#choodamani viharam

[ambidextrousarcher]

“இது இளவரசர் காதில் விழுந்தது. "இல்லை, ஆச்சாரியரே இல்லை. நான் இளவரசனுமில்லை ஒன்றுமில்லை. இந்தப் பெண்ணும் இந்த பிள்ளையுமாகச் சேர்ந்து என்னைப் பைத்தியமாக அடிக்கப் பார்க்கிறார்கள். நான் ஒரு ஓடக்காரன். சற்றுமுன் இந்தப் பெண்ணைப் பார்த்து, 'பெண்ணே! என்னை மணம் புரிந்து கொள்வாயா? இருவரும் படகில் ஏறித் தூரதேசங்களுக்குப் போகலாம்' என்றேன். இவள் ஏதேதோ பிதற்றினாள். நான் உலகத்தை ஒரு குடை நிழலில் ஆளப்பிறந்தவனாம்! ஏழை வலைஞர் குலப் பெண்ணாகிய இவள் என்னை மணந்து கொள்ள மாட்டாளாம். நான் சுகமாயிருந்தால் இவளுக்குப் போதுமாம். வருங்காலத்தில் என்னுடைய மகத்தான வெற்றிகளைக் கேட்டு இவள் மகிழப் போகிறாளாம். எப்படியிருக்கிறது கதை? உண்மையில் எனக்குச் சித்தப்பிரமையா? இவளுக்கா?”

Excerpt From

Ponniyin Selvan Anaithu Pagangal (Tamil Edition)

Kalki

This material may be protected by copyright.

Context: Arulmozhi’s reaction to Poonkuzhali and Sendhan Amudhan telling the monks that he is Prince Arulmozhivarman.

This fell on the Prnce’s ears. “No, respected teacher, no. I’m not a prince or anything. This woman and this boy are trying to make a fool of me together. I am a boatman. Sometime ago, looking at this girl, “Lady, will you marry me? Both of us can board a boat and go to far away countries.” asked I. She said many incomprehensible things. Apparently I am born to rule the world under one banner! A poor girl from a family of boatmen cannot marry me, it seems. It is enough fro her if I am fine. In the future, she is apparently going to rejoice after hearing about my victories. How does the story sound? In truth, am I delusional, or is she?”

Arulmozhi, for all that I love you as a character, you really are delusional here. I think, here, Poonkuzhali implicitly acknowledges that not only can she not marry Arulmozhi, but also that someone else will. Of course, that is my interpretation, since, well, Kings in their times must marry.

Today’s snippet! Tagging @mizutaama @celestesinsight @harinishivaa @willkatfanfromasia @deadloverscity @favcolourrvibgior @racoonpaws @whippersnappersbookworm @rationalelderberry @humapkehaikaun @thereader-radhika @themorguepoet @thelekhikawrites

[vishnavishivaa]

Enadhuyire (Three Shot- Part 1)

Plan In Action

Arulmozhi leaned against the wall, waiting comfortably in the silence of the chambers with Vanthiyathevan, Poonkuzhali and Sendhan Amudhan. The latter two had brought him to Choodamani Viharam safely, and he was incredibly grateful to them. He also knew that Poonkuzhali had developed feelings for him, but he was unable to return anything more than a gentle affection and a platonic friendship. 

His heart was already occupied with doe eyes and shy smiles, with a cursive handwriting etching Thevarams on scrolls and a gentle voice calling out to him, discreet mischief as she out maneuvered his elder sister- he was captured, though he had done nothing to show her his affections. 

Something that would change, he had determined, especially after seeing her peer at him through her window, as he had termed it. 

“Vanthiyare, are we waiting for Akka?” he asked, despite knowing the answer. 

“Kundavai Devi and Vanathi Devi as well, Ilavarase,” Vanthiyathevan replied with a knowing smile. “The Kodumbalur Ilavarasi was busy with prayers to Durga Amma, thanking Her for your continued survival. Ilaya Piratti has gone to finish the prayer with the Ilavarasi, before the two make their way here.”

“And we are here now,” Kundavai’s voice announced, as she gently held Vanathi’s hand, tugging her in with a gentle smile. Arulmozhi instinctively got up, his eyes on Vanathi entirely, something he knew his elder sister had noticed very well, given the smirk that played on her features. 

“Kodumbalur Kula vilakke,” Arulmozhi greeted Vanathi, his piercing eyes tracing every feature of hers, noting the loss of weight with concern. 

“Ponniyin Selva,” she responded with the wide eyed gaze that she had when she spoke to him, her luminous golden orbs stunning him to the very embers of his soul. 

