#tamil crown

[quieteating]

Tamil Crown

In these cold dark days (London is like that in winter), sometimes I feel a need of some warmth. Which is how I ended up at Tamil Crown, a place offering South Eastern fire.  Located in an old pub, its credentials in the spicy department were unsubtle.  Heavily advertised as having Roti King pedigree, I had high hopes.  So long as we can forget Gopals… Table ornament.  The reminders of the fire…

[starryalpacasstuff]

Queer Indian Media: A Compilation

A couple of days ago, @impala124 sent @lurkingshan an ask about the lack of discussion about Queer Indian Media in fandom spaces. I wrote about it here, @neuroticbookworm here, and @waitmyturtles here (both of them have excellent points, I highly recommend you read their posts!). It's become quite apparent that people are willing to watch and engage in discourse about queer Indian media, it's just that the lack of popularity and accessibility makes it harder for people to start. So, I've decided to make a list tracking all of the queer Indian media I know of, and hopefully also any meta/discourse about it, which is an idea I've had floating in my head for months now.

This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you have recs, send them my way! Text me on DM, send an ask, tag me in your posts, whatever. And though it's not possible for me to watch everything on the list, I will be slowly going through as many of these as I can and writing about them, as well as hopefully finding more stuff and easier to access versions for the ones that are harder to access right now. This post is going to be a slow work in progress, but I'm hoping to update it regularly. So, if you'd like me to keep you updated, let me know through the tags/replies and I will tag you in future posts!

I've tagged the people who've recommended certain shows alongside each show. Everything on here is available online. The hyperlinked titles lead you to the media itself, meaning that it's available for free online with subtitles. Other details will be mentioned separately.

Disclaimer: The media I have watched/read have recommendation ratings (which will not always reflect my enjoyment of something, rather are based on how much I'd recommend it). While I did lightly screen everything on here, the criteria was 'has a trailer or otherwise showing queerness to be a central theme in the story' and 'is available online', so take that into account if you decide to pick something up, and definitely watch trailers and/or skim the wikipedia pages beforehand.

Movies

Fire | English | @neuroticbookworm 

Recommendation: 9/10 A 1996 movie surrounding a lesbian couple packed with commentary on religion, class, purity culture and more. Quick Pitch + Historical Context

Kapoor & Sons | Hindi | @neuroticbookworm

Available on Netflix, Prime, and paid on Youtube and Apple TV

Kaathal-The Core | Malayalam | @neuroticbookworm 

Officially on Prime, also available grey without subtitles

Meta by @ineffable-opinions

Super Deluxe | Tamil | @neuroticbookworm 

Officially on a paid streaming service called aha, grey on youtube

Dear Dad | Hindi | @neuroticbookworm 

This is grey on youtube without subtitles, available officially on Disney Hotstar and Amazon Prime

Recommendation: 7.75 Follows a father and a son on a road trip, during which the son accidentally learns that his father is gay. The son struggles with reconciling with the new information, leading to conflict.

Geeli Puchi (Ajeeb Dastaans) | Hindi | @blorbingqls @neuroticbookworm 

Available on Netflix

Cobalt Blue | Hindi | @blorbingqls

Officially on Netflix, also available grey without subtitles

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga | Hindi | @fallsouthwinter @usertoxicyaoi @neuroticbookworm

Available officially on Netflix, but can also be found grey in two parts without subtitles

Recommendation: 8.5/10 What seems like a typical bollywood movie about a man falling in love with a girl who's family opposes their marriage takes a turn halfway through when it is revealed that the girl has a secret girlfriend. The protagonist then resolves to help the pair by convincing the family to accept them.

Chitrangada: The Crowning Wish | Bengali | @silverquillsideas @neuroticbookworm 

I believe it's available on prime, but you might need to do some digging. Also available grey on youtube without subtitles (the movie is in part Bengali, part English)

Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan | Hindi | @silverquillsideas @twig-tea @neuroticbookworm

Officially on Amazon, grey on youtube without subtitles

Maja Ma | Hindi | @flyingrosebeetle @silverquillsideas 

Available on Amazon Prime

Badhaai Do | Hindi

Officially on Netflix, available grey on youtube without subtitles

Loev | Hindi

Available on youtube with Spanish (I think?) subtitles

Margarita With A Straw | Hindi

I believe this is a cut version, it is officially on Netflix which is likely the uncut version

Recommendation: 9/10 A self-discovery story about an Indian woman named Laila with cerebral palsy with great rep and beautiful execution. Meta by @wen-kexing-apologist

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui | Hindi | anon

Available grey without subtitles, officially on Netflix

Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani | Hindi | @flowerbeasblog @aneechan

Officially on Jio Cinema, also available grey without subtitles

Time Out | Hindi

Available on Netflix

My Brother…Nikhil | Hindi

Available on youtube without subtitles, also on Amazon Prime

My Son Is Gay | Tamil

Hindi dub available on youtube without subtitles

Little Hearts | Malayalam | @ineffable-opinions

Available officially on Amazon Prime

There's multiple storylines, one of which is queer Meta by @ineffable-opinions

Moothon | Malayalam | @non-beingnary

This is grey on youtube without subtitles, it's officially on Amazon Prime and Zee5, both need subscriptions

Aligarh | Hindi | @ayoungroyal

This is grey with subtitles, it says the subtitles are in hindi for some reason but they're actually in English. Officially on several subscription platforms: JioCinema, Zee5, Amazon Prime, Apple TV

Sisak | Hindi | @blorbingqls

Recommendation: 8.5/10 A fifteen minute silent film about two men who experience mutual attraction to one another while on the same train during their daily commute. It's impactful, and it says a lot without saying anything.

Shows

Romil and Jugal | Hindi | @anixknowsnothin

You do need a vpn if you're outside India to watch it with the above link, it's also grey on youtube without subtitles

Recommendation: 8.5/10 India's modern gay remake of Romeo and Juliet, five years before Bad Buddy Random thoughts

The Married Woman | Hindi | @a-not-knowing-bisexual-wizard

Dev DD Season 2 | Hindi

Legitimately no clue whether this and the prev are grey or official

Made in Heaven | Hindi | @flyingrosebeetle @non-beingnary @neuroticbookworm

Available on Prime

All About Section 377, Still About Section 377 | Hindi

The Story Tales S2 | Gujrati

Insomnia | Hindi

It's a streaming service I've never heard of before, not unlike Gaga, this is one of the darker shows on the list so please do check out the trailer beforehand

Amra 2GayTher | Bengali

Available on two streaming services here and here, both paid

Happy Family, Conditions Apply | Hindi | @non-beingnary

Officially on Amazon Prime, first episode available for free on the official youtube

As far as I know, it's a sitcom with a queer subplot, but I'm not sure how relevant it is to the story

His Storyy | Hindi

Officially on Zee5 for free but you do need to register, unsure of whether or not subtitles are available but guessing no

Murder In Mahim | Hindi | @soberbutsleepless

This is grey without subtitles, its available officially on JioCinema but you need a subscription

Mini gls from @twig-tea (og post here)

Firsts S3 | @tinyreadinglifelight

Neverland

Maaya 2

Last two eps do not have subtitles but the story is followable

The ‘Other’ Love Story @/silverquillsideas 

Just Another Love Story

Books

Memory of Light

Recommendation: 5/10 A historical book set during the colonial era, the lesbian romance is mostly a subplot that loses its way towards the end. It's kind of a drag, but the history component is somewhat interesting.

Don't Let Him Know

Recommendation Rating: 7.5/10 with serious trigger warnings including rape. It's a brutally honest book designed to make the reader uncomfortable, so proceed with caution. I personally liked it quite a lot, but that's majorly because of how authentic the book felt.

Falling Into Place

Recommendation Rating: 8/10 A modern lesbian romance that follows similar beats to the typical thai bl/gl. A little underdeveloped in some places, but overall quite good.

My Magical Palace

Cobalt Blue

The Paths Of Marriage

Marriage Of A Thousand Lies

[rainbow-sunshine-unicorn]

A long time ago, after I posted my Neddy learns about Anthony’s Dad Lore drabble, I got an anon ask for more “grown ass Kanthony”. I can’t find the ask now and this soooo late, but I hope you still enjoy some geriatric Kanthony!!!

Anthony couldn’t quite remember how it started. He didn’t know when he began collecting them like tokens. The creases next to Kate’s eyes deepening when she smiled, the hints of grey peaking out as he ran his fingers through her soft luscious hair. Signs of a life well lived, a happy one, a long one. And he collected each bit, every time he managed to catch a glimpse, he stored them in his heart, to thank the lord, the universe, or whatever divine entity had granted him the privilege of not just growing old, but growing old with Kate.

Once upon a time, before Kate, when his life was just somehow… less, less vibrant, less joyful, less worth living, he remembered panicking upon finding a singular strand of grey hair sprouting right at the crown of his head. It had seemed like an ugly reminder that the finish line was approaching and he was not fast enough to outrun it. He did not have his affairs in order, the arrangements for the estates were still incomplete and his plans for his tenants were still unfinished.

But now, much like everything in his life after Kate, including his own self, it was different. Nowadays, the white hair was an excuse for him to tease his youngest son that his mischief was turning his father grey. Every ache was an excuse for his daughter to offer to kiss it better. Every ache was an excuse for his oldest to playfully rib him. Signs of a life well lived.

However, he still knew that his wife carried them off much more gracefully.

Which is why when he came upon Kate laid down in the middle of the day, with a physician at her bedside, he felt the once familiar fear creep through him, numbing him from fingers to his toes, chilling his heart. He couldn’t help but wonder if his gratitude had come across as gloating and now Kate was being punished for it. He felt frozen, unable to move, step over the threshold of his bed chamber and face whatever grotesque reality he met there.

His eyes were trailing frantically around the room when his gaze collided with Kate’s. The hum of panic in his brain cut off abruptly.

Because his wife was blushing. A fascinating shade of purple under the warm brown of her skin. He had seen it before but each time, he still felt as fascinated as he had the first time he’d seen it.

A few weeks after their wedding, after many letters to Mary and an unreasonable amount of visits to an ambassador from India, he had finally learnt to say I love you in Kate’s native tongue of tamil. One day, as they lazed around their favourite drawing room at Aubrey Hall, after supper, he’d said it, rather abruptly, clumsily forming the words just as he’d practiced. And then Kate had giggled, the sweetest little laugh he’d ever heard, flushed that beautiful hue of purple he would swear was his favourite colour till the day he died, and, buried her face in his shoulder. He felt thrilled, fascinated, enchanted. He finally understood the concept of eureka his philosophy professor at Oxford had tried so hard to teach him.

Later, when his chest was no longer so puffed with pride that his waistcoat was in imminent danger of bursting open, Kate would tell him that it felt more intense when he said it in tamil, excessive in its devotion. And he’d rush to assure her that he meant it in an excessively devoted and besotted manner, and then Kate would smile in a way that made her eyes shine and made her lips look kissable.

Shaking off that pleasant memory of one of the best days of his life, he blinked at Kate.

The physician, a crotchety old man who’d tended to all the Bridgertons at Aubrey Hall, for many years now, simply cleared his throat, bowed to him and walked out with remarkable speed. Momentarily distracted from Kate, Anthony frowned at his retreating figure.

