favcolourrvibgior

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 17

•A Way of Extracting Truth•

Thanjavur, palace

Nandhini and Karikalan were ready to leave to the temple, they were accompanied by Sembian madevi to the temple. Karikalan questioned Nandhini about Urvashi. Nandhini said that Urvashi wouldn't be able to come due to some personal reasons.

Karikalan shrugged it off. Urvashi on the other hand, started the work given by Nandhini.

Nandhini was told to sit inside a palanquin, Karikalan was riding a horse leading the plaques of Nandhini and Sembian madevi. A few soldiers were with them just for safety.

'Will Urvashi have started her work?' Nandhini thought while she was travelling in the palanquin. They reached the temple within a few minutes. Karikalan stopped and got off his horse.

He went towards his wife's palquine and parted the curtains. " We have reached" informed Karikalan as he gave a hand to Nandhini helping her out of the palanquin.

Nandini smiled at him and took his hands, she got out of the palanquin. Sembian Madevi joined them, Nandhini held Sembian Madevi's hands helping her walk steadily. Sembian Madevi was shocked, she kept looking at Nandhini's face.

Nandini too noticed her glare but eventually chose to ignore it. They walked inside the temple. A very young priest bowed down and greeted them. Karikalan nodded, and Nandhini smiled.

The newly wedded couple and the elder Pirati walked towards the deity, all three saw the deity and brought their palms together to pray.

Karikalan came to stand beside Nandhini, and Nandhini prayed to the god with devotion. Whereas karikalan kept looking at Nandhini from the corner of his eyes, simultaneously.

Nandini did not see Karikalan looking at her. She prayed to god with full devotion, she prayed only one thing

" God's help for achieving success in her plan for revenge help".

Karikalan on the other hand prayed, "Oh lord the great Neela Kantha, please help me, she is not like the Nandhini who I fell in love with, she has changed, not fully, just a bit, please make her normal and helped me live with her happily. "

A small kid rang the temple's bell as they prayed, It was as if God blessed them, and their requests. Karikalan grinned, Nandhini looked happy thinking that the good had given her approval to start it.

The head priest Who was still inside the garbhgrah chanting mantras, came out with a platter which had a lamp, some holy ash and Vermillion.

He gave the ash and Vermillion to Karikalan, then Sembian madevi, and it was Nandhini's turn to get it.

As the priest was about to give the offering to Nandhini, he saw her face. The platter fell from his hands as he saw Nandhini, he looked shocked and scared, and tears started to fall from his eyes.

Nandhini moved back as the platter fell. She looked at the priest in confusion, the priest suddenly fell on his knees and brought his palms together.

He fell on Nandhini's feet, Nandhini was very much shocked by this. She bent down to bring the priest back to posture "Ayya, What are you doing, please get up" insisted Nandhini.

The priest shook his head and said " I made a very big mistake please forgive me, Devi".

Karikalan was also shocked, he ordered the priest to get up. He got up but the tears spilling from his eyes didn't stop. Sembian Madevi stood motionless. She knew the reason he was reacting this way.

Sembian Madevi finally opened her mouth and said " This is not her, stop crying."The priest looked at Nandhini and stopped crying " But she looks exactly like her" the priest mumbled to Sembian Madevi.

Nandini was suspicious, 'who are they talking about '. Karikalan interrupted them and said, " Enough of consoling, Sembian Amma, let's finish the work for which we came."

The priest apologised for his behaviour and went inside to bring the prasadam for them.

Each of them got one for themselves and thanked the priest. Nandini was still thinking about the priest's reaction to seeing her.

' I have to talk to him about it ' thought Nandhini. Suddenly the realisation hit her, Sundara Cholar had reacted the same way as he did. She still couldn't understand why these people were reacting like this.

Nandhini sat beside a pillar in the mandapam of the temple with the prasadam. Karikalan came to sit beside her. Nandini noticed him staring at her.

She turned her glance towards him and raised her eyebrows. Karikalan shook his head and looked at his prasadam. Suddenly a pigeon from the temple came and sat in between Nandhini and Karikalan.

Karikalan was going to scare the bird away but Nandhini stopped him. She took a small amount of rice from her plate and put it in front of the bird. The bird looked at the food for a few seconds took some in its beak and flew away.

Karikalan was mesmerized by her care towards the bird. "Do you like birds ?" Asked Karikalan. " Very much, I even had an eagle when I was in Pandiyan Nadu," replied Nandhini with a genuine smile.

Karikalan moved closer to Nandhini "Do you love animals too?" Whispered Karikalan, in Nandhini's ears. Just as she was about to open her mouth to start scolding him for coming near her, Sembian Madevi called them.

" So, can we leave?" asked Sembian Madevi, Nandini nodded. Karikalan inaudibly groaned in annoyance ' why does everyone interrupt me when I am trying to talk to my wife?"

________________________________

Urvashi in the palace, started her work.

A maid came to clean Urvashi's room, and Urvashi started to talk to the maid. " Hey, what is your name?" Asked Urvashi. " My name is Vasuki." The maid replied.

"How long have you been working here?" Asked Urvashi. " For about a year Devi" replied the maid. "Oh, so you know everyone here?" Asked Urvashi. " Not everyone but I know almost all" replied the maid.

" Do you know the name of the messengers who work here?" Questioned Urvashi. " I only know some, may I know why you are asking?" Asked the maid.

" Oh that's - I just want to send a letter to my father, in Pandiya Nadu. " Replied Urvashi. " Hmm, I know someone who knows all the messengers, I can take you to him if you wish." Told the maid.

Urvashi was suspicious. " Yeah sure take me, what do you expect in return? " Asked Urvashi. " Hundred Pandya Nadu gold coins." Asked Vasuki, Urvashi agreed.

The maid secretly took Urvashi to the Senadhipathi, the maid bowed down to him and left." What brings the princess of Kattumanarkovil here?" Asked Kalanthakan with an eyebrow raised.

" Senadhipathi, I want to send a letter to my relative." Told Urvashi innocently. " Hmm, I see, you know, I am very specialised in sending messages to Madurai." Told a proud Kalanthakan drinking a sip from his glass of alcohol.

"Oh well, then I would like to send a letter to the prince too ." Exclaimed Urvashi. " Sure, The prince likes me much" replied Senadhipathi.

" How does the prince know you?" Asked Urvashi raising her eyebrows. " Oh leave that, what message do you want to send?" Asked Kalanthakan.

" I want to send a letter saying, that I am safe here, and to get over our King Veera Pandiyan's death," told Urvashi stressing each word.

Kalanthakan laughed in intoxication" Oh the people still didn't get over his death?". Urvashi was shocked but didn't show it in her face.

" Yes, they haven't, but I am least bothered by it," replied Urvashi as she pretended to not care.

" Same here," told kalanthakan. " By the way how did they manage to get into his room to kill him, it's still a mystery, what do you think?" Asked Urvashi.

" Ha, won't a prince know how to sneak inside a palace?" Told kalanthakan with a smirk.

" So it is true that Adita Karikalan killed Veera Pandiyar?" Asked Urvashi. Kalanthakan's face paled on hearing his name" Oh y -yes".

" But why would the prince try to kill him "? Asked Urvashi. Kalanthakan thought for a second and asked Why would it concern you?".

" I belong to the Pandiya nadu, sure I am not satisfied with the new rule I wish he stayed alive" told Urvashi.

"Oh ok then, what was your question again? " Asked Kalanthakan. " Why would Adhita Karikalan kill Veera Pandiyar? Why did he wage a war against us?" Questioned Urvashi.

" Oh girl, Adhita Karikalan thought that Veera Pandiyan killed his mother. " Replied Kalanthakan. " But why " asked Urvashi. " He got a message saying that it was him who killed his mother " replied Urvashi.

Urvashi knew that in the next question, she would get her answer." Who would do that?" Asked Urvashi. " ME" replied Kalanthakan looking at Urvashi with drunk eyes.

Hope you liked this chapter!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @vijayasena @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm

[favcolourrvibgior]

Thankyou ♥️❤️ to @willkatfanfromasia and @tranquilsightseer for tagging me!

@ragkee @thereader-radhika @whippersnappersbookworm @nature-writes29 @vibishalakshman @vijayasena @sakhiiii @sambaridli @whippersnappersbookworm @sowlspace .

Send to 10 other bloggers you think are wonderful. Keep this going to make someone smile. ☆♥

awww thank you nyx!!! and also big thanks to @siren-serenity @devilfishcafe @dove-da-birb @identity-theft-101 @officialdaydreamer00 !!! you guys are all so sweet and wonderful!!🥺💕

tagging! @hheun @azulashengrottospiano @fukashiin @atsdlura @siphoklansan @jade-s-nymph @coralinnii @v-anrouge @vtoriacore @spadecentral

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter-16

•Sundara Cholar's Nightmare•

At the palace

Thanjavur,

It was night in Thanjai, and Nandhini was standing on the balcony of Karikalan and her chamber. She was standing there in confusion, why did Sundara Chola react that way on seeing her?

It was the first time she saw him from what she remembers, but she felt that she had met him before. As Nandhini was thinking, Urvashi entered the chamber.

Nandini turned towards Urvashi. Urvashi came to stand beside Nandhini. " Akka, what happened? What are you thinking? " Questioned Urvashi.

" Nothing, Urvashi", replied Nandhini as she went to sit on the bed.

" Akka I very well know that something is bothering you tell me akka, what is it ?" Asked Urvashi. Nandini exhaled knowing that Urvashi wouldn't leave her till she told her the truth.

"OK Urvashi, I surrender, I was thinking of why Sundara Cholar reacted that way on seeing me today. " Told Nandhini.

" Maybe he found out who you are " suggested Urvashi. " No, I think that is not the reason why he looked at me that way. His eyes, his eyes held pain and regret." Replied Nandhini to Urvashi's comment, her voice held some sort of emotion which Urvashi didn't notice.

" Have you met him before?" Asked Urvashi as she sat beside Nandhini. " I don't think so, but my inner consciousness is saying that I have met him before, somewhere." Replied Nandhini.

" Akka I think you are just imagining things, There is no way you have met him before," told Urvashi as she kept her hand on Nandhini's shoulder. Nandhini still wasn't convinced. She had to find the real reason.

As they were speaking, Karikalan entered the chamber. He saw Urvashi and smiled at her and then looked at Nandhini, Nandhini was drowned in her thoughts.

" What is she thinking so seriously? " Karikalan asked to Urvashi. Urvashi shrugged at him, got up from the place and Karikalan quickly occupied the spot.

" So, I take my leave, Ilavarase," told Urvashi as she left the chamber. Adhita Karikalan shook Nandhini out of her thoughts. She looked at Karikalan in surprise.

" When did you come to Karikalare? " Asked Nandhini as she saw him sitting beside her. " I came just now, What were you thinking about so seriously that you didn't even notice me entering " asked Karikalan.

" Oh, that's nothing, I was just thinking about the incident in the morning," told Nandhini as she diverted her eyes from his face to her lap. Karikalan used his fingers to lift Nandhini's chin.

Nandhini made eye contact with Karikalan, " Is that bothering you Nandhini?" asked Karikalan with love-filled eyes. Nandini just nodded a yes.

" I am sure that father did not intend to do so, I assumed that he must have had a nightmare as he is ill."Told karikalan.

" But why did he react that way when he saw me, there were many people around too." Asked Nandhini.

" Maybe because you are a new face," told Karikalan with a shrug. " Oh, it could be" replied Nandhini.

" It is late night Nandhini, Let's sleep," said Karikalan as he got up and went to the left side of the bed.

Nandhini got up and walked towards the other side. She started to extinguish the lamps lit on her side. As Nandhini was extinguishing the lamps the wind started to blow strongly causing her open hair to fly.

Her long hair fell on Karikalan's face who was sitting close to Nandhini with his fist on his chin.

Karikalan inhaled the fragrance of her hair. The wind helped Nandhini by extinguishing most of the lamps in the room. Karikalan touched her hair.

Nandhini felt him touch her hair and turned towards him immediately

"What are you planning to do, Karikalare?" Asked Nandhini raising her eyebrows and smirking at him.

Karikalan immediately took his hands off her hair and pretended that he hadn't done anything, saying "Um, nothing". Nandhini smiled shaking her head and extinguished the rest.

Nandhini prepared to sleep, she noticed Karikalan staring at her. " Are you going to stare at me all night?" Asked Nandhini, As she slept facing the opposite side.

Karikalan prepared to go to sleep. He looked at Nandhini one last time and mumbled "Cruel wife". Nandini heard it and chuckled a little.

" I think you told your mind voice a bit too loud " informed Nandhini. Karikalan felt embarrassed. He closed his eyes to sleep.

________________________________

In Sundar Chola's Chamber,

Middle of the Night,

Sundar Chola was in a deep slumber. Suddenly his facial expressions started to change.

In his dream, he could see a lady struggling with someone's hold and trying to scream but no sound came out of her mouth, A small girl was clinging to that lady, Sundar Chola was standing a little far from them, trying to reach out for them.

In reality, Sundar Chola woke up sweating and breathing heavily. He still couldn't accept the fact that the familiar face was his daughter-in-law.

He very slowly got up from the bed and stood near the balcony. Thinking about the lady from his dream.

_______________________________

Next morning,

The chirping of birds woke up Karikalan. He got up to the sound and looked at the side where Nandhini slept. She wasn't there, as he was about to start searching for Nandhini. She made her appearance in the room.

