#nandhini

[ahamasmiyodhah]

𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑

Two Queen of their own Realm,

Are at war, thriving hard.

A war without weapons,

A war of conspiracies and tactics.

One is ready to burn down

The world in Vengeance,

While other is desperately

Trying to save it.

Unknown to their destinies they fight,

Ready to stake anything and everything

To achieve their goal.

But for what? Asked a voice.

For Family. Came an answer.

One wishes the love

And warmth of family,

While the other tries to keep

Her family intact and safe.

Two Queens of their own realm,

Are at war, thriving hard.

— 𝙆𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙩𝙞

@vishnavishivaa @mahi-wayy @yehsahihai @xxdritaxx @houseofbreadpakoda @ramayantika @warnermeadowsgirl @mayakimayahai @chaliyaaa @celestesinsight @sambaridli @desigurlie @hum-suffer @zeherili-ankhein @thegleamingmoon @stxrrynxghts @ulaganayagi @voidsteffy @nidhi-writes @thecrazyinktrovert @anantarashmi

[jukti-torko-golpo]

Ilaiyor Soodar

Youth won't adorn themselves with you,

Nor bangled lasses pluck and gather you,

The bard won't gently bend your stem

With the bow of his harp to pluck and wear you,

Nor will the songstress sport you in her hair,

Why do you still bloom in this Ollaiyur, O Jasmine?

- translation by Chenthil Nathan

[nidhi-writes]

The Shades of ArunMozhi Varman aka Raja Raja Chozhan.

Let know what others should I do...

[deadloverscity]

#PONNIYINSELVAN : veera chozha veera (please pretend the glitch foes not exist)

[willkatfanfromasia]

Aditha Karikalan vs Pazhuvettarayar -

Who's the better option for Nandini? by yours truly

1) PP married and owned up to their union publicly; he gave her titles, prestige and the respectability of marriage. 💲💵💰🏧

-AK couldn't because he was too young to overrule his family. However, he definitely would've thrown a fit to marry her had the beheading not happened.

2)Marrying a vassal king comes with several benefits (as discussed with @celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @ambidextrousarcher)

As the junior wife of the treasurer, she had tons of privilege and not much responsibility except showing up to events. Close enough to the throne (to make moves) but away enough to not deal directly.

- Nandini's already been burned by flying too close to the sun. AK's status as crown prince made the brides-shortlist very strict.

3) PP, till the flood, trusts her word easily. Even when confronted with doubts he thinks the best of her.

-AK is jealous af and accuses her of seducing all his friends. This is a result of his own insecurity- Had he married her, he wouldn't have been toxic and possibly been pretty decent as per 10th century standards.

4) Because we have bare minimum expectations, PP respects Nandini's wishes and doesn't force himself on her (she successfully gives excuses/alva always). AK is depicted as a thorough gentleman and would respect her wishes- but won't wait 3 years. Then again, Nandini won't give excuses if she were married to him😂

5) Nandini is forced into kundhavai's company sometimes due to her being PP's wife. As AK's wife she'd constantly be in her presence 🌚

6) Creeps like Parthi and Kandhanmaran presume they have a chance with her because she's married to an old man (who is either not her choice or can't *ehm*👀 satisfy her). As AK's wife they wouldn't dare flirt with her (no matter how tempting she may be) - lest they lose a limb or an eye.

Pls add your thoughts and analysis

@thereader-radhika @celestesinsight @ambidextrousarcher @harinishivaa @vibishalakshman @favcolourrvibgior @sowlspace @yehsahihai and anyone interested in my pointless musing

[thereader-radhika]

Fanfiction prompt: Someone advises Vanathi to be vary of Kundavai

Does Vanathi know the complete history of Kundavai and Nandini?

When they first met, Kundavai was so jealous of Nandini and called her owl-faced and bullied her. She didn't like her brothers interracting with her. But after Aditha Karikalan left for a battle, she and Nandini became best friends. When Karikalan returned after two years, he observed that Nandini's expensive clothes and jewellery were gifted by Kundavai. Nandini was shy to talk to him as in the old times but he seeked her out and both fell for each other, which angered Kundavai. Even at the end, she considered Nandini a gold-digger who pursued Veera Pandyan and her brother.