But then as always, he turned back to Kate. Who was now smiling a secret smile at him, eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

“You’re going to have to buy 50 more dolls to keep things fair ”

And just like that Anthony’s list of signs of a life well-lived, his forever with Kate, grew exponentially longer.

[mudlarkspur]

Junior, who is beloved by her Draxum, and Muninn come to the completely wrong conclusion about why so many other raised-by-Draxum!Donnies are absolutely fucked. Gotta be the he/him pronouns they all seem to use.

Obviously none of them are being mistreated. Her Appā would never.

for @tmntaucompetition, AUs are EW by @cupcakeslushie BTO by @risebto RR by @red-rover-au and EMD by @3lectricinsomnia and @teaableu

Desc/Transcript under Readmore

four panel comic

Image 1: CY!Donnie looking dejected as Muninn looks at their face over their shoulder. To their left are headshots of Donnie/Two/Purple from EW, RR, EMD, and BTO. Donnie is wearing her saree with three necklaces. Their headphones have 'ear' attachments that are drooping and they have dangling earrings. They're wearing a mask with eyebrows and their tilaka (a dot with a small line under it on her anja chakra point) painted on. They have three scars on the lower left side of their face. Muninn is a raven wearing a flower crown made of roses. Muninn is drawn in black pen and Donnie is drawn in purple pen.

Donnie: Does it seem like there's something deeply wrong with the other me's raised by அப்பா?

(Note: அப்பா is the spoken Tamil word for Father, written as Appā in the latin alphabet)

Image 2: Muninn with a wing to his beak, looking considering.

Muninn: Hm...

Image 3: Muninn with his wing extended, looking towards where Donnie's face would be while he's perched on their shoulder.

Muninn: Well ... I did hear a lot of he/him out there. Plus the horns thing is aaaallll rams.

Image 4: straight on shot of Donnie from the chest up, looking at the new she/they sticker on the right side of their plastron where their saree doesn't cover. Their ear attachments are back in the default position. Muninn is cheerfully flying on their left.

Muninn: There!

(Note: the ! is dotted with a heart)

[theyungihven]

Kashmir To Kanyakumari

↬ Genre : romance, comedy

↬ pairing : seonghwa as rahul (shahrukh khan) and reader as Meena (deepika padukone)

↬ Synopsis : Meena, an agra girl, travelling to tamil nadu for her cousin's wedding meets Rahul, a delhi boy on the train with whom she first fights then becomes close enough to share one of her darkest secrets.

↬ Author note : i wanted to do something different so i wrote my version of chennai express with roles reversed with north city girl and south village boy seonghwa. hope yall enjoy!!!

S2 MASTERLIST

S1 MASTERLIST

taglist : @riboism @fireheaurt @xddjoong @seongwin @fictionlover100 @davoraciousreader @engentiny @hwasa28 @retromx @http-gyu @absentcaryatid @xddjoong @yunnierights @ateezworshipper @vanishingboots @changbinscheeks @idek-nly @rosie-lov3 @btr123 @diorwoo

Attention dear passengers, Navyug Express 16688 which is bound from kashmir to kanyakumari has arrived on platform number 4

There is a rush, a weird sensation in my stomach. I can’t fumble it around nor untangle it but it tells me, something big is going to happen today. 

I swing my bag back onto my shoulders which keeps falling down as I search for my carriage on this huge pan-indian train. I love to travel, watching people and their stories unfold with the place reminds me that things around us do matter and that everything has a significance because without influences, we would just be empty pots of clay in various shades of earth. 

In the middle of the monologue, I find my carriage and now embark on another quest to find my allotted seat. It goes well and I reach my seat. I place my luggage above and make myself comfortable on my seat before dozing off. 

I wake up to my bladder full which is the after effect of drinking too much Maaza in the hot summer. So I decide to visit the bathroom only for the train to stop when I'm emptying my bladder. 

I sigh, hearing the sound of the passengers echoing and make up my mind to get slapped in the face by them on my way back to my seat. After going through a couple of elbow nudges and accidental slaps on the face with luggage as expected, I reach my seat which is occupied? by a girl looking out of the window, lost in time and space. “Excuse me? Woh mere seat hai(that’s my seat).” I say, pointing at her. 

She looks up at me, confusion crowning her face as she then checks the seat number. “Sorry, woh left aur right gadbad hojati hain (I’m bad with my lefts and rights).” she replies in her Luckhnowi accent and my heart skips a beat. I bet she’s a poet. 

She gets up from my seat and goes to sit on her own. “Aap baith jaiye(please sit).” she gestures with her hand and places her luggage above us before sitting down on my seat. 

“Hi, Rahul!” I say, forwarding my hand for her to shake.

“Meena.” she says as her lips pull into a sweet smile and she tilts her head then lets go of my hand before awkwardly looking out of the window. I notice her ears and cheeks being graced with a coral pink shade and I can't help but bite back a smile.

“So, which station is this?” I ask her 

“Agra, kyun? Did you miss your stop?” she asks, looking at me sceptical with her eyebrows irked.

“No no, I'm going to madurai.” I say and she raises her eyebrows. “I was just asking because I slept-” she doesn’t let me finish and interrupts me.

“madurai? I'm going to Tamil Nadu too!” She cuts me off but I brush it off because she looks genuinely excited about us going to the same state.

“After getting on at the delhi station” I finally complete my sentence as I sigh thinking that there's finally someone who talks either more than me or as much as me. “Why are you going to in Tamil nadu? I am visi-” 

“I have a wedding to attend.” she cuts me off again but it doesn’t matter this time too because she’s too cute talking that it might be rather rude to interrupt this woman.

“Your cousin?” I ask, because if it were her sister then she’d be travelling with her family right now.

“Nah, it's my elder sister. But she is my cousin practically, anyways.” She says in such disappointment that it makes me want to crack a joke to make her smile but before she starts speaking again but this time in a much angry tone. “The guy is a complete idiot and doesn’t even know the difference between saunf and jeera. Like gobi jaisi toh shakal hai ladke ki(the groom looks like a cabbage).”

“God!” I laugh at her comparison of the guy with a cabbage.

“What? At Least i’m being honest! If you give me even a hundred million rupees, I won't marry his brother!” She says and it makes me laugh so hard that I need to stop breathing to avoid choking on air.

“Is his brother that bad?” I ask in amusement.

“I heard he’s some surgeon in Delhi who is never home cuz he's a travel freak.” Her description sounds a lot like me but who isn’t a doctor and traveller these days? And what are the possibilities of it being me? zero?

“Not bad” I comment and she looks at me like I stole a little kids candy.

“Not bad? I heard he’s so egoistic and boast about his achievements and changes girlfriends every week.” She complains and the more she says about the guy, the more I’m convinced that it isn’t me whom she’s talking about.

“Oh god!” I gasp dramatically trying to match her energy and it works because she giggles at my reaction. “I bet he’s a fuckboy who has no respect for women!”  I add in, like fuel to the fire.

“Exactly, who would even marry him?”

“I wanna meet him now” I say and the look she gives me sends chills down my spine. God those kohl filled eyes are just heavenly!

“Why? He's such a kamina” shes says the borderline curse but it sounds so cute rolling off her lips as she huffs.

“Well, getting new girlfriends every week is a skill. I need to learn something from him.” I get smacked on my head by her hand upon saying this.

“You’re such a MC.” she says and i look at her in disbelief. Did she just curse at me?

“Machhar(mosquito)?” I ask her, even though I completely understood when she first said it but I tease her a little because her reactions are just so cute.

“What? Yeah, a machchar(mosquito)." She agrees with calling me a mosquito.

“Why am I a mosquito now?” 

“I don’t know why I said that.” she says smiling and looking down, tearing her gaze away from me.

“Cute” I mumble, the words flowing past my lips but not reaching her ears.

She looks out the window as the sun sets down and reflects over the water as well as passes through the bridge over a river. 

I stand up and she looks at me in surprise. “I’m just taking my bag, don't worry.” I chuckle.

“Not funny.” she says and goes back to her people watching. “Do you have snacks?”

I burst out laughing and she pouts and I swear I can see her eyes tear up. 

“I just asked if you have something to eat.” she says, still pouting.

“You sound like a kid, asking if I have games on my phone.” I grab two packets of chips from my bag and zip it back up before sitting down on my seat.

“Well, everyone calls me a kid so nothing new.” she huffs. 

“Here,don’t cry.” I say as I give her the chips packet and ruffle her open hair which makes her smile. But that smile disappears when she realises what I did and her reaction to it, and gets embarrassed over it as her cheeks turn red again. 

“Don’t scold me but you look like a north indian.” She adds, tearing her packet of chips.

I sigh, “I get that a lot.”

“People are so stereotypical in India, it's tiring.” she sighs too, looking out of the window. What did she mean by that?

“That sounded personal.” i say because the amount of emotion she said in the sentence earlier was a bit too suspicious. 

“Because not every poet has had heartbreak or is in love.” she says, with a hint of sadness that raises an eyebrow.

“You’re a poet?” I ask, curiosity getting the best of me.

“Hmm…” she pretends to not answer.

“Urdu?”

“Both, english and urdu”

“Can I ?”

“Sure. let me take out my notebook, wait”

‘I can even wait a century, if it’s for you.’ I hum in my mind.

“So” she flips the pages “jo apne hi nahi, unse dukh baant na, kisi khudgarz ki dil par dastak dena hota hain”

“Care to explain? My urdu is weak”

“So basically those who are not our family or people that care about us, sharing your emotional burden with them is equal to loving a narcissist”

“Damn. you did hit my heart with an arrow!”

“The cupid’s bow?”

“I- i mean-” i am speechless at the sudden flirtatious comment. She keeps her diary inside and pulls out another book which has urdu written on the front page. Maybe a poetry collection. 

“Now if you excuse me, I need some personal space.” she asks politely and I cannot even deny her.

“Yeah sure sure, I won't disturb you.” God, this woman is doing things to me.

Time passes by and we chat, share food, walk around when the train stops for longer on a station until I get off the madurai station but a few days later I meet her at a wedding in Kodaikanal only to find out that the groom she was complaining about is my brother so technically I’m the brother whom she was calling a playboy.

[ambidextrousarcher]

“ஆமாம். அக்கா, ஆமாம்! நாகைப்பட்டினத்துப் புத்த பிக்ஷுக்கள் சொன்னதாகக் கூறினாயே? அதன்படியே நடந்தது. அநுராதபுரத்தில் புத்த பிக்ஷுக்களின் மகா சங்கத்தார் எனக்கு இலங்கைச் சிங்காதனத்தையும், கிரீடத்தையும் அளிக்க முன் வந்தார்கள். நான்தான் மறுத்து விட்டேன், அக்கா! இராஜ்யத்தில் எனக்கு ஆசையில்லாதபடியால்தான் மறுதளித்தேன். நீ வேறு எது சொன்னாலும் கேட்கிறேன். இராஜ்யம் ஆளும் தொல்லை மட்டும் எனக்கு வேண்டாம்! அதைக் காட்டிலும் கடலில் படகு விட்டுக்கொண்டு எவ்வளவோ ஆனந்தமாயிருக்கலாம். கேள், அக்கா! கோடிக்கரையில் ஓடக்காரப் பெண் ஒருத்தி இருக்கிறாள்...”

Excerpt From

Ponniyin Selvan Anaithu Pagangal (Tamil Edition)

Kalki

This material may be protected by copyright.

