes Akka, I am sure of it,” came a sweet voice.

Her eyebrows furrowed. It almost sounded like Kaamaakshi- the girl was only a year younger than her, born three years after Aakaash. They had shared a lot of classes together.

"Welcome to Authentic Madurai, how may I help you?" She asked sweetly.

Kaamaakshi’s eyes widened. 

“Pandimaa? Is that you?”

So it was Kaamaakshi. She smiled and invited them inside. "Considering your shock, I'm going to guess your friend brought you here?"

“She did. Pandimaa, this is Jeevika. Jeevi, this is Pandimaa, you would have heard about her from Anna,” said Kaamaakshi frankly. 

“I have indeed! It’s a pleasure to meet you. Aakaash Anna loved the suit!” Jeevika said. “It was I who ordered it for him. He keeps… forgetting, apparently.”

She sounded incredibly skeptical when she said that.

Pandimaa blushed. "He might have just wanted you to do it." She said, "Do you want some tea?"

“That would be lovely,” Kaamaakshi smiled. 

“He absolutely did, so that he can make me order Vishva and Varun’s too,” Jeevika said. “He does not have an assistant, so I basically seem to have become a fusion of people for these two siblings.”

Pandimaa laughed, pouring them some green tea. "How are you both?"

“We are good. How are you? Where have you been?” Kaamaakshi said. “Anna kept searching for you. He was nearing the thought of asking Vishva to find you.”

Nandhini's heart melted. He'd searched for her? Really? She had assumed he would have moved on after a while. Hoped, really.

"An anonymous person got me in touch with my birth family in college and I moved away." She said. "I finished most of my education abroad and then moved to Madurai to start my own fashion business. I managed to get back in touch with Anna but not... not Aakaash."

“Do you want to get back in touch with Anna? Becoming the CEO made him have to shift into private numbers and emails,” Kaamaakshi said apologetically. “But he did try to find you. Jeevi even knows all about it.”

Pandimaa bit her lip softly. "I don't want to interrupt his life if it's going fine without me," she said firmly, "But if he wants me, then yes."

“He always wants you,” Jeevika said. “I have heard a lot about you from him in our late night Maggi sessions.”

So clearly he and Jeevika were close. She figured as much from the internet, which hinted at potential romances between Jeevika and someone in the family but Pandimaa had paid it no mind. People commonly speculated whom celebrities were dating.

"I'd love to reconnect with him then," she smiled, a text on her phone gaining her attention.

“Then come for our event? Let Anna meet you as a surprise from Jeevi and I?” Kaamaakshi said, pulling out the invite.

"Hm?" She said, shooting a quick reply after frowning. "Oh! Yes, I'd love to."

“Here you go. The dress code is inside,” smiled Kaamaakshi. “Let’s exchange numbers, and Jeevi and I will get going.”

Pandimaa smiled and nodded before handing over her phone. "Just type your number in. And I have Jeevika's too, from when she placed the order."

Kaamaakshi typed the digits in, saving her number and smiling. 

“Send me a text, yes?”

"Sure," she nodded, shooting her a quick 'Hi'.

“It was good to see you, Pandu,” Kaamaakshi smiled, hugging her gently. “Let’s go, Jeevi.”

Jeevika smiled and said her own goodbyes before both left, arms linked and giggling about something like best friends do.

Pandimaa smiled down at the invitation and opened up to see the dress code. Oh, she could work with this.

****

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijaysena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @yehsahihai @ragkee sorry to all those I forgot to tag!  Let me know your thoughts.  

#arulmozhi #ponniyin selvan #vanathi #kundavai #vanthiyathevan #aditha karikalan #ponniyin selvan 2 #vanathiarulmozhi #vanmozhi #nandini #nanditha #vanthiyavai #modern au #kaavyam

[harinishivaa]

A Brother’s Advice

The much anticipated sequel to a brother’s eyes.

******

Aditha sat with his elbow on his knee and his hand on his chin, tilting his head to look at his pacing brother. In that moment, Arulmozhi looked like a caged tiger, which partially amused Aditha.

“Arulmozhi, ippo enna aagivittadhu endru ippadi paigirai? (Arulmozhi, what happened now, that you are almost pouncing, like a tiger),” Aditha asked, looking at Arulmozhi, who paused and looked back at Aditha.

“Ennavendru theriya villai, Anna (I don’t know what it is, Anna). I feel like something in me is about to burst,” Arulmozhi said, looking confused. “There is something within me that is fluttering and insisting on coming out, something which I have maybe locked out of me.”

Aditha smiled softly, and patted the seat next to him, where Arulmozhi came and sat, looking as confused as a little boy.

“What do you think of Vanathi, Mozhi?” Aditha adopted the old nickname he had given for his younger brother, who had loved the Tamizh language with a deep passion since he was a boy of four years.

“Anna, you too?”

“It is not just Kundavai and I, Mozhi, not even just the elders, but it seems like Chozha Nadu is waiting for you and Vanathi to marry,” Aditha said gently, uncharacteristically of him. “And that is why I asked you what you think of her.”