“Eppadi irukkirai? (How are you doing?)” he asked softly, stepping forward to talk to her intently. 

“Thangal eppadi irukireergal, Ilavarase? (How are you, Prince?)” she turned the question on him, and he smiled. 

“I am fine, as you can see, Devi. Come in, join us. Akka,” he smiled at Kundavai. Turning around, he quickly introduced Poonkuzhali and Vanathi to each other, a little sad when he saw a flash of what looked like sadness and heartbreak pass through Poonkuzhali’s face.

Feeling bad, but unable to move Vanathi from within him, he prayed to Parameshvaran for Poonkuzhali to find the right man for her. 

His gaze was once again captured by the yellow wearing beauty, who had sat down next to his elder sister as always, ever like an extension of Kundavai herself. 

“Akka, do you have to leave today itself?” Arulmozhi asked. 

“I do, thambi,” she said softly, a gentle smile of understanding on her face. “I need to go and move the chess pieces before you arrive, as Aditha Anna is decidedly going to Kadambur despite our requests.” 

She sighed at this, smiling at Vanathi, who patted her hand with exceeding gentleness. 

“Akka, shall I return with you?” Vanathi asked. “I am already prepared.” 

Vanathi was already returning to Thanjai? No no, she couldn’t. He had to talk to her, spend some time with her, even through all this tumult. Luckily for him, Kundavai had seen his expression, and decided to respond for him. 

“No no, kanne. It might be better for you to come with Arulmozhi,” Kundavai said instead, a mischievous expression that seemed to simply making Vanthiyathevan melt alighting on her face. 

“W-what? Akka!” An alluring blush made its way to the fair cheeks of the maiden who had captured his heart, and Arulmozhi had to smile at her adorableness, not quite able to hide his affection for her. 

“Actually Akka, that would make sense,” Arulmozhi said, suddenly lighting up with an idea. When everyone turned to see him, including Vanathi, he just smiled gently at her, before turning back to Kundavai, whose happy surprise made his heart soar that this was the right decision. 

“You need me to come to Thanjai in secret, isn’t that so?” At Kundavai’s nod, he too nodded, certain in his plan. “Then I can come as a mahout, who is parading Kodumbalur Ilavarasi to Thanjai. The Princess is coming as a messenger to our father.” 

“W-what?” Vanathi was completely startled at the words of Arulmozhi, which was clear in her tone, though her eyes shone like lights that attracted him. He registered Poonkuzhali’s melting heart, and smiled, understanding that his Princess had simply enchanted the boat woman by her simple elegance. 

“Ilavarasi, it would make the most sense,” he said softly. “But if you are uncomfortable with the plan-“

He faltered, praying to his Parameshvaran that she wasn’t uncomfortable. 

“No no, Ilavarase. I am fine with the plan,” she smiled softly, the rosy hue of her cheeks like fire, but elegant like smooth plains. 

“Are you sure, Vanathi?” Her name slipped from his mouth as if he had been saying it all his life, the little gasp she uttered making him smile, even more enchanted by her. 

“I am, Ponniyin Selva,” she said softly, nodding decisively. He smiled and looked at his sister, her proud smile making him smile wider. 

Things were taking shape, finally. 

***

It had been certainly clear to both him and his sister that there was a heavy risk that their plans will be foiled, and he would have to give up his secret hiding. 

What neither had anticipated was the fervor and hope in the people, who wanted him to spend a day of festivity with them before he left. 

He now had to adapt the plans based on this hope he had given his people. He had hoped to spend time with Vanathi, but everything had changed, and now he was devising a method to show her what he felt, for he did not know if his words were sufficient to tell her his thoughts. 

Maybe if he… he smiled brightly, going in search of the Princess of Kodumbalur again, hoping to have found her. 

He saw her in the company of Vanthiyar, the two seeming to be bantering with each other like he himself often bantered with Kundavai. From Vanthiyar’s body language, he could tell that Vanathi had won him over by just being herself. 

“Vallavarayare, Vanathi, Thirumalai,” he greeted the third too, who had been standing in the corner, watching the discussion in what could be called amusement. 

“Ilavarase!” The Vana warrior looked at him, hopeful that he would have changed his mind. Arulmozhi shook his head, smiling slightly when his new friend sighed in acceptance. 

“We need to replan tomorrow,” he said softly, sitting down on the seat coincidentally closest to Vanathi, though he knew his being was simply pulled towards her. 

“What should we do, Ponniyin Selvare?” Vanathi asked softly, her dark orbs peering at him, determined and shy all at once.