Context: Arulmozhi thinks he is speaking to his sister in his fevered delirium.

“Yes, elder sister, yes! Had you not told me of the prediction made by the Buddhist monks in Nagapattinam? Events happened just as they were foretold. The Buddhist monks belonging to the Maha Sangam in Anuradhapuram came forward to grant me the throne and the crown of Lanka. It was I who refused, elder sister! Having no desire to rule a Kingdom, I refused. Whatever else you say, I shall listen. Only the trouble of ruling a Kingdom, I don’t want! Instead of that, how happy we can be sailing in the seas. Listen, elder sister! There is a boatwoman in Kodikkarai…”

Delirious as he is, I still think Arulmozhi holds Poonkuzhali in a high regard at this point of time, because his first thought to tell his adored sister was about her. I do believe he felt something for her, at least as a friend, or something akin to admiration for her.

Also….this is making me think, for in a future chapter, one probably set a few days after this one (as Arulmozhi, Sendhan and Poonkuzhali reach Choodamani monastery) one of the monks there speaks of Kundavai having visited them in the recent past, and spoken of the possibility of them hosting Arulmozhi, that what is the timeline for these events? I like to think that Kundavai had spoken to the monks in Nagapattinam and sent Arulmozhi a letter regarding the possibility of him being enthroned, or had Annirudhar rely her message, which means Kundavai had visited Nagapattinam very recently, perhaps after leaving Thanjai on the way to Pazhayarai?

Tagging my usual tag list! @whippersnappersbookworm @mizutaama @celestesinsight @thereader-radhika @thelekhikawrites @themorguepoet @deadloverscity @harinishivaa @racoonpaws @favcolourrvibgior @willkatfanfromasia and @humapkehaikaun

[ramayantika]

Chinnanjiru Nilave (a dance or me just acting around??? 🥲)

Do you remember Mathura Nagarpati? I am not Tamil so I looked up a few translations for this song: Chinnanjiru Nilave The song doesn't exactly match my story obviously but the singer's voice and the music had those final moments/separation themes which immediately got the Mathura Nagarpati scene in my mind. I hope I did not butcher the song. I was also lazy to edit so here's the raw draft.

The translation of the scene below:

1. Nayani fills her pot by the Yamuna and as she is about to go home, she hears a voice she hasn't heard in years. Turning around she sees Krishna standing in front of her. She is shocked to see him and confirms his presence by touching his face and hands.

2. "After so many years you've come back here. Tell me, not even once did you remember me, us and Vrindavan. We all would gaze at the far waters if Yamuna in hopes that you will one day come back. Couldn't you have ever sent a letter, just one letter about your well-being. I don't know what to say, Krishna. I am seeing you after so many years. It feels like a yuga has passed. I thought you have forgotten all of us. I no longer know what to say or how to behave. You were my first love. I am now married to another man, but you were the one in my heart. Upto this day, I have breathed only in your name

3. Somehow she looses her anger and smiles saying, "Anyway how long can I be cross with you?" Krishna drops a bomb again when he tell her you might just be because I am here to give you a final parting Gift to bid you farewell.

4. Nayani is confused when Krishna takes her hand and asks her to take his morpankh from his crown and blow it to the skies. He starts walking back which causes Nayani to hold his hand. Pleading, she says, "Do not leave just now. If you go away I will die right here."

5. Krishna still holds her hand and makes her blow the feather away as a reluctant Nayani lets him go while the feather makes its journey to the sky. Another game of Time and dust goes into her eyes before she can see Krishna leave. When she opens her eyes, Krishna is nowhere to be found. Later she hears some person tell her that Dwarkadheesh is no more.

6. Devastatation

Taglist: @morally-gayy @bambioleo @shanti-ashant-hai @kabhi-sukoot-bhi-sukhan @inexhaustible-sources-of-magic @arachneofthoughts @kaal-naagin @krishna-priyatama @reallythoughtfulwizard @savlon-bhoi

[litttlelostlola]

Kaaviya Sambasivam 001

Kaaviya Sambasivam, born on May 21, 1999, in the United States, is an Indian-American content creator, model, and podcast host. She gained prominence on TikTok, where she shares fashion and lifestyle content with over 470,000 followers on her account @kaavikiwi. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Kaaviya was crowned Miss North Carolina Teen USA in 2018 and later interned for the Tamil Nadu government in India. She celebrates her Indian heritage through her content, often incorporating elements of Desi culture. She has also been an ambassador for Fashion Nova and hosts "The Goddess Pod," a podcast focusing on empowerment and lifestyle.

• Do not reuse • Do not claim as your own • Do not use without credits

[dear-indies]

hi! i hope you dont mind the ask! im looking to set up a period fc and just looking to get some fc help! i want the group to be diverse as possible and was hoping you could help with some fc suggestions?

Kathy Bates (1948) - American Horror Story as Madame LaLaurie.

Richard Ridings (1958) - Dickinson.

Michelle Yeoh (1962) Chinese Malaysian - The School for Good and Evil.

Zahn McClarnon (1966) Hunkpapa Lakota, Sihasapa Lakota, White - History of the World, Part II.

Sophie Okonedo (1968) Nigerian / Ashkenazi Jewish - The Wheel of Time, The Hollow Crown.

Adrian Lester (1968) Afro Jamaican - Mary Queen of Scots.

Yuliya Aug (1970) - Ekaterina.

Warwick Davis (1970) - Willow - has spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita.

Danny Sapani (1970) Ghanaian - in Harlots.

Nick Frost (972) - The Nevers & Into the Badlands.

Matt Berry (1974) - Year of the Rabbit.

Caroline Chikezie (1974) Igbo Nigerian - The Shannara Chronicles.

Ashlie Atkinson (1977) - is queer - The Gilded Age.

Karthi (1977) Tamil Indian - Ponniyin Selvan.

Oscar Isaac (1979) Cuban-Guatemalan-Spanish - In Secret.

Nonso Anozie (1979) Igbo Nigerian - Cinderella.

Adeel Akhtar (1980) Pakistani / Indo Kenyan - Enola Holmes.

Chrissy Metz (1980) - American Horror Story as Ima ‘Barbara’ Wiggles.

Angel Coulby (1980) Afro Guyanese / White - Merlin.

Mahesh Jadu (1982) Indo Mauritian - The Witcher.

Ella Smith (1983) - The Nevers.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw (1983) Zulu South African / White - Belle.

Joel Fry (1984) Afro Jamaican and White - Drunk History UK.

Freida Pinto (1984) Konkani Indian - Mr. Malcolm's List.

Sterling Sulieman (1984) African-American - Still Star-Crossed.

Zawe Ashton (1984) Ugandan / White - Mr. Malcolm's List - has spoken up for Palestine!

Sonoya Mizuno (1986) Japanese / Spanish-Argentinian, White - House of The Dragon.

Jodie Turner-Smith (1986) Afro Jamaican - Anne Boleyn.

Deepika Padukone (1986) Indian - Bajirao Mastani.

Lashana Lynch (1987) Afro Jamaican - Still Star-Crossed.

Susan Wokoma (1987) Nigerian - Enola Holmes - has spoken up for Palestine!

Pippa Bennett-Warner (1988) Jamaican and Kittitian - Harlots.

Stefanie Reinsperger (1988) - Maria Theresa.

Aiysha Hart (1988) Saudi / White - Atlantis - has spoken up for Palestine!

Gratiela Brancusi (1989) Romani and White - 1883 - has spoken up for Palestine!

Dalmar Abuzeid (1990) Sudanese - Anne with An E.

Sophia Nomvete (1990) Iranian and Black - Rings of Power.

Himesh Patel (1990) Indian - The Aeronauts and The Luminaries.

Lolly Adefope (1990) Nigerian - in Ghosts - has spoken up for Palestine!

Paapa Essiedu (1990) Ghanaian - Anne Boleyn - has spoken up for Palestine!

Jacob Anderson (1990) Black Caribbean and White - Interview with the Vampire.

Ebonee Noel (1990) Afro Guyanese - Still Star-Crossed.

Dianne Doan (1990) Chinese - Warrior.

Katie Findlay (1990) Chinese, Portuguese-Macanese, White - Walker: Independence - is queer (they/them) I'm unsure if they're referring to gender and/or sexuality as queer but I'm under the assumption it's both! - has spoken up for Palestine!

Liu Yuning (1990) Chinese - A Journey to Love.

Dev Patel (1990) Gujarati Indian - The Personal History of David Copperfield.

Sope Dirisu (1991) Nigerian - Mr. Malcolm's List.

Medalion Rahimi (1991) Iranian, Mizrahi Jewish - Still Star-Crossed.

Ashley Park (1991) Korean - Mr. Malcolm's List.

Ronke Adekoluejo (1991) Nigerian - Chevalier.

Kiran Sonia Sawar (1991) Pakistani - The Nevers.

Denée Benton (1991) African-American - The Gilded Age - has spoken up for Palestine!

Emma D’Arcy Actor (1992) - is non-binary (they/them) - House of Dragons - has spoken up for Palestine!

Anna Shaffer (1992) Black and White / Jewish - The Witcher.

Devon Terrell (1992) African-American / Anglo-Indian - Cursed.

Crystal Clarke (1993/1994) Trinidadian and Guyanese - Sanditon.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. (1994) African-American - Chevalier.

David Licauco (1994) Filipino - Maria Clara at Ibarra.

Julie Anne San Jose (1994) Filipino - Maria Clara at Ibarra.

Kit Young (1994) Ugandan / White - Shadow and Bone.

Lola Petticrew (1995) - is non-binary (they/them) - Anne Boleyn.

Jack Wolfe (1995) - is queer - Shadow and Bone - has spoken up for Palestine!

Maddison Jaizani (1995) Iranian / White - Versailles.

Alisha Boe (1997) Somali / White - The Buccaneers - has spoken up for Palestine!

Madeleine Madden (1997) Eastern Arrernte, Arrernte, Kalkadoon, White / Gadigal and Bundjalung - The Wheel of Time.

Chen Muchi (1997) Chinese - The Starry Love.

Archie Renaux (1997) Indian and White - Shadow and Bone.

Sophie Wilde (1998) Ivorian / White - Tom Jones.

Josie Totah (2001) Palestinian / Lebanese and White - is a trans woman - is a trans woman - The Buccaneers.

Aaron Cobham (?) Black British - The Spanish Princess.

Stephanie Levi-John (?) Black - The Spanish Princess.

Akil Largie (?) Black - Sense and Sensibility.

Bayo Gbadamosi (?) Black British - The Great.

Thalissa Teixeira (?) Afro Brazilian - Anne Boleyn.

Matthew Broome (?) Black - The Buccaneers.

Colette Dalal Tchantcho (?) Cameroonian / Sunni Kuwaiti - Dangerous Liaisons.

Scott Turner Schofield (?) - is a trans man - The Conductor.

Gladly! I'd also suggest checking out @periodfcnetwork's amazing directory and page, maybe they can help find more disabled, fat and/or trans suggestions not listed because I sadly couldn't find many!

[sarkariresultdude]

Tamil Nadu Board Exam Results: A Comprehensive Overview

 The Tamil Nadu Board Result of Secondary Education (TNBSE) plays a critical function in shaping the instructional landscape of the kingdom. The board is accountable for carrying out examinations for classes 10 and 12, which are pivotal in determining students' academic paths. The effects of these examinations are surprisingly anticipated every yr, impacting students' futures and educational choices.

Examination Structure

The Tamil Nadu board checks generally encompass principal levels: the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) for class 10 and the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) for class 12. The SSLC assessments usually take area in March, while the HSC exams observe quickly after. These tests cover various topics, such as Tamil, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, among others.

Importance of Results

The outcomes of these board assessments are enormous for several reasons:

Academic Progression: For magnificence 10 students, the SSLC outcomes determine their eligibility for higher secondary education. Depending on their rankings, students can select among diverse streams including Science, Commerce, or Arts in class 11.

Higher Education Opportunities: Class 12 students, however, need their HSC consequences for university admissions. Performance in those tests is critical for securing seats in universities and expert publications.

Career Decisions: The results additionally impact career alternatives. High rankings can open doorways to prestigious establishments and aggressive courses, while lower scores may also require college students to recall opportunity paths or remedial measures.

Psychological Impact: The strain surrounding board examination outcomes can considerably affect students' intellectual health. The anticipation of consequences can cause anxiety, stress, and, in some cases, sadness, highlighting the need for adequate counseling and aid systems.

Result Announcement Process

The Tamil Nadu board commonly publicizes the examination results in May or June, some weeks after the crowning glory of the exams. The results are made available online on the legit TNBSE website, along with different structures, making sure easy get admission to college kids and dads and moms. 

In recent years, the board has also delivered SMS offerings, allowing college students to access their results directly on their mobile phones. This initiative aims to ensure that students in far-flung regions have identical access to their results, thereby promoting inclusivity.

Performance Trends

Every 12 months, the Tamil Nadu board sees various performance trends based totally on several elements:

Overall Pass Percentage: The ordinary bypass percentage is a critical metric. In recent years, the SSLC results have frequently visible pass percentages in the variety of ninety-95%, while the HSC results can vary more widely, depending at the subjects and the general trouble of the exam.

Subject-Wise Performance: Typically, students perform well in languages and social sciences, even as topics like Mathematics and Science can also see a decrease in common ratings. This fashion regularly sparks discussions about the need for a curriculum evaluation and stepped-forward coaching strategies in these subjects.

District-smart Performance: The results also are analyzed at the district level, with some districts always outperforming others. These statistics is precious for policymakers and educators to become aware of regions desiring interest and assistance.

Post-Result Scenario

After the results are announced, the subsequent steps for students include:

Counseling and Admission Processes: Students ought to make crucial selections concerning their in addition schooling. Many faculties and colleges arrange counseling periods to help students recognize their options based totally on their ratings.

Re-assessment and Re-checking: Students who are disappointed with their effects have the option to use for re-assessment or re-checking of their solution sheets. This system is vital for individuals who agree that their overall performance is no longer correctly pondered within the initial grading.

Supplementary Exams: For college students who did not bypass, the board gives supplementary tests, normally performed a few months after the primary results are declared. This gives students a second chance to clear their subjects.

Challenges Faced

The board consequences method isn't without its challenges. Issues such as administrative delays, discrepancies in grading, and the high stakes associated with the exams can result in significant pressure for college kids and educators alike. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised issues approximately the preparedness of college students, as many had to adapt to online learning, which varies in effectiveness.

[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 

[academiaandarson]

The library of Alexandria, the library of Nalanda, the various Tamil Scriptures that were burnt and destroyed, the various books burnt, author's killed, scientists murdered, poet's forgotten i will never stop thinking about them. Mourning them.

I'll never stop seething over the fact that foolish fanatics have the privilege of ignorance. The privilege of never knowing guilt or remorse for the damages they've inflicted on the rest of the world. The way these people never really face any consequences..

If there's anything unfair about this world, it's the hatred that crowns the ignorant head. The hatred that somehow makes him gain gullible followers.

[gabriellademonaco]

Crown Princess Mary’s Official Engagements in March 2023:

01/03: Official Visit to India - Visit to Engineering Company Larsen & Toubro

01/03: Official Visit to India - Visit to Grundfos' Head Office in India 

01/03: Official Visit to India - Reception by the Governor of the Province of Tamil Nadu

01/03: Official Visit to India - Closing Reception

07/03: Maternal Mortality Roundtable with Maternity Foundation & UNFPA

08/03: Gender Diversity Roundtable

08/03: International Women's Day

10/03: Meeting at the US Ambassador’s Residence

13/03: Meeting with Denmark's Climate Ambassador Tomas A. Christensen and Chief Climate Negotiator Maria Samuelsen 

27/03: Presidium Meeting of the WWF World Wide Fund for Nature

28/03: Meeting with Crown Princess Mary Center Advisory Committee

29/03: Meeting with the Director-General of UNEP, Inger Andersen

[indepwom101]

🇩🇰 The Crown Prince Couple

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Final Day of visit to India

The Crown Prince and Princess were received by Governor Ravi and The First Lady of Tamil Nadu Tmt at Raj Bhavan.

[mudlarkspur]

hey @chiscribbs our AUs are in the prelims for @tmntaucompetition together!

Donnie is way more excited for an alt brother with an alt same-dad than whatever alt her has going on. He doesn't have the same Draxum as her so he dodged Donnie being envious/mean for no reason.

Desc under readmore

Two part comic

Image 1: Catch You Donnie and Muninn from behind. Muninn is a raven wearing a flower crown on Donnie's shoulder. All that's visible of Donnie is about half of their face. They are wearing a mask, their headphones (with their panel attachments in the default position). Part of an earring and one of their cheek scars if visible.

Donnie is saying "ok, Muninn. Grown Apart AU. The rat raised Mikey & Lee, then I was raised by ... Big Mama??? And Raph was raised by-"

Image 2: grown apart Raph from straight ahead looking down and to his left at catch you Donnie. Raph has a scar on one cheek and a chipped/scratched plastron. He is wearing a name tag on one shoulder, a helmet, and a belt. Donnie is beaming at him. They are wearing a saree and the three scars on their shell and jaw are visible.

Donnie is saying "Hi! Hello!! We have the same அப்பா! Are you desi, too? Can we be friends? Does your Appā love you? Mine loves me, he's nice and tells me about everything and-"

Note: அப்பா is Appā which means father in Tamil. Draxum is Tamilar in this AU.

[thereader-radhika]

8-CHERAMAR PERUMAL

Chapters 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7 || Character Index

Though the coronation was conducted on small scale without the usual celebrations, they all were in a festive mood. Veera Pandyan's pattamahishi Panchavan Madevi and junior queens distributed pearl jewellery and silk clothes to the soldiers. Ravidasan too got a few necklaces, rings and clothes. Jatilan's sisters' marriages were fixed and the attendants of the princesses distributed specially made sweets to everyone. It was the first time that he met the princesses who were usually looked after by the female guards.

Even when he received a birudam, Ravidasan was unable to enjoy it or concentrate fully on the festivities. Sundara Cholan was living rent free in his head. The Emperor introduced Ravidasan and other guards to his grandfather who gifted them gold bangles and red silk shawls which they tied to their waist on the behalf of his son, the reigning Perumal.

Ravi Varmar joked that Ravidasan should be suspended from service because people might think that Veera Pandyan has no respect for his grandfather if they hear him calling out for "Ravi". He almost burst into tears but Ravi Varmar laughed and assured him that it was just a joke. Sometimes the old king dispensed wisdom like a seasoned statesman and behaved like a not-so-cute puppy at other times.

Nonetheless, when Menandros said that Ravidasan should go ahead of the main contingent and make arrangements to escort Ravi Varmar in his journey across the Pandya nadu, he felt very proud. But his enthusiasm turned to confusion when he saw the itinerary. Cheramar will conduct prayers for Uttama Seeli's salvation and Sundaran's safety. After that, they need to go to the northern border where the old king will be recieved by Cholas. Can't he pray for Cholas from their territory? Whose side is he really on?

"I guess he will then visit Iratta Mandalam and exchange pleasantries with Kannara Devan too".

"Right. Perumal is planning to go to Thirumunaipadi after paying a visit to Paranthakan".

"Forgive me if I am wrong. There are no permanent friends and enemies in politics. Yet . . . isn't this a bit excessive?"

"When Maravarmar first wore the crown, I was younger than you. Chakravarthy too was young and longing to conquer the whole world. Do you know what did we do first?"

"Sacked Kodumbaloor?"

"No, first we went to Kongu and plundered Vanchi. This Ravi Varmar was a prince then. We were successful, but he chased us away. At last we had to go to the same man begging for asylum ".

Everyone knew that story. After Paranthakan defeated him, the Emperor fled to Lanka and deposited the crown jewels there. Later he went to Ravi Varmar, who had ascended the throne by then. He was given asylum and a younger princess in marriage.

"So, behave. Don't utter anything disrespectful".

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

"It is Iravi Kothai, not Goda Ravi. When you are making the proclamation in Tamil, you must use the Tamil form of the name".

"I know".

"Is the abhishekanamam still applicable even after abdication? Is it right to call him the King of Kings of all nadu from Kolathu Nadu to Ay Nadu? "

"Yes".

"Don't forget to call our Veera Pandyar 'Ugra Chakravarthy' and 'Veera Keralan'.

"Anipathi, why don't you do your duty and let me do mine? I know how to make a proclamation", the annoyed herald was throwing a tantrum. Ravidasan asked him to write down the complete announcement and show it to Pallavaraiyar. He was hoping that the herald was worth all this trouble because he too was unsure about the titles.

The village head returned with the girls who are supposed to take arathi and shower flowers when the dignitaries enter the village.

"Children, show this annan how will you welcome our Emperor's grandfather".

Oh god! They were holding plates filled with leaves. Before he could say anything, they started their rehersal by throwing leaves everywhere.

"Fabulous! Perfect! Now my sweet angels, please sweep the floor and clean all these".

Another irksome matter that perturbed him was the lack of curd. As they didn't give enough notice to the villagers, they were unable to produce enough curd to feed the troops. Though he made sure that there will be enough curd and buttermilk for the dignitaries, it will be embarassing if Perumal's aayiram tell this to their Chola brethren.

He stationed the guards across the border and some villagers near the adjacent forest area. Let the soldiers with Pallavaraiyar perform the ceremonial duties. Luckily, the visit was uneventful and pleasant. There was a group of girls and soldiers performing the Guard of Honour to welcome the king at the other side. The Chola herald announced the titles of their King, guest and the dignitaries who were present to welcome him- Ravi Varmar's sister, Paranthakan's Udaiya Pirattiyar Kilanadigal and a Perumpatai Nayakan Velan Kumaran.

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as the Cheramar's retuine and the Chola troops disappeared into the distance. Tired soldiers and the villagers who made the arrangements sat down to have dinner. Ravidasan was so tired that he felt like lying down right there and sleeping. But he couldn't forget Perumal's parting words.

"We will never meet again".

@willkatfanfromasia @favcolourrvibgior @sampigehoovu @sambaridli @celestesinsight @sakhiiii @whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa

Aayiram (The Thousand) - Bodyguard regiment of Chera Perumal

Pattum Valayaum - Gifting silk cloth and gold bangle to honour people participating in rituals, priests, soldiers and martial arts teachers is a custom in Kerala. After independence, only private entities give such gifts.