“Anna..” Arulmozhi falters, but seeing the encouraging expression on Aditha’s face, continues. “When I first saw Vanathi, I was captivated by her gentleness and the kindness in her eyes. Her calmness, her skills, she was talked about a lot by Akka, Patti, and even Amma, who has never actually tried to make me do anything, instead allowing me to make my own choices. But Amma was actually firm about Vanathi being my bride, and it confused me. Added with that, the rumours fueling about Periya Velar Mama wanting Vanathi on the throne…”

“Mozhi,” Aditha ached, understanding what he had said, wrapping an arm around his younger brother. “My little brother, listen to me. When I fell in love with Nandini, she consumed my Soul, and she still does. Without her, I am unsure if I can be a King. She is my Queen. I would have refused a marriage, for next to me, I can only seat Nandini, for that is how my heart sees it. It is up to you how you view your future Queen.”

Arulmozhi sighed heavily.

“Anna, when I saw her for the first time, she imprinted herself in me. Though I tried, I could simply not forget her. She lived in me through every attempt I had trying to forget her… in Nature too, it is her I see.. But what if she wants the throne? Would it not be better to distance myself?”

Aditha’s heart tore at the uncertainty his Mozhi felt about love. This was definitely taken from what had happened in his life, and now, he wished he had been there earlier to explain the joys of love to Arulmozhi.

“Thambi, listen to me carefully. Irrespective of what happened between Nandini and I, the time she and I were together was the happiest of my life. She ground me to the Earth, brought stability to a reckless Prince. But her loss triggered much worse, and that is why I am this way. I understand that this is what makes you afraid, but I also know you are caught in the balance of love and duty. Unmaiyana kaadhal un vazhiyai maraikkadhu, adharku thunivaiyum theermanathaiyum tharum (True love will not block your way, instead, it will give you the courage and determination to follow it). Think of Vanathi as a person, based on what you know. Talk to her, thambi, and see what is in her heart. The heart of a person cannot lie, and that is why, despite the betrayal and anger, I will never stop loving Nandini.”

“Anna, Vanathi oru paarvaiyale ennai pidithuvittal. Avalum naanum, idhu varaiyum, oruvar oruvarai paarvaiyaale mattum pesi kondirukkirom (Anna, Vanathi captures me with one single glance. She and I have so far only communicated with silent glances). I know I need to talk to her, Anna. I do. But I also feel that she has given me a glimpse of her tender heart through her eyes, and I am reeling from all the emotions that I missed.”

Aditha nodded, and said, “I thought so, considering the fact that you kept stealing glances at her, despite ignoring her half the time too.”

At this, Arulmozhi looked so chastened and sad that Aditha didn’t have the heart to lecture his brother on something he seemed to have known.

“What should I do, Anna?”

Aditha smiled, starting to tell Arulmozhi his thoughts, and allowing his brother to modify it based on what the latter knew of Vanathi.

*****

“What is taking them so long?” Kundavai was now pacing, causing Aditha to smile in amusement at her similarities to their younger brother.

“Kundavai, have patience, something you are known for,” he responded dryly, laughing at the glare she gave him. “They have to talk things through, so give them the time they need.”

“I will Anna… I am just excited and hopeful, but also worried,” she said, sitting down next to him once he patted the seat.

“It will be a positive result, I know it,” he smiled knowingly, and Kundavai looked at him curiously, about to lay down a list of questions at his feet, when the sounds of two sets of feet reached his ears.

“They are coming, sister,” he said, looking to the chamber’s entrance, heart leaping at the pure happiness on his brother’s face, an expression mirrored on Vanathi’s.

Kundavai walked towards Vanathi, having read the answers on her uyir thozhi’s face, and hugged her tightly, a hug that was returned fervently. As the two friends celebrated a fond wish come true, Arulmozhi walked towards Aditha, relaxed and content.

“Thambi?”

“Thank you, Anna. I now know what Vanathi means to me and what I mean to her,” he hugged Aditha, the latter embracing Arulmozhi tightly, glad to see the glow on the faces of both his brother and Vanathi.

Now to keep his internal promise to Nandini!

—————

Did I just sort of write NanDitha parallels with VanMozhi? Yes, yes I did.

Will I keep doing it? Yes, I probably will.

Did I purposely skip the VanMozhi? Yes, but if enough of you want, I can write it :p

@vibishalakshman @rang-lo @thelekhikawrites @ragalata @whippersnappersbookworm @lotus27 @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @dumdaradumdaradum @willkatfanfromasia Please forgive me if I forgot to tag you, anyone!

#arulmozhi #ponniyin selvan #vanathi #kundavai #vanathiarulmozhi #karikalan #nandini #vanthiyathevan

[khushireadsandrambles]

Vanathi's Misery (Part 2)

"Ilaiyapiratti! Ilavarasae! Ilavarasi Vanathi– she's drowning!"

Arulmozhi felt his breath stop as soon as he heard the frantic words of Senthan Amudhan. Not caring about his weakness, his legs turned on his own as he barrelled down the stairs towards the river.

Vanathi's innocent and joyous smiled filled in his vision. His gentle Vanathi, who could not hurt even a fly. The thevarams she had sent him always ever so secretly; the letters which he never replied, started ringing in his mind.

