#Poniyin selvan 2

[nspwriteups]

En Ullam Kava Kalvan

This is a fluff-ish ArulmozhixVanathi oneshot and my first fanfic ever! Read and share your thoughts 😊

Arulmozhi Varman stared at the olai Vanthiyathevan handed him. " An olai from Kodumbalur Ilavarasi Vanathi Devi" Vanthiyathevan said with a knowing smile. It was popular knowledge that his Akka had been planning his marriage with the Ilavarasi with the support of the elders. And Arulmozhi had been dilemma. It would be a lie to say he never noticed the kind and gentle companion of Kundavai. He had heard of her calm demeanor, beauty and dancing skills, mostly from his Akka and more than once he had wanted to see her performance in person or have a proper conversation with her without a third person between them. But on the other hand he didn't wanted to end up like his Anna - completely consumed by love. This was his dilemma - he was struggling to find that right balance between love and duty. With a heart heavy with all these thoughts,he untied the olai and read Vanathi's letter.

Thodudaya sevian

Vidai eriya

Thoo venmathi soodi

Sudalai podi poosi

En ullam Kava kalvan

He recognised the lines as written by Thirugnana Sambandar about the beauty of Lord Shiva. Was Vanathi hinting that her love for him was similar to what the poet had for his deity ?

His eyes slightly widened as he released that perhaps all this while he underestimated the depth of Vanathi's affection - the genuine care she had for him. At that moment he felt guilty for not showering her with half the attention she had given him. Moreover, his heart was filled with warmth and happiness at the thought of seeing her again and maybe making her blush by indirectly hinting that he has indeed read her letter and that there was a part of him that felt the same affection for her.

He didn't realize that he was smiling the entire time he was reading her olai and suddenly snapped into reality - surprised at how far his thoughts took him in that single moment.

But then his overthinking found dominance again - What if there was a part of Vanathi which craved for the throne just as Nandini? His Anna's face flashed in his mind and he became restless once more. ' I have to talk to Vanathi ' He thought and surprised himself that he was now thinking of her as Vanathi and not as Kodumbalur Ilavarasi. When did that happen?

Even as he retied the olai and put it away, the last line of Vanathi's letter stayed in his mind, making him blush- En Ullam Kava Kalvan....

[nspwriteups]

An Oath of Feelings - Final part

pic credit: @reeeereeeereeereee

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Let him in " Kundavai said excitedly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And what about Samudrakumari?"

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

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

"Kanne, where are you going?" Kundavai asked

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They had reached the gardens when Vanathi decided to retaliate.

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

"I beg to differ Devi"

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

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

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

" Akka told me I can find you here"

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

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

"What do you mean?"

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

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

"what sensation, Aiyya?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The End

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

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

[nspwriteups]

Promise | Kundavai x Vanthiyathevan OS

Anonymous prompt "I can do anything for you" "Then jump in the water"

"Devi, wait for me" Vanthiyathevan called out but his words fell into deaf ears as Kundavai doubled her speed in walking through the corridor. True, she was an intelligent woman and had a better sense that beauty is not immortal . Still, she couldn't help but fume in anger when she was left to wait near the temple while he was flirting with Nandini - Nandini of all people!

She often prided herself in not falling for the evil trap of jealousy all through her life. Even when her Anna accused her of driving Nandini and her family out because she was jealous of Nandini's beauty and intelligence, she was able to deny it outright because as she said, she had better reasons. At that time, she was not thinking as his sister but as the Ilaiya Piratti - about how chaotic the citizens would get if the crown prince married an orphan girl, how the people would accuse the royal family of tarnishing the rules instead of upholding them and most of all, if people blame her for not following her Patti's order and acting on her own had she supported her Anna.

But now? Now there was no throne to protect or royal values to uphold. Just her and her heart.