Has Vanathi ever imagined the consequences of offending her Kundavai akka in some manner? If she wasn't the Kodumbaloor princess but just another orphan girl like Nandini, she wouldn't have been considered to even dust Arulmozhi's sandals. Kundavai starts dreaming about the lost opportunity to end Chola-Pandya war by conducting Nandini-Aditha Karikalan marriage after she learns that she could have been Veera Pandyan's daughter.

Maybe it is one of the disgruntled girls in Kundavai's retuine who tells Vanathi that her position isn't as enviable as she thinks. How will Vanathi react? Will she find solace in the fact that she is actually a princess with the backing of a powerful clan and doesn't have to worry about hypothetical scenarios?

@harinishivaa @celestesinsight @ambidextrousarcher @whippersnappersbookworm @sampigehoovu @sakhiiii @thelekhikawrites

[grishaxverse]

I’m a child of divorce actually

[tamlindain]

Being the masochist that I am, I watched that scene from PS2 again and it never fails to wreck me. Vikram and Aish are amazing and Vikram's smile right before he dies kills me every damn time. Aditha has finally found peace but with his fall, I realized, also falls Nandhini's power. His life was the source of her power and her anger, and when that's gone, she's nothing but a shell of a person. They're may not have been together but their life was intertwined the whole way. The most tragic couple ever.

[nspwriteups]

Kannalane Chapter 5: Rupturing of Hearts

A/N: heavy angst

It was well late into the night when Nandini was woken up by the knocking on the door. She glanced at the still sleeping Kaveri and Ananda before watching her father open the door while rubbing his eyes. Immediately three soldiers badged in with drawn swords in their hands. "Sooryanarayanan" One of them said in a deep menacing voice. "Gather your belongings. You are being displaced". "What?" Sooryanarayanan said, half in disbelief and half in protest "What do you mean? Why are we being dragged out like this?" The soldier raised his sword "Who are you to question me? Just do as you are being told and you can keep your life. Otherwise we'll throw all your bodies into river Ponni". Nandini grabbed her father's arm, and she felt someone tug on her clothes and understood that Kaveri has also woken up. "Go pack" Sooryanarayanan said finally "But I want to know on whose orders are being treated this way. What crime have we done?" His question to the armed soldiers went unanswered as they were busy trying not to make any sounds that might wake up the neighbours. But Nandini had a realisation of what could have caused this unexpected visit. A certain elderly woman and her cold stare flashed through her mind but she couldn't bring herself to beleive it. Oh Krishna! Let that not be the case. Please let this be some sort of misunderstanding and everything go back to the way it was. She silently prayed as she tied up her bundle of clothes. Sooryanarayanan put a sleepy Ananda on his shoulders and climbed into the bullock cart that the soldiers indicated to along with his daughters, mumbling about how he would try to consult the king and bring this injustice to light. But Nandini couldn't join him in his affirmation because the reality of things was dawning upon her. "Akka" she heard Kaveri call her and turned "We are being told to go because you fell in love with him aren't we?" Kaveri whispered so that their father couldn't hear the words. Her voice held no hatred, just a tinge of sadness in not seeing her friends anymore and moreover not seeing her family in their previous bliss. Nandini thought back to how she wouldn't be able to see Vishaka anymore. Nor any more of her enjoying the peace of the Banyan tree. Nor any more horse ride with a boy she has come to love with all her heart. She held Kaveri close, failing to keep the tears from escaping.

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

Vishaka stared at the burnt down house of her Sakhi. The news that spread was how the house of Sooryanarayanan was robbed and how the house was set on fire with the inhabitants perishing with it. By the time the neighbours took note of the flames and smoke and put out the fire, it had turned into ashes. Everyone believed that the family died and mourned their loss.But Vishaka wasn't able to believe it. She had her suspicions - Why didn't they hear any commotion or any screaming? She thought back to how Nandini narrated her meeting with Aditha's family and especially about Patti's hot and cold behaviour towards her. Although Nandini accepted the explanation of Aditha's, that some people generally have a strict demeanor and Patti was one of those people. But Vishaka was unable to digest the fact easily. She have heard stories of how girls from lower influencial families are intimidated and threatened to withdraw from any relationship they might have with boys from aristocratic families. She was afraid for the safety of her best friend and resolved to make Nandini see sense the next morning but apparently she was too late. She sat in the ground in front of the burnt house with Suseel supporting her weight as silent tears ran down her cheeks. Amidst the chaos of people enquiring and grieving, she saw a familiar face - a shocked and confused Aditha. 

"Look what you have done! " She screamed at him, and Aditha looked at her helplessly "You have destroyed a girl's life along with her family just because she fell victim to your false affections" 

Suseel squeezed her shoulders, noticing the crowd whispering to each other, "Vishaka, stop accusing people like Aditha without any evidence. You'll get in trouble " 

Aditha approached her by now, "I don't know…." He began to say in a feeble voice, face overwhelmed with grief

"Go and ask your family" Vishaka hissed at him "And if what we see today is your family's doing then then I curse you with unhappiness. You won't be merry by destroying the dreams of a girl that you encouraged endlessly" 

Suseel assumed that Aditha was going to shout back at Vishaka or order her imprisonment for allegedly accusing him but all he saw was Aditha getting on his horse and rushing out of the crowd.

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

Shivarama was getting ready to go to court when an angry Aditha stormed into his chamber "I am sorry for intruding like this Appa" he said "But I need to know something right at this moment" 

"Aditha" He heard Adithi Devi come towards him "What is all this noise? Come, have something to eat" 

"No Amma" He said impatiently " I want to know what fault you saw in Nandini that you dared to do such a degrading act" 

"Aditha" Shivarama's voice thundered inside the chamber "I have told you never to accuse someone before knowing all the facts. What are you insinuating?"

Aditha narrated what happened to Nandini's family and their house.

"Oh Shiva!" Adithi said exclaimed, with a hand on her heart "And you think we are capable of committing such a cruel act?"

"I don't know!" Aditha said exasperated "But I do know that they aren't dead. I can feel it. They are alive. She is alive and I'll search and find her" 

"Impossible!" He turned around to see Mrinalini Devi " I didn't undergo this much trouble just so you can find her and bring her back" 

Adithi Devi gasped while Shivarama and Aditha stared at the elderly woman

"Patti, what did you do?" He asked in disbelief, that the Patti he knew who told him stories of brave kings and warriors, and always told him to follow his heart was capable of stomping on it.

"What a mature person who cares about her family ought to do" Mrinalini Devi stood her ground. "I understand your infatuation with this girl but what good would a priest's daughter be? Say the word and I'll present more beautiful and wealthy girls from all over Choza Nadu"

"No one can hold a candle to my Nandini "

"You think I am heartless?"

"I think you are underestimating my love" 

"Foolish child!" Mrinalini shouted "Although I don't know where they are now, go and search to your heart's desire. The day you'll bring her in front of me again will be the day I'll acknowledge the depth of the love that you profess. I'll do aarti and welcome her as this family's daughter in law myself" saying this she left the chamber, leaving behind a determined looking Aditha and a baffled Adithi and Shivarama.

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

The family of Sooryanarayanan was at a changing point in their lives. The soldiers dropped them off at the outskirts of Choza Nadu. For the rest of the night, they took shelter under a tree. In the morning they travelled to Pandiya Nadu and entered a forest where they saw an abandoned Hut and decided to take shelter there. Sooryanarayanan secured a position as a poojari in the nearby temple but he kept a low profile. He still didn't understood why there were exiled from their homeland but he had a feeling that even if he protest against it, he might lose as there seemed to be an invisible influential force acting behind their displacement. He often discussed this with his eldest daughter. "Listen Nandini" He said one day to her "I am growing weak. I may not be able to see all of you grow up and succeed in life. But promise me you'll take care of yourself and your siblings and never let anyone lead your mind to corruption" 

Nandini promised him but deep inside she felt her mind was already corrupted with guilt. The fact that her decision to fall in love with Aditha and dared to dream of a secure future with him was the reason they were living as refugees in a strange land. She could no longer hide this truth from her father and so one night when her brother and sister were asleep, she decided to confide in her father.

Sooryanarayanan listened to her with surprising patience and continued to think deeply. He was jolted to present when he felt Nandini touch his feet. "Forgive me Appa" She said amidst crying. He asked her to be seated near him and turned her face towards him. 

"Kanne, thank you for confessing to me" He began "But never apologise for falling in love. God has created humans with the sole purpose of propagating the message that one should love and care for each other at all times. Isn't it the society that has created Kings and aristocrats and priest's out of ordinary human beings? Strip off all the crown and the silk clothes and the Pooja thaalis and there'll be nothing to distinguish one human from another. All are same. If what happened to our family was in reality instrumented by Mrinalini Devi, then isn't it evidence that we are so obsessed with status and power that we simply fail to recognise abstract ideas such as love and kindness?" 

Nandini couldn't stop her tears as she realised how compassionate and understanding her father is. Sooryanarayanan held his dear first born daughter close.

"If you trust that Shivarama's son doesn't believe in social construct and will do anything in his power to reverse his family's action then kepp hoping in your love. Because without love we will only be a shell of flesh and bones. If you don't beleive so, then forget him, Kanne"

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

To be continued…..

Chapter 6 Promo:

"Oh Devi" Aditha saw the woman slowly turn around towards them. He was about to ask the way towards the city but the words seemed to be stuck in his throat as he stared at the woman in front of him. He would have recognised those eyes anywhere, the eyes that he searched and haunted him for 7 long years. And the Chempaka flower that was tucked in her hair bun. The woman also stared back at him, at first with confusion at his sudden appearance then with caution at his armour and weapon and at last locked eyes with him, where her eyes widened with shock and confirmed his suspicions. 

"Chempaka" he whispered and watched the pot of water slip from her hands and fall to the ground. 

Thoughts? @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 @cara-2003 @nirmohi-premika @stella12 @thereader-radhika

[gillsng]

listening to chinnanjiru nilave 24/7 isn't enough, i want them to be imprinted in my soul

[pazhavoorilayarani]

Discovering the only person who truly loved you is the one you've been actively trying to kill for years now... 🤨

Screw Veera Pandiyan.

@the-deceased-tiger you should have killed him more painfully.

[ahamasmiyodhah]

Ponniyin Selvan characters in modern AU

Adithya Karikalan — Owner of Multinational Company.

Kundhavai — CEO of Adithya's company and his sister and owner of her own Clothing Brand

Arulmozhi Varman — beloved younger brother of Adithan and Kundhavai. Harvard Graduate and works with Adithya.

Vanathi — Kundhavai's assistant and has a crush on AMV

Poonguzhali — Influencer and Cruise Manager

Senthan Amudhan / Madhuranthakan — Environmentalist and youngest uncle of Adithya, Kundhavai and Arulmozhi

Vandiyadevan — Adithya's friend and assistant. In a situationship with Kundhavai

Nandhini — a Poor Girl but now a Self Made Businesswoman, was Adithya's lover but now his rival.

@thatacademic @vibishalakshman @dr-scribbler @kovaipaavai @rang-lo @willkatfanfromasia @hollogramhallucination @deadloverscity what's your view on this?

[jukti-torko-golpo]

Some random NanDitha snippets that came to my mind....

She was vaguely aware of being dragged away from her Aditha...she knew she was trying to scream but she could not hear herself...her ears were ringing with his sweet whispers when he used to take her out for the horserides and how desperately he had asked her to kill him. The sound of his body hitting the ground was too loud. Her throat burnt with her silent scream.

She crashed to the floor of her chamber. She looked down at her shaking hands...she wiped them on her clothes till her skin was raw...the blood won't go. The memories of the red kumkum on the thaali she used for her pujas all those years ago seemed to mock her. She wiped some more...then some more...his blood won't go. The weight of Aditha's lifeless body feels too heavy against her body.

She walked into the river slowly...she can hear strains of a familiar tune...Aazhi Mazhai Kanna...the water feels the same...the same cooling welcoming waves. The river seems to be lifting the weight of his death off her shoulders. The water touches her hands. Why does it feel like his touch? The water is now upto her shoulder...and she is slowly engulfed by the river as if it is her Aditha's embrace. At last. At long last.

I don't know if they are any good. They just randomly came to my mind while listening to Chinnanjiru Nilave (Marumurai). And I haven't written anything in a long time. I don't even know if I could get the characters right. I haven't read or watched the movies lol. @nirmohi-premika @nspwriteups @thatacademic @thelekhikawrites @whippersnappersbookworm @vibishalakshman you people might like this?

[nidhi-writes]

Avalathu Kalvan (VanMozhi one shot)

Vaanathi, the princess of Kodumbalur, sat by her palace window in Thanjai, the capital of the Chola Kingdom. She gazed out, lost in thought, remembering her teenage years when she faced relentless bullying.

Her vision transformed into the memory of her first time in Pazhaiyarai.

She was a young girl sitting on the riverbed, tears streaming down her face. Her parents had passed away, leaving her orphaned. The other children taunted her, calling her an "unlucky princess" and shunning her from their games and conversations. The loneliness and despair weighed heavily on her young heart, and she often found solace in the quiet company of the river.

As Vaanathi recalled those painful memories, she felt a deep sadness wash over her. Despite her royal status, she had known great sorrow and hardship. But she also remembered the inner strength that had carried her through those dark times, which had helped her endure and persevere.

As she sat by the Ponni River in Pazhayarai, the gentle water flow calmed her nerves, and Vaanathi felt a familiar anxiety creeping in. She had barely arrived and already met the kind Chola princess Kundhavai, who had welcomed her warmly. But amidst the new surroundings and the friendly faces, Vaanathi couldn't shake off the fear of the unknown.

She was anxious about meeting Arunmozhi Varman, the youngest royal of the Chola Kingdom, who was adored by all. She had heard so much about him, his kindness, and his charisma. She couldn't help but secretly admire him from afar, though she had never seen him.

"What if he doesn't like me?" she thought, her heart skipping at the mere idea of meeting him. She knew she had to make a good impression, but her nerves got the best of her as she sat by the river, lost in her thoughts.

As the evening sky started to darken and the birds began to bid goodbye, Vaanathi's heart thumped with the possibility of doing something wrong. 

As she was lost in her thoughts, Vaanathi suddenly heard the sound of hooves approaching. She turned to see a teenage boy riding his horse towards her with admiring eyes. Startled by the sudden interruption to her solitude, Vaanathi quickly stood up. She felt disappointed that her peaceful moment by the river had been disrupted abruptly. The boy looked at her with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting the fading light of the day. He dismounted from his horse and approached her, his gaze never leaving her face.

"You looked like a beautiful nymph, lost in the beauty of the evening sky," he said softly, his voice hinting at admiration.

Vaanathi felt her cheeks flush at the compliment. She had never been compared to a nymph before and wasn't sure how to respond. She looked down, feeling suddenly shy under his gaze.

Vaanathi quickly let go of her shyness and stood straight, reminding herself of her status as a princess. Despite her initial shyness, she tried to sound harsh when she asked the boy who he was. However, her innocent voice came out more like a kitten meowing.

The boy, amused, laughed but quickly composed himself. "I am a stable boy working in the palace," he replied.

As Vaanathi heard the boy's explanation, her eyes narrowed. For a stable boy, he looked remarkably polished and well-kept. She couldn't help but admire how he cared for himself, even in his role.

"I see," Vaanathi said, trying to maintain her composure. "As a stable boy, you seem to take great pride in your appearance."

The boy smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Appearances can be deceiving; sometimes, things are not as they seem."

Curious, the boy asked, "And who might you be?"

Vaanathi hesitated momentarily before replying, "I am Vaanathi, Princess of Kodumbalur."

"Princess," the boy repeated with a hint of surprise. "It's an honour to meet you, Princess Vaanathi."

Vaanathi slightly let go of her fake seriousness and smiled as she relaxed at the boy's gaze before her. She sat down and looked at the space beside her, indicating that he would sit beside her.

The boy understood the silent invitation and sat beside her, leaving a respectful distance between them. They sat silently momentarily, watching the river flow gently past them.

"It's peaceful here," the boy said, breaking the silence. "I often come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the palace."

Vaanathi nodded, enjoying the tranquillity of the moment. She opened up to this stranger despite knowing very little about him.

"I come here to find solace," she admitted softly. "Being a princess can be lonely at times."

The boy looked at her with understanding in his eyes. "I understand. Even though I'm just a stable boy, I often feel the weight of expectations on my shoulders."

They sat in companionable silence, each lost in their thoughts. Despite their different backgrounds, Vaanathi felt a connection with the boy beside her, which went beyond their titles and positions.

"But what's troubling you, princess, if you don't mind me asking?" he said, looking at her face admiringly, taking in her eyes, lips, nose, and everything about her.

Vaanathi exhaled slowly, relieved to confide in someone. She closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before speaking.

"From the time of my birth, I have always believed that I bring bad luck to the people I love," she admitted her voice barely above a whisper. "My parents passed away when I was young, and I have always felt responsible for their deaths. I fear anyone close to me will suffer the same fate."

The boy listened intently, his gaze soft and understanding. He reached out and gently took her hand in his, offering her comfort and reassurance.

"It's not your fault, princess," he said softly. "Bad things happen to everyone, but that doesn't mean you're cursed. Sometimes, we have to believe that things will get better."

Vaanathi felt a warmth spread through her at his words. For the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, her luck was about to change.

"So, as a Kodumbalur princess, what brought you to Pazhayarai?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

Vaanathi raised an eyebrow at his question. For a stable boy, he sure did talk a lot. She decided to indulge him with an answer.

"Well, I am here to meet the royals, and I've already met the princess," she replied. "But I am nervous for tomorrow, as I will meet the two Princes of Chola Desam."

The boy nodded, understanding her apprehension. "Meeting royalty can be intimidating, but I'm sure you'll do just fine."

Vaanathi smiled gratefully at his words. Despite his humble station, the boy's words were comforting, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

"Thank you," she said softly.

The boy smiled back, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, I am just a stable boy, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

Vaanathi hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I am nervous because this is the first time I will meet Arunmozhi Varman, whom I am meant to marry."

The boy's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered and smiled at her. "Why nervous if you are going to marry him?" he asked.

Vaanathi sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "What if he doesn't like me? I am not the strongest nor the most beautiful. I am just an orphan princess with nothing else to offer."

The boy gently took her hand, offering her comfort. "You are more than your titles, Princess Vaanathi. You have a kind heart and a gentle spirit. Prince Arunmozhi will see that and cherish you for who you are."

Vaanathi smiled, touched by his words. Despite being just a stable boy, he had a way of making her feel valued and understood.

The stable boy reached into his bag, which he always carried, and pulled out something that caught Vaanathi's curiosity. She watched closely as he turned around, asking her to open her palm and close her eyes. She did so hesitantly, feeling something round and cold placed in her hand.

"Open your eyes," he said gently.

Vaanathi opened her eyes to find a beautiful golden ball in her palm. She gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. This looked expensive.

The boy smiled at her reaction. "I crafted this from bits of gold I collected since childhood," he explained. "I always carried it with me. It brings me calm and serves as a lucky charm."

"You should keep it for tomorrow, for good luck," he suggested, noticing Vaanathi's apprehension about the upcoming meeting with the Chola princes.

Vaanathi shook her head, hesitant to accept such a precious gift from a stranger. But the boy persisted, his eyes filled with sincerity.

"I insist," he said softly. "It's just a small token of my appreciation for your kindness and for sharing your story with me."

Vaanathi looked at the golden ball in her hand, feeling touched by the boy's gesture. Despite his humble status, he was willing to give her something precious. She closed her fingers around the golden ball, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort wash over her.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

The stable boy smiled at her and slowly bid her goodbye. As he turned to leave, Vaanathi couldn't help but ask, "How can I meet you again to return this golden ball to you?"

The boy turned back, his smile warm and reassuring. "I will come before you when I want it back," he said cryptically.

With that, he left, disappearing into the fading light of the day. Vaanathi watched him go, her heart filled with hope and happiness. She knew their paths would cross again, and she looked forward to the day when she could return the golden ball to him.

As the next morning dawned, Vaanathi got ready for the day ahead. She dressed in her finest attire, the golden ball safely tucked away in a pocket close to her heart. Just as she was about to leave her chambers, Princess Kundhavai entered, her face beaming excitedly.

"Good morning, Vaanathi!" Kundhavai exclaimed. "Are you ready for the meeting with the princes?"

Vaanathi nodded, returning Kundhavai's smile. Together, they made their way to the royal court, where the meeting would occur. Vaanathi's heart fluttered with nervous anticipation, but she felt a sense of calm knowing that she carried the golden ball with her, a reminder of the kind and hopeful encounter she had with the stable boy by the river.

As they entered the royal court, Vaanathi held the golden ball tightly, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. She thought of the stable boy and his kind smile, finding comfort in the memory. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by someone clearing their throat.

Startled, Vaanathi looked up to see a tall boy a few years older than her looking down at her with a smirk. "Please don't be Arunmozhi, please don't be Arunmozhi," Vaanathi prayed silently, but the boy seemed to hear her and chuckled. Kundhavai, who was beside her, laughed as well.

"Don't worry, this is not Arunmozhi," Kundhavai reassured her. "This is Aditha Karikalan, my and Arunmozhi's elder brother."

"Sorry to disappoint you, my dear princess," Aditha joked, extending a hand to welcome her. Vaanathi smiled sheepishly, relieved that it wasn't Arunmozhi.

Kundhavai then asked about their brother, and all heads turned to the footsteps behind them. Vaanathi's eyes met with familiar ones, the eyes that made her feel calm and safe, the face that made her blush. Standing before her was the stable boy. Before Vaanathi could speak to him, Kundhavai looped her arm through his and brought him closer.

"Vaanathi, meet my little brother, Arunmozhi," Kundhavai introduced.

Vaanathi's heart raced. How could the stable boy be a prince? Her anxiety soared, and her vision started to blur. Before she could collapse, Arunmozhi caught her, his smile warm as he gently caressed her hair.

Flashback Ends

The now slightly older Vaanathi chuckled at her memory as she rolled the golden ball between her palms. "What made my queen so happy?" a voice called out. She looked up to see her husband, the great King Arunmozhi Varman, standing tall and strong with a face filled with love.

"I was thinking about a stable boy who captured my heart," Vaanathi replied, smiling at him.

"A stable boy?" Arunmozhi feigned hurt. "Where is this stable boy? I will have his head!" he joked, and they both laughed as they cuddled each other.

"Careful, my King," Vaanathi teased. "I am currently pregnant with his baby."

Arunmozhi gasped jokingly. "What?!"

Vaanathi Nodded as she laughed at her husband, to which ArunMozhi wiggled his eyebrows.

'What?' Vaanathi questioned. ‘Well, I am waiting for the princess to return the golden ball. She borrowed it from the stable boy," he said, and Vaanathi shook her head, stating, "The princess has now become queen, so her rules, as she has already given heart." She whispered as she closed their distance, and their lips met.

She knew they were destined to be together no matter where their journey started, ruling their kingdom with love and compassion.

Ohh! I am in love with the above AI art; it just gives me a peek at the romance that post-marriage VanMozhi would have had.

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

[deadloverscity]

[PS2 SPOILERS]

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the daughter of a woman who was the daughter of the ocean drowning in water is an irony I can never forget

[willkatfanfromasia]

A Night to Remember - 2

She monotonously paced around the room to burn off her restlessness. She repeated the principles of management and profit planning, hoping it’ll ground her.

Her mind and body were far too desperate to know about him. Did he already know she was here? Was he happy or sad to see her? Does he want her back? Should she play hard or fall into his arms?

Maybe she should just avoid him, treat him as a stranger she weakly sighed

Her thoughts raced a mile an hour, punctuated by the loud rainfall outside. The thought of crossing the waterlogged grounds irritated her, but at least she’ll be left alone with her thoughts for now.

This family’s problems are as intricate as their mansion’s décor she chuckled. Their long term CAs- Anirudh & Pazhuvur- were a well known firm run by two senior professionals. They were from nobility themselves and handled elite clients. Though well meaning, they needed some help to untangle their client’s mess given the ever changing business laws.

She found a remote under the newspaper stand faced it towards the small, early 2000s BPL TV. She tsked when it didn’t switch on. Restlessness made her bang the remote on the sofa armrest repeatedly -and voila! The TV worked.

She shifted through the channels….. ethirneechal serial, suryavamsam movie,teleshopping, BBC, live telecast of a temple..no no no she chanted before settling on an Indian news channel.