"Ilavarasae!!" He heard a female voice cry out but before anyone could stop him, he dove into the water.

He needed to save her, he needed to save his Vanathi.

.

Vanathi felt herself going down and down in the deep waters as the sunlight reflected the water blue. She saw various plants which can only grow in water gently flowing with water. turning around, she noticed a little goldfish opening and closing its mouth, taking in the oxygen to stay alive.

Smiling sadly, she inhaled and opened her mouth, the water gushing into her lungs and nostrils and it made her choke, The oxygen supply was cut which made her surrounding blurry and she felt losing consciousness.

'Finally, I will be with you, Amma and Appa.'

.

Arulmozhi frantically searched for Vanathi in the water. Whipping his head to other side, he saw something yellow lying. He immediately turned and swam towards it, realising it was Vanathi. His eyes burned with tears when he saw the same small and gentle smile. He picked her limp body in his muscular arms and jumped, swimming towards the surface.

"Paah!!" Gasping heavily for the air, he pulled her body with him and walked out hurriedly, dropping down when Kundhavai and others ran towards them.

"Vanathi! Vanathi!" He tapped her cold cheeks while she laid limp in his arms, her gentle smile etched on her face. "Open your eyes Vanathi! Akka!!" He cried desperately when she didn't opened her eyes.

Senthan hurriedly sat down and picked her arm up, checking her pulse. "Ilavarasae, she is alive. The water has entered her body and we must immediately take her to Choodamani Viharam for treatment. Or else.."

Arulmozhi turned to Poonguzhali whose heart fell seeing tears in his eyes. "Poonguzhali!! The vessel provided by Bikshus is large. Can we all come in it?" He asked her.

"Y-Yes Ilavarasae." Poonguzhali replied and that was all he needed to know before standing up with her in his arms. Vandiyadevan stepped ahead but Kundhavai held his hand, shaking her head. Looking at Arulmozhi Varman, he smiled and they all soon hurried towards the Choodamani Viharam in the vessel.

"Ammani, thankfully you came at right time. The water had engulfed the Devi's lungs, and she would have lost her life." Bikshu's words passed a shiver down his spine as his eyes were trained upon Vanathi. Vanathi on the other hand gently laid on the bed, unaware of the storm that was brewing in someone's heart.

"Ayya, will she be fine?" Kundhavai asked.

"She will be fine Ammani. She will take time to gain consciousness." The Bikshu said and left.

--

Arulmozhi stared at the soft and baby face of Vanathi with a gentle, nostalgic smile. He remembered the time she had first met him, crying because of the helpless chicks who will die either by the hands of a cat and by falling down the tree. Not seeing any other option, he had brought a elephant and picked up the cat from one branch to other, and also secured the bird's nest. And for that, she had called him "Yaanai Paaga".

A chuckle left his mouth and he frowned when he remembered how he acted with after after knowing she was Kodumbalur Princess. His misinterpretation of her was fuelled by Periya Velar who insistently wanted her and him to marry, and he had thought that she too wished to sit on throne, that was all until she had heard Vanathi and her Akka arguing.

"Vanathi, we are not having that discussion once again. You can't just give away any rights of you!"

"Akka, I do not care. I have told you a thousand times that I do not desire to sit on Chozha throne. I never did." Vanathi had said and Arulmozhi concluded that this conversation was tiring her out.

"But I do! I wish to marry you to my Thambi."

"But does your Thambi wants that?"

He wondered if everything he thought about her was a misconception? That she was different than he thought? His eyes kept trained on her sleeping figure as all the thoughts reeled in his mind. With a sigh, he leaned near her and whispered, "Be ready to answer me when you wake up."

It wasn't long before the bright stars started twinkling in the sky. He was talking with Vandiyadevan when a reluctant Poonguzhali had told him that Ilaiyapiratti seeked his presence as Vanathi had woken up. Arulmozhi immediately got up and strode towards her room with urgency with Vandiyadevan and Poonguzhali in his tow, only to see Vanathi weakly talking with Kundhavai.

Kundhavai noticed his presence. "Thambi! See, this foolish girl has finally woken up." Kundhavai said and turned to Vanathi. "Don't you ever do that again, hmm? You almost took my life with you!"

'And mine too.' he wanted to say but didn't.

"Akka," Kundhavai hummed at her brother turning towards him. "Would you mind if I exchange a few words with her? In privacy." He asked and smiling internally, Kundhavai nodded before standing up and regally strolling out, taking Vandiyadevan, Senthan and Poonguzhali with her.

Arulmozhi sat beside Vanathi's half sleeping figure, and looked at her to which she turned her head away. Gently grabbing her by her chin he turned her face towards him, taking her by surprise.

"Why did you do that Vanathi?"

———————————

@thatacademic @dumdaradumdaradum @vibishalakshman @kovaipaavai @dr-scribbler @hollogramhallucination @willkatfanfromasia

do tell me your thoughts

#ponniyin selvan #desi culture #arulmozhi #vanathi #arulmozhi varman #fanfic #vanathiarulmozhi #trisha kundhavai #kundhavai

[khushireadsandrambles]

Vanathi's Misery

Note:- All parts done

"She definitely did it deliberately."