He smiled at her, joyful, and said, “I am still taking you to Thanjai on the royal elephant, Devi. But before that, maybe you could join me in the festivities as the princess of Kodumbalur?” 

**************************

Yes, Kundavai enables Arulmozhi with regards to Vanathi- I mean, are you really surprised?

Yes, I just went with the movie verse lol. 

Also. @kovaipaavai thanks for this prompt, which turned into three parts, somehow. 

@vibishalakshman @rang-lo @thelekhikawrites @kovaipaavai @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @thegleamingmoon @ragalata @willkatfanfromasia @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm @yehsahihai Whoever I missed, I am sorry!

[ahamasmiyodhah]

Vanathi's Misery (Part 2)

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

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

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

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

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

.

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

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--

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

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

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

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

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

"But does your Thambi wants that?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Why did you do that Vanathi?"

———————————

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

do tell me your thoughts

[ambidextrousarcher]

“பிரதம பிக்ஷு மற்றவர்களைப் பார்த்துச் சொன்னார்:- "புத்த பகவானின் கருணை இப்படியா இருந்தது? பற்பல மனக் கோட்டைகள் கட்டிக் கொண்டிருந்தேனே? சக்கரவர்த்தியைப் பார்க்கச் சமீபத்திலே தஞ்சாவூருக்குப் போயிருந்தேன�� பாருங்கள்! அச்சமயம் இலங்கையில் அருள்மொழிவர்மரின் அற்புதச் செயல்களைப்பற்றிக் கூறினேன். அதையெல்லாம் இளைய பிராட்டி குந்தவை தேவியும் கேட்டுக் கொண்டிருந்தார். பிறகு என்னைத் தனியாக வரவழைத்து இந்த விஹாரத்தையொட்டி ஆதுரசாலை ஒன்று ஏற்படுத்த வேண்டும் என்று அதற்குத் தேவையான நிபந்தங்கள் அளிப்பதாகவும் கூறினார். அது மட்டுமா? 'ஆச்சாரியாரே! நாட்டில் பலவாறு பேச்சுக்கள் நடந்து கொண்டிருப்பதைக் கேட்டிருப்பீர்கள். ஒருவேளை இளவரசர் சூடாமணி விஹாரத்தில் சில நாள் விருந்தாளியாக இருக்கும்படி நேரும். அவரை வைத்துப் பாதுகாக்க முடியுமா?' என்று குந்தவை பிராட்டி கேட்டார். 'தேவி! அத்தகைய பேறு எங்களுக்குக் கிடைத்தால் கண்ணை இமை காப்பதுபோல் வைத்துப் பாதுகாப்போம்' என்று கூறினேன். என்ன பயன்! இளவரசரா கடலில் முழுகினார்? இந்த நாட்டிலுள்ள நல்லவர்களின் மனோரதமெல்லாம் முழுகிவிட்டது! சோழ சாம்ராஜ்யமே முழுகிவிட்டது. சமுத்திர ராஜன் இவ்வளவு பெருங்கொடுமையைச் செய்ய எப்படித் துணிந்தான்? அக்கொடியவனைக் கேட்பார் இல்லையா?”

Excerpt From

Ponniyin Selvan Anaithu Pagangal (Tamil Edition)

Kalki

This material may be protected by copyright.

Context: The Buddhist monks at Choodamani monastery reacting to the news of Arulmozhi’s “death”.

The first monk (the leader, presumably), looking towards the others, said-“Is Lord Buddha’s mercy such? How many castles in the air had I built? Recently, I had gone to Thanjavur to meet the Emperor, you see! At that time, I had talked about Arulmozhivarmar’s miraculous deeds. Ilaya Piratti Kundavai Devi too was listening to all of that. Then she called me in private and spoke of establishing a hospital adjacent to this monastery, saying that she would make the necessary arrangements for it. Was that all? “Respected teacher! You would have heard of various rumours abounding in the land. Perhaps it might happen so that the Prince may stay as a guest in the Choodamani monastery for a few days. Would you be able to protect him and keep him safe?” so asked Kundavai Piratti. “Devi, if we are so fortunate to beget such a good name, we would protect him like the eyelashes do the eyes” replied I. What was the use? Did the Prince drown at sea? The hopes and dreams of all the good people in this country has drowned instead! The Chozha Kingdom itself has drowned! How could the King of the Seas do such a horrendous thing? Is there no one to ask against such?”

Hmm, it sure seems like Kundavai was planning for Arulmozhi to stay in Choodamani either way, fever or no. That seems like smart political planning!

Tagging @celestesinsight @mizutaama @harinishivaa @deadloverscity @willkatfanfromasia @favcolourrvibgior @racoonpaws @thelekhikawrites @humapkehaikaun @themorguepoet @rationalelderberry (thought you might like this series, let me know if you don’t want to be part of this list!) @whippersnappersbookworm and @thereader-radhika

[vishnavishivaa]

His Ilavarasi (Ponniyin Selvan OS)

Italics is for flashbacks and most Tamil words. 

------------------------------------- Where had the Ilavarasi gone?

Arulmozhi was flabbergasted, for he had been spending time with her since she had set foot in the choodamani viharam, and she had suddenly vanished. He could still remember her tear filled eyes as she peered into the small window to see him, and their eyes had met for a split second before she had turned to hide.

Once again. 

This had become some mischievous habit of hers, he thought fondly, remembering their second meeting, the first one with him as Arulmozhi Varman, the Prince of the Chozha empire, rather than the yaanai paagan she knew him as. 

Even then, once she had known he was Arulmozhi Varman, she had taken to hiding every time their eyes met. Whenever she could afford it, rather, given that his Akka Kundavai rarely allowed the Princess of Kodumbalur away from her, being as attached to the latter as the Princess was to Kundavai. 

In all fairness, the Ilavarasi had not been anything but Vaanathi in his mind for a long time, even before he had been sent to Eezham with his forces. 

After being celebrated with him, walking along his left side, she had now chosen to completely vanish, which was unacceptable to him. He had gotten so used to Vanathi’s presence during his days, that a sudden absence was like losing a limb. 

And this was why he did not want anything to do with falling in love. 

Arulmozhi groaned softly, knowing that if his elder sister were there, she would ask pointedly obvious questions. He could not deny that he had indeed fallen in love with Vanathi, and was also not in the mindset of denying it. He knew of Poonguzhali’s affection for him, and while she was incredibly important to him, and he respected her highly, her eyes were not the glow of the stars that filled his night’s vision. 

Vanathi had become an integral part of him, a part he knew Kundavai had been hoping for, ever since she had gotten to know the Ilavarasi. 

His Ilavarasi. 

“Akka, why did you put these thoughts into my head?” he mumbled to himself, sitting down on the large, ornate couch, looking to his right, and seeing the vision of Vanathi in bright red and orange, simple but effective jewelry adorning Her ears, neck and arms. 

They had made a statement with their appearance together, and he knew of the turmoil and the envy that would have caused. His elder sister’s companions, all Princesses of the small Chola Kingdoms, all had their eye on him as their husband, and disliked Vanathi for her purity and sweetness that had won over Kundavai so easily, without the former trying to do so. 

And now, she had taken to going missing, definitely due to some plan she had, though he could not think of her as devious. She was the opposite of that, simple, pure and gentle, a devadhai in human form, one he had been blessed with. 

He also knew well that many of the elders of the Chola empire had hopes on their marriage, including her Periappa, Poodi Vikrama Kesari. 

And that brought him to his current problem. 

“If I do marry Ponniyin Selvar, by his own will, I will only stay in his Antahpura, but not rule the Chola empire.”

Why had she said that?

He sighed again and again, knowing he was broadcasting his confusion as well as astonishment. Despite understanding why she had chosen to make that vow, he did not really want to rule without her by his side…

But should he even rule? 

What if….

He felt the idea settle into his veins, and he wondered if he could make it work that way. 

“Om Namaha Shivaaya ||”

He whispered a prayer to his Shiva, his Aaradhya, and got up, now energized and enthused by his idea. 

*****

Arulmozhi could not contain his happiness, and he had no problems showing his happiness as well. 

He had gotten Madurantakan crowned, and was now going to be part of naval expeditions, after ensuring the stability of his Kingdom. His sister had started insisting on him getting married now, and Madurantakan had also expressed his wish to see Arulmozhi’s marriage. 

“Thambi.”

“Akka,” he had smiled at his radiant sister, whose eyes held a hope that he would listen to her. 

“I think it is time for your Kalyanam, Thambi. Our lineage has to continue,” Kundavai said. However, Arulmozhi knew his sister very well. While she did believe in her own words, she also nurtured a deep hope that he would marry her best friend, who she could have as her sister-in-law then. 

“Who should I marry Akka? Your companions have all fawned over me whenever they could. Who among them should I marry?”

“Do all my companions fawn over you, Thambi?” frowned Kundavai, narrowing her eyes at him, as if knowing that he was up to something. He controlled the smile that was suddenly threatening to burst from within, and he shook his head, knowing it was the truth. 

“Then?”

“Only the Kodumbalur Princess does not fawn over me, Akka.”

He could not prevent the smile that formed on his face, so he allowed his emotions to overtake his expression instead, smiling wider at the surprised but delighted expression that had alighted Kundavai’s features. 

“Has my thozhi managed to find a place in your heart, Thambi?” Kundavai asked, the tiny inflection in her voice betraying her joy. 

“She is my entire heart, Akka.”

The happy conversation that had followed would be etched in his mind, and would be one he would revisit as often as he could. He had also managed to convince Kundavai to allow him to speak to his Ilavarasi, for he wanted to formally discuss the situation with her. 

And that was where he was headed. 

Kundavai had told him that Vanathi was in the garden near the Kaveri, and he had taken a secret shortcut, and now stood in the corner, watching Vanathi silently. She was seated in the same place they had met, and was smiling softly at the birds that chirped around her. 

“Is there no bird for me to rescue today, Ilavarasi?”

He called out and stepped into the grove, the sudden reaction from Vanathi telling him that he had succeeded in hiding from her. 

“Ponniyin Selvare!” she exclaimed, a rosy hue flooding her cheeks, making him smile more. He should have caught her like this before, in retrospect. 

“I am unable to find you much these days, Devi. What wrong have I done that you have deprived me of your presence?”

“Ilavarase,” Vanathi exclaimed, in a tone that sounded completely astonished. “You were busy, and I was staying out of the way.”

“Out of whose way, Devi?” Arulmozhi did not know what came over him, but he just wanted answers in that moment. He still stood at a respectful distance from her, despite wanting to be much closer. 

“Ayya, I was trying not to disturb anyone, especially after everything Periappa did. Even now, I am here for one of the last times. Periappa wants to take me back to Kodumbalur, but Akka has been insisting that I not leave.”

She was leaving?

She had not left Kundavai’s side in years, and now, when things had settled down, and he could finally be in Tanjai, she is leaving? 

She was leaving him?

“You are leaving, Ilavarasi?” he blurted out, though chided himself internally at his blathering of sorts. 

“It is Periappa’s wish, Ayya,” she lowered her gaze, not meeting his eyes. He stepped forward, a little closer this time, waiting for her gaze to lift up once more. Without her permission, he would not go closer. 

“What about yours, Vanathi?”

He used her given name, choosing to forgo all formalities, wanting her to know he was serious with his question. She looked at him, her doe eyes wide, shining like the sun’s glow on amethyst. 

“Ayya…” she hesitated, faltering in her words, though her eyes expressed everything he needed to know. Joy dancing through him like Shiva’s blissful dance did through the Universe, he stepped straight into her personal space, peering down at her deeply, reading through her star-like eyes. 

“What about your wish, Vanathi?” 

“Ponniyin Selvare,” she said, looking back deeply into his eyes. “If I had it my way, I would not set even a foot away from you.”

“That is my wish too, Vanathi. Will you be my Queen?”

“Swami,” she responded, lowering her head out of bashfulness, her body language indicating the same. “I will not go back on my words. I will not rule the Chola empire, but if you want me as your wife, I will be so. I will be your sahadharmini in everything but ruling the Chola empire. I will be yours as I always have been, Ayya, but do not ask me to rule the Kingdom.”

“Ennavale,” he whispered, softly, gently touching her chin with the tip of his fingers, raising her lowered gaze back to meet his. He took a moment to admire the red blush on her moon face, before continuing. “I will not make you rule as the Queen of the Cholas, but I will go to you for advice, much like I do to Kundavai Akka.”

“And as your wife, I will fulfill it, Swami.”

He nodded, content with gazing at her at that moment. Everything else could be and would be discussed in the future, but he wanted those few moments with his beloved, to have this poignant silence which spoke all their love into existence as if new. 

Everything else could wait. 

—--------------------------------------------------

Glossary:

Ilavarasi- Princess

Yaanai Paagan- elephant mahout

Akka- elder sister

Eezham- Lanka

Devadhai- angel

Periappa- elder father or father’s elder brother

Aaradhya- the One who is worshiped 

Thambi- younger brother

Kalyanam- marriage

Ilavarase- Prince

Ayya- Sir

Swami- Lord

—-------------

This OS is completely inspired by the movie- though I have a couple of book references here. I hope you all like it, and I hope to write much more of VanMozhi, including multi chaptered fics. Hopefully, by the grace of HariHara, all will work out. 

Dedicated to @vibishalakshman and @dumdaradumdaradum <3