An immaculately dressed man addressed the eager reporters. “Pandyan corp will venture into buying other heritage properties too”, he said that they’d already eyed a few old forts and palaces to turn into tourist sweetspots.

“Sir, you had already announced such a project 2 years ago, but it failed to take off” clamoured a journo

The official smoothly assured them that this time it will take off, dismissing the previous plan that fell through.

Nandini smirked, thinking of how they lost their most lucrative purchase due to her ‘skills’.

The Pandya’s were the royal clan who lost the most to colonialism. But they persevered, ignored public criticism, cut costs and started a real estate business- unthinkable for a clan of their stature. They’d changed their last remaining fort into a Heritage hotel and entered the luxury real estate market. Other noble clan’s looked down on them then, only to regret their decisions now.

The Chozhas were one of them. They had maintained autonomous rule long enough, so they settled into a complacent lifestyle. Their palatial homes (including their current residence), agricultural lands overseen by locals all seemed grand. Their money was locked up in trust funds and wills, rendering them unable to withdraw funds for their immediate needs. Their business investments were failing and it looked like they had to sell atleast one property.

Pandyas might’ve modernized into a corporate now, but their executive committee’s bitterness remained. They had lost a lot to the Chozhas but couldn’t retaliate when the British slammed them with the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’.

Their core team, on behalf of the young son of their late CEO, was full of “old guards”- people from families who’ve long been faithful servants of the owner’s kingly forefathers.

They were the top players in the luxury segment, their plan to buy heritage properties was just a century old thirst to one up the Chozhas

She’d interned with them as a gangly 23 year old fresh out of uni. The opportunity was great- they were one of the patrons of her college’s scholarship program. Veer pandyan had personally taught her, despite knowing real estate wasn’t her main interest.

The talent scouts at HR had run a background check, the results of which intrigued the big boss.

Born and adopted in Madurai,  moved to a suburb of Thanjavur at 10 where her dad worked  as a Archagar in temple before moving to Chennai after grade 11.

It was the last fact that caught his eye.

No sane Indian family, no matter their financial woes would shift cities when their child has completed 11th. Something drastic must’ve occurred. It no doubt involved the Chozhas as nothing moved from that estate without their consent.

The pandyan corp executives were nice to her. Really nice, that some of the older employees began envying her- an intern! Veer pandyan had a friendly uncle demeanor as he taught her the practicalities of real estate, investments and predicting markets. But soon his real interest began to show, he tried to pry into her past.

“It’s just odd, you know, you did grade 11 in one city and grade 12 in another “ he innocently asked.

Hoping to tolerate the intrusion for the sake of her job, Nandini replied “ My dad found a better position in Chennai, besides my brother wanted to join the OTA” hoping it sounded rational. She loved using her military intelligence officer bro as an excuse.

He left it for the day, but circled back to it often. “You went to THAT school right? The one where the Chozha kids studied… did you talk to them?”

Nandini cursed herself for being so naïve. She initially presumed he wanted to know about her past genuinely.

The topic was too painful. A sore spot she rarely thought of even in private- afraid of the emotional fallout. No amount of casual dismissal of her acquaintance with them sated her boss.

The heckling of journalists of the suited man snapped her to the present.

She began chuckling madly at the TV, at the slimy man trying to convince the reporters that all was well in paradise. Uncaring of been seen, she wheezed with laughter, knowing all wasn’t well- they had her to thank for that!

The low grumbling of the skies masked her outburst and made her anticipate the next loud thunder. It settled into silence but she wasn’t completely at peace yet. She’d stolen biscuits, borrowed a blanket and used the living room of her former flame.

She looked every bit the confident career woman she was, but his presence threw her off the cool headspace she maintained. And she’d have to leave this place anyway.

A fainted shadow fell on the foyer. “The rain must’ve messed with the porch lights” Nandini dismissed it and continued to change the channels. She chose to watch a Djokovic vs Nadal match to pass time. Engrossed as she was in their rally, she didn’t notice the shadow shift closer to her.

The door lock clicked and forced her to notice. “holy shit please don’t be a murderer” she inwardly thought before deciding to turn.

Her stuff shoulders turned, her eyebrows curled in fear but the sight of the form at the door step made them turn up in anger. “You…you brat!” Nandini bared her teeth as the tormentor of her dreams just smirked

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