Vanathi's mind reeled woth the several whispers she had heard behind her back. Varini, Niravathi, Tharika, Sendhiru, everyone of Kundhavai Pirattiyar's handmaidens whispered ill about her behind her back.

"I agree with Niravathi! That snake managed to take Ilavarasar and Ilaiya Piratti's attention."

"If Ilaiya Piratti intends to marry this foolish Vanathi to Ponniyin Selvare, I will poison and kill her!"

She closed her eyes as tears escaped them when she reminisced how venomously Varini has said all those words.

"Its all because of you, you foolish girl! Had you not dropped the Valakku Pattu the Prince would have been alive and safe. You are a misfortune, an ill omen!! Why don't you die!?"

Niravathi's hateful words when Ponniyin Selvar's news of drowning reached to Pazhayarai rang inside her ears. Clasping her palms around her ears, she shut her eyes tightly, she cried out.

"Niravathi is probably right. It was my fault that I panicked and dropped the Pattu." Shr cried out.

Currently, Vanathi was at Anaimamgalam of Nagaipattinam. She has came with Ilaiya Piratti Kundhavai and has sacrificed her sleep by serving an ill Arulmozhi Varman day and night. She didn't let him have even a slight discomfort and cared for him, while crying in despair when he was again in the clutches of deep slumber. Those moments when he woke up were happiest moments, and every second when he was asleep felt like Yugas.

"Vanarkula Ilavarasan," Vandiyadevan, who was talking with Poonguzhali and Amudhan turned around to look at Vanathi who stood there with a slightly puffed face and red nose, and immediately concluded she was crying.

"Yes, Ammani? What brings you here?" Vandiyadevan asked while Poonguzhali humphed silently. Vanathi noticed this and looked at Vandiyadevan.

"Do you know where Akka is?"

"Ilaiyapiratti?" Vandiyadevan was confused as to why Vanathi is asking him, when she was basically her shadow. "I saw her going inside her guest Chambers with Ilavarasar, Ilavarasi. Weren't you with her?" He asked.

"No, I was at the back, at Nandhi Mandapam." She said and turned around, walking away.

"Vandiyadeva, what do you think happened to Ilavarasi?" Senthan asked, a bit concerned for her.

Before Vandiyadevan could reply, Poonguzhali said, "What would happen Amudha! She must be thinking about Ponniyin Selvan." She said with a scrunched face and rolled her eyes. Vanathi heard her hateful voice too and ran towards the river that joined Samudhra Rajan ahead. Sitting on the banks she started weeping heavily.

"Mahadeva! Why, pray tell me, why did you wrote heights of misfortune in my Kundali? What was my fault? Why did my Father sacrificed his life in Eezham War when I was born and attained Veera gathi? Why my Mother had to leave me all alone in this world? Why did I casted my misfortune upon Ponniyin Selvar that he suffered from delirious fever?"

Vanathi cried out all of her frustrations as her eyes fell upon the flowing water beneath. Wiping her tears harshly, she stood up with hardened eyes. God knows what roamed in her mind as she walked towards the river and slowly stepped inside, going ahead.

"Amudha, what are you looking at?" Poonguzhali asked when she saw Senthan's blown wide eyes. "Ilavarasi Vanathi! She's drowning!!" Senthan cried making Poonguzhali whip her head towards river. "I must go and tell Ilaiyapiratti and Ilavarasar." Senthan turned to go but Poonguzhali stopped him.

"Why does that matter to you?" She asked him casually making him look at her in disbelief.

"Don't let your jealousy make you a murderer Poonguzhali." Senthan's hard voice took her by surprise as he ran upstairs and immediately was met with Vandiyadevan, Kundhavai and Arulmozhivarman.

"Ilaiyapiratti! Ilavarasae! Ilavarasi Vanathi– she's drowning!"

Before Kundhavai and Vandiyadevan could react, Arulmozhivarman barelled outside and not even acknowledge Poonguzhali, as he ran ahead and dove into the water.

—————————————

Should I post part 2?

@thatacademic @dumdaradumdaradum @vibishalakshman @kovaipaavai @dr-scribbler @hollogramhallucination @willkatfanfromasia do tell me your thoughts

#ponniyin selvan #arulmozhi #vanathiarulmozhi #vanathi #trisha kundhavai #Kundhavai #vandhiya devan #aditya karikalan #desi culture

[harinishivaa]

Chapter 2: Picturesque (Sambandham: War of Hearts)

i am late, but here is chapter 2!

******

Chennai, India

The fire of the Sun had settled into the white of the clouds, spreading through it, burning with a fiery passion, yet much like a nurturing flame, filling the white, the sight enthralling, though some melancholy was attached to it. Arun mused on what it could be, as he painted the view in front of him, having been suddenly inspired after a heavy work day. He had gone through a lot, and had realized, if he kept himself occupied only in his work, he never got any relaxation. Despite his once upon a time thought that work only relaxed him, he had come to realize how burnt out he had become after some months of working almost every waking moment.