Karikalan let out his breath which he didn't know was holding. Nandhini had gone to take a bath, but her hair was still wet.

Karikalan looked at Nandhini in awe. Nandhini saw him awake and said Oh you are awake? Periya Pirati has told us to get ready fast ".

" Why," asked Karikalan confused.

" She wants us to visit Sivan the temple as we are a newly married couple." Replied Nandhini. Karikalan nodded in agreement.

He wanted to sit here and stare at Nandhini while she dried her hair, but he knew that it wasn't possible. He had to get ready too.

He half-heartedly got up to leave but Karikalan's eyes never left Nandhini's reflection in the mirror. Nandhini too noticed it from the corner of her eyes but chose to ignore it.

Just as he left. Nandhini finished drying her hair as the maids helped her. Nandhini dismissed them soon. Urvashi came to meet Nandhini.

Nandini gestured for Urvashi to sit on the Diwan, Nandhini got up from the mirror and sat beside her. "Urvashi I will be leaving for the temple soon. Before I come back you have to get the list of ministers and messengers here. " Ordered Nandhini

" Why the ministers and messengers Akka, We are here to kill only the person who killed Chakravarthy," asked Urvashi in confusion.

" If I wanted to kill only Karikalan, I would have done it long back. But I am here to kill each and everyone who is the cause of my father's death. First, we have to find the person who gave the message to the Cholas about my father." Told Nandhini.

Urvashi nodded and left the chamber. This was the first step of the revenge.

___________________________________

On the other side, karikalan went to bath in a pond. His friend Parthibandhran was already bathing there and noticed Karikalan walking towards the pond, smiling.

Karikalare got into the pond. Parthibandhran swam towards Karikalan. " You came to bathe without me Nanba," asked Karikalan teasing.

"Well I had no other option than to come alone, as I thought that you would be busy with your Wife," told Parthibandhran with a wink.

" Oh please don't start Parthibandhra, she doesn't even let me speak with her properly" complained Karikalan.

" Maybe she is too shy to talk to you, this is common in newly married couples." Told Parthibandhran.

"Oh is that so I didn't know." Karikalan agreed with Parthibandhran's words. He again started to think about her.

_______________________________

Nandhini didn't know what to do after getting ready, so she decided to go to meet Sundar Chola to ask for an explanation.

She walked towards his chamber. The guards bowed at her and let her inside. In the chamber was Sundar Cholar who was trying to get some sleep.

He heard someone enter the chamber, he knew that it was a woman from the sound of the anklet she wore.

"Who is it ?" Asked Sundara with his eyes still closed. Nandhini slowly walked towards his bed and called

" Arase". Sundarar's eyes shot open to see her.

" Why did you come? Did I call you!? " Sundara Cholar started panicking.

" Arase calm do, I won't cause any harm to you." Told Nandhini as she tried to calm him down.

" Get out now!" Ordered Sundara Chola. " I will Arase, but please answer my questions first. " pleaded Nandini. Sundara Chola nodded.

" Why do you look scared/pained when you see me?" Asked Nandhini. Sundara Chola froze, he didn't know what to say. " I-I am not scared of you " stuttered Sundarar.

Nandini knew that he was hiding something. " Please tell the truth," asked Nandhini.

" I don't have to give any clarifications to you, Go out now " ordered Sundar Chola whose eyes couldn't meet Nandhini's.

Nandini nodded and started to walk back to the door. That's when Sundar Cholar stopped her and asked" What is your name?". She turned to reply to him " Nandhini ".

Sundar Chola looked at Nandhini like he had seen a ghost. This is not possible. Thought Sundar Chola. She can't be her.

Hope you liked this chapter!!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vijayasena @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 15

•A Familiar Face •

In the house back at the temple,

Afternoon,

The newly married couple were sitting down on the floor. They had completed the wedding rituals which were conducted by Urvashi.

" Karikalare please listen to me let's stay here for a few days and then go to Thanjavur" requested Nandini. But Karikalan was not in the mood to listen to Nandhini.

" No Nandhini, I don't want to make the same mistake that I did last time, You are coming to Thanjavur with me tomorrow morning that's all," told Karikalan.

"But- " Nandini wanted to protest but Karikalan interrupted her" No buts' Nandhini we are going to Thanjavur tomorrow and that's my order, not a request".

___________________________

At Night,

She knew that it was foolish to protest him. Urvashi came to the house with food in Areca Leaf Plates( Paaku Mattai Plate).

Karikalan had slept due to the activities in the morning. He had his head leaning against the wall. " Karikalare wake up, have your dinner" called Nandhini's as she gently shook his shoulders.

Karikalan slowly opened his eyes and got up, he sat down in the centre of the room Nandhini started serving the food to Karikalan. Karikalan started to eat it.

Nandini looked at Karikalan, at Urvashi and asked Karikalan "Karikalare, can I keep a request".

Karikalan stopped eating and looked at Nandhini "Stop being formal Nandini, I am your husband I will do anything for you" said Karikalan smiling.

"Can we take Urvashi with us to Thanjai even she would want to see the beauty of Thanjavur?" Asked Nandhini. Karikalan thought for a second and replied " If she and her parents are okay with it then she is free to come with us."

Urvashi was frozen she didn't know that Nandhini would take this decision. Nandhini gestured for Urvashi to say yes by shaking her head " I am grateful to come to the god-blessed land, Thanjai. "

" Then I have no objection, you are free to come with us," told Karikalan as he resumed eating.

Karikalan finished eating, and Nandhini was busy preparing a bed for Karikalan to sleep. Urvashi was still in shock she didn't know what to do, she ran away from the house to the palace crying.

She went inside her chamber and burst out in tears. She went near her dressing table and took the box that had the kapu given by Amarabhujhangan. She took it in her hands kept it near her chest and cried.

"Will we ever meet again Amarabhiujhangare? I will be going to Thanjai tomorrow morning and I won't be able to come to Pandiya Nadu Until Akka's mission is accomplished." Weeped Urvashi.

On the other hand, Nandini finally finished preparing his and her bed, she was about to sleep but before she could. Karikalan came close to her which made their noses brush, Nandhini took a step back.

" What are you doing karikalare?" Asked Nandhini in a whisper. " Am I not supposed to be close with my wife?" asked Karikalan.

" You can be but that is all after we go to thanjai." Replied Nandhini as she sat down to sleep.

" Come on Nandhini " pleaded Karikalan. " First to thanjai and then let's think about it, " Nandini told smugly. Karikalan whined like a child.

He knew that he wouldn't be able to change Nandhini's decision. He sighed and lay down. Nandini blew the lamp and whispered good night to Karikalan.

Nandini pulled her blanket up and turned to face the other side, that is towards the wall and slept. Karikalan on the other hand couldn't sleep, he frequently kept glancing at Nandhini.

_________________________

The Next morning,

Nandhini woke up to the Rooster's crows. Nandhini looked beside her to see it empty. Karikalan was not there.

The thought of Karikalan leaving her came to her mind ' If he leaves me here then everything will be spoilt' thought Nandhini as she started searching for Karikalan.

Suddenly he emerged out of nowhere and stood before Nandhini. Nandini sighed in relief, " Where were you karikalare? " Asked Nandhini.

" I went to make a special arrangement to take my wife to thanjai" replied Karikalan. "What have you done" asked Nandhini who was spooked out.

" You will know, take these and go, get ready," told Karikalan as he grinned, he had slik cloth with something in it.

Nandhini looked at him suspiciously and opened her eyes widened in shock, her mouth went wide open," Karikalare these jewels and the silk clothes, where did you get these from?" Asked Nandhini in shock.

" I brought it all the way from Thanjai," told Karikalan. " Stop kidding, Tell the truth Karikalare," asked Nandhini still looking at the jewels.

" I swear, I brought it from Thanjai with me when I came, I have to take my wife to my palace, how can I take her to Thanjai in these Kavi clothes, Tell me " explained Karikalan.

A smile emerged on Nandhini's face upon hearing the reply. " Ok, go fast and wear them, you have another surprise on the way," told Karikalan.

Nandhini looked at him confused, before she could start protesting Karikalan sent Nandhini inside the house to get ready.

By the time Urvashi came there, she saw Karikalan sitting near the pond and throwing stones in the water. Karikalan noticed Urvashi, he knew why she came, to meet Nandhini.

" Urvashi, Nandini is getting ready inside she told me not to let anyone inside" informed Karikalan. Urvashi heard this and started to leave but Karikalan stopped her. He brushed some dust off his hands and clothes as he got up.

Urvashi turned towards him. Karikalan saw Urvashi's bloodshot eyes and asked " Were you crying, Urvashi?". Urvashi nodded a no but her eyes clearly showed the truth.

"Don't lie, Urvashi, did someone do or say something? " Asked Karikalan. " No Anna" replied Urvashi with her head down.

Just as he was about to ask the next question, The house's door opened to reveal a Royal Nandini. Karikalan's mouth hung open. Urvashi went to Nandhini and hugged her and told her that she looked very beautiful. Karikalan kept staring at her. He finally came out of his dreamland.

He was speechless. " Are you Goddess Sita?" Asked Karikalan. Nandini punched Karikalan playfully.

" Well, I have another surprise to give" told Karikalan. Karikalan started walking towards the entrance of the temple, he asked Nandhini to follow him.

When they reached there, they saw a big elephant decorated with flowers and ornaments. " What is this karikalare? " Asked Nandhini in awe.

"Chola Nadu's pattathu Yanai has come to take The pattathu Arasi to Thanjavur," told Karikalan. " But what is the necessary of this karikalare." Asked Nandhini.

Nandhini turned towards Karikalan" Please send this back and bring a palquine instead " requested Nandini.

" No," told Karikalan strictly.

Nandhini sighed in defeat. She agreed to come to Thanjai with this elephant. Karikalan helped Nandhini Climb the elephant.

Nandhini sat on it. After getting the order from Karikalan to go forward the yaanai pagan moved the elephant.

It was nearly noon when they reached Thanjai

____________________________

At Thanjavur,

The trumpets blew as the elephant carrying Nandhini, Karikalan's horse entered the streets of Thanjai. People were gathered to see the new queen.

The news of the arrival of the new crown princess spread like a fire in the palace. In the entrance of the place stood sembian madevi with all their glory.

Sembian Madevi had a platter of Arthi in her hands. The elephant was stopped right at the entrance. Nandini looked around and tried to get down, karikalan got off his horse and helped her.

Nandhini got down, karikalan held Nandhini's hands tightly and walked towards the entrance. Nandini brought her palms together to greet her( Sembian madevi).

Sembian Madevi on the other hand looked at Nandhini as if she had seen a ghost. Nandhini and Karikalan touched her feet to get her blessings. sembian madevi still was in some shock," Periya Pirati, bless us " requested Karikalan. Sembian Madevi kept her hand on their head and blessed them.

Sembian Madevi welcomed the new couple by the Arthi. Nandhini was taken inside by some royal women, Karikalan was about to follow them but Sembian Madevi stopped him. She passed the arthi platter to a maid and walked inside with karikalan.

" Do you even know what you have done?" Asked Sembian madevi to karikalan. "Pirati I love her, so I married her what is the mistake in that? " asked Karikalan.

" Do you even know who she is? You told me that you got a letter from Arunmozli saying that he wants someone to accompany him to war. You lied to us for her? Did you go to meet her? " Sembian madevi threw the question at Karikalan.

"Yes know who she is, I did lie to everyone because if you knew about her you would try to separate us saying that she is an orphan. I didn't want that to happen so I married her. " Replied karikalan to all the questions.

Karikalan and Sembian Madevi who were stood near the pillar at the entrance. Heard the sound of things falling from the king's chamber.

Sembian Madevi and Karikalan looked at each other and rushed to the king's chamber. Nandhini had been taken to the king's chamber by the women to introduce her.

Sundara Chola's eyes were filled with shock and fear he started to push things around in disbelief, the only word that came out of his mouth was"Mandakini!"Before he lost his consciousness.

Hope you liked this chapter!!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vijayasena @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm .

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 14

•The Tiger and The Huntress•

Next Day, Early morning,

At A small Vinayagar Temple,

It was nearly four-thirty in the morning, and everybody was fast asleep in the houses. Except for Nandhini and Adhita Karikalan, as this day was a big day for them. They were going to get married.

This meant that they could stay with each other forever. Karikalan was very happy that they were finally going to be together.

Nandhini was happy for a different reason, it would be easy to finish Karikalan and the other tigers if they stayed together.

Nobody knew about their wedding except Princess Urvashi. Nandhini had insisted on calling Urvashi because she was the only friend she had who didn't judge her by her status.

Hearing her talk about her status made Karikalan heartache, but on the other side, he was happy that from today nobody would judge her by her status.

Urvashi helped Nandhini get ready for the wedding. As she helped Nandhini were some simple ornaments, she asked " Akka what will you do after marrying him, You said you were going on a pilgrimage tour. "

" You think that I came for a pilgrimage tour? " Asked Nandhini laughing at her innocence. Urvashi nodded.

" Then why Akka, I don't understand why Father sent me with you?" asked Urvashi in confusion. " Well, I am not here for a pilgrimage tour, I am here to fulfil my duty as a daughter of Veera Pandiyar"

" What duty akka?" Asked innocent Urvashi. Nandini stopped combing her hair and turned towards Urvashi and said, " A duty to kill the Chola tigers"

Urvashi's face paled on the answer. Nandini turned towards the mirror and continued to comb her hair into an Andal bun. Nandini saw Urvashi frozen in shock and punched Urvashi playfully with her elbow.