"Devi" the call came from behind again and she whirled around to see Vanthiyathevan grinned at her. "I'm sorry Ilaiya Piratti but you look even beautiful when you are angry. "

"Yes I am angry. What can you do about it?" She asked in return

"I can do anything for you Devi" Vanthiyathevan said sincerely

"Anything? " Kundavai pressed "Think very carefully Vanthiyar. Empty promises do not suit your attitude"

"Anything Devi" She knew he wasn't one to back down. So she lead him to the garden pond and pointing to the water she said "Then jump"

Vanthiyathevan's smile vanished. Was she teasing him? Doesn't she know his fear of water? Looking at his bewildered expression. Kundavai continued to chide him " This is why I told you not to make empty promises" Saying this she turned around and was half-way out of the garden when she heard a large splash. She tried to tell herself she imagined it and what she feared for didn't happen just now but when one of her companions immediately started screaming "Ayyo, Vanthiyathevan jumped into the pond" she made her way back to the site at double speed.

Mercifully the pond wasn't deep and Vanthiyathevan was already able to climb onto the edge of the pond and was coughing when she sat near him on the ground.

"You idiot! Why did you do that? What if something had happened to you? Do you think I'll be able to live without you?" She said with tears gathering in the corner of her eyes. Vanthiyathevan looked at her with surprise for a minute before smiling wholeheartedly.

"Now I know what was the reason behind your anger Devi"

She was only able to whisper a "What?" before she felt his arm around her waist pulling her into a hug much to her surprise and that of her companions who giggled and left the couple to their privacy.

"Kundavai" She got goosebumps when she heard him address her in her given name "No one can ever take me away from you. I am yours"

Million thoughts were flying in Kundavai's mind. What will they do if someone else found them in this comprising situation? How will she explain his drenched form and her wet clothes? How was he able to read her like an open book after one look at her face? But amongst all those thoughts one stood out in prominent. ' Live for yourself too once in a while. Enjoy this moment instead of ruining it with irrelevant musings'. She closed her eyes and put her arms around his neck, snuggling further into the hug and whispering in his ear "I am yours too".

@ramcharanobsessed @dumdaradumdaradum @vibishalakshman @harinishivaa @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai@rang-lo. @willkatfanfromasia@thelekhikawrites@thegleamingmoon@deafeningflowercat@yehsahihai@whippersnappersbookworm@itsfookingloosah@gemsmusings@chiyaanvikram@elvenladysakura. @matka-kulfi. @madatdisney@bumblebeeskywalker@vahnithedreamer@nkarti@dosai-maavu@utterlynotperfect@winter-birds@happy-bookworm @tumbledout @anabanana4115 @freeunknownwasteland @bhataktiatmacore @rapunzels-stuff@celestesinsight@mairablue@rationalelderberry @existenceiswhateven @arachneofthoughts@spider5884fan11

[nspwriteups]

En Ullam Kava Kalvan - part 2

Shoutout to @thatacademic for suggesting this sequel

Read part 1 here:

To say Vanathi has been on cloud -9 lately would be an understatement. But how can she not be ecstatic? Her yaanai paagan was safe and sound and beside her now. She had imagined a lot when they were apart - from having long conversation about his journey to silent walks in the garden to her dancing for him - so many dreams but when she saw him face-to-face she was only able to manage a smile. Why was she tongue-tied more often times than not?

Now they were seated in Kundavai s chamber- her, Kundavai, Vanthiyathevan and Arulmozhi. She had been sneaking side glances at her Yaanai Paagan for some time now and whenever he caught her eyes, he would give her a friendly smile and enquire about her family or her health or any other thing in general. There was no indication that he had read any of the letters she had sent him or any reciprocation of her feelings. But she wasn't upset. She knew he was passionate about being a good ruler to his people - to uphold his duty with utmost dedication and in the midst of it he didn't wanted to spend his time in courtship. She was also aware of other princesses from smaller Chola kingdoms vying for the Prince's heart. Whatsmore she recalled Vanthiyathevan mentioning a boat girl as well who had been spending time with them.Speaking of Vanthiyathevan, she looked at the Vana clan prince wondering whether he had given her letter to Arulmozhi. It was her last letter that she had send him - pouring all her feelings into it - showcasing the intensity with which she have been loving him. While her mind had been chiding her that all her efforts are fruitless, her heart had been whispering to her to not lose hope.