His grandmother had suggested he try his hand at any art at that stage, and he had chosen painting, which became his go-to relaxation, though he did often sing as well. Music was a passion of his, one his elder brother often told him that he should pursue, at least on and off, and he kept wondering if he should try to officially make covers of songs he loved. He sang them often enough for his family anyway.

As he finished painting the orange sky, his thoughts travelled to the doe-eyed, gentle woman who he had rejected, harsher than he had ever rejected anyone. Much harsher. Which had caused Kshithija to break away from the entire family, aware that none would really find fault with him, or even tell him he was wrong. He had seen his sister as well as Lokeshvari in tears when they discussed old memories, and the old guilt resurfaced.

He had destroyed the relationships, had he not? The fault was all his. If allowed, he would try to bring Kshithija back into the fold of the family, so that everyone got time with her.

Though, given Aditya's wish to date Nila, Kshithija's cousin, he had no doubt that she would return. However, what made him think she would be close with the family? He knew, better than most maybe, that Kshithija had this way of being friendly without giving much of herself away. And he dreaded the day that would happen with his whole family. It had already happened with him, at least partially.

Taking a deep breath, he searched for his phone, finding it and turning on a random playlist, freezing when the song started playing.

Thelimanam mazhavillin niramaniyum neram Niramarnnoru kanavennil theliyunna pole Puzhayoram thazhukunnee thanu neeran kaattu Pulakangal izhaneythoru kuzhaloothiya pole

He he had to smile at the irony the Universe was throwing at him. Kshithija was a prolific painter, her artwork still hung all over the house, memories of him watching her paint coming to the forefront of his mind and eyes.

For someone who did not like her romantically, he sure had way too many memories of her, and moments with her. It was a given at first that they would interact, given how close his elder sister Iramathi was to Kshithija, but he had not quite expected to get along with her as much as they had. Which made him feel even guiltier for having rejected her so harshly.

What had magnified that guilt was the still gentle and sweet behaviour from Kshithija, though more formal than ever. When she had left, he had felt almost suffocated and relieved all at once, which only confused him further. Who feels such a weird paradox of emotions about a single person?

He, that is who.

Arun sighed, knowing he had gotten deep into his head again. But he could not help it. Recently, he had been thinking a lot, reflecting, and he was displeased, with himself and even many in his family. Definitely not with his mother, because she had pulled him up, and set him on the right path. But he wondered, why had his elder siblings not stopped him? His younger ones had been angry, though not for long. But Ira was supposed to be Kshithija's best friend. And how did Aditya expect Nila to say yes for a date when he had not bothered too much about Nila's cousin sister?

Had his screwup messed up everything for his whole family?

But his mother had told him that every issue cannot be his fault either. He should not take the responsibility for the fault of others. His faults were his, and others were theirs. Even if he was in the wrong, the mistake another chooses to make is theirs. Plus, he also had made enough mistakes that he burned to rectify.

So much so that he had pushed himself to text Nila and ask after Kshithija. He had to, for his heart hurt at the memory of her devastated eyes, dark and at one time shimmering with flecks of gold. He had taken away that brightness, which made him feel worse than he already did. Gulping heavily, as if swallowing huge breaths of air, he continued painting, allowing his heart, veins and feelings to take over.

A short time later, he stared at what he had painted, shocked at the woman who had graced his canvas. This was the first time he had painted a human figure, and somehow, he had painted her. Somehow, his self seemed very familiar with a woman he did not like romantically.

What was going on?

"Anna! Anna!"

Paavai's nightingale voice brought him out of his head, propelling him to hide his painting. He had no desire to show it to anyone without understanding why he had made the painting.

"Yes little one?" he called out teasingly, making her pout at him for a moment, a common expression when the inside joke was brought up.

"Nila Akka just called. Thija Akka is returning to Chennai permanently!"

*****

Translation of song (Malare from Premam):

Thelimanam mazhavillin niramaniyum neram When the sky is decorated with colors of rainbow. Niramarnnoru kanavennil theliyunna pole A colourful dream is blossoming in me Puzhayoram thazhukunnee thanu neeran kaattum Wind blowing through this river side; Pulakangal izhaneythoru kuzhaloothiya pole Is like the tunes from a flute weaved with thrill.

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

@thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijayasena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee @vijayasena Please let me know your thoughts!

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[harinishivaa]

Chapter 1: Starting Fresh (Sambandham: War of Hearts)

Three and a half years later, London

She had done it!

Kshithija had gotten her PhD in psychology, and a license to practice in both the United Kingdom and India, a dream come true for her. She did already have some clients in London, with whom she will be meeting online. At first, she had looked for good spaces across London, wanting to settle there itself, choosing to visit India as often as possible. However, the ill health of her Periappa, who had, along with her Periamma, helped raise her with her dear mother.

Having lost her father at a young age, Kshithija's biggest father figure was her uncle, who did genuinely treat her as his own daughter. She did miss the antics of her brothers and cousins though, and did not want to miss much anymore. Added to that, her dearest cousin Nila had lost her heart to Aditya Vishvanathan, or rather, had finally admitted her feelings to Kshithija, though not to Aditya yet.