Urvashi came out of the shock. " Akka so, you are going to k-kill Karikalar ?" Asked Urvashi who was scared to the core.

"Yes, so what? " Asked Nandhini as she inserted a Billa on the top of the Andal bun. " Akka but you love him, how will you kill him? "asked Urvashi in shock.

" I used to but not any more" replied Nandhini. Urvashi had no words, she had her sorrows, and she zoned out again, thinking of the incident that happened before she left the palace.

________________________________

Before Urvashi Left with Nandini,

Madurai - palace,

Urvashi was very sad to know that she would be leaving the place at noon. She wanted to meet Amarabhiujhangan and speak with him before she left, and that's when Nandhini told her that Amarabhiujhangan had called her.

Urvashi walked towards his chamber with hesitation. She asked the guard outside to check if he was free now or not. The guard out, and went inside to ask his permission to let her inside.

The guard asked Urvashi to go inside. She went inside the chamber it was equally as big as Nandhini's chamber. This was the first time she came here.

She was looking around when a voice came from behind causing her to jerk

" So, what brings you here?" Asked the voice, it was Amarabhiujhangan.

She turned behind, her cheeks turned red seeing him. She was speechless.

" I-I, you w-wanted to t-talk to me? Akka t-told me that y-you called me." sluttered Urvashi.

" What!? No, I didn't. " Replied Amarabhiujhangan. " Oh, b-but I want to talk to you," told Urvashi.

Amarabhiujhangan walked towards the diwan and sat on it. " Hmm, say what you want to speak with me" asked Amarabhiujhangan.

" I will be leaving with Akka in a few hours. That's what I wanted to inform you"dragged Urvashi.

" Ok, then have a good time, help my sister " replied Amarabhiujhangan.

Urvashi was twisting her fingers intention. "D-don't you have anything to say to me? " Asked Urvashi.

" What do you want me to say? Goodbye? Ok then have a great journey, good bye" completed Amarabhiujhangan with yawn.

Tears gathered in Urvashi's eyes, She looked down and started to leave. Seeing her tear up made Amarabhiujhangan soften his eyes. Urvashi was about to step out of the chamber but she was stopped by Amarabhujhangan's voice.

She turned to him with hope in her eyes. " Yes, Amarabhiujhangare you called me?" Asked Urvashi. Amarabhiujhangan got up from his place went towards his dressing table and opened a jewellery box that had a gold kapu inside it.

He handed it over to Urvashi. Urvashi took the box from his hands and opened it. "Whenever you remember me wear it. You will feel me with you. "Told Amarabhiujhangan.  A smile emerged on Urvashi's face which was drenched in tears.

Amarabhiujhangan wiped away

Urvashi's tears. Urvashi started crying louder. Amarabhiujhangan didn't know what to do "Hey why are you crying now?" Asked Amarabhiujhangan.

Urvashi nodded her head as she cried. " I don't want to leave you," told Urvashi. Amarabhiujhangan held Urvashi's shoulders and said "Don't worry Urvashi we will meet again soon, now it's getting late for your trip, go Urvashi. ", Urvashi nodded.

Urvashi went out of the door, She turned back to look at the door to catch a glimpse of Amarabhiujhangan But didn't.

At the time when Urvashi was going to her home, she separated her palquine's screen to look at Amarabhiujhangan, who was standing at the entrance.

'Hope we meet again Amarabhiujhangare ' thought Urvashi.

________________________________

Back to the Vinayagar Temple,

Urvashi had zoned out for five minutes straight. Nandini finally splashed water on her face.

" Oh my God Urvashi what were you thinking? Why were you zoned out ?" Asked Nandhini.

"Nothing Akka, oh lord I think it is going to be five. We have to get you ready. " Told Urvashi as she started to panic.

Nandini held Urvashi's shoulders and shook her," calm down Urvashi " Nandini told Urvashi trying to calm her down.

" I am ready Urvashi let's go" told  Nandhini. Urvashi took a minute to clear her mind. Nandini looked like Goddess Andal straight from heaven.

" Akka you look ravishing," told Urvashi. " What are you saying Urvashi you look at me every day what's so special today alone?" Asked Nandhini chuckling.

" I can see the shine of a bride in your face Akka" Nandhini's smile died down. " Ok Urvashi let's go inside the temple, shall we? " Asked Nandhini ignoring her comment.

Nandini entered the temple to see Adhita Karikalan waiting for her at the entrance. Karikalan was mesmerized by her beauty" Are you Andal from heaven?" Was the first question Karikalan asked Nandini when he saw her.

" Why are you asking Karikalare? " Asked Nandhini smiling. " You look beautiful Nandhini," told Karikalan. Nandini blushed at his comment.

" It is the custom of men to praise directly to the face," told Nandhini. " Ok then turn back but the praises will be double." Told Karikalan smiling.

" Enough, your charm can hypnotise anyone," said Nandhini laughing. " Oh, you are telling about yourself?" Asked Karikalan. Nandini punched Karikalan playfully. Karikalan faked hurt.

" Where did you learn to flirt like this?" Asked Nandhini. " These are all the training from my sister's husband, " told Karikalan, staring at Nandhini.

" Can we go inside or run away like this ?" Asked Nandhini, to wake up Karikalan from his dream land. 

Karikalan and Nandhini went inside the temple and bid their greetings to the city. Nandini and Karikalan exchanged garlands.

Urvashi's came with a yellow sacred thread wrapped around a coconut. Karikalan took it in his hand and tied it around Nandhini's neck. Both were showered with flowers by Urvashi.

Then Nandhini and Karikalan held each other's hand,  Karikalan vowed "I promise in front of this deity that I won't leave you at any cost and you are my only wife in this life. "

I promise in front of this deity that I won't leave you at any cost, I will trust you and only you, and I will sacrifice anything for you even if it is my life. Nandini told her vow not completely truthfully unlike Karikalan who told it wholeheartedly.

Karikalan and Nandhini are finally married. Karikalan's dream came true. Nandhini's Vengeance was also going to be fulfilled.

Karikalan looked at Nandhini with a bright smile and announced" We will be heading to Thanjai tomorrow".

There is no way of turning back tomorrow. He has to take Nandhini with him to thanjai. He will have to face whatever comes on the way even if it is his own family.

Hope you liked this chapter!!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @vijayasena @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 13

•The Death's Game Begins•

Veera Narayan Perumal Temple,

Nandhini was sitting near the pond at the back of the temple, looking at her reflection on the water. There was no one in the temple, it was empty.

Nandhini sensed a presence behind her she very well knew who it was. Then Nandhini could see a face in the reflection. The person behind her looked at her reflection.

"Nandhini?" Called the person from behind.

Nandhini didn't turn to see who it was, she asked " You came?".

" What do you mean by that Nandhini? Of course, I would come for you." Exclaimed Karikalan as he sat beside her.

" Oh, that's nothing I thought you forgot about me," told Nandhini as she got up from the place and and started to walk towards the house.

" How can I forget you Nandhini, you are my life," told Karikalan as he followed Nandhini.

Nandini chuckled bitterly and said, "If you had really loved me then you would have taken me to Thanjavur with you but you didn't."

" Nandhini I do love you but I asked you to come with me but you were the one who locked the door and stayed inside, I even waited for you till sunrise, but you never came," told Karikalan to convince Nandini.

"Oh really? I came to see you there, but you were long gone. So, Can I conclude that you listened to the grandfather of yours and thought that I was an orphan and left me?" Asked Nandhini as tears gathered her eyes, she sat down in the room.

Karikalan didn't know how to convince her, so he sat down beside her " Nandhini if I had hurt you then I am very sorry. But I can assure you that I had no such thoughts " he kept his hand on Nandhini's shoulder.

Nandhini's eyes softened at his apology. " Even I have made a mistake by listening to your grandfather's words. I am very sorry." Apologised Nandhini, tears spilt down her cheeks as she spoke.

Karikalan's heart was broken at her sight. He wiped Nandhini's tears.

Nandhini held Karikalan's hand and rested her head on his shoulders.

Karikalan patted Nandhini's back. Nandini apologised again.

Karikalan closed Nandhini's mouth with his palm "Please don't ever apologise again Nandhini It's like someone is ripping off my heart." Told karikalan.

" Ok karikalare," told Nandhini. Karikalan lifted Nandini's chin with his fingers. " Why do you look so dull Nandhini" asked Karikalan.

Nandhini got up, her eyes darkened at his question." Do I ? I don't think so, I am totally fine" replied Nandhini. Karikalan came and stood before Nandhini.

" Is that so, but your eyes don't have the old shine which I saw when I met you?" told Karikalan.

" No Karikalare, my eyes are the same, I think something happened to yours," said Nandhini as she chuckled.

Karikalan was about to protest but seeing her chuckle made him drop down his question.

Soon after Karikalan took the ring from his pocket and slid it into her finger." I forgot about that, I knew that you would believe the letter if you saw the ring " told Nandhini.

"Even if you didn't send me the ring, I would have come, "told Karikalan.

" That's ok karikalare but Who accompanied you?" Asked Nandhini.

" No Nandhini I came here all alone" replied Karikalan. " But how ?" asked Nandhini confused.

" You know, the messenger you sent gave me a nice reason," told Karikalan smiling.

" What did he say karikalare" questioned Nandhini. " He told that he was a messenger sent by Arunmozli from Elangai, asking someone from Chola Nadu to accompany him to the war he was about to wage on the south." Told karikalan.

" Wow, I didn't expect this from him." Told Nandhini as she laughed at the lie, it was all Nandhini's idea. Karikalan smiled.

" Karikalare but what will you tell them when you go back? They will question you and the person who sent the letter "said Nandhini slightly tensed.

" Don't worry Nandhini, I won't go alone and they won't question me too " told Karikalan. " I don't understand what do you mean? " asked a confused Nandhini.

" I will take you with me to Thanjavur," told Karikalan. Nandhini got up from the floor and looked at Karikalan's intention.

" Karikalare what are you saying, you are going to take me to Thanjavur? " Asked Nandhini.

" Yes Nandhini, I won't make the mistake which I did last time." Replied karikalan.

" Will your family accept my karikalare?" Asked Nandhini in panic. "Of course they will, who would miss the chance to have you as their daughter-in-law," told Karikalan.

Nandini was not convinced by this" But karikalare I am an orphan a poor girl How will they accept me as their daughter-in-law?" Asked Nandhini.

Karikalan cupped Nandhini's face and said. "Nandini I didn't love you for your wealth or face. I loved you for your character, your innocent heart, I am sure that they will love you too".

"But -"Nandini was about to protest but Karikalan stopped her "No more buts Nandhini, will you marry me?" Asked Karikalan.

Nandhini froze She replied after a few minutes "Karikalare I -I would love to marry you", Nandhini smiled

Karikalan was very happy he hugged Nandhini and said" I would keep you as the Queen of my heart, I don't care whoever opposes our love. I will always stay by your side."

" I love you too karikalare" whispered back Nandini. Slowly Nandhini's smile turned to an evil smirk.' You are going to marry your death, poor you. ' thought Nandhini as she smirked.

Hope you liked this chapter!!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm @vibishalakshman @vijayasena

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 13

• Letter From Apsara •

Present Time,

Madurai- palace,

Nandini was standing on the balcony, tears flowed down her eyes. ' The tears I controlled seeing my father's dead body, came when I thought about him. He does have a big impact on me' thought Nandini.

The sound of crickets was replaced by the sound of birds chirping. Nandhini didn't sleep for a single minute in two days. She went to take a bath with Urvashi and then returned to her chamber.

" Urvashi my brother called you it seems, Go and meet him," told Nandhini. Urvashi's eyes brighten at the call " Really!" Asked Urvashi in happiness.

" Yes," told Nandhini. Urvashi immediately ran to his camber. Just as she went Nandhini took an Nail and started to write something on a palm leaf script.

She asked a servant to summon a messenger. The servant immediately called the messenger. The messenger came in after a few minutes.

Nandhini reread the script took a ring from her hand and gave it to him telling him that it would help him in delivering the letter.

She secured the script with a thick thread and gave it to the messenger and told " Give it to the young tiger of Cholas, don't give it to anyone except him. If you face any problem on the way, come back here. "

The messenger bowed and took the scroll from her hands. Amarabhiujhangan who was on the way to Nandhini's room to ask why she had sent Urvashi there, noticed the messenger leaving Nandhini's room.

Amarabhiujhangan became suspicious

'What is she planning now ' thought Amarabhiujhangan. He entered into her camber and asked "Akka what was the messenger doing here?".

Nandini who was washing her hands replied, "Oh, I just sent a letter to the young tiger".

Amarabhiujhangan was confused

"Why would you send a letter to him, have you gone mad?". "No I am just working on my plan." Told Nandhini as she sat on the diwan. She gestured for him to sit beside her.

Amarabhiujhangan sat beside her.

" I have called him to the Veera Narayan Perumal temple," told Nandhini, looking at her hands.

Amarabhiujhangan knew that his sister was planning something big, and asked

" How are you sure that he will come there? "

She diverted her eyes to her hands looked at Amarabhiujhangan and said " It is me who has called him ." I will be starting my 'tour' from noon, informed Nandhini.

Amarabhiujhangan remained silent he didn't ask the question which he came to ask and left.

On the other hand, the messenger was travelling to the Thanjavur Palace. He reached the main gate. He was stopped by the senadhipathi, Karnataka. " Wait who are you? You don't look like you are from Chola Nadu. " Asked the senadhipathi.