"Kanne" Vanathi snapped out of her thoughts upon hearing Kundavai's voice and looked at her. "Why did you become silent all of a sudden? Come now, sing a song for us " Kundavai encouraged her, eager to impress her Thambi. Vanathi smiled, she loved the Chola princess- her mentor and uyir thozi.

"What do you want me to sing Akka?" She asked, failing to notice Arulmozhi's head turning towards their direction.

"Akka" He said "If you don't mind can I make a suggestion?"

"Of course Thambi" Kundavai was happy with his participation in the conversation.

"There is a particular Thevaram that have been on my mind for a long time" he said with a small smile, turning to Vanathi, " I hope the Kodumbalur Ilavarasi can sing it to us"

Vanathi was equal parts surprised that her Ilavarase wanted to hear her sing and equal parts happy to do so. She nodded eagerly.

Was it her imagination or did Arulmozhi's smile got wider?

"Then I would like to hear the Thevaram by Thirugnana Sambandar dedicated to Lord Shiva" he held out an olai "You can use this for reference "

Vanathi knew she was blushing as she felt her face heating up - her olai in his hand, his eyes trained on her face and his smile indeed widening seeing her reaction. Kundavai looked at the pair in confusion before turning to Vanthiyathevan who was trying hard to stifle his laugh. "Am I missing something here?" She asked, slightly disappointed that she isn't part of the inside joke."Devi, I will tell you if you come with me " Vanthiyathevan said while grinning, leading a curious and confused Kundavai out.As soon as they were alone, Vanathi sent a chiding look towards Arulmozhi

"Ilavarase, you shouldn't tease me so"

" Why not Ilavarasi? We have known each other for quite some time now and you were the one sending secret letters behind Akka's back"

Arulmozhi was enjoying this more than he had imagined. Vanathi turned to look down, playing with her bangles, refusing to give a reaction but he could see a ghost of a smile she was trying to suppress.

"I thought you didn't care" her voice was small, barely a whisper but he heard it, moreover he heard the hurt hidden in those words.

"Vanathi" her given name sounded so natural coming out of his lips

"Did I seem that much indifferent to you?"

She let out a sigh and looked at him. The hurt that he heard in her words was now reflected in her eyes. He stood from his place and sat down to her right on the divan. He held both her hands in his and looked at her wide, doe-eyes, now looking at him in shock mixed with expectation.

"Vanathi, I don't know how to transform my feelings into words but allow me to try. Forgive me if I had been unkind to you because that was not my intention. I didn't wanted to agree to a marriage alliance just because the elders preferred it. I wanted to find a person on my own who understood my mindset and would support me through difficult times. After a long time I realized that the person I've been looking for had been in my life all along. You, Vanathi. You showed me the strength of friendship and the power of dedication and loyalty. I've to admit there were also times when I had been jealous of your optimism.But you are one of the few people who are simply irreplaceable in my life and I'll be forever be grateful to Akka for it. Now, if your feelings have not changed then I'd love to have a second chance to show you my feelings. You called me a thief who have stolen your heart in your letter but I think you stole mine first"

Vanathi was sure she was going to faint but she took a long breath to steady herself and said

"You just made me the happiest person in the world, swami" Arulmozhi squeezed her hands tightly before remarking " So what about the Thevaram, Vanathi? Will you sing it for me? " Her laughter was as sweet as her

"Of course"

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

@vibishalakshman @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai

@rang-lo @willkatfanfromasia @lotus27 @deafeningflowercat @thelekhikawrites @whippersnappersbookworm tag ur other tumblr buddies and share ur thoughts 🥰

[nspwriteups]

Kannalane Chapter 2: Conversations and Confessions

Aditha. Why did that name sound so familiar? And that person.She was sure she had never seen him in Thanjai before, never heard a voice similar to his, never seen someone who even remotely resembles him but still ... .His presence was so comforting and familiar. Who was this Aditha? How was he able to have such an influence on her after meeting for only a handful of times? Nandini was suddenly gripped by a desire to know more about him. So she made a decision as she laid down to sleep that night. She will go back to the old Banyan tree one last time tomorrow. Just to see that person again.one more time. Maybe even have a friendly conversation as Vishaka told her to do. And then they would separate as acquaintances.She would find a new abode of peace and he can take rest under her Banyan tree with his sword and  daggers as much as he wants without her interference. 