The thought of the Vishvanathan family brought with it the trauma Kshithija was slowly healing from, trauma that had not completely gone away. As a psychologist, she knew that healing was not a linear process, but her love for Arun, for the whole family, in fact, had not died down. She doubted it would go away easily, but she had made her peace with him never returning her feelings.

That was the only reason she had agreed to Nila's request that Kshithija meet Iramathi Vishvanathan, the eldest girl in the family. She was well aware of the crush her younger brother Kumaran had on Paavai, the youngest of the five siblings of the family. For their sake at least, Kshithija had to try being friendly with the family once more. She had fought with even Iramathi before she left, and Ira herself had not reached out.

Nila had told Kshithija that, however, Ira was missing the latter, which Kshithija believed. Mostly, at least. Well, nothing like bad experiences to make one bitter, she thought to herself mockingly, scoffing, when her phone suddenly rang loudly, and Kshithija peered at the screen, smiling fondly.

"Nila Akka!" she greeted her elder cousin when she picked it up, her voice finally sounding like bells, a sound that had only recently become more frequent.

"Thiju! Your voice sounds like joy," Nila responded warmly.

"I love you too, Akka. But, what is it, Akka?" Kshithija knew the tonal changes in Nila's voice better than she knew herself.

"Ira wants to talk to you," Nila sighed. It was clear that Nila's barriers of cold politeness was slowly breaking, thanks to her accepting her feelings for Aditya, who had apparently changed over the past three years.

"Why?"

It was sad that Kshithija wanted to know why rather than rejoice that someone from a family she once wished to marry into wanted to talk to her. Additionally, Ira and Lokeshvari, the sister of Deva had been her best friends once upon a time. She missed them, but their closeness with Arun would never have allowed her to heal. She had to put her mental health and heart first.

Not to mention the insane dreams that had started coming to her as she started her PhD, a journey all on its own, giving her proof of things that most would say is fantastical, but things her heart knew was the truth, after three long years of such dreams. It helped that Akshari, one of her best friends, helped confirm Kshithija's theories with her own complimenting ones.

Akshari was one of the few Kshithija had opened up to, Arjun, the third in their trio another one. The latter was one of the few men Kshithija would call her friend, maybe even male best friend. Deva had once been that, but he chose Arun over her.

As expected.

"She genuinely misses you. She and Loka called me in tears almost, Thiju," Nila sighed. "Apparently, the whole family misses you."

"Huh."

Kshithija could not help the scoff that escaped her. As if everyone in the family would miss her. She doubted either of the two brothers, the heartthrob duo of Aditya and Arun would miss her.

"Thiju, I am serious. Arun texted me asking after you."

That caused her to freeze. Arun? Asking after her? She peered at the sky, making sure it had not turned pink, before responding, "But the sky has not turned pink, Akka."

The huff of laughter from Nila told Kshithija that she had hit the mark of amusing her cousin with her now trademark sarcasm. Akshari was to be blamed, Kshithija would teasingly say, though the truth that the latter was the reason Akshari sassed even more was well known in their close circle. Kshithija had become the reason for Akshari to gain more confidence in herself, which delighted the former to no end.

"Thiju, make nice with them, okay? Arun wants to collaborate with Velan industries," sighed Nila once more, to which Kshithija replied, "He wants to collaborate with Anna?"

"He knows brilliance when he sees it."

Kshithija had to accept the truth of Nila's words. Arun's brilliance was well known to those who were as much as his passing acquaintances, let alone to the woman still in love with him despite her best efforts to move on. Arun scouted fresh talents as well, interested, driven individuals who were forthcoming about their passions. That was one of the biggest things that had attracted her to him in the first place.

"I will make nice, Akka. I will not allow the past to come in the way of the future," Kshithija said truthfully, though she had not expected the Vishvanathan family to get so involved with hers once more, despite knowing her sister very much had feelings for Nila. The latter, in fact, had refused to act on it so far, for she was unhappy with how Kshithija had been treated. It had taken Kshithija's convincing Nila that she would be delighted that allowed Nila to be more friendly as before with the younger generation of the family.

"And Arun?"

"And I will be friendly enough with Arun," Ksithija promised, both her sister and herself, though internally she also told herself to not let her still present love for him burgeon out, and to be strong in the face of it. She and Nila continued to talk, making further plans for both their careers, hanging up some time later.

Kshithija sighed, falling into her couch and curling against it, her legs now tucked up in a padmasana position. She closed her eyes, revisiting her dreams once more, knowing that without partially resolving them within, meeting Arun would become a tension filled situation.

********

We have a more reserved Kshithija now, who still is in love but is also healing from the heart break. Who knows that without healing from her previous heart break, she can never be complete friends with the one she is in love with.

Next week, we will see Arun's point of view, and his feelings regarding everything.

@thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijayasena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee @vijayasena Please let me know your thoughts!

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[harinishivaa]

Prologue (Sambandham: War of Hearts)

As promised, back with the Prologue in a day!

*****

Kshithija Velan was shaking, the events of the evening finally sinking in. Her hair, generally neatly arranged in ringlets of long, silky smooth hair, a paradox in her point of view, was now in disarray, scrunched by what seemed like her own hands. The lower half, usually in waves with mild curls at the end looked like it had been tugged and pulled apart to an extent it had not been in many months.