" Ayya I am a messenger from Elangai, sent by Prince Arunmozli to deliver a letter to the crown prince. "Told the messenger.

"How can I trust you?, Soldiers tie his hands." Ordered the senadhipathi.

" Ayya trust me I'm a messenger, I even have Prince Arunmozli's ring which was given by him, for easy identification." Told the messenger as he was being tied.

" Really! Show me the ring " ordered The senadhipathi to show him the rings. He took a ring from his pocket and showed it to him.

" Puli mudirai" he whispered. " Ok give me the letter I will give it to him" The senadhipathi stretched out his hands for the letter.

" I am sorry Ayya, I was ordered by the prince to give it directly to the Crown prince, It's very confidential information it seems," told the messenger as he asked for the ring. The senadhipathi looked at him suspiciously and took him to the Crown prince's room.

" Ilavarase your brother has sent information it seems please take a look," told the senadhipathi as he entered his chamber.

Karikalan who was talking about the taxes with some ministers got up and asked " Arunmozli?, he sends letters only to the Chakravarthy, give it to me" Karikalan asked the letter.

The messenger said, Sorry Ilavarase it's a confidential matter and cannot be discussed in everyone's presence". The prince dismissed everyone gathered there.

The messenger slowly gave the letter to the prince. Karikalan opened it and started reading it his eyes were filled with happiness.

Dear karikalare,

This letter is from your Lakshmi, I sincerely apologise for my actions on the day you left me. I have made a very big sin by reacting to it that way. I should have known how it would hurt you. I want to apologise to you face to face, I want to confess everything to you. So, I kindly request you to come to the Veera Narayan Perumal temple. I pleaded with Princess Urvashi very much to arrange for a messenger. I think the messenger would have come with the letter safely and please don't tell about this letter to anyone, especially your grandfather. This Sita will be waiting for her ram.

With love,

Nandhini.

Karikalan was confused about whether to believe this letter or not so he asked the messenger whether he had any proof. The messenger nodded and took out the ring " Ilavarase, that Devi told me to show this to you for confirmation." told the messenger.

He one hundred per cent now believes that it was Nandhini who sent this. He got the letter from his hands and dismissed the messenger.

The messenger bowed down and left the chamber. Karikalan was very happy he was jumping from ground to sky. His happiness had no boundaries.

But he suddenly thought about how his family would react if they got to know about them. They would try to separate them.

Karikalan had to think about a plan to go and meet Nandhini without getting caught so he thought to use the same Idea as Nandhini, using Arunmozli 's name.

Karikalan wrote a palm leaf letter in Arunmozli's handwriting. He took it to the king.

Sundara Chola was lying on his bed got the letter from Karikalan's hand and read it.

" Arunmozli has asked someone to accompany him to the war in south Elangai." Told Sundara Chola as he was going through the letter. " Who would go to accompany him?" Asked Sundara Chola to the people in the room.

Nobody uttered a single word. Using this opportunity he said" Father I would like to accompany him". " But son you have things to do here. It wouldn't be right if you went there." Told Sundara Chola.

" Father but Arunmozli sent this letter directly to me and not you, This means that is wants me to come to accompany him," suggested Karikalan.

Sundara Chola thought for a second and said "Sure you can start your journey tomorrow".

" What is the need of delaying father, I will start my journey from now on. "Announced Karikalan as he headed to prepare for the journey.

Karikalan started his journey in a few hours. He travelled alone his was happy that his grandfather was not with him. It was nearly night till he reached the temple. He tied his horse to a tree nearby and entered the temple.

" Nandhini?"

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vijayasena @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 12

•A Call from Motherland•

At the Chola Camp,

Nandhini was taken to the camp by the Chola soldiers. When she reached the camp she was greeted by Malayaman who was waiting for her.

" What is the reason for calling me here Ayya? " Asked Nandhini. " Nandhini I know that what I say will definitely break your heart but please kindly listen," told Malayaman.

" Sure but please tell me what it is first " asked Nandhini.

" As you know that Aditya Karikalan is the crown prince of the Chola empire he has to go back to thanjai" started Malayaman.

" So," asked Nandhini confused. " He can't stay with you here," told Malayaman.

" If he can't stay with me then I would give my life to be with him," told Nandhini proudly. Malayaman shook his head and said, "That's what I don't want "told Malayaman.

"what? Why? " asked Nandhini in confusion. "Yes Devi, I want you to stay away from Karikalan" told Malayaman shocking Nandhini. " But why ? "asked Nandhini in a broken voice

"Nandhini, Karikalan is the crown prince but you are just a poor orphan girl who lives in the house at the Temple's pond. we can't let an orphan girl ascend the throne," told Malayaman. The word "orphan" broke Nandhin's heart. even though her father was alive.

She was told by her father that her mother had died due to illness when she was five years old.

" But I truly love him," Nandhini said in a near whisper. " please Nandhini understand " pleaded Malayaman holding Nandhini's hands. Malayaman left Nandhini's hands and saw her face.

Her face didn't look convinced, Malayaman thought that this had to end in a tough way. " If you don't follow my orders, your friend Urvashi won't be alive the next moment you talk to Karikalan. My soldiers will always be watching you. Careful my child" warned Malayaman.

Nandhini didn't know how to react, one side of her felt sad and another angry. She can't let Urvashi's life fall in danger because of her and Karikalan.

Nandhini thought of telling him her true identity to Malayaman, she thought that this was not the right time to say that to him, all her words would be deaf to his ears.

She remained silent. Malayaman asked the soldiers to leave Nandhini back to her house.

Nandhini was left there by the soldiers. Nandhini was deep in her thoughts that she didn't even notice that the sun had risen.

Nandhini was sleepless the whole night and kept staring at the wall. In the morning, Urvashi came chirping into the Hut.

She called Nandhini's name but Nandhini didn't notice her. So finally, Urvashi shook Nandhini awake.

Nandhini just looked at Urvashi and then stared blankly at the wall. " Akka, what happened?" Asked Urvashi. Nandhini didn't reply. Urvashi repeated " Akka, what happened?", Nandhini stayed motionless.

Urvashi started to shake Nandhini. Nandhini became annoyed and shouted " LEAVE ME ALONE" at Urvashi. Urvashi was startled by Nandhini's words. Tears filled Urvashi's eyes. Seeing that made Nandhini's heartache.

" Urvashi I-I didn't mean that." Nandini tried to convince Urvashi but Urvashi left from there crying. " Urvashi don't go, I am sorry " pleaded Nandhini. But Urvashi didn't listen.

Nandini smacked her forehead and sat down cursing at her foolishness.

By this time Karikalan who was sleeping in the tent also woke up. He went out to see some soldiers outside acting suspiciously. They didn't greet him as usual, and didn't look into his eyes even when some greeted him, Karikalan frowned at them.

"What happened? why are you looking at me like that?" asked Karikalan.

" Nothing ilavarase," told the soldier as they bowed and left from there.

Karikalan walked towards his grandfather who was talking with some soldiers. " Thatha why are some soldiers acting weird?" Asked Karikalan.

His grandfather turned towards him and said " I don't think they are, you are just imagining things karikala".

Karikalan shrugged it off and went to take a bath. He had a long and relaxing bath. His thoughts were only of Nandhini ' What would she be doing?', ' Will she also be thinking about me '.

Only if he knew.....

" Greetings to the prince." Greeted a soldier, Karikalan nodded. " Ilavarase Your thatha wants to discuss something important with you, so he asks for your presence in the camp." Informed the soldiers.

Karikalan sighed in annoyance and got up, he followed the soldier to the tent. Malayaman was pouring a glass of water for Karikalan.

"Did you summon me Thatha?" asked Karikalan as he entered the tent.

Malayaman gestured for the soldiers there to go out. They bowed at him and went out.

"Yes my son, you have to go to Thanjavur tomorrow." Informed Malayaman. Adhita Karikalan froze in shock.

" What are you saying Thatha, I can't leave just like that tomorrow." Told Karikalan who was slowly getting angry.

" I know the reason why you are not agreeing, but it was an order from your father," told Malayaman.

" But we still haven't found who the killer is " told Karikalan in protest. " I will take care of it, my son, you go back to thanjai," told Malayaman.

" I can't leave her alone," Karikalan told to Malayaman. Malayaman very well understood and said, " Take her with you if she agrees to come".

This reply made Karikalan happy he smiled at Malayaman and went towards the horse stable. He took his horse and rode towards the temple.

Nandhini washed her face and went inside the temple to pray. Right at that time Karikalan enters the temple. He saw Nandhini standing in front of the deity and praying.

Nandhini sensed a presence behind her, she very well knew Who it was.

" Someone will see us," told Nandhini.

" Let them see" told Karikalan.

" We shouldn't meet it seems" told Nandhini.

" Why "questioned Karikalan." I am an orphan, I don't even know who my mother is "said Nandhini forcing every word out.

" Who told this? " Asked Karikalan in anger. " Your thatha," told Nandhini as she started walking towards the house.

Karikalan followed Nandhini, she stopped outside the house. " Why are you following me? "Asked Nandhini.

" Nandini please don't ignore me, I understand your situation but-" Karikalan was stopped by Nandhini's interruption.

" No buts karikalare, please don't come to see me here from now on," Nandini said as she entered the house. Karikalan was stopped by Nandhini closing the door shut in Karikalan's face.

Karikalan didn't know how to react he started banging on the door " Nandhini open the door ". Nandini who was on the other side muffled her cries with her hand. Nandini slid down and sat against the door, crying.

Karikalan got tired of banging he felt hopeless. He finally informed the news to Nandhini " I don't know if you are listening or not. But it is my duty to inform you, I will be going back to Thanjai tomorrow, I will be waiting for you till the sun rises tomorrow. I expect you to be there, goodbye Nandhini". Nandhini froze. Karikalan didn't wait for Nandhini's reply he went out of the temple.

Nandhini processed everything after a minute. She immediately opened the door and looked out. " Karikalare!" Screamed Nandhini. She saw Karikalan riding far away from the temple.

Nandhini wanted to run to Karikalan but she knew that it was impossible to do so. Nandini slowly sat down against a pillar of the temple mumbling his name. Tears spilt down her eyes as she watched him leave from there.

It was nearly evening all the people who came to the temple looked at Nandhini weirdly she was sitting there like a statue but the only difference between her and a statue was the tears spilling from her eyes.

___________________________

Urvashi came to apologise for the thing that happened in the morning. She didn't find Nandini in the house. She searched for her everywhere near the pond but didn't find her.

Urvashi finally came inside the temple. She saw Nandhini's State and ran towards her, she hugged Nandhini hugged her back and started weeping out loud as she cried into Urvashi's shoulders. Urvashi herself started tearing up herself.

" He left. He left me Urvashi" Nandhini started wailing like a child. Urvashi took her inside the house. Nandini kept mumbling this as she cried herself to sleep.

That's when a Pandiyan messenger came with a message. Urvashi received the letter and dismissed the messenger. Urvashi opened the letter to read it...

Greetings to the Crown Princess,

Your father's health has been declining day by day, he wishes you to be by his side. Hence he has summoned you back to Madurai. We will expect you in Madurai the day after.

Yours Faithfully,

Periya Pazluvetrayar.

A tear slid down Urvashi's face Knowing that she had to return to Madurai and there was no way she could meet Karikalan tomorrow.

_______________________________

Nandhini woke up the next morning, hearing the news made her devastated, she had to be with her father.

_________________________________

On the next morning, Karikalan waited for her as promised. He had no other option than to leave. His grandfather has been forcing him to start the journey before the sun rose, yet he stayed for his Nandhini, but she never came. Karikalan accepted his faith and started his journey...

Hope you liked this chapter!!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm @vibishalakshman @vijayasena

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 11

• Karikalan's Confession•

At the Pond,

Nandhini had ran away with tears in her eyes. Urvashi who was standing with Nandhini there bid her farewell and started to go behind Nandhini.

Nandhini came to the pond and sat down on the farthest step. She kept her head on her knees and started to regret what she did.

'why did I do that? It did not only embarrass myself but the prince too. I am sure Karikalar would be angry with me. ' thought Nandini. As she let her tears fall on her lap.

"Akka !?" Called Urvashi as she saw Nandhini sitting in distress. Urvashi came and sat beside Nandhini. She hugged Nandhini.

" I made a big mistake, I didn't think that he would do that, I was so shocked to hear what he told. I shouldn't have run away" told Nandhini as she hugged Urvashi back.

" Akka I am sure that he understands what you would have felt akka " Consoled Urvashi as she patted Nandhini's back.

" But what would his grandfather think about me, a coward?" Told Nandhini not fully convinced by Urvashi's words.

" Akka he is older than Karikalar, he would have understood how you would have felt. Don't take these silly matters into your head" told Urvashi as she soothed Nandini. Nandini half-heartedly nodded her head.

" Urvashi you go back to the palace, let me stay here for some time to clear my mind." Nandhini requested.

Urvashi understood that Nandhini wanted some time alone. She left Nandhini at the pond and went back to the palace.

___________________

Back at the camp, Karikalan cursed at himself for making Nandhini react that way. " Son come let's get inside the tent and then speak about it". Called Malayaman.

Adhithan agreed and started walking forward, he constantly kept looking back to see if she was back, but his hopes went in vain.

Karikalan sat on the cot in the tent smiling at him, Malayaman sat beside him, "Son, I am very happy for you," he said smiling. " By the way which place's princess is she? " Asked Malayaman. Adhitan's smiled fell.

" Can't you guess from her attire that she is not a princess?" Told karikalan.

" I thought that too, But as for her beauty, she definitely looks like a royal, "told Malayaman.

"No thatha she is not a royal she is a vaishnavi girl who lives in the house back at the pond in the temple "replied Karikalan.

Malayaman thought for a second and asked" Do you love her?". Adhithan nodded yes. " But think about the good fare of our country," told Malayaman.

Karikalan raised his eyebrows and asked," What are you coming to say thatha?"

" Son, Nandhini is a poor vaishnavte, and you are the crown prince. We don't even know who her parents are. How can she become the future queen of Cholas, think my son." Malayaman tried to make Karikalan understand the truth.

" I don't care what others would think, I am adamant on my decision that I will marry Nandhini. If at all at any cost someone tries to separate us. They wouldn't be alive to see the sun, careful thatha" Adhita Karikalan warned him dangerously and left in search of Nandini.

Malayaman knew that talking to Adhitan was a waste he knew the right person to speak with, Nandhini.

Karikalan soon reached the pond. He saw didn't see Nandhini at the pond. He entered the house to see Nandhini who was blanked out, sitting near the door.

Nandhini was so immersed in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Karikalan slip into the house.

Karikalan called Nandhini's name. She didn't reply. Karikalan finally shook Nandhini out of her dream. She saw Karikalan in front of her and jerked up. " Karikalare when did you come? I didn't notice you" told Nandhini.

" Sit down Karikalare,I will bring you something to eat,' Nandini was about to go to the room but she was stopped by Karikalan holding her wrist.

" Nandini, aren't you angry with me ?" Asked Karikalan.

"I am the one who should apologise," told Nandhini. " I shouldn't have run away. I know how embarrassed you would have felt in front of your grandfather " continued Nandhini.

Karikalan smiled slightly and told "You didn't embarrass me Nandhini don't feel guilty for the things you didn't do" Nandhini didn't know what to say.

" Karikalare I want to tell you something," told Nandhini, she knew that this was the right opportunity, to tell the truth about her.

" Sure, but before that I want to tell you something," told Karikalan. Nandhini was confused and told" Sure".

" Wait a minute " told Karikalan and went out of the house. Nandini was eagerly waiting for him. Karikalan came back in a few minutes.

He asked Nandhini to close her eyes. Nandini can feel Karikalan keeping something behind her ear, And slid something up her ring finger Karikalan brought a mirror close to Nandhini's face and asked her to open her eyes.

Nandini opened her eyes and looked into the mirror. It was a rare white Lotus flower.

"See you made the flower look more beautiful" told Karikalan making Nandhini blush. She playfully punched his chest. She then looked at the ring and looked at Karikalan.

" Karikalare, this ring is yours. " Told Nandhini. " Not anymore, Now it belongs to the tigress of the Chola Empire" smiled Karikalan. Nandini started to blush hearing his words.

" Aah! Nandhini the punch hurts more now. " Told Karikalan rubbing his chest facking hurt. " Don't tease me karikalare" told Nandhini.

" What is the thing that you wanted to tell me karikalare?" Asked Nandhini. Karikalan looked straight into Nandhini's eyes and told " I love you Nandhini", Karikalan confessed, " I truly love you, Nandhini, I don't care about your cast or status, I love you for what you are ."

Nandhini looked at Karikalan with love-filled eyes and she suddenly hugged him. Karikalan froze in happiness he slowly hugged her back. " I love you too Karikalare," told Nandhini in a near whisper. She broke the hug and kissed his cheek. Karikalan's eyes widened in happiness.

Nandini was blushing like a mad woman. She ran out of the house and to the palace, to see her friend.

Karikalan who stood there lifted his hands to his cheek where Nandhini's soft lips were at. He started to blush too.

Nandini ran to the palace in happiness with the white Lotus in her hands. She went inside Urvashi's chamber. Urvashi was startled by her sudden entry. Nandini fell on the bed and covered her face with the pillow.

Urvashi had no idea why Nandhini was behaving like this. " Akka what happen tell me " asked Urvashi. Nandhini kept nodding no to her questions. " Akka this is the last time, if you don't answer I won't talk to you", told Urvashi.

Nandhini finally agreed to tell Urvashi everything. " I met Karikalan," told Nandhini, she started to blush again. " Ok Akka, what happened when you met him, " asked Urvashi in a teasing way.

"H-Heee " dragged Nandhini. " Yes, Akka what did he do" repeated Urvashi for the hundredth time. " He confessed his feelings for me," told Nandhini.

Urvashi was shocked, she knew that something happened there but didn't think it would be like this. Urvashi smiled brightly at Nandini.

" That's great akka!!" Told Urvashi

" Akka did you tell the truth to Karikalar?" Asked Urvashi hoping to get a positive answer.

" I was about to but Karikalare interrupted me in the middle and told me this after that I came here," told Nandhini not knowing what to do.

"It's ok Akka tell him when you both meet again," told Urvashi. Nandhini nodded.

On the other side, karikalan returned to the camp knowing that it will take a long time for her to return.

When he reached the camp he saw his grandfather waiting for him in the entrance. Karikalan turned his face in annoyance.

Karikalan got off the horse. " Did you go to see her again?" Asked Malayaman. karikalan rolled his eyes and replied, "Yes I went to see her, so what".

" Adhita please understand she is not suitable for you " told Malayaman.

" I know that she is perfect for me, I don't need your opinion thatha," told Karikalan as they walked towards the tent. Malayaman knew that he had to do something.

It was night, and Nandhini returned to the house back at the pond. She prepared everything to sleep there tonight. Nandhini was about to lie down, suddenly she heard a loud knock at the door. ' who is it at this time ' thought Nandhini. She went to the door and opened it.

She saw some soldiers. " Why have you come at this time? " Asked Nandhini.

" Are you Nandini?" asked a soldier.

" Yes " replied a confused Nandhini.

" The great Malayaman has ordered us to bring you to him. " informed the soldier.

Hope you liked this chapter!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @vijayasena @vibishalakshman @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 10

•Pattathu Arasi•

At the Camp of Cholas,

The boundary of both Kingdoms,

The Camp where Malayaman, Parthibandhra and Karikalan were

staying, was full of chaos. All the soldiers were searching for their crown prince.

"Thatha do you know where Karikalan would have gone?" Ask a concerned Parthibandhran.

" I have no idea, son " reply Malayaman."

Thatha I think it is better if we inform the king that Adhitan is missing" suggested Parthibandhran.

"Let us search for a few more days and then inform the king. We wouldn't want the king to die in a heart attack." Told Malayaman to Parthibandhran to lighten up the mood.

Just as they were talking a spy came towards them " Greetings to The great Malayaman and Parthibandhra Pallavan. "

"What news have you brought? Is it about Karikalan?" Asked Malayaman with hope.

" Yes, I have brought news about Karikalan. It Looks like he is staying in a Vidhiyar's Hut in Kattumanarkovil. " Told the spy.

" How do you know that it was him?" Asked Malayaman to confirm the news. " He was seen at the Temple on the Full moon day. Many people have witnessed to see him" told the spy

Malayaman became very happy he looked at Parthibandhra and hugged him tightly.

"By the way why is he staying in the Vidhiyar's Hut?" Asked Malayaman." The prince got injured by the fight which happened in the temple with the bandits"

As he was enquiring about the spy about Karikalan. The Prince himself showed up.

A soldier came running towards them and told " Adhita Karikalan is coming".

Malayaman and Parthibandhran looked very happy. They pushed past the soldier and the spy, they followed them right behind.

Karikalan was dressed in a kaavi colour dhoti and had the same colour shawl wrapped around his upper body.

"Karikala", and " Nanba" greeted Malayaman and Parthibandhran as they saw karikalan.

Malayaman went to hug Karikalan followed by Parthibandhran. " Nanba! How are you? You scared us for three whole days" told Parthibandhran as he hugged Karikalan.

Karikalan hugged Parthibandhran back and told laughing " I won't leave you very easily". Hearing their sounds, other soldiers in the camp came to see him. They became very happy seeing him. " Hail Prince Adhita Karikalan." Everyone praised him.

Karikalan lifted his hands gesturing the soldiers to stop praising him.

"Thank you everyone" thanked Karikalan.

" Thatha I was safe in the vidhiyar's house, the pandiyans are good people," Karikalan told to Malayaman.

" How are you saying?" Asked Malayaman. " Yes thatha they save me and gave me shelter, food, clothes. I even got to hear some good parshuram." Said karikalan.

This comment made Nandhini who was standing behind a tree with Urvashi blush, her cheeks turned red like a Tomato. Urvashi noticed it and started to tease Nandhini.

" Akka can't you see how much he loves you by this? " Asked Urvashi to Nandhini. Nandini turned to the other side to hide her smile from Urvashi.

On the other hand, karikalan was talking to Malayaman about his experience there. " I would love to see the brave young lady who saved you Adhita, It is my pleasure, son " replied Malayaman eager to see the woman who has saved his grandson.

Karikalan didn't hesitate for a second and called " Nandini, come out ".

Nandhini who was giggling and talking with Urvashi came to everyone's view of Urvashi.

As they were walking forward he introduced Urvashi as the chief tenant's daughter.

They stood there in the distance. Karikalan asked them to come closer. She came near Aditya Karikalan and asked " Did you call me Ilavarase?".

" Yes I called you Nandhini, this is my thatha Malayaman and this is my friend Parthibandhran" pointing towards each one as he introduced her.

Nandhini brought her palms together and greeted them as she touched Malayamans' feet to get his blessings. " Live long and happy life " blessed Malayaman.

Malayaman saw Urvashi, Nandhini and smiled at them. Parthibandhran on the other hand was just looking at Nandhini. He was hypnotised by her beauty.

Malayaman shook awake Parthibandhran to reality karikalan laughed at the sight, and Nandhini smiled.

" Thatha this is Chola Nadu's Pattathu Arasi" announced Karikalan, which shocked Malayaman as well as Nandhini. Nandhini didn't know how to react she ran away from there.

" Nandhini wait don't go!" shouted Karikalan. Nandhini ignored his calls and kept running.

Hope you liked this chapter!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm @vijayasena

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 9

•Water Games•

Veera Narayan Perumal Temple,

Kattumanarkovil,

A few days after that Incident,

Nandhini couldn't sleep at night. She kept thinking about him. She was tossing side to side on her bed.

Urvashi entered the chamber and called " Akka wake up let's go out to the market".

Nandhini's eyes shot open. " Yes, Urvashi let's go, before that how is our new guest is he alright?" Asked Nandhini.

"Ayoo akka do you keep thinking about him? Hmm Looks like something is going in between you two." started Urvashi mockingly.

Nandhini blushed at Urvashi's words. " So am I going to get a brother in law??" Asked Urvashi raising her eyebrows." How will he be your brother-in-law mad girl, when you marry Amarabhiujhangan and when I marry him, he will become your brother and not brother-in-law,corrected Nandhini.

Nandhini closed her mouth with her palm in the realisation that she had spilt more information than needed. Urvashi looked at Nandhini with a teasing smile. " Akka... So you have thought about this way earlier than me " teased Urvashi.

"What? Don't look at me like that" Nandhini told not being able to withstand her teasing.

" Enough of the teasing I have to get ready" Nandhini told as she sent her friend out of the room. Nandhini went to the pond to bathe as she stayed in the house after the fight.

Nandini had tied a white cloth around her body. She stepped into the pond and kept her clothes a few steps away as she didn't want them to get wet.

Nandhini started scrubbing the body with herbs.

She noticed a man walking towards the direction of the pond. Nandhini's eyes widened. She held her breath and was submerged in the water.

That man was none other than Adhita Karikalan. He too came to take a bath. ' What a nice day, oh I am a very gifted man, I will take Nandhini to thatha today ' thought Karikalan he had a white vesti wrapped around his waist.

He noticed some clothes kept on the steps just opposite to him. He couldn't see it clearly as it was on the other side of the pond. He too keep his clothes a few steps away which were only a sandal-coloured vesti and a shawl.

He entered the water and dipped his head inside the water.

At the same time Nandhini who was under the water, emerged from inside. She was gasping for breath. Nandini looked around. 'No man is here' thought Nandini as she continued bathing.

Nandini started to swim around the pond. Karikalan had the same Idea in his mind too. He too started swimming in the pool.

Nandhini and Karikalan were busy swimming under the water that they didn't notice their clothes being stolen by the kids who were playing near the pond.

Nandini and Karikalan unknowingly swam towards each other.

Nandhini saw a person looking like Adhita Karikalan in the water. She blinked into the water, thinking that it was her imagination.

Karikalan was doing and thinking the same. He and Nandhini at the same time came out of the water.

Both Adhitya Karikalan and Nandhini were shocked at each other "Aaaahhhhhh" both of them screamed looking at each other.

Nandhini swam towards her clothes as fast as she could, and so did Karikalan. She searched for her clothes. She couldn't find them. The same thing happened to Adhita Karikalan.

"Where are the clothes!?" Screamed Adhita Karikalan as well as Nandhini in sync. They looked at each other from a distance. Adhita Karikalan was straight opposite to Nandhini but a bit far away.

" Where did you hide my clothes Karikalare?" Shouted Nandhini from her side. " You are asking me? Where did you hide my clothes!?" Shouted karikalan.

