#Aditha x Vanthiyadevan

[anthonyed]

He first saw him when the Earth was closest to Jupiter.

Fiery red with blood dripping from his lashes, youth crippled by venom; the Chola's Crown Prince was a sight for any sore eyes.

And damn if Vanthiyadevan's poor eyes weren't sore enough for the entire kingdom. 

His heart stopped when their eyes met. Vanthiyadevan beamed, wearing his tender heart at his sleeve, never rolled in; naked for everyone to see. 

There was a curious tilt to the Prince's perfect lips, one which Vanthiyadevan would swear for decades, was the first smile that graced his highness face after so long. And he was the reason for it. 

True or not, later during their years of kinship, Vanthiyadevan would indeed be the reason for many smiles and even countless laughter that decorated the broken prince.

He couldn't cure, but he did try his best. 

[thereader-radhika]

2- Friends and Foes from the Beyond

Part 1

Nandini shivered as the rain came pounding down. Thirumalai says that she feels colder these days because she lost too much weight. She tied a piece of cloth over her thin grey hair fashioned into a small bun. When she was younger and the hair was thicker, it used to stay tight for a long time.

"Aazhi mazhai kanna . . . ", she hummed as she covered herself with the thick blanket given by Annan and lied down on the mat. Since the day his gurunathan handed her over to him, she hasn't let him know peace or rest. Even in this old age, he dutifully visited her at least thrice every year.

"Do you need heat, kanmani?"

She woke up with a start and looked around frantically searching for the source of that sound. Which devil has come to torture her today? It seems like father-in-law and son-in-law have come together today. Weren't Pandyas the sworn enemies of Pazhuvettaraiyar? How could they become such thick friends in death?

"Our darling is confused."

"My little girl isn't confused. This smart girl killed him and avenged poor old me." Veera Pandyan's severed head laughed from Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar's lap. "No, I didn't kill . . . ", Nandini groaned. The events of that cursed night replayed in her mind.

"Hoy! Hoy! Veera Pandyan thalai konda Koparakesari stabbed himself. You are such a misfortune".

"But he too didn't get her maama", Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar tickled Veera Pandyan's cheeks and he laughed even louder.

"I will only blame you. You clothed her in the finest silk and gold, endured all mockery while this yakshi was observing fasts and austerities for that upstart".

"That isn't true. She touched my arms a few times".

"Chi! Are you a man? I was with her mother only for a few days but I shot two birds with one stone", Veera Pandyan's head winked. Nandini felt like vomiting but her body was unable to move. Someone caressed her hair and wiped her tears. Amma! She buried her head into her lap and cried bitterly.

"How many men have these women claimed to be their lovers? Pathetic maamiyar, her hopes were shattered when Sundara Cholan's veera-patni entered the pyre with her husband. That's our Chola women for you". Pazhuvettaraiyar's boasting turned to screams as Veera Pandyan's furious head bit his hands.

"Don't you hear this, you whore? I am so embarassed to admit that you are my daughter too".

"Sorry maama. I have spoken in anger."

"Don't worry. I will teach you to tame unruly women".

"Thanks. I will try it on her in our next birth".

Nandini's blood boiled as she listened to this exchange. She only hoped to console the old man after using him for years but he haunts her with her own words. "Get lost, you old perverts. I will never be yours".

"Old? Have you seen yourself, moothevi? Do you think your komagan will look twice at you? Even your mother looks younger than you. How lovely of them to send my mohini to me!"

Veera Pandyan's headless body approached Mandakini as the head jeered at Nandini from Pazhuvettaraiyar's lap. She dropped Nandini's head on the hard floor and dashed into the rain as the mutilated body followed her with outstretched arms. Nandini massaged her temples. Isn't there an end to this? Earlier, it was Veera Pandyan alone. After that fateful night, more apparitions started to torture her.

Where is he?

Why hasn't he come today? Is it because she looks old and ugly now? Perhaps he doesn't want her anymore.

"You know that isn't true", Aditha Karikalan chuckled from the other side of her mat. She tried to hug him but her arms passed through his form. She got as close as she could get and stared into those lovely brown eyes.

"Do they bother you . . . there?"

"No. Don't you know that we have our own place?  For us."

"Ummmm"

"There are a lot of flowers. You can make as many garlands as you want and I will adorn your neck with all of them".

"Can we take my Amma too? She doesn't have anyone else."

"Yes, but she won't come alone".

"I am coming. I just want to meet Ponniyin Selvan once, just once, and tell him everything. After that I won't linger. I can't wait."

His form dissolved into thin air before her eyes but she heard his whisper, "Neither can I".

Parts 3, 4

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[willkatfanfromasia]

Hey guys! This is my collab with the awesome @nspwriteups - modern, corporate AU! KunxVT

Sudden Sparks✨✨

It was just another day at the Chola corp. household.

They were a successful family run MNC with interests in a wide range of sectors like agriculture, industries, hospitality etc

Kriti's dad Sundar, the CEO, was feeling his age of late and really looked forward to that retirement mansion in the Seychelles-and she agrees. Her mom Vani was the perfect chaebol wife, keeping up social connections and coordinating the multiple companies.

Kriti and her dad’s best friend Anirudh – the chief legal advisor- have been running the show for the last few years.

She was truly appa’s pride, surpassing him in all aspects. It grieved him greatly that his great-grandfather, the founder, had willed the ownership only to sons in order of age.

Her hothead big bro Aditya made their dad age rapidly, as he was a mess through his teens and 20s- oscillating between therapy and overdrinking. His stubbornly insisted on marrying a regular girl Nandini- who oddly resembled his own ex. Huh! Like father like son

Girls like that just won’t fit in our circle, they all thought. Kriti and her great aunt Seema all disapproved and tried to bribe her away. But the young couple stood firm even through separation. Sundar gently explained his doubts to his son, who cockily returned with a DNA test proving his concern false.

Aditya became the chief of mergers and acquisitions, knowing a good takeover when he sees one. Nandini proved to be just as capable as herself (although she’d never say it aloud), smartly planning the legal aspects of her husband’s activities. Nothing gave the couple more joy than sleuthing and negotiating hard bargains, even with the most hostile businesspeople.

However, it is her darling boy Arun who is the all time favourite. Everyone from the janitor to the executive board loves him.

He started off as a cute intern, now he’s their PR face. Journalists flock to just see him smile. He’s been seeing Vinita, the junior at R&D in an office romance that’s the company’s worst kept secret. She rolled her eyes at her fastidious little brother. He was first very stiff with Vinita, the niece of their South zone president, because everyone wanted to get the two heirs together. He slowly fell for her, but tried very hard to hide it – much to kriti’s amusement. The longer than necessary waiting by the coffee machine, the abnormally frequent dropping of papers ( only for the other to come running for ‘help’) fooled no one, she chucked.

She laid back in the plush orange recliner in her living room. Her apartment was well decorated although she lived alone. Her brother and Anni lived in the floor above with their daughter, Kriti jr. Yes Kriti’s ego was greatly flattered by her namesake niece and she became nicer to her sister in law due to it.

Her brother lived in a cottage next door, with a large courtyard and her parents lived in a mansion next door to their company HQ

They had their usual Friday night entertainments. All except Kriti. She’d have occasional movie nights with Vinita and her other mates, poojas with seema paati and family birthday dinners.

She was happy to be the hustler for her family. She loved being swept by complex problems and solving them. She took pride in being their ‘brains’, not once regretting her cold demeanor or workaholic attitude.

Lately though, seeing her brothers' relationships left a pang in her stomach. Cousin Sandeep too was seeing Pooja, their coordinator for offshore branches.

Kriti blankly stared at the ceiling she’d seen a million times before. Smooth peach walls, a bronze ceiling fan and wall moulding on all sides. Her laptop glared, asking her to get back to work before the Monday noon deadline. Uncle Anirudh won’t like me slacking, she sighed and sat up. The IT girl of Chola corp can’t disappoint!

She began reading through the document sent by the budget team, noting where to edit or add comments. It was pretty linear, except this time some reps of their rival was out scouting start ups and releasing bad predictions for Chola’s next quarterly.

Enthusiastic footsteps and tinkling of metal made kriti exhale and go “gosh! Again?’.

Friday nights usually meant the same for her, her older brother and nandini would usual drop off her niece as they went off on their mandatory dates. There’s no way those 2 randy creatures have been together for 2 decades now, she groaned.

Kriti was soft, everyone knew most of her

evenings were spent working and she had a huge weakness for her niece.

She would often play sitter for Kriti jr. and Timmy (Arun and vinita's dog). She was just grateful Arun didn't make her babysit Airavat, the rescue elephant he adopted!

This time though, work was getting tight. She had to sort out Chola corp 's finances while also figuring who was spreading bad predictions for their stock.

Her train of thoughts was disrupted by the doorbell ringing. She knew who the visitors were and put on the best fake smile she could when she opened the door to see her brother and sister in law with a five year old girl in Nandini's arms. "I was hoping you forgot about your Friday routine" She said in mock annoyance. "Well actually I did ask my best friend to babysit Kriti jr here since I know how much of a busybody you are" Adithya told her, pinching his daughter's cheek as he spoke while Kriti frowned. A best friend of Adithya's that she hasn't met yet? Now that's odd. "We asked him to come here so you can have an extra hand to take care of her" Nandini joined in, kissing her daughter's forehead and handing her over to Kriti who was still wondering about this mysterious "friend" who is apparently a familiar face to everyone but one she hasn't heard about at all.

"He can be trusted Kriti. Why else would I entrust the safety of my beloved sister and daughter to him?" Adithya said after seeing a look of uncertainty on Kriti's face.

After Adithya and Nandini left them, Kriti turned to her niece sitting on the couch, "So my dear sugarplum, what will we do now?" Kriti jr ran to the showcase and took out board game from the drawer. They played the game for a while, watched Tom and Jerry on the tv. Kriti looked over at the clock. It's been half an hour since she started babysitting. Where was this so called trusted friend who was supposed to give them company? She contemplated on calling up Adithya and give him a piece of her mind but then she didn't wanted to interrupt theie date night. "Best friend…Trusted indeed" She muttered "He's going to ghost me for sure"

"Ugh! Why can't I stick to one decision? Now I'll have to host a stranger" she inwardly groaned

Kriti jr looked up at her aunt "Why are you angry Aunty?" She squeaked

"How do you know I am angry?" Kriti enquired

"Because Amma says you murmur when you are upset. So I know you are angry" the little girl said as a matter of fact. Kriti laughed, how well Nandini knows her.

"I am not angry Kanne, I'm just irritated" Kriti sighed, glancing at the clock again. He looked at her niece again when she felt a tug on her kurti. "I am hungry" Kriti jr said with puppy eyes.

"Okay, let's go have dinner" Both girls made their way to the kitchen and was deciding whether to make dinner or order out when the doorbell rang again. "Yay, Kamsa Mama is here!" Saying this Kriti jr sped out of the kitchen, leaving behind a perplexed Kriti behind.

Kamsa who?

The glee in the child's eyes made her irrationally jealous

She heard her niece calling out "It's open, Mama. Come, come" and went to investigate, stopping midway to see a young man twirling her niece, laughing with her. The guy was tall, looked the same age as her and was casually dressed in denim jeans and sweatshirt. She only had a few seconds to admire his curly hair and sparkling eyes before those same eyes met with hers. He set down Kriti jr, looking at her with curiosity and suddenly Kriti felt consious of how she was looking - Not expecting him to show up, she was dressed in an old kurti with three-fourth leggings and her hair in a bun, with a few strands already escaping here and there. My God! What a first impression I am giving this guy. She thought. But then again, why am I stressing on how I look? Not like he's here to flirt with me.

The newly arrived person, walked over to her and extended his hand, still smiling wholeheartedly "So you must be this little mischief queen's godmother. Adi and Nandu can't stop talking about you" He said "Hi, I'm Vaishakh "

"Hi, I'm Kriti"

"Do you know the word Kriti means creation, a work of art?" He asked suddenly

"Yes" Kriti replied, wondering where this was going

"Art is beauty. So I don't think I have to tell you how beautiful you are, Miss Kriti" He said with a grin .

Kriti is no stranger to compliments but she would be lying if she said that pickup line wasn't good. Either he was buttering her up for coming in late or he was a natural flirt.

"Thank you" She said, not letting him give the impression that he had won her over "And if I'm not wrong, people with the name Vaishakh has a good and nice disposition"

He grinned wider "So you like giving out compliments as well. Good for you. We are going to get along just fine" He winked at her and walked towards the kitchen, with a gleeful Kriti jr following him.

Kriti let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in "This is going to be a long night" She wondered as she shut the door.

Anni- sister in law

@nashibirne @nspwriteups @vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @dr-scribbler @kovaipaavai @budugu @dosai-maavu @matka-kulfi @curiousgalacticsoul @harinishivaa @chiyaanvikram @celestesinsight @inveter @deepti1011 @itszhunotz @babayagahunt @thegleamingmoon @maisadalawa @ragkee @inlovewithfictionalbeings @happysharkdragon @gowrimenonop-1 @ramcharanobsessed @nature-writes29 @voidsteffy @whippersnappersbookworm @hollogramhallucination @thereader-radhika @sowlspace @rang-lo @nirmohi-premika @love-ps1ff @canonless5

[nidhi-writes]

Kaadhal Maara

Before Manirathnam Ponniyin Selvan as a novel reader, I was never really fond of Vaanathi's character. I liked her and loved the scenes she had with Kunthavai but other characters easily overshadowed her, and that's not a bad thing.

I never really focused more on her and ArunMozhi's relationship. Even when the movie was announced I was excited more for Kundavai X Vanthiyadevan & Nandhini X Aditha dynamics.

Not sure if it is Manirathnam's magic or just the way the characters were portrayed, When I listened to Veera Raja Veera's song along with its visuals I was drawn in to love this pair more than others. Maybe it's the very closed storyline and not enough was shown I became more intrigued with them.

I never thought I would be in awe with Jayam Ravi Portraying ArunMozhi Varman, but damn he made me fall in love with him and the character even more.

I had my doubts about Sobita as Vaanthi when they announced it or even when I watched the trailer but damn again she made me just fascinated by this simple, innocent, shy princess who in time became a Queen.

Below are some of my fav clips that I visit often just to make my thirst away for innocent love, yet more intriguing one

The above sequence just made me smile and started to earn more of the majestic King and his Innocence flower

The above sequence made me scream in joy and awe. The way he looked at her made my heart pound and damn this is where I fell in love. Definitely missed in theatres

And at last, no words can explain the scene where they shared close proximity and the sly smile along with him making sure to let her know he is hers, without any words! Damn just take my Heart VanMozhi.

Who knows that Raja Raja Cholan can be this romantic!!

PS: I tested my GIF editing skill with them, hope they are good!!

@harinishivaa   @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @whippersnappersbookworm​ @willkatfanfromasia​ @hollogramhallucination @vibishalakshman​   @celestesinsight​   @arachneofthoughts   @freeunknownwasteland   @yehsahihai  @curiousgalacticsoul​ @thirst4light-> Let me know your thoughts guys.

[thereader-radhika]

3- Uncharacteristic Behaviours

Parts 1 , 2

It was midnight but it looked like morning due to the light of all lamps that were lit in and around the temple. Floral garlands of several colours decorated its walls and pillars. Cool breeze from the nearby river blew into the temple but the lamps miraculously stayed intact. Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevan gazed into the temple as he heard a sweet song.

Aazhi mazhai kanna! Onrum nee kai karavel Aazhiyul pukku mugarnndhu kodaarththeri Oozhimudalvan uruvam pol mei karuthu Paazhiyan tholudai Padmanabhan kaiyil ...

Some old women danced before the idol of Muraleedharan, holding flower garlands. Has he gotten so old that young beauties won't grace him even in his dreams? He closed his eyes and slowly massaged his aching neck. The women or the decorations were nowhere to be seen when he looked again.

A abstruse fear gripped his heart as he walked away, so he decided to go back. But a garland made of white lotus buds was floating against the current of the river. How is this possible? It stopped floating and sunk into the bottom of the river as Vanthiyathevan stood there transfixed. Then the dancers' prayers were answered and the rain drenched him.

No, it was his nephew, the crown prince, who poured a pot of water on him.

***********

". . . Ravikulamanikyam, Mummudi Chola devar, Kandhaloor Salai Kalamarutta Keralanthakan, Pandiya Kula Sani, Cholendrasimhan, Korajakesari, Tribhuvanachakravarti Konerinmaikondan Raja Raja-devar . . . "

Mama's and his titles were too announced as the royal entourage entered the captured palace. Appa squirmed as he heard the name 'Maduranthakar' again and again. Who asked paatti to name him after her runaway son? Young Maduranthakan still doubted if this was an elaborate prank they all pulled on him. How could a Pandya king grow up as the Chola emperor's son?

Appa asked mama to deal with the officials and ordered Madu not to disturb him unless it is an emergency before retiring to some chambers he claimed for himself. He pretended not to care but mama's nightmares have scared him too. Could this be a vision about impeding heavy rains and flooding? If it rains now, it will affect the movement of their reinforcements and supplies.

Madu entered his father's room and sat beside him. Why isn't he talking to the soldiers and commanders and cheering them up as usual? Is he upset about the the other Maduranthakan?

"Are you alright, appa?"

"I am. Give me a quick update on today's developments".

"Half of the aabathudavigal have escaped with the women and a prince who might lay claim to the throne. Velakkara padai met an old woman at the eastern boundary of the palace complex asking for 'Ponniyin Selvan'. People here really hate us but don't worry. Mama has written to athai to send reinforcements and supplies. I suggest a system of food - rationing until they calm down and more supplies arrive".

"Old woman?"

Maduranthakan was already regretting reporting it. It reminded him of the Singala Nachiyar who saved appa in his youth. Her story was so sad and unsettling. He stopped talking to girls after learning about her death. Hasn't Poonguzhali paatti too said that these girls have the bad habit of building castles in the air if handsome men treat them nicely? Though he isn't that handsome, what if they catch unnecessary feelings for him?

"Bring her here. No, it is impossible. I will order rationing until we secure our holdings. Don't mention a word to your mama. These aabathudavigal manage to do it every damn time".

What has come over his usually calm and composed appa? He might not be used to people turning against him but they will overcome this. Madu had no idea how to deal with this situation but what will the common soldiers think if their emperor is flustered like this?

"You are rambling, appa. Everything will be fine".

A strange expression appeared on appa's face. He looked naughty like the times when they used to sneak away from amma and athai and go on small adventures with mama.

"My son, it is the logistics and supplies that win wars. I have sent Aprameyan to take account of the food and grain reserves. Further orders will be issued on the basis of his report. You too assist him and learn to make such calculations. If I want any help from you, I will send for you".

If Maduranthakan had any doubts, they were quickly dispelled. Now he was sure that Appa is definitely up to some mischief. Does he expect him to make the list of rice and vegetables in the kitchen? He will show him!

‌Maduranthakan is the son of Vanathi and Arulmozhi. He would later take the name Rajendran. He is 14/15 years old in this fic.

‌Aprameyan is a general of Rajarajan.

Part 4

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[thereader-radhika]

1- The Exile

And after he had walked a long way through the dark green forest, Thirumalai saw the little derelict hut standing near the guava trees. Though he couldn't see anyone in the vicinity, the two still-dripping, wet sarees spread over the clothesline gave him much-needed consolation. He slowly opened the door, which was only bolted from outside, and helped himself to some water from the earthen pot. He took the package of kozhukkattai from his bag and started to munch on it.

"Has pillaiyar started feasting on his modakam?"

He nearly dropped the kozhukkattai. Why does she have to sneak on him like this? Memories of happy old times made him feel even sadder. The woman standing before him looks quite different from the sister he brought up. In fact, she looks older and more deranged than the mute queen who used to wander in Lanka. Nandini placed a basket with tubers in one corner of the hut. She took one kozhukkattai from the banana leaf package and wrinkled her face as she took a bite.

"Eww, it tastes too sweet".

"That's because you don't eat any sweet food anymore."

"Hmmm . . . When will Arulmozhi be back?'

Thirumalai felt anger and curiosity simultaneously. Every time he walks all the way here, she has only this one thing to inquire about.

"Nandini, do you have any concern about this poor annan? Do you know that I turned 50 in the last Aippasi? Come with me. We can go to Haridwar and Mathura".

"Didn't you just visit Dwaraka with gurunathan? Take some rest, anna. As you said, you are getting old".

Thirumalai hesitated to say anything more. It was with great difficulty that he convinced her to settle down here. There are some small villages and even a Tirumal kovil in this area. He had tasked a woman with buying groceries for her, and she carried out the task happily for a few gold coins. He feared that she would run away if he offended her, and he wouldn't see her again.

"Will Arulmozhi visit Chola desam before the margazhi thiruvizha?"

Thirumalai sighed. He debated whether he should relay the happy or sad news to her. The trouble was that he didn't know what would be happy news for Nandini and what wouldn't be.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar and Nandini weren't on good terms, but she has always respected him, perhaps grudgingly. Should she be informed that he has attained the lotus feet of his Parameswaran? Let her remain blissful in her ignorance. The other news was even more confusing. Ilaya Pirattiyar is adamant that Nandini always loved her husband and would have snatched him away if she had the opportunity. Maybe this will give her some happiness.

"My dear, something interesting is going to happen soon."

"Is Arulmozhi coming back for this?"

"Oh, not that. Do you think there aren't other people in Chola Desam? Arulmozhi, Arulmozhi, Arulmozhi... Listen to this. This is about Vanthiyar".

"Who?"

"Our friend Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevar, the Vanarkula-veeran".

Nandini gazed into the darkness absent mindedly and hummed. Thirumalai recognised her absent-mindedness and disinterest. She always did that when he spoke about things she wasn't interested in but didn't bother enough to stop him.

"He is getting married again. Perumal hasn't blessed them with a child yet. How long will he wait? Isn't he the last of his line?"

Nandini's face lit up, which confused Thirumalai even more. The last time she fell in love with a man, she dragged him from temple to temple, crying and singing pasurams. She has never asked him anything about Vallavarayan since he was exonerated of all charges. Is this the maturity that comes with age or is it because it is the misfortune of her sworn enemy, Ilaya Piratti?

"Ponniyin Selvar won't miss the wedding of his brother-in-law, will he?"

This girl! 

"You know what? I concede defeat, and no, I don't think he will attend the wedding."

Thirumalai washed his hands and told Nandini that he was feeling tired and sleepy. Ponniyin Selvan rarely spent any time in the Chola country after the death of his parents. The people seemed to have calmed down after they realised that their favourite wouldn't get to rule anytime soon. Even his sister ilayapiratti has shifted her affections to her nephew. It looks like this obsession is the only inheritance Nandini received from her unfortunate mother. 

Part 2 , 3 , 4

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[thereader-radhika]

Mayavan and Mayamohini

Nappinnai in Ponniyin Selvan. Read here.

When Vanthiyathevan reaches Kadambur on the 18th day of Adi, people are celebrating the monsoon festival of Adi Perukku. But that year, there is something more special about Aadi Perukku.

Yes, today is the birth star of Andal. And it coincides with the eighteenth day of Adi, which is why there is such jubilation.

He starts dreaming about Krishnan, Andal pasurams and a death in the royal family even before he knows about the conspiracy, Nandini or her history.

A priest armed with a scimitar emerged from behind the statue of Kali, whose mouth was a gaping gash . . . “That means you’re unfit to be sacrificed. Go on, run,” said the priest. Kannan suddenly took Kali’s place. Two girls holding garlands danced in his shrine, singing Andal’s pasurams.

After this, Alwarkadiyan tells him about his sister Nandini and her extreme devotion. When Vanthiyathevan exhorts her to return to Krishna bhakti, she replies that she doesn't deserve it.

Then he goes to Pazhayarai to give Karikalan's message to Kundavai and people are celebrating another event there.

Aha! That’s what it is! It is Sri Krishna Jayanthi, Krishna’s birthday, that they are celebrating with such joy.

He sees and hears various songs, plays and even plays Kamsa in a street performance. Funnily, none of these are about the birth of baby Krishnan. Rather, all are about Mayavan (the Tamil equivalent of Mohana), the Great Enchanter.

Vanthiyathevan as Kamsa: Adel Krishna. Your magic won’t work with me. I am going to kill you right now. I am going to kill your brother Balarama. And your father Vasudeva too.

(Foreshadowing about Uncle Maduranthakan's Conspiracy and Pandya Murder conspiracy, together)

Kundavai's companions dancing to Aachiyar Kuravai (Nappinnai dancing with Krishna):

If that Mayavan [enchanter], Kannan, who once Used a calf sent to kill him :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: If that Mayavan who once Broke the tree which was but a demon

Another one:

The great Lord, Mayavan, who appeared as a god and clasped the entire world in his navel with its flowering lotus . . .

When Vanathi is lost in a song about a girl waiting for Kannan, Kundavai scolds her. We will revisit this later.

Initially one would think that this is about Vanthiyathevan's adventures but after Vanthiyathevan goes to Lanka with Arulmozhi's scroll, there are no notable mentions of the Great Enchanter until Karikalan makes an appearance again.

Nandini starts talking about Mayakkanan who enchants and disappears (see the post about Nappinnai for details). When Karikalan asks Manimegalai to sing non-religious love songs, she sings about another (secular) enchanter, moving Nandini to inconsolable tears.

Is that all a dream, my friend The time we spent together On the slopes of the mountain Besides the waterfalls Beneath the shadow of fruit-laden trees When he held my hand And we were both lost in happiness Is that all a dream, my friend Or just a thought in my mind?

In the grove of punnai trees Under the golden rays of the evening sun He called me near And whispered words of love In my ears Is that all a dream my friend Is that miracle nothing but a lie?

Defying all security Like a thief he walked in stealth And with boundless love Held me in embrace And smothered me with kisses Did it happen? Weren’t we happy? Is that all a dream, my friend Or just a thought in my mind?

If this one isn't enough, Kalki says that she sang multiple songs like this. Seriously, Manimegalai? 😤  And why is Nandini crying when she heard about some lovers making out in secret? Very fishy.

Rational Kundavai absolutely hates this enchanter aspect of Krishnan. When Vanathi is listening to such a song on Janmashtami, she scolds Vanathi and disses Mayavan.

Good Lord! And he came to Tamilnadu as our God! If he has been stealing butter, playing the flute and spending time with the women, where will he have time for other things in life? . . . Why are you so silent? Have you too become enchanted with Kannan’s flute?

She has the same opinion about her brother.

But now I have lost hope. Adithan is a great warrior. One of the most valiant men of our times. But he can’t keep his mind under his control.

This Greater Enchanter disappears from the novel after Karikalan's death. Nandini is frequently labelled as the enchantess, the Mohini. If Nandini is Mayamohini, then Karikalan is Mayavan. Though both accuse each other of enchanting them and disappearing, the irony is that Mayavan and Mayamohini aren't different - they are just two aspects of the same God.

N. B. Another person Aditha Karikalan is constantly compared to is Aravan, Mohini's husband. In Tamil versions of the Mahabharatam, by Peruntevanar and later by Villiputtur and Nallappillai, Arjunan's son Aravan offers himself as a sacrifice to Kali to ensure victory for the Pandavas. He asks for three boons before he dies, of which one is that he should be married before his death. Since no parent would give a daughter to one who is about to be killed, Krishna appears as Mohini and marries Aravan for a night.

@vibishalakshman @sowlspace @celestesinsight

[thereader-radhika]

4- Who Was She?

Parts 1 , 2 , 3

Arulmozhi Varman tried to think about the matters of current importance but his mind raced ahead of him. Is this a trick by the Pandya loyalists to get him alone? But they can't be that foolish to do this after killing Mandakiniamma right before his eyes.

It really stung when the panar sang that Rajarajadevar deprived the Pandyar of their world-renowned glory *. Was his uncle always this talented? If he was appreciated for his skills, would he have left even if he was a devakumaran? But he never belonged with them. Isn't that what they always told themselves?

Madu said it was a very old woman who was enquiring about him. But Nandini is barely older than akka. Has she come to avenge her twin? He looked like the ever young Markandeyan even when he attained the veeraswargam. He often remembered her these days after Vanthiyathevan opened up about his nightmares. Vanthiyathevan might not be the happy-go-lucky adventurer he once was but he is still Ponniyin Selvan.

***********

If her parents were in love, she would have been born and brought up a palace like this. "We wouldn't have met then", Karikalar whispered in her ears. "Wait", she admonished him playfully. How will she enter this huge palace and find Arulmozhi? Amma, how did you do it?

No, one soldier noticed her. If she lets him capture her, they might not want to disturb their emperor at night. What if this fever takes her before she can meet him? She will try after sometime when it gets darker. She tried to run away but the soldier was faster.

"Nandini, akka, please stay", his voice sounded familiar as he overtook her and stopped her by spreading his hands before her. Ponniyin Selvan. Hasn't she waited for this all these years? This is it! Tell him.

"How did you recognise me?"

"What is this? Let us go inside. Are you sick?"

"I didn't kill him".

"I already guessed. Calm down!".

"He offered to renounce everything for me. But this sinner had to tell him about the secret of my birth. That man . . . my amma . . . "

"We know about Veera Pandyan. Vanthiyathevan is also here. Don't you want to see my son?"

"I thought he would kill me and move on. But, but he he . . . ".

Why was she expecting him to move on? She could never move on without him in her life. But she will move on today. Nandini felt a bout of energy she hasn't experienced in years. She wiped her face and stood straight.

"Arulmozhi, sorry, arase, I have a request. When Thirumalai returns from your mission, give this to him", she forced a palm leaf on him. She had kept a similar olai in her hut and given one to her caretaker.

"Stop these formalities, akka. Can you walk? I will call for a bed or palanquin."

***********

Why is that soldier talking to her? Hasn't he ordered to arrest her immediately if she is spotted? Only Parameswaran knows if appa too is sneaking around in this darkness. Maduranthakan trained his eyes on the emaciated lady as they approached them. Suddenly the soldier turned around and untied his turban. Appa!

"Stand down, brave men. You two, bring Vallavarayar here". Two of them ran to mama's camp and others remained awkwardly in the kneeling position waiting for orders. That woman seemed to have slipped away when they distracted each other. Appa too noticed her absence.

"Rise and search for that lady".

The soldiers dispersed to four sides with torches in their hands. Is that a message from athai? The emperor scolded him as he tried to read the olai.

"Why are you standing here? Go and search. No, come here. Can you read this?"

He too found it difficult to read the olai in the dim light. It was full of mistakes. Can't people put some effort into their writing?

"Vasudeva married 16000 women. When the time came, they submerged into the Saraswati. Casting off their human bodies there and transforming into apsaras, they returned to him**. If you want to read Bharatam, there must be a good copy somewhere here".

Appa looked like he is in another world. The soldiers who were sent to summon mama returned.

"Chakravarthy, Vallavarayar isn't well. Senapati thinks he saw a woman in the river and he is going to take a look at the downstream. Should we stop him?"

What!

As mama followed by his bodyguards approached them, appa asked one of them to get down from the horse and rode with them. Madu ordered one of his men to bring a horse and another to keep the olai safely in his room. Who was she?

THE END

* deprived the Sēlinār(the Pandyas) of their splendour at the very time when their greatness, which was adored everywhere on earth, became conspicuous - From a meikeerthi of Rajaraja I

** ṣoḍaśastrīsahasrāṇi vāsudevaparigrahaḥ  nyamajjanta sarasvatyāṃ kālena janamejaya  tāścāpyapsaraso bhūtvā vāsudevamupāgaman - Swargarohana Parvam, Mahabharata

@sowlspace @willkatfanfromasia @favcolourrvibgior. @sakhiiii @sambaridli@celestesinsight @ambidextrousarcher

[thereader-radhika]

Kundavai's dreams of Chola - Pandya unity

(Conversation between Kundavai and Vanthiyathevan)

Royal families fought, made up, intermarried and then fought some more according to their convenience. At the end of the day, class difference was a very significant aspect. An enemy royal was considered a closer ally and potential relative than a friendly commoner.

To know about the background of Chola - Rashtrakuta issues- Why was film! Maduranthakan not punished for his treachery?

@celestesinsight

[thereader-radhika]

"She’s [Poonguzhali] fortunate. Her lovers take the forms of light and appear brightly before her eyes. But my lovers are black, formless shapes. Have you ever slept in a dark, dilapidated mandapam at night and watched owls and bats flutter their wings and fly about? Forms like that fly ceaselessly inside the mandapam of my head, fluttering their wings. They attack my heart and their wings brush my cheeks. Where do those dark shapes come from and where do they go? Why do they keep circling me? Ayya! Do you know?” cried Nandini. Her frenzied eyes darted around.

The Sky-Goddess must be very human by nature! Humans let the all pervading light of God slip away from the skies of their hearts; later, they light a million lamps in dark temples and sanctums in search of that eternal light! The Sky-Goddess was also engaged in such an eternal search every day!She lets Surya (the sun), the lord of light, escape from her embrace and sink into the sea. She then worries about the whereabouts of her chosen lord! She lights a million lamps to look for him. She fills the skies with countless, brilliant, lamps and keeps vigil throughout the night waiting for her lord.

They went into an extension of the palace that jutted out into the garden, a latha mandapam, a kind of pleasure pavilion . . . The palace on the right glowed brightly with the many lamps that had been lit in it, . . . The light of a golden lamp spread its radiance around . . . A woman reclined gracefully on a fragrant, flower-strewn seat of many colours. She was the Pazhuvoor Ilaya Rani.

As usual, Nandini's situation is contrasted with that of Vanathi.

"If poets were asked to describe the beauty of the Kodumbalur Princess they would have to compare it to the radiance of sunset  . . .  The crores of lamps that the Goddess of the Sky lights so swiftly, in the time it takes to blink, bring such happiness. They do not blind the eyes as the brilliance of the sun does. One can look at them and rejoice. And if the moon rises as well, there's nothing more one can ask for!"

[nidhi-writes]

Ponniyin Selvan MasterList

Oneshot

Aditha Karikalan x Nandhini

Vēṭkai (Part -1)

Vēṭkai (Part -2)

Arunmozhi x Vaanathi

Ullangkavar Kalvan

Vanthiyadevan x Kundhavai

Thuyil

Vanthiyadevan x Kundhavai

Aval

Fanfiction

Nigazh

Chinnanjiru Nilave

Profile: Wattpad

[willkatfanfromasia]

Masterlist

A Matter of Chance

(Complete ✅ Multi chapter. Nandini, post exile, lives alone in the forest as the temple caretaker. Aditha meets her unexpectedly after a battle & decides to make amends- but will she accept his wooing ?)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Sudden Sparks

-ongoing - Collab with the awesome @nspwriteups modern corporateAU! Kundavai x Vanthiyadevan (Kriti sr x Vaishakh) forced to babysit Kriti jr (NanDitha baby)

1 2

A Night to Remember

Modern au NanDitha- financial consultant Nandini x War vet Aditya

1 2 3 4