Her dark eyes, usually wide with delight, sparkling with the golden sparkle that shone in light bulbs, the Sun and golden glitter was now dull, a fleck of dull gold flickering here and there, the whites of her eyes red, filled with sorrow. A sorrow that seemed to languish her heart, radiating through the very pores of her skinny body. She really needed to put on some weight, Kshithija mused in a distant thought, trying to push down the pain of her heart, which was slowly manifesting into something physical. Pain suddenly shot through her body and she stood up in shock, stumbling across the room and crashing into the floor, crying out.

But no one would come to her rescue. Not anymore.

Before, when she often hung out at the Chozha household, Arun or Adi Anna would help her, holding her palm. Arun would laugh at her clumsiness but would be caring in his own way, Adi would be nice and help, though not really bothering beyond that. She missed Deva something fierce, but pushed that pain down. She could not think of this anymore, she doubted that Deva would even come to visit her at London. No no, she could not think of this anymore.

"I do not like you romantically, Kshithija, I never have."

Those words, those piercing words caused an indescribable trauma in her, a pain she did not even expect. When she told him of her feelings, she had held on to the flame of hope, but had also been practical enough to know that if he did not like her romantically, he will tell her so. Yet the way Arun had said it triggered something in her.

Something that felt much older than the body she wore, a bond that started in a birth before maybe. A bond she had not accepted, preferring denial and a fresh start. Yet his words had awakened something that she had buried deep within her.

Something old, something they shared despite Kshithija trying for a fresh start. She closed her eyes, trying to capture the expression of calmness in Arun's eyes, the blank expression on his face, to try and get closure. And yet, she felt a sadness deep in her bones envelop her.

Idhu andhi baagama, yuga neela gaanama, nodi nera yogama, sakhi

She had to consider this as the end of her life with the Chozha family, one that she had considered her own, and one that had caused her both happiness and pain to an equal extent.

"Goodbye, oh family I once wished to marry into."

*******

Glossary:

idhu andhi baagama, yuga neela gaanama, nodi nera yogama, sakhi- Is this the last part, or the length of a long war, or is this a random chance of luck, oh friend?

This lyric/verse is from the song Oru Vezham from the movie Nitham Oru Vaanam

@thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijaysena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai @thegleamingmoon @dumdaradumdaradum @rang-lo @ragkee @vijayasena Please let me know your thoughts!

I will return with Chapter 1 next week!

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[harinishivaa]

UYIRUDAN KALANDHA KAADHAL- Prologue

Arulmozhi observed the family that had crowded together at Thanjai, everyone now completely focused on how to save Arulmozhi from further harm.

Everyone had their own opinions, though his Aditha Anna’s belief had been that dangers come and go for warriors, and thus, it shouldn’t be something everyone should worry this much about.

But Vanavan Amma had quelled Anna with one look, indicating that this wasn’t the first time he had been drowned, which was also the truth.

He had faced multiple dangers at a very young age. Or rather, from a young age.

And he knew this bothered his family, but the latest drowning and his miraculous survival made them understand that he needed a more Divine protection.

“I could go to temples whenever I get some time?” He suggested, Sembiyan Madevi nodding, but not saying anything.

Patti waiting for everyone to talk was a normal occurrence, but Kundavai Akka not talking… he worried that she would bring up her boon again, and that would result in consequences she wouldn’t like much.

He couldn’t do that to the gentle hearted Kodumbalur Princess,and he didn’t want to as well.

But if push came to shove…

He prayed to Ishvara.

‘Emperumane, choose what thou wilt, without letting hearts shatter.’

“Sembiyan Amma, what is your opinion?”

Arulmozhi looked at his Patti, a plea in his eyes. Her lips tilted into a gentle smile, shaking her head but also nodding, as if Emperuman had communicated with her, which was highly possible.

“I think marriage is the best choice in this situation. A woman’s Maangalya Bhagyam will protect our Shekaran,” said Sembiyan Madevi, her face glowing with a unique power, as if even Divinity was on her side.

Arulmozhi felt his stomach sink, knowing what was coming, but also understanding their points of view. Yet…

What about Samudra Kumari?

“To whom?” he asked softly, though the answer echoed through his veins.

Vanathi.

“Vanathi,” Patti’s voice sounded, echoing his body.

“Patti…”

Kundavai’s words froze Arulmozhi. His Akka sounded uncertain?

About a match she had been talking about for a long time?

“Kanne?”

“En Patti? It is not needed now… let Arulmozhi and Vanathi enjoy more days of being themselves,” she said. She elaborated at their surprised looks. “I just… don’t want their hearts to be broken.”

What had happened? Why had his Akka changed her mind?

“Their hearts broken? But they are meant to be,” Sembiyan Patti said, her voice holding such wisdom that Arulmozhi suddenly seemed to feel it.

“Then let them get engaged for a longer courtship,” Kundavai amended quietly, not meeting Arulmozhi’s eyes.

“It will also give them time to know each other properly,” Aditha added after Kundavai, though his eyes were filled with concern for Kundavai, who only looked at her grandmother with a plea, to which Sembiyan Patti nodded.