As they were arguing they saw kids playing nearby. " Hey, kids did you see mine and this akka's clothes?" asked Karikalan to the kids who were playing.

Those kids were confused. One of the kids pointed towards the tree and asked "Are you asking for these?".

Karikalan and Nandhini's eyes widened at the sight of their clothes. Their clothes were tied to each other like a rope and were tried to the tree. Those kids used it to pluck mangoes from the tree.

"Hey! Naughty kids give us our clothes back " shouted Nandhini. " I will rip your head off if I come there!" Screamed Adhita Karikalan.

The kids laughed at them "Hahaha, you don't even have anything to wear, how will you come and kill me " Karikalan became embarrassed, and he saw Nandhini laughing at him.

"Hey! Nandhini don't laugh at me, even though you don't have clothes" said Karikalan. Nandhini closed her mouth in realisation.

"You guys are cute kids, please give us our clothes" pleaded Nandhini. The kids didn't show any signs of returning the clothes.

The kids got annoyed by the constant shouting. " Fine we will return the clothes but only one of your clothes. So who will want their clothes back ?" Asked a kid.

"Mine!" Both of them said at the same time.

" Karikalare, If I get my clothes back I will were them and bring you clothes to wear as your clothes on the tree are nearly going to get torn, please let me get mine." Nandhini pleaded. Seeing Nandhini plead made Karikalan's heart melt.

"Hey kids, give that Akka's clothes." Told karikalan. The kids half-heartedly opened the knot and threw Nandhini her clothes.

Nandhini got it and immediately got off of the water she wrapped the cloth around her shoulders and ran towards the palace.

Nandhini was shivering. Urvashi came to receive Nandhini." Akka what happen to you?" Asked Urvashi who couldn't suppress her laughter.

Nandhini explained everything and she asked Urvashi to give some clothes for Karikalan. Nandhini went inside the palace and dressed up properly.

Urvashi gave Nandhini some clothes for Karikalan. Urvashi requested Nandini to take her with her, and after many tries she finally agreed.

Nandhini and Urvashi rode in Nandhini's horse to the pond. Nandhini took her horse and went towards the pond, whereas Urvashi got down near the house. " Princess Urvashi gave us some new clothes, here are yours"

Nandhini was about to throw the clothes to Karikalan but he stopped her by saying " No No don't throw, it will get wet, Come here and give".

Nandhini walked forward towards Adhithan, he pulled the clothes from her hands, and as the steps were slippery Nandhini lost her balance and fell into the water with a loud splash.

The kids who were watching it started to laugh. Nandhini came out of the water and gasped for air. She saw everyone laughing at her including Karikalan. Her cheeks became red in embarrassment.

Nandhini started to punch his chest playfully. Karikalan her hands and started at her" You look even more beautiful when you are angry" said Karikalan.

Nandhini stopped punching and started to blush. " Stop it karikalare. Put on your clothes and get back to the Vidhiyar's Hut. See now because of you, I will have to change again " told Nandhini.

Karikalan agreed and came out of the pond. He got dressed up and Nandhini went to the house at the pond. Karikalan used the horse bought by Nandhini to get back to the vidhiyar's hut.

Urvashi in the house saw Nandhini drenched again and started laughing her life out tears started to spill out of her eyes due to constant laughing.

Urvashi asked Nandhini laughing,

" Akka did Ilavaraser do this?" Nandhini nodded yes.

"Wow looks like he doesn't want you to leave him at any cost" said Urvashi. Nandhini's smile vanished it was replaced by sorrow.

"We both will have to leave each other at some point, for our country. " Told Nandhini.

"Not if you marry him," told Urvashi. " But as a crown Princess I can only marry a minister's son, if I marry Karikalan then I would have to leave with him " replied Nandhini.

Urvashi thought for a second and told" Akka let's talk about this to Chakravarthy, he will have a solution I think ." Nandini nodded.

" Akka why don't you tell about this to Karikalar, I am sure that he will understand " suggested Urvashi. " I will tell him when the right time comes Urvashi ". Replied Nandhini.

Nandini dried herself and wore new pair of clothes and walked to the Vidhiyar's house with Urvashi

Nandhini and Urvashi reached the Vidhiyar's house. Karikalan was all dressed up his wound was half healed.

" So shall we go and meet my thatha?" Asked Karikalan. Nandini and Urvashi nodded in reply.

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @ragkee @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @vibishalakshman @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vijayasena

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 8

•A Full Moon Night •

A few months back,

Veera Narayana Perumal Temple,

It was a full moon night everyone was gathered at the temple. Out of nowhere, the bandits had emerged.

All the people in the temple turned towards the direction of the noises.

They saw nearly fifty masked men surrounding the temple on all four sides of the temple.

Women inside the temple started screaming. Children started getting scared hearing their mothers scream.

Nandhini and Karikalan who were hiding behind a tree heard their scream and came out of their hiding spot. This gave the bandits a perfect chance to attack them again.

Nandhini tried to move from the spot but Karikalan who was already wounded requested Nandhini," Nandhini don't go, it is not safe for you to go there."

Nandhini was desperate to save her people she replied " Ilavarase, you are already injured, you stay here, I will take care of them."

Karikalan was about to open his mouth to protest but Nandhini told" I am not only a girl who knows to make Garland but wield swords too. "

She got up from the place and headed towards the temple, moving very swiftly dodging the arrows.

She saw that the bandits were beating and had also killed some people. Seeing the sight of her people suffering made her blood boil.

She walked towards Urvashi and pulled her aside by keeping her hands on her mouth.

Urvashi struggled against her grip "Shh... Urvashi, it is me." Assured Nandini. Urvashi turned towards Nandhini and hugged her  Akka I am scared" told Urvashi.

"Don't worry Urvashi,I will save everyone. Where is my sword? " Asked Nandhini.

"Akka I left your sword near the temple's pond." Replied Nandhini.

"Ok, I will go and get it you stay here," told Nandhini as she left.

She sneaked to the pond and started to search for the sword. Nandhini didn't notice a metal pot keep on a step of the pond.

She accidentally kicked it causing it to roll down the steps. The noises produced by the rolling pot diverted some Bandits' attention.

"Who is there!?" Shouted a bandit. Nandhini ran towards her sword and quickly bought it to her hand ready for an attack.

Nearly twenty bandits gathered after hearing the noise. " Oh look a lioness is ready to attack." mocked a bandit.

" After this night I will make her my pet cat " told another bandit.

Their comments made Nandhini's anger reach its pinnacle. She started striking at the bandits.

She was very busy fighting some bandits. Another bandit tried to stab her from behind.

He was stopped by another sword which came to Nandhini's rescue. This sword belonged to the crown prince of the Chola Empire, Adhita Karikalan.

Nandhini turned to see Adhita Karikalan attacking the bandits. " Ilavarase! I told you to stay there. Why did you come here" asked Nandhini as she attacked some bandits.

"You saved my life, it is my duty to repay it " answered Karikalan.

" Ilavarase but you haven't still healed completely" protested Nandhini.

"Let us keep our argument later first let's finish them off. " Said karikalan. Nandhini wanted to protest but she very well knew that this was not the right time.

Nandhini and Karikalan got many cuts due to the bandits but they didn't care, all that was on their minds was to save the people inside the temple.

They nearly killed most of the bandits The remaining were now inside the temple. The sight inside the temple made them freeze.

Women were being dragged by the bandits. Men were being beaten. Children were being tortured without mercy.

Everyone turned towards the couple with the sword. The bandits left the captured people and fled towards them.

Nandhini and Karikalan fought vigorously. At one moment, Karikalan and Nandhini were diverted by something this gave a bandit a chance to hold Karikalan with a dagger at his neck

Nandhini paused fighting." Ilavarase! " Called Nandhini. " Put your sword down and come to me. " told the bandit smirking.

Karikalan couldn't fight against the grip as he was already very injured and very tired. " Ok but don't do anything to him." Told Nandhini as she let her sword slip down.

Nandhini walked towards the bandit. He loosened his grip on Adhita Karikalan.

Nandhini signalled Karikalan to push his sword to her which was right down his foot. Which went unnoticed by the bandit.

Nandini walked faster towards them, finally picked up the speed and ran towards them, in a split second she bent, and Karikalan kicked the sword towards Nandhini. She got the sword and sliced the bandit's head off.

The headless body fell. Karikalan escaped from him. Nandhini killed the few more bandits who were left. Karikalan crawled near a pillar. And rested his back on it.

Karikalan was breathing heavily. His half-healed wound started to bleed again. Nandini gave her sword to Urvashi who came running towards them and rushed towards Karikalan ignoring her wounds.

"Vidhiyare please,  heal him " pleaded Nandhini to the Vidhya who came forward to check on Aditya Karikalan.

"Someone help me to take him to my house" called Vidhiyar,two men helped him.

Nandhini got up after they left. The remaining people who stood there thanked Nandhini for saving their lives.

"What is this you are like my brothers and sisters. I must save you " answered Nandhini with a smile.

"Amma what is your name? " Asked an old lady from the crowd. " My name is Nandhini," told Nandhini. " As in the Crown princess?" Asked people in shock.

" No no, my parents named me after her. I am just a Vaishnava girl who lives in the house back at the pond." Told Nandhini as she tried to hide her identity.

She didn't want people to know who she was because she came here secretly not even the ministers knew that she was there. Nandhini wanted it to keep it that way.

"Thank you very much for saving us Amma " everyone thanked Nandhini in chorus.

Nandhini smiled in response. " Come Urvashi let's go and visit the other saviour shall we ?" Nandini called Urvashi.

Nandhini entered the Vidhiyar's Hut. And saw Karikalan being treated by him. Karikalan smiled at seeing Nandhini.

" The Ilavaraser is regretting his atrocities now,  I see ." Told Nandhini smiling at him.

"I never regret helping you, Nandhini". Told karikalan looking in Nandhini's eyes.

" Why did you come out of the house at first?"  Nandhini Scolded karikalan like a mother scolding her son.

"I didn't inform my grandfather that I would be going for a hunt. So I went in search of him." Answered karikalan.

The thought of him leaving saddened Nandhini " I will inform your grandfather, wherever he is " told Nandhini with the hope of making him stay.

" They won't even let you inside the camp Nandhini." Told karikalan.

Karikalan very well understood what Nandhini wanted, she wanted him to stay.

"If I could meet him I would ask for permission to stay here for a while. " Told Karikalan. It bought back the smile on Nandhini's face.

" Really!?" Asked Nandhini."Yes" replied Karikalan. " I will speak with the chief tenant " Nandhini informed as she ran to talk with her uncle in happiness.

Karikalan smiled seeing her eagerly waiting for him to be with her. He closed his eyes to rest but the only thing he could think was about Nandhini......

Hope you liked this chapter!!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @vijayasena .

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 7

•A Godess From Vaikuntha•

A few months back -

Veera Narayan Perumal temple,

Kattumanarkovil,

It was like someone had splashed a bucket of cold water on Nandhini. She seemed to be frozen. She didn't even notice that Urvashi and her father has entered.

"Akka!", "Akka" called Urvashi as she shook Nandhini. Nandhini jerked awake. And saw them.

" Who asked you both to come inside?" Asked Nandhini in a low voice. "Go out " ordered Nandhini.

Urvashi pulled her father outside. "You continue akka," told Urvashi as she went. Nandini sighed in annoyance.

" Ilavarase, I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience." Apologised Nandhini.

" Why are you apologising Devi? Who are you?" Questioned Karikalan.

Nandhini thought for a minute before answering. " Well, I am a citizen of this empire. The inconvenience caused by the soldiers is an inconvenience caused by us citizens " told Nandhini. " For your other question, Who do you think I could be? " Asked Nandhini.

Adhita Karikalan kept staring at her. He was awakened by a loud clap by Nandhini. He joined awake." What were you asking Devi?" Asked Karikalan.

Nandini rolled her eyes and repeated, "Who do you think I could be ?". " You look like Devi Lakshmi from Vaikuntha to me . You are my saviour and everything." Told Karikalan smiling.

" And yourselves as Perumal?" Asked Nandhini mocking Karikalan.

"Of course not Devi. But you haven't Introduce yourself" told Karikalan.

Nandhini planned to continue the game.

" Yes, my name is Nandhini." " Oh really! I then my guess was wrong!" Chimed Karikalan. Nandini chuckled. " Nandini, nice name" told Adhita Karikalan as he smiled at her.

" Where do you live Devi?" Asked Karikalan curiously. " Nandini again thought before answering. "In the Veera Narayan Perumal temple, I live in the house at the back of the temple's pond"

" Oh I see, but when I saw you first you were having a sword in your hand. " Questioned Karikalan. " Oh, that was my friend's sword. She is the princess of this place " told Nandhini.

" Oh yes, so the vidhiyar will take care of you. I may come to check on you in the evening" told Nandhini as she left. She turned to look at him one more time before she left.

Karikalan who was sitting inside smiled as he looked at the door and then at his lap and repeated " Nandhini"

Nandhini who went out, met Urvashi and her father who were talking to each other and laughing. Urvashi was the first one to notice her. "Akka did you both talk? Who is he? Did you like him?" Urvashi started to throw her questions at her.

Nandini closed her ears with her palm." Can you please shut your mouth, my ears are bleeding". Urvashi finally closed her mouth. " Uncle, he told me that he was the crown prince of Cholas, Adhita Karikalan and that he came for a hunt ." Told Nandhini

"Wow, I didn't expect this from him. I thought that he was a spy. Do you trust him, princess? " Asked Urvashi's father. " I do, his eyes aren't lying," told Nandhini.

" Urvashi come let's go to The temple we did even worship the deity, it is your birthday too. " Nandini called Urvashi. Nandini started walking away. She stopped for a second and turned back to face Urvashi's father. " And one more thing, don't address me as a princess when he is around, call me Nandhini "

" Ilavarasi but us calling you by your name." Hesitate Urvashi's father.

" It is not my request, it is my order," told Nandhini as she walked away with Urvashi.

Adhita Karikalan on the the other side, was still smiling, thinking about Nandhini. He recalled her face, her eyes especially which were radiant green.

He could stop thinking about her. He was smiling like mad man ' What is she doing to me ' thought Karikalan.

Suddenly he remembered that his grandfather would be searching for him. So he got up from the bed with great difficulty and held the nearby pillar of the house.

Started whimpering in pain and went near the door. He tried to be as quiet as possible as it was night.

He saw his horse tied near the cow shed and went towards it. He couldn't walk fast because of the pain in his back.

He commanded his horse to sit down. It followed his command and sat down. Karikalan smiled. As he sat on it, it stood up.

Karikalan felt very cold as he didn't have any clothes he just had a shawl covering his upper body. Karikalan kicked the horse and started going towards the forest.

He stopped by the temple and tried to get down. But he saw many people in the temple including the vidhiyar.

His eyes searched for only one, Nandhini. She was nowhere to be seen.

With the want to see her, he got down his horse. He pushed past the crowd and went front.

She was there, his Saviour was there. She was adorned in a reddish-pink saree. She wore minimal jewellery.

She was sitting in front of the Narayana idol. She had a Veena in her hands. It looked like she looked like Rathi straight from heaven.

' oh she is about to sing' thought Adhita Karikalan. Nandhini didn't notice that Adhita Karikalan was standing in the crowd as she was facing the idol.

Nandini began to sing.....

āzhi mazhai kannā onnu nī kai karavēl|

azhiyuḷ pukku muhandu koḍārtēṛi

uzhi mudalvan uruvampōl mey kaṛuttu

pāzhiyan tōḷ uḍaip paṛpanābhan kaiyil

āzhipōl minni | valamburi pōl ninnu adirndu |

tāzhāde śārṅgam udaitta śara mazhaipōl |

vāzhā ulahinil peydiḍāy | nāṅgaḷum

mārgazhi nirāḍa mahizhndelōr empāvāy ||

Nandhini finished the pashuram, and everyone was mesmerized by her voice. Her voice added more melody to the song.

Karikalan was floating in his dreamland, he had zoned out.

Nandhini turned back to look at the crowd. She spotted Karikalan and her eyes widened.

She started chatting with god's name to divert the crowd's attention. The crowd walked in closer, she used this as an opportunity to reach, Karikalan.

She kept her Veena down and walked towards Karikalan. he was still standing in the same place. Nandhini dragged Karikalan out of the temple gently.

Nandhini took him a bit into the forest." What were you doing there Ilavarase" told Nandhini in concern.

" I didn't inform thatha that I came for hunting. They must be searching for me " informed Karikalan.

Just as she was about to ask another question. An arrow just missed Nandhini and Karikalan's head. Both of them turned in that direction.

" Looks like I didn't get shot by the Pandiyan soldiers." Told Karikalan looking in that direction.

As he completed saying this. A bunch of arrows came in their direction.

They hid behind a tree, Karikalan groaned in pain due to the sudden impact.

Nandhini and Karikalan bent down to escape from the arrows. " They are bandits," told Nandhini. As they looked at each other.

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @vibishalakshman @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vijayasena

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 6

•Nandhini's Secret •

Madurai - Palace, Night

Everyone in the kingdom was fast asleep except one - Nandhini. The sound of crickets was vast.

Nandini who was sitting on the bed with her eyes closed got annoyed by it. She got up from the bed and opened the curtain and went to the balcony.

She stood there staring at the moon which Circle, indicating that it was a Full moon day. Nandhini looked at the moon and then at the ring on her left hand.

Her mind was flooded with memories of a few months back. When she was at her friend, Urvashi's palace. That temple she could never forget......

A few months back -

Veera Narayan Perumal temple, Kattumanarkovil,

Kattumanarkovil was a small kingdom located on the border of both kingdoms. Its ruler was Urvashi's father.

Nandhini went to meet her friend Urvashi there on her name day. "Akka! , What a surprise!, I didn't expect you to be here." Urvashi exclaimed in shock.

" So, I shouldn't come to visit my friend??" Asked Nandhini, suppressing her smile and pretending to be angry. She folded her arms against her chest.

" Akka, I didn't mean that. You are the crown princess of the empire, I thought that you would be busy. I am so happy to see you here" apologised Urvashi.

Nandhini smiled and hugged her friend even though she was just a friend she never saw her separate, she saw her as her sister.

Urvashi searched for something or someone behind Nandini. Nandini noticed and asked, " Who are you searching for?".

" No one," told Urvashi shyly. "Then why are you blushing?" Questioned Nandhini." Akka.. didn't your brother come?" Asked Urvashi.

"Hmm, now I see the reason for your shyness. From when?", Teased Nandhini. "Don't tease me akka " told Urvashi blushing.

Right at that moment,Urvashi's father entered the room " Greetings to the crown princess", told Urvashi s father as he entered the room. Nandhini nodded her head in reply.

"Urvashi, do you want to keep our princess inside the palace and suffocate her? Take her to the nearby temple. It's your birthday too. Take some soldiers with you for protection." Told Urvashi's father.

" Uncle I request you not to send any soldiers with us, I am capable of protecting both of us ." Requested Nandini.

Urvashi's father smiled, "As you wish, Ilavarasi ".

Both of them planned to go on walking. They reached the temple in a few minutes, it was located in the middle of a forest. " Akka, why is nobody there in the temple? " Asked Urvashi.

" How am I supposed to know? You are the one who lives near the temple" replied Nandhini. Nandini and Urvashi were standing near the temple's kodimaram.

Suddenly they heard the sound of a horse coming towards them. Nandhini became alert. They waited for the person to come into the temple.

It was a man with shoulder-length hair. He had a beard. His skin was tan and his body was muscular. He had three stripes of holy ash on his forehead.

Nandhini kept looking at him as he got off the horse and started walking towards them he had a sword in his hand. Seeing this made Nandhini pull her sword out.

The man let the sword fall out of his hand. He came on face to face with Nandhini. Nandhini gulped and held her sword tight in her right hand.

Urvashi got scared and hid behind Nandhini's back. The man looked at Nandhini for a minute. Unexpectedly he fell on Nandhini's shoulder, unconscious.

Nandhini put her sword down to catch him from falling. Nandini sat down because of his weight. That's when she noticed the arrows on his back.

She pulled the arrows out, the mystery man flinched in pain. Seeing him suffer made Nandhini sad. She took off the shawl she was having and tied it around his back to stop him from bleeding to death.

Nandhini turned him to keep his head on her lap. She tapped his face " Ayya wake up". She told scared Urvashi to call her father here.

Nandhini was trying to wake him up but it ended in vain. Her face was filled with concern as she saw his face.

By that time Urvashi's came with her father. Nandhini asked Urvashi's father to lift him and take him to the vidhiyar.

Urvashi's father followed her order and lifted him up and took him to the vidhiyar. Nandhini's heart was beating very fast.

She wanted to know who that man was.

Nandhini sat down on the veranda of the Vidhiyar's house. The vidhiyar came out and greeted her. " Ilavarasi, that man had been struck with two poisonous arrows, but there is nothing to worry about as you bought him here at the right time."

Nandhini felt very happy that she removed a ring from her finger and give it to the vidhiyar as a gift. The vidhiyar got it and bowed at her. " When will he wake up vidhiyare? " Asked Nandhini. " He will wake up in a few hours, Amma " he informed.

Urvashi and her father who was standing beside her insisted her to go back to the palace. But Nandhini was adamant that she will stay here until he wakes up.

Nandhini went inside to see the man. He had a pained expression on his face. Nandhini sat down beside him. She kept staring at her for a few minutes. Until she got tired of staring at him and slept.

Nandhini was woken up by the sound of something falling. The man had woken up. He tried to reach for the cup of water kept on the table near the bed.

Nandhini got up and helped him by getting the water to him. She helped him rest his back on the wall. He drank the water and told," Thank you for saving me ".

" Who are you, what were you doing in the temple? How did you get shot by the arrows? " Questioned Nandhini.

" Hey, at least let me breathe. I came here following a deer. But some soldiers saw me in the forest and attacked me, that's how I got injured " told the man.

"Why would they attack you? " Asked Nandhini. " Because I am from Chola Nadu. " Told the man. " Who are you? What is your name?"Nandhini enquired.

" Oh, I forgot to introduce myself, I am the Crown prince of The Chola Empire, Adhita Karikalan", the man introduced himself.

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vijayasena @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 6

•The New Head of Pandiyas•

The Grand Hall Of the Madurai Palace,

The hall was decorated with flowers and the people came there with a cheerful smile on their faces. The priest was reading the mantras and Vedas. But the state of Nandhini and Amarabhiujhangan was the opposite.

Nandini was being prepared for the coronation ceremony. She was adorned with heavy jewellery and a saree. Her hair was tied up into an Andal bun. Which added more beauty to her face.

But her eyes seemed to be very dull almost as if dead. She was helped by her maids and Urvashi to get prepared for the ceremony. "Akka please smile" told Urvashi cheerfully.

She tried to smile but could. This saddened Urvashi. She told," It's ok akka, try to smile at least during the ceremony". Nandhini just nodded in reply.

Her brother came to call her for the ceremony. Nandhini was looking at herself in the mirror. Urvashi saw Amarabhiujhangan enter and blushed a bit. Amarabhiujhangan noticed it but didn't react.

"Akka everything is prepared, they are waiting for you," told Amarabhiujhangan.

" You go to the hall I will come after a few minutes " replied Nandhini. Her brother looked at Urvashi one last time and went.

Nandhini got up from the seat and turned towards Urvashi. She asked Urvashi to bring the wooden box keep beside the bed.

Urvashi brought it to Nandhini. Nandhini opened it and had two golden rings. The only difference between them was that one hand had the symbol of Cholas, the tiger and the other one had their symbol, the fish.

"Akka whose rings are these," asked Urvashi. Nandhini took both the rings in her hand and stared at them. " These are my rings, Urvashi, one is my  father's gift and the other one is- Nandhini froze and continued " his killers' "

"Who Akka?" Asked Urvashi. Nandhini ignored the question and headed towards the door with the rings. She stopped near the door and asked" Are you going to stand there and ask questions all day ?".

Urvashi bit her lips and hit her head at her silliness. She followed Nandhini.

The trumpets blew as Nandhini entered the hall. Everyone turned to look at her hearing the sound of trumpets. Everyone got up from their seat and greatest her.

Nandhini reached the throne and got the blessings of her grandfather Periyar Pazluvetrayar. " Greetings to everyone gathered in this suspicious hall of the palace. Our eyes are gifted to experience the wonderful coronation of the crown princess Nandhini" he announced.

Nandhini held the rings tightly in her already wounded palm. She turned towards her grandfather, he blessed her by keeping a tilak on her forehead.

She was given her father's shawl. And with the trumpets blowing loudly she was crowned as the Queen of Pandiyan empire.

Her father's sword was given to her. She took the shawl and kept the rings inside and tied it tightly together.

She bought the sword to her right hand and held it tightly. " I the Queen of the Pandiyan empire promise to bring peace and prosperity to the country and won't hesitate to kill anyone who goes against me even if it is my blood. " Nandhini vowed.

Amarabhiujhangan's eyes darkened and Urvashi who was standing beside him smiled lightly at Nandhini's words.

"Hail Queen Nandhini!!" everyone cheered as she was crowned. Nandhini kept a straight face throughout the ceremony. She only spoke with her brother and Urvashi .

" So when are you both going to run away" Nandhini asked Urvashi mockingly as she saw Urvashi looking at Amarabhiujhangan who was talking to his friend, when the guest went to have the lunch .

Urvashi didn't reply. She ran away from there , blushing. Nandhini closed her as he she exhaled. She sat on the throne and took the shawl with the rings in her hand.

She got up and walked towards the exit . Nobody noticed it as everyone was busy eating. She got up on her horse and headed towards the river bank.

She stopped near the bank and got down." Appa, I am the Queen now. I have the power to create and destroy anything in Madurai But as a daughter, I promise you that, I will destroy the  Cholas. This is the least I can do as your daughter. I will make them suffer just  as you did. " Swore Nandhini looking at her reflection in the water.

She opened the cloth and took the rings on her palm. She wore her father's ring on the right and the other one on the left.

She climbed the horse and headed back. Her brother started to search for her by the time she came back. He saw her at the entrance and ran to her " Akka where were you?" Asked Amarabhiujhangan. " I was at the banks" replied Nandhini calmly.

Amarabhiujhangan noticed the rings on her fingers.  He knew that one was their father's " Akka this this tiger symboled ring....." Asked Amarabhiujhangan. " This belongs to the young tiger of the Cholas" Replied Nandhini.

" Why are you wearing it", asked Amarabhiujhangan. " Wearing it reminds me of him killing my father and it is like fuel to the fire in me. " Told Nandhini.

Nandhini didn't wait for him and started walking inside. She asked Amarabhiujhangan to gather a meeting with the ministers. He gathered everyone in her room.

"Arasi, did you call us, " Asked the ministers. " Yes, I have some important matters to talk about, take a seat" told Nandhini. " Nandhini sat as Amarabhiujhangan stood beside her. Nandhini came directly to the point" I am planning to go on a pilgrimage tour ". Told Nandhini. Her announcements shocked everyone.

"But why Arasi, you have been crowned just now and you are planning to leave Madurai." Asked the ministers.

"I may come as soon as possible. I just have a small Unfinished work to complete." Replied Nandhini.

" What is more important than the kingdom?" asked the ministers.

" A duty as a daughter " replied Nandhini. Everyone because silent. They seem to understand what she told.

"But without protection....." Asked Periyar pazluvetrayar hesitantly.

"Will any woman from our kingdom come to accompany me? " Asked Nandhini raising her eyebrows. " My daughter Urvashi will accompany you " announced the Urvashi's father. 

" Is she ok with this?" She asked looking at Urvashi. " It is my honour to accompany you akka" told Urvashi who was a bit scared.

" Akka please let me accompany you " asked Amarabhiujhangan as Nandhini got up from her seat. She turned towards him and kept her hand on his shoulders.

" Thambi, you stay here and take care of everything. I know that you are capable of doing it . " Told Nandhini

Amarabhiujhangan accepted her words and didn't protest.

" I will head towards the south tomorrow. The first place I visit would be ' Veera Narayan Perumal temple '." This temple was located at the border of both the kingdoms.

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm @vijayasena

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 4

•Nandhini's Vengeance•

Madurai-Palace,

Nandini was left in shock at Periyar Pazluvetrayar's announcement.

The black clouds moved away reviling bright sun rays. The people started to cheer the name of their new ruler.

Even though Nandhini was the crown princess she had never thought that her coronation would happen right after her father's death.

Amarabhiujhangan's blood boiled at the announcement. He left the balcony in anger.

There was a tradition in their family that, no matter what gender, the firstborn always is the hire.So it turned out to be Nandhini.

Nandhini didn't know how to react in this situation. She remained silent and agreed to Pazluvetrayar's decision.

Nandini returned inside and ordered the ministers to arrange for her father's funeral.

Her father's body was decorated with heavy jewellery and his sword which had the Pandya's symbol, fish.

The fish in the sword was designed in a loop. This was kept near his body.

Nandhini was dressed in full white attire. She didn't spill a single tear at his death all that was running in her mind was revenge.

She stared blankly at her father's body as she stood beside it. Her brother was standing on the other side of their father's body.

It took till midnight night for the people to finish their visit and many kings came to see her father's body too.

Her father's body was carried to the river bank and was being prepared to be burnt.

Nandini and her brother followed right behind their father's body, they walked barefoot from the palace to the river bank.

Her father's body was kept at the in-between of the heap of wood and cow dung. His sword was kept on his chest.

Nandhini told her brother to perform funeral rites. He followed her order and did it.

Finally, Nandini was given a bond of fire to light up the body.

She took it in her hand and looked at her father's face and lit the funeral pyre. It started burning just like Nandhini's eyes which were burning in anger.

Everyone present there, bid their farewell after a few minutes. Only her brother remained with her.

After for what felt like hours, the fire died down leaving some unburnt bones and some small chunks of firewood. Nandini and her brother stood there the whole time.

She started walking towards the centre of the remains."Akka don't go your feet will get burned." told Amarabhiujhangan trying to stop his sister from walking forward. But his words were deaf to her ears.

She ignored the hotness and kneeled. Amarabhiujhangan was confused at her actions. 'has she gone mad ?' thought Amarabhiujhangan.

Nandhini kept her hand on the remains and took out her father's sword, Which was red due to the continuous heat supply.

Her hands were burnt they turned red because of the hot metal sword in her has. She bought it close to her face and scanned it. Nandhini opened her mouth and ask "Who" which came out as a whisper.

Nandini got up and walked towards her brother and came dangerously close to his face and repeated "Who". Amarabhiujhangan was scared of his sister's anger.

He didn't reply, instead, he gave her an item wrapped in golden cloth, Nandhini opened it, it was a dagger with dry blood on it Nandhini's breadth stuck in her throat.

The dagger had the symbol of Cholas, the tiger.

Seeing this made her conclude that it was Adhita Karikalan who killed her father. Nandhini stared at the dagger with her burning eyes.

Nandini, finally closed her eyes holding the sword's handle with her left hand and she gave the dagger back to her brother and turned towards the remains, she walked forward and stood at the edge of the bank and used the sword to cut her right palm.

The cut instantly drew blood " I the Crown princess of the Pandiyan empire, daughter of Veera Pandiyan promise to murder the people who helped in murdering my father and the person who murdered him. I promise this in the feet of this River" Nandhini vowed with her palm closed tight and blood flowed through it mixed with the flowing water of the river.

Amarabhiujhangan was shocked. He started at his sister his lips curled up to a smile more likely a smirk. He instantly hid it before his sister turned to face him.

She turned towards her brother and asked in a dangerously low voice " I left you to look at our father because he was ill. What were you doing when he came inside? What were the soldiers outside doing?"

A drop of sweat fell from Amarabhiujhangan's forehead, he replied"I-I was guarding outside father the chamber. He came through the window and killed our father, I went inside hearing father's scream but it was too late, our father was already dead and I saw Karikalan escape from the balcony."

"How did you let him slip out of your hands? " asked Nandini. Amarabhiujhangan gulped and replied, "I ordered the soldiers to catch him but he somehow escaped ".

Nandhini's face hardened, she didn't reply as started walking back towards the palace. Her brother followed right behind her. They didn't speak to each until they reached the palace.

The people were looking at the siblings from their house, through their window. They saw Nandhini with the sword in her hands. Nandhini very well knew that the people were looking at them. But she didn't react.

She reached the main entrance of the palace and the door opened instantly. She was let inside.

A girl came running towards her and hugged her, but she didn't hug her back. It was her friend, Urvashi. She was a chief tenant's daughter. They had been best friends since childhood.

"Akka, I didn't know this would happen to us " she cried hugging Nandini. Nandini stood still. She gestured for her brother to take Urvashi inside.

Nandini headed straight to her chamber. Her brother followed her to the room. "Akka what are you going to do now?" questioned Amarabhiujhangan.

" I won't leave... I won't let a single one of them live, the ones who had a hand in murdering our father " replied Nandhini burning in Vengeance.

"But how? " Asked Amarabhiujhangan.

"By entering their place and finishing them off. Each one should feel hundred times the pain my father would have felt when they killed him " replied Nandini.

" But How? They know that you are the pandiyan princess, how will you enter their place?" asked Amarabhiujhangan.

"Simple, I will just have to have strong royal support from the Chola empire," told Nandhini.

" How will you get a royal's support from Chola Nadu?" Asked Amarabhiujhangan.

Nandini thought for a second and told " I will marry the prince ".

" Who? Arulmozli? But he is not in Chola Nadu he is in Elangai. And he is younger than you too." Asked Amarabhiujhangan confused.

"Who told that I am going to marry Arulmozli?" Asked Nandini as she turned towards the balcony and walked up to it. " Then who?" Asked Amarabhiujhangan as he followed his sister up to the balcony.

"Adhita karikalan " replied Nandhini smirking. Amarabhiujhangan could believe his ears.

" How will he marry you? "Asked Amarabhiujhangan not understanding his sister's plan.

" He wouldn't marry Princess Nandhini, but he will marry the Vaishnava Penn Nandhini" Nandhini answered, smirking.

Hope you liked this chapter!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm @vijayasena

[favcolourrvibgior]

NandhininKarikalan~ Chapter 3

•The Unfinished Battle •

Back At The Battleground,

After Nandini Left,

Malayaman was confused about why she had left the war. An eagle came flying towards her and landed on her shoulder, boom! She vanished.

He heard her saying something in the distance but he couldn't hear anything.

The Senadhipathi of the army, Ravidasan, lead the war in her absence the Pandiyan army fought more furiously.

Malayaman continued fighting until a Chola messenger came to deliver a message.

Malayaman opened the palm leaf and went through it what he read shocked him

Adhitha,

Stop the war immediately and return to Thanjavur as soon as possible, you have caused a great mistake by attaching Veera Pandiyan without knowing the truth. He isn't the one who killed...

As he was about to continue reading, it started to rain heavily, and the palm leaf letter got drenched because of the rain resulting in the words written being erased.

But he very well knew what the letter meant. It was an order by the king telling Karikalan to end the war as soon as possible.

Malayaman thanked the messenger who bought it and headed towards the north of the battleground.

"Soldiers" called Malayaman. All the soldiers including the Pandiyan soldiers turned to look at him.

" I sincerely apologise for the inconveniences and foolishness we have caused to the Pandiyas, we were given some wrong information which caused us to wage a war against you." Apologised Malayaman.

"Thatha what are you blabbering" exclaimed Parthibandhra as he was very shocked.

" I am not blabbering I just got the order from the king to tell us to stop the war". told Malayaman. Parthibandhra found it hard to believe.

"Well if you have to stop the war it shouldn't be you asking for forgiveness, it should be Karikalan" answered Ravidasan smirking, for which the Pandiyan army cheered.

" As Adhitya Karikalan is not present here, it is my duty to follow the king's order". replied Malayaman.

" So, where has your coward prince gone? Did he run away?" asked Ravidasan causing the Pandiyan army to laugh.

This made Parthibandhra's blood boil. "Watch your words, you want to know where Karikalan had gone? Well he has gone to slay your king," shouted Parthibandhra.

"Calm down son " Malayaman soothed him.

"We won't be continue fighting against you that's all, Soldiers attention! , Everyone head towards the camp" ordered. The Chola soldiers followed him half-heartedly.

Malayaman told Parthibandhra to look after the injured soldiers and went in search of Karikalan.

He went in the direction of where Karikalan had gone,

He started to search for Karikalan in the forest but he was nowhere seen.

Finally, he ended up near a river bank Malayaman looked around, nobody was there but Karikalan's horse was tied to a tree near the river.

Malayaman walked forward to see a broken karikalan leaning against a tree, he was drenched in rain. "Adhitha" called Malayaman.

Adhithan turned towards the source of the call. "Thatha," said Karikalan sadly.

"What happened, my son, why are you here? You should have come to the war, right?". Asked Malayaman.

"Thatha I made a very big mistake killing Veera Pandiyan." Told karikalan.

"You killed Veera Pandiyan!?", exclaimed Malayaman. "Yes Thatha", replied Karikalan, confused about why Malayaman was reacting so shocked, he knew that he was going to kill him.

"You indeed have done a great mistake," told Malayaman."How do you know Thatha, "asked Karikalan confused.

" I just got a palm leaf letter from your father telling you to stop the war immediately and return to Thanjavur." Malayaman information Karikalan.

Karikalan was shocked to hear about how his father came to know about the war as he didn't inform him before coming.

Instead, he sent a letter lying that he was going to attack the Rasthrakuthas.

"What are you saying Thatha?." asked Karikalan in shock. " Yes my son your father came to know about it somehow," replied Malayaman.

After a few seconds he continued" Leave that my son everything happens for something good, why do you regret killing him?"

Adhithan froze and regret filled his face, "Thatha what we thought is wrong, it wasn't him who had done that". Replied karikalan sorrowfully.

"What?Then who was it ?" Asked Malayaman. " I think it is better to not talk about it any further " replied Karikalan.

Malayaman understood and kept silent the only sound that could be heard was of the rain.

After a big gap, Adhita Karikalan told " Come thatha let's go to the camp" and walked forward towards his horse from the river basin. Malayaman followed him.

Karikalan kicked his horse and started to travel towards the camp. All of his thoughts were of Veera Pandiyan whom he regretted killing.

His heart felt heavy because of the guilt. He knew the person who will make his heart light. He thought about it as he reached the camps.

The news of Veera Pandiyan's death reached Adhita Karikalan.

Everyone started praising him for killing Veera Pandiya. He was least interested in them,He close his eyes in distress, Parthibandhra came and hugged him with a smile,but he didn't reciprocate the hug.

" What happen Nanba,why do you look sad, be happy,we won" told Parthibandhra happily.

Karikalan ignored his words and told, "Leave me alone for sometimes, I wish to be in peace". Parthibandhra was about to reply but Malayaman gestured him to leave Adhithan alone.

Karikalan went inside. Entered inside the tent and started to remove his armour. He constantly kept thinking about Veera Pandiyan's death.

Karikalan got frustrated and pulled his hair, he started to push the items kept in his camp and broke things.

He felt restless he started to scream in frustration. Hearing his scream, Parthibandhra and Malayaman came there.

They saw the things broken and scattered everywhere. Karikalan was sitting on his bed, breathing heavily. Malayaman went near him and told, "Adhita calm down, things that happened cannot be undone".

" How can I forget thatha, I killed the wrong person. " Karikalan breathed out and continued " Thatha if it wasn't him, then who killed my mother!?" Shouted karikalan.

" We will find him my son don't worry " Malayaman teared up a little after hearing about his daughter.

Karikalan shook his head and lay down on his cot with one hand on his forehead. He told his friend and grandfather to leave him alone.

He closed his eyes and exhaled. He thought about the only thing that would bring him peace and happiness, his Nandhini.

Hope you liked this chapter!

@ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @dr-scribbler @nature-writes29 @nspwriteups @ragkee @sambaridli @sakhiiii @sowlspace @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @willkatfanfromasia @whippersnappersbookworm