 The next evening Nandini seated herself under the same old place as usual, savouring a mango she got from Vishaka, after putting some mangoes aside for her family and one more for her fellow visitor. He must be from a wealthy family, he may even get baskets of mangoes if he just wished. Her mind chided her. Still, she kept one aside for him so that they could start their pleasantries on a good act of benevolence. But time flew by and her visitor failed to come. She saw the sun disappearing and decided to return to the temple, her heart heavy with disappointment at the absence of her mysterious youth. Well, not so mysterious but a name and a suspicion about his status was all she knew about him.Why was she so crestfallen ? It wasn't like they agreed to a meet and greet. Surely he must have other important duties to attend to, just like she has. With these thoughts, she made her way to the temple. She was again assigned the role of distributing prasad to the devotees. 

Sometimes fate works in strange ways. That was what Nandini thought when she saw Aditha enter the temple. He was alone and seemed to be searching for someone. The moment his eyes locked on hers, he gave her a grin and made his way over standing at the end of the line.She returned to focus on her task at hand but couldn't help sneak a glance at him at times. He was standing straight, with hands at his back, moving ever so slightly as the queue started moving, looking around at the crowd with a carefree look. Suddenly she wished the queue would move faster so he could reach her quicker. Did he come to see her?  Maybe apologise for not coming today? She wished to talk to someone about it. Where was Vishaka when you needed her?

After what seemed to be a long time, he stood in front of her. "Hello Chempaka" he said in a teasing tone.

"I'm not wearing any Chempaka flowers today" she said 

"Do you want me to get you some?" He replied quickly, with his usual smirk.

She narrowed her eyes at him. How brashen he is. " You didn't come today" She said, meaning to say it as a question but it came out sounding like a statement. He looked at her for a minute in genuine confusion before a look of realisation came over his face. 

"I'm sorry Devi. I didn't know you were waiting for me" he said, looking for confirmation in her face.  She knew even if she denied it, he would catch her lie from her face. " I was ..just…wondering" she nevertheless made a somewhat convincing excuse, as she handed over the prasad to him. He received it and said " I will come tomorrow. I promise" .Then turning to pray to the deity, he walked away, not before giving her a reassuring smile. She returned the smile.

He came as promised. And what occurred was deafening silence. Nandini quickly realised she wasn't like Vishaka at all. Vishaka could make friends with anyone within minutes while Nandini took longer time to create friendship. She was even comfortable sitting in silence instead of filling the quietness with words like Vishaka. It seemed Aditha was also of the same attitude. At first they used to bask in their silence, occasionally remarking on the weather or talking about the latest events. Slowly but surely as the days passed, Nandini found herself going back on her decision and arriving at her personal abode of peace now sharing it with her newfound friend, Aditha. And as the bond of trust between them started to strengthen, they exchanged their life stories. 

" I'm an orphan" Aditha said "My mother died in childbirth and my father was a soldier who was killed in war when I was seven. He was a close friend of the Sambuvarayar Shivarama. After my father died, he adopted me as his son as he and his wife were childless. I had been at Nagaipattanam for the past few months to learn sword fighting and horse riding . I wish to be a soldier like my biological father and to serve the Chozha Naadu" 

"Have you never wished for a sibling?" Nandini asked

"I like to think I had a handful of siblings last life and that's why I don't have any in this life" Aditha shrugged

"Well, I have two headaches in the form of human beings as my sister and brother. You are lucky " 

He laughed " I know you appreciate and love them despite their mischiefs, Chempaka. You seem like a very considerate person " 

"Nandini " 

"What?"

"You don't have to call me Chempaka anymore. You can call me Nandini, "she said softly.

"Nandini" He said it aloud as if testing to see how it sounded. " That's a beautiful name" 

Nandini was aware of a change in her feelings towards her friend. She started waiting for his arrival and reminiscing about their conversations afterwards. Even Kaveri caught on to her changed demeanor. "Akka, why are you smiling at the food? Are you thinking of someone? Am I going to have a brother in law soon?" She would tease, only to have Nandini box her ears for her cheekiness. But try as she may, she wasn't able to settle the butterflies in her stomach whenever he said her name. 