“A longer engagement it is.”

*****

It was one thing, became something else! Oops?

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @thegleamingmoon @nspwriteups @ragkee @whippersnappersbookworm @thirst4light @dumdaradumdaradum @yehsahihai @dr-scribbler @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @willkatfanfromasia sorry to all who I forgot to tag! My memory went to madness.

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[harinishivaa]

Enadhuyire Teaser

Taking a deep breath, he dived into the Ponni, laughing when the waves of his dear mother greeted him with pure affection and love. He patted her waves, taking powerful strokes and swimming happily, when he was suddenly aware of a presence.

He glanced, stopping in movements suddenly when his gaze was captured by the maiden seated against the large tree in front of the river, gazing at it with unadulterated joy.

Oh.

Oh!

This is what it was, was it not? He could feel his heart thudding in his chest, and the power in his veins thrum to the surface. Who was she, and why did she look so familiar?

He closed his eyes, forcing himself to take a few more strokes, feeling her eyes fall on him. He smirked to himself.

Hmm, was it possible?

Maybe it was, and there was only one way to find out.

****

Enadhuyire is BACK, now as a series of one shots, based on how the movie version of VanMozhi could have had.

What do you all think? @vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @ragkee @chemicalmindedlotus @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @balladedutempsjadis @freeunknownwasteland @ramcharanobsessed @gemmusings @vijaysena @thirst4light @hollogramhallucination @chiyaanvikram @moon-880 @sakhiiii @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @yehsahihai sorry to all those I forgot to tag!

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[harinishivaa]

Unexpectedly

Seems like I cannot control myself. 

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

Kundavai was reeling internally. 

Everything had happened so fast, starting from her uyir thozhi’s vow, to the death of her stepmother, all successively bombarding her with heartaches. She could not help but feel that she was a big reason for the oath that Vanathi had taken, though her brother was as big a reason as she herself was. 

She closed her eyes, and every time, the image was of the absolute hurt on Vanathi’s face when she made the oath- an oath she had decided because the rumours had reached Arulmozhi, who had clearly and pointedly spoken to her at the Nandi Mandapam. 

Though, Kundavai could detect some emotion for her from him, something that was blossoming, something that was present, but something even her brother could not recognize. 

And Vanathi was the one who had been hurt by it.

Kundavai did not know what it was, but she knew that there was more to the two of them than just her wish and desire. 

Tears filled her eyes, and she sighed softly, resting her head on her hands. She should have been more careful with Vanathi. 

“Akka?”

The concerned voice of Arulmozhi reached her ears, usually nectar to them at his very tone. His presence was still soothing to her, but her heart was overwhelmed about Vanathi in that minute, and tears leaked down her cheeks and down her chin, those that were caught by her brother quickly, not allowing them to fall. 

“Akka, what happened?” he asked again, gently moving her hands away from her face. She looked at him, her weariness filling her face. She smiled instead, partly swallowing, before saying, “You got your wish, Thambi.”

“My wish? What are you saying, Akka?”

“Marry whoever you want, Thambi. Any Princess, any boat girl, anyone,” she whispered, defeated. “I cannot see the dream I had for you come true, so what is the point?”

“Akka, I am still your Thambi. I still listen to you.”

He sounded frantic, and Kundavai turned to look at him, gently patting his cheek. 

“Thambi, we will still establish the Empire we wish for, we will do all of our joint dreams, but my desire of seeing Vanathi next to you is all for naught.”

Another tear slipped down her cheek, and she hastily wiped it away. 

“What are you saying, Akka? Has Vanathi decided that she does not want to marry me, after all?”

Was Kundavai imagining it, or was her brother sounding disappointed. She peeked at his face, which while holding neutrality, showed tinges of discomfort, his eyes holding an indescribable emotion. What Kundavai read on his face gave her sudden hope, and she had to pause, to pray to Parameshvara that all will be well. 

“Her love for you is as pure and true as it always has been,” Kundavai said. “She has just decided to sacrifice her right to the throne of our Empire if she marries you.”

Arulmozhi had gone completely silent, but the widening of his eyes gave Kundavai her answer. She continued, partially ruthless with her words, needing her brother to understand what she wanted to drive home. 

“I tell you, I Swear, with the goddesses of the sky and earth as witnesses, that if Ponniyin Selvar comes through this crisis alive, if he comes forward of his own free will and takes my hand in marriage - even if I’m granted so great a reward, I swear I will never sit on the throne in the Thanjai palace. I swear this! I swear!"

Kundavai recited Vanathi’s oath verbatim, every word like molten lead to her ears. She lifted her eyes to meet her brother’s, shock running through her when she saw tears running down his golden cheeks. 

“Thambi…”

Arulmozhi hugged Kundavai, crying his heart out on her shoulder, moved by the oath, as Kundavai too cried, knowing that things had become complicated in an unanticipated way, and not seeing a way out of this. 

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

Should I continue this as a multiple chapter story? If yes, do any of you have suggestions?

@vibishalakshman @dumdaradumdaradum @thelekhikawrites @rang-lo @kovaipaavai

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