"Nandini, tell me, is there any backstory to your name?" Aditha asked once

" My father told me he thought of the name when he saw me for the first time" Nandini said

"He chose well. You really are a bringer of joy" He said with his signature smirk and Nandini tried not to let him see her blush. 

"What about you?" 

He let out a deep sigh " I remember my father telling me I was named after the late uncle of the current ruler, Aditha Karikalan. I have heard stories of how fierce a warrior he was and one day, I hope I can be a warrior just like him" then he turned towards her " I also remember there was a Nandini at that time. The Pazhavur Iliya Rani . People say she was the most beautiful woman to have walked the land. No one knows how she died though. Some say she passed away due to an illness, some say she was killed, others say she drowned herself" 

What has gotten into his mind? Nandini wondered. Comparing her to that of the enchanting Pazhavur Iliya Rani just because they share the same name. She looked back  to see he was gazing at her playfully. 

"What?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at him

"You know, before she became Pazhavur Rani, Nandini Devi and Aditha Karikalan were rumoured to be lovers" Aditha continued, watching her expression.

"So?" 

"So.." He took a minute to grin at her before saying " Would this Nandini like to be the lover of this Aditha?" 

Her eyes widened as she processed what he just said. This time though she wasn't able to hide her blushing cheeks from him. Not giving an answer and thoroughly taken aback by his upfront manner, she did what she did best. Standing up and briskly walking off. 

"Nandini come back" She heard him laugh behind her "I was just teasing you, Chempaka"

To be continued…

@ramcharanobsessed @dumdaradumdaradum @vibishalakshman @thatacademic @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @rang-lo . @willkatfanfromasia @thelekhikawrites @thegleamingmoon @deafeningflowercat @yehsahihai @whippersnappersbookworm @itsfookingloosah @gemsmusings @chiyaanvikram @elvenladysakura . @matka-kulfi . @madatdisney @bumblebeeskywalker @vahnithedreamer @nkarti @dosai-maavu @utterlynotperfect @winter-birds @happy-bookworm @tumbledout @anabanana4115 @freeunknownwasteland @bhataktiatmacore @rapunzels-stuff @celestesinsight @mairablue @rationalelderberry @existenceiswhateven @arachneofthoughts @spider5884fan11 @nirmohi-premika

[nspwriteups]

Can we just take a minute to appreciate how perfectly well the Poniyin Selvan casting was?

[nspwriteups]

[nspwriteups]

What do you think must be the love language of these characters?

Kundavai, Vanthiyathevan, Arulmozhi, Vanathi, Nandini and Adithya

Asking bcuz I may or may not include the answers in my fics 😉

@vibishalakshman @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @willkatfanfromasia. @thegleamingmoon @deafeningflowercat @thelekhikawrites @dumdaradumdaradum @whippersnappersbookworm @yehsahihai @theperfectidiot20 @itsfookingloosah @gemsmusings @chiyaanvikram @elvenladysakura @matka-kulfi @thatacademic @rang-lo

[nspwriteups]

Songs I will dedicate to PS couples:

Kun x VT - Pachai Nirame - Alaipayuthe (movie)

AMV x Vanu - Kana Kangiren - Ananda Thandavam (movie) or Kadai Kannaley - Bhoomi (movie)

Nandini x Aditha - Ye Kya Hua - Tera Mera Pyaar (album )

Tell me ur thoughts & esp what song u will dedicate for Poonguzhali x Sendhan Amudhan

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

[nspwriteups]

Why do you think Manimekhalai's character was excluded in the movies?

@thatacademic @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @deafeningflowercat @rang-lo @willkatfanfromasia @lotus27 and tag anyone else whom I have missed

[nspwriteups]

Just wanted to say...

You know what I'm grateful for at this moment? That I always plan on writing oneshots and post them as single fics but my readers always ask for a next part 😂

The fact that the ppl who read my works enjoy and appreciate it so much that they actually encourage me to write more - I think that is the true happiness of an author 🥰

@thatacademic @whippersnappersbookworm @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman