#arulmozhi

[quietparanoiac]

I grew up with two warrior princes. I should not cry. So make me laugh.

Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023)

[thecrazyinktrovert]

Aga Naga is the slowburn, peaceful love. The kind of love where you walk through grass meadows holding hands and watch sunsets together.  The playful, teasing kind of love where you splash water at each other and put flowers in their hair. The type of love where they slowly become your best friend and a part of you, and one of those major things that makes you happy. 

Veera Raja Veera is the electrifying kind of love. The one full of responsibilities and understanding. The love where you’re head over heels for them and have fallen HARD. The type which you are so immersed in that you associate yourself with them first. Where you loved them all along and they are the only ones who you can ever have eyes for.

Chinnanjiru Nilave is the right person, wrong time love. The type of love that could have never worked out. The one where you read their old letters and feel their presence with their old objects that they left behind long ago. The one where you could only wonder what ‘could have been’ . The one where even though you gave your 100%, you couldn’t stay with them, but you can never forget them. they occupy the whole of your heart, even though they are the ones who broke it. 

[dr-scribbler]

The Shades of ArunMozhi Varman aka Raja Raja Chozhan.

Let know what others should I do...

[whippersnappersbookworm]

Both of them had some mad matchmaking skills. They can give Seema Aunty a run for her money

[nspwriteups]

An Oath of Feelings - Final part

pic credit: @reeeereeeereeereee

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Let him in " Kundavai said excitedly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And what about Samudrakumari?"

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

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

"Kanne, where are you going?" Kundavai asked

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They had reached the gardens when Vanathi decided to retaliate.

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

"I beg to differ Devi"

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

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

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

" Akka told me I can find you here"

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

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

"What do you mean?"

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

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

"what sensation, Aiyya?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The End

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

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

[yehsahihai]

small little fluff Drabble because everyone was heavily angsting today.

Arulmozhi rarely said the words, “I love you” to Vanathi. But it didn’t mean he didn’t love her. Sometimes so much that he couldn’t say it. It was odd, he thought sometimes, to be so full of love for someone that it became difficult to say it. But Vanathi knew it. Knew that he loved her as sure as the sun rose in the sky and the Kaveri flowed east. It was evident in the way he reached for her hand when she was near, linking their little fingers together when in public, both of them drawing comfort and stability from the other. She knew it in the way he would draw her closer at night, trying to almost mould himself to her, settling when she finally rested her head on his shoulder, bringing one arm to rest on his heart. She knew it in the way he would often place a gentle kiss on her forehead before leaving their chambers, taking a moment to look at her as they both existed in their bubble for a few peaceful moments. She knew that he loved her when he would run his fingers through her hair, asking her to leave it open for just a while longer as he attempted to braid it while she laughed and finally placed a gentle kiss on each of his hands. She knew it when he would place a hand on the small of her back when she felt overwhelmed sometimes, running his hand up and down to soothe her. Arulmozhi knew Vanathi loved him. Even though she did not make any grand declarations or fervent promises, he knew. Knew it in the way she would often look at him as he entered a room, eyes sparkling as she tracked his movements. Knew it in the way she would gently trace his scars when she thought he was asleep, letting out a small gasp as he opened his eyes to smile at her. He knew she loved him when she would press their foreheads together as they laid on their bed together, letting out a small giggle when he tickled her waist. Knew that she loved him when she pressed quick kisses to his cheek, taking just a moment to absorb him in. He knew that he loved her when he would look away from in front of him to her, only to find her already gazing at him a smile playing on her lips, looking away, blushing when he too would smile back at her. Vanathi and Arulmozhi might not have made many grand declarations of love to the other, but it didn’t mean their love didn’t burn bright. It meant that their love burned steadily, a second skin of awareness withing them that thrummed with the other’s presence, lighting them up from their souls.

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @dumdaradumdaradum @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @kovaipaavai @celestesinsight @thirst4light @rang-lo @thegleamingmoon @whippersnappersbookworm @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @arachneofthoughts @anushyaselvaraj @vijayasena @harinishivaa @nirmohi-premika

[harinishivaa]

Vaazhkaiyin Niram

As promised, @yehsahihai and I are back, with the entire fic now. It is kind of long, so have fun?

********

Arulmozhi Varman was in a quandry. 

He had been trying to get some time alone with Vanathi, and she had somehow, successfully avoided him at every single turn. Even his patience could end, it seemed like, for each time she avoided him, he felt another chip off the block he called his patience. Why was she avoiding him? He had not even teased her in a while…

Oh maybe that was it?

But… why would that make her avoid him? What had he done?

He knew the feelings he bore for her all too well. He also knew that he had been in denial far too long for her to not have noticed something amiss. What he did not expect was how far Vanathi was willing to go in her love for him.

It was mid-afternoon as Arulmozhi paced his akka’s rooms, with Samudra Kumari and akka watching him with a growing mixture of concern and amusement. 

I mean, I just don’t understand. Why is she doing this? What is she trying to do?”

“Thambi even I don’t know and I almost always know what is in her heart.”

“Illavarase, maybe the Kodumbalur Illavarasi has been in the sun too much. That is why she is acting like this.”

“Samudra Kumari, this is no time for humor” came his akka’s sharp rebuke, making Poonguzhali raise her hands in surrender. 

“Akka?” came the sweet voice of the maddening princess who had robbed him of all his sleep.

“Kanne? What is it?”

“Nothing akka. I couldn’t find you anywhere so I was wondering where you were.”

Kundavai suddenly had an idea, as she addressed Vanathi, asking her, “Kanne, just one question. If the one you love is in love with another, what would you do?”

Vanathi froze for a second before looking towards Arulmozhi who had not let his eyes wander away from her since she stepped in. 

“Why akka, then I would do my best to ensure he won over the one he loves”

Arulmozhi physically felt the need to sit down, as she turned to leave, worrying that he would faint after hearing that. Really he had to stop picking up his kanmani’s habits. Holding his head in his hands, he bemoaned, “Akka, why is my wife like this?”

“You’re not married to her yet thambi!”

“AKKA IN MY HEAD I AM ALREADY MARRIED TO HER!”

He sighed, remembering the amusement on Samudra Kumari’s face and the knowing look his elder sister had gotten. That just reminded him of another incident, engineered by his darling. 

Arulmozhi was excited, having seen his Vanathi walk towards him. 

“Ponniyin Selvare,” her sweet voice, which was like nectar to him, sounded in his ears, filling his being. 

“Kodumbalur Kula Vilakke,” he said, trying hard not to call her, my Kodumbalur Devadhai, instead. 

“Selvare, Poonkuzhali is looking for you. She is waiting by the boat at the banks of Ponni Thai,” she said softly, a tinge of sadness in her eyes, something that did not escape him. What was wrong with his Vanathi? He wanted to cup her cheeks and peer into her eyes, reading through them so that he could first understand, and then wipe away her sadness. He wanted to bring that luminosity he so loved seeing in her eyes. 

“Devi, are you okay?” he asked instead. Samudra Kumari could wait, Vanathi came first. She would understand- this was how she was with Amudhan.

“I am fine, Selvare, why do you ask?”

“It doesn’t seem so to me,” his eyes roved over her face, concerned.His hands itched to tilt her chin up, to look into her eyes and understand and solve all her problems.  He noted the tiredness in her eyes, and he ached at the sight of it. 

“No no Selvare, I am fine. But you must go, Poonkuzhali is waiting for you,” with a departing smile, she slipped away, and he blinked. 

Why was his beloved running away again?

Sighing, he made his way to the banks of Kaveri to meet Samudra Kumari. 

It had turned out that his kanmani had ensured that he and Samudra Kumari could be alone?

For what reason even, he had wondered then. Of course, she was his good friend… but she would much rather listen to Sendhan sing Thevarams, and he would prefer to be around Vanathi, even with his Akka present. 

“You?” they had both exclaimed upon seeing each other. 

“Illavarase what are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same, Samudra Kumari.”

“Illavarasi Vanathi.. She asked me if I would give her a ride in my boat.”

Arulmozhi frowned at that, trying to understand what his beloved had been thinking. 

“But that doesn’t make sense. She told me you were waiting for me? To talk to me?”

“Talk to you? No Illavarase, I never said anything of the sort.”

Arulmozhi groaned at that, as he sat down on the river banks, head throbbing as he thought of Vanathi’s behaviour in the past few days. His illavarasi had almost continuously avoided looking at him, preferring to engage in conversation with his akka or any other lady in the palace rather than talk to him. There was a pit of anxiety in his stomach as he tried to understand what had happened to the playful, bubbling Vanathi he knew. It was slowly driving him crazy, to be able to see her but never talk to her, to exist in the same sphere as her and still feel like she was miles away from him. Even when she did speak to him it was almost completely formal and clipped, like she was trying to do her best to avoid prolonging their conversations. He had been living with an almost constant dull ache in his heart these days and it was frustrating him to no end that he couldn’t unravel this mystery.

“Oh… oh!”

Poonkuzhali’s voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked at her, confused as to why she looked both exasperated and endeared at once. 

“Ilavarase, I think the Ilavarasi thinks you and I want to be together. It is clear she does not know of your overwhelming love for her.”

Arulmozhi let out another loud groan at that, tipping back fully to sprawl on the riverbanks, uncaring of the numerous small pebbles digging into his skin.

“Why is Vanathi like this? I’ve been trying so hard to express how I feel for her and yet she doesn’t understand. Every time she looks at me, her doe eyes are downcast and her honey like voice is subdued. What do I do to make her believe that I love her?”

“Perhaps Illavarase,” Poonguzhali began, in a matter-of-fact tone, “you could start by telling her all this instead of crying about it in front of Ponni thaaye?”

Since then, he had been trying to get her alone, but she still evaded him,and also continued her setting up attempts.

Arulmozhi was trying to get near Vanathi, wanting to stand near her for the poojai. He felt that her presence around him will keep him successful in gaining the blessings of Durgai Amma. But getting to her seemed to be getting more tiresome. 

Luckily, he had spotted Samudra Kumari near her, and had sent a signal to her requesting her aid, which his doe eyed damsel had misinterpreted,and had artfully pushed Poonkuzhali next to him, instead of standing next to him herself. 

How was he to confess if she would not listen? 

Maybe he should shout it out in front of everyone?

Hmm maybe that’s what he would do… but what if his love got embarrassed? He could not do that to her… Ishvara, he was really sounding like Vanathi now. Love really made people stupid, he thought, unclear whether he meant himself or his beloved.

Which was exactly how he had found himself in his akka’s chambers as she had watched the whole scene at the poojai happen and immediately demanded answers.

“Thambi, what is going on?”, akka had asked, ever straight to the point. “First Vanathi loves you, then you don’t love her, then you like Samudra Kumari, then she likes Sendhan, then you love Vanathi, and now Vanathi is trying to get you and Samudra Kumari together? What are you all doing????”

Poonguzhali, who had until then been silent, said, “Ilaya Piratti, we think the Kodumbalur Illavarasi has had a misunderstanding. She believes that Ponniyin Selvan and I love each other, though I am not sure why. But since then she has been trying to get us together.”

“I am aware”, came Kundavai’s response to which his head shot up.

“What? How?”

“Because thambi, she approached me before the poojai, asking to speak with me alone. And then she went exonerating about how good of a woman Samudra Kumari was, and how she would make a worthy queen for you and how I should accept her and give you two my blessings. I have to admit, she almost convinced me.”

“I… WHAT?”

“Thambi, calm down. I was not convinced fully, because her love for you was visible, and so is yours for her.”

“Akka,” he said, burying his face in his hands. “What do I do?”

“Well, you have to tell her, thambi.”

“How do I do that when your best friend keeps avoiding me?”

Poonkuzhali sighed, standing up.

“Leave it to me.”

“Somehow that just made it worse”, he muttered under his breath as he watched her leave.

Poonkhuzhali really didn’t understand these royals at times. When it was so clear to everyone with eyes that the prince had eyes only for the kodumbalur Illavarasi, why was she the only one who couldn’t see it? She knew that her brief infatuation with him had been clear to many, but that was all it was; an infatuation that had worn off when she realsied her love for Sendhan. But this princess, had been steadfast in trying to push her and the prince together. How can one love so selflessly, she wondered. The princess was willing to sacrifice her love for Ponniyin Selvan because she thought it would make him happy. Those two were really made for each other, she thought. 

She walked down the palace halls, trying to find the princes until she finally spotted her in the garden, sitting on a bench as she stared off into the distance. Taking a deep breath, khuzhali approached her. 

“Illavarasi”, she said bowing to her, as the princess seemed to snap out of her reverie.

“Samudra Kumari! What brings you here?” 

“Devi, I came to find you specifically,” said Poonkuzhali. “I wanted to ask for your thoughts, as Ilaya Piratti told me that you are fantastic at organizing any event.” 

“It’s all Akka’s teaching, Kumari,” Vanathi smiled. “What can I help you with?” 

Truly, thought Poonkhuzhali, she was the most gracious person she had ever met, apart from Ponniyin selvan. It just strengthened her resolve to bring them together. 

“My engagement ceremony, Ilavarasi,” Poonkuzhali said, feeling bad when Vanathi’s face shrunk and eyebrows frowned. 

“Of course, how can I help?” 

Poonkuzhali gave Vanathi details, requesting her help for organizing it, and the Princess did not disappoint. She helped Poonkuzhali organize it in a matter of half an hour. 

“Is there anything else I can help with, Kumari?” Vanathi asked softly. 

“No, thank you Devi. Sendhan and I are very grateful to you.” 

“Sendhan? You are getting engaged to Sendhan!?”

Poonkhuzhali bit her lips to keep from smiling as she said “Of course devi. Did Illavarase not tell you? I am going to marry Sendhan”

Vanathi felt as though the ground had been pulled out from under her feet, as she stared at Samudra Kumari trying to comprehend her words. She was going to marry Sendhan, which mean she was not in love with Ponniyin Selvan. Oh Ishvara, what had she done? 

She had evoked the anger of her Prince by doing such, by setting him up with a woman whose heart was another’s? How will she face him? Maybe she should just avoid him? 

Yes, that’s what she will do. She will avoid him. 

Standing up abruptly she said, “I-I should go meet akka, samudra kumari. Excuse me” Saying so she ran off, determined to avoid the prince at all costs.

*****

How had Samudra Kumari’s confession not helped? 

Vanathi was still avoiding him, extremely skillfully, which did impress him, as much as it exasperated him. He had tried to catch hold of her many times over the past few days but each time she had managed to excuse herself, slipping away to either be by his akka’s side or by his patti’s side or his amma’s side. It had gotten to the point where he was seriously considering if he could somehow climb into Vanathi’s chambers during the night to talk to her. He dismissed the possibility almost immediately knowing that if someone found out both of them would be in deep trouble with his family member, him more than her. 

Should he try and kidnap her instead? Hmm.. what if he kidnapped her after informing his Akka that he was kidnapping her? No that was ridiculous. Plus his akka would never let him hear the end of it. Maybe he could ask Vanthiyathevan………… No, no even worse. The Vanar Kula warrior would immediately go to tell his akka and then he would have to deal with being ribbed by both of them. Terrible idea. He could ask Samudra Kumari to talk to her, but given their last interaction with each other, he had a feeling Vanathi would just flee upon seeing her. 

He sat down as he massaged his temples trying to think, as he looked out into the palace courtyard….

Right at Vanathi who sat with his Akka, chattering away like she had not nearly driven him to insanity with her actions. 

He watched her for a second, blinked, and made a decision. Like the tiger he was, he rushed towards them, smirking mildly when he saw Vanathi’s eyes widen. 

“Akka!” 

“Thambi?” Kundavai had a knowing smirk on her face, and had mildly angled herself to ensure Vanathi couldn’t get away that easily. 

“I am sorry to do this to you, but I have to talk to my wife!” he scooped her into his arms, bridal style, and raced across the courtyard, as fast as lightning. 

Vanathi shrieked as she was lifted by him, feeling mortified as he carried her through the palace, burying her head in his chest, praying that no one saw them.   

Arulmozhi didn’t stop until they had reached his chambers, uncaring that anyone could have seen them being so brazen. It would only speed up their marriage after all. He set her down gently, before turning to lock the door and stared at her, his illavarasi who now seemed to praying to the earth to swallow her up. Biting away a grin he asked, “So, Kodumbalur Illavarasi, can we finally talk?”

“Talk? About what, Ponniyin Selvan?”

“You know what about, Devi,” he said softly, taking a step closer.

“No, no, I do not,” she gulped, still staring at the Earth, making him smile softly as he took another step forward. 

“Yes you do. Why have you been avoiding me?” he had crossed a personal boundary, but considering how she had been clutching him when he had held her, he knew she would tell him to move if she wanted that.

“I… I just wanted to give you space with your loved one, or so I thought…”

“Then you should have been around me!”

Vanathi’s eyes snapped up at those words as she tried to search his face for any traces of a joke, or him being another one of her daydreams. But he was right there, evidenced by the fact that he had just carried her throught the palace. 

“Illavarase, this is all highly inappropriate, we shouldn’t be………..” She found herself robbed of all speech as he took another step closer to her. Oh lord, any closer and she was sure he would almost hear the tandavam her heart was doing in her chest. 

She backed away slowly from him, hand reaching blindly for the door behind her hoping to find it’s bolt, but the prince was faster, moving closer to her so she had no option but to startle away from the door. 

“You cannot possibly hope to avoid me forever Vanthi”, he chided her though his voice held no sternness. 

“Illavarase, one only avoids those whom they feel scared of”, came her reply, eliciting a small smile from him.

“And is that why you have been avoiding me?” came the question, much softer than before.

Oh god, they were now circling around a table, each waiting for the other’s next move. Vanathi had heard tales of how the eyes of tigers were often hypnotic, but now standing in front of her illavarase she believed them, for there was no other reason that the world fell away as she looked at him.

Swallowing with difficulty, she replied, “Ayya how can I be scared of you? I was just….”

“Just?” Was he teasing her? Vanathi was suddenly beginning to doubt if all her assumptions about him having no affection for her were false. 

“I had other things to be doing, and I am sure even you did. I did not want to bother you.” 

Arulmozhi stilled at that, before throwing back his head to laugh, loudly until he almost felt tears of mirth gathering in his eyes. He was sure, that his beloved probably thought him mad at that moment but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. 

“Ponniyin Selvare, are you all right?”

Shoulders still shaking, he gasped out, “Vanathi, anbe, has anyone told you that you are a terrible liar?”

Vanathi felt the world cease all movement for a moment as she heard the term “anbe” slip out of his mouth, so effortlessly, so casually, as if it was not the first time he had ever called her that, as if he had been wanting to say it to her for a while. 

“A-anbe?” She stuttered out, cursing the blush that had formed on her cheeks, not realizing how delighted he was to see it. 

“Anbe, Kaadhale, Kanmani, Arasi, Iniyavale, every single term of love is for you, Vanathi,” his voice had turned intimate, his eyes resting on hers, not moving away from her gaze, allowing her to capture his emotions in full force. 

Vanathi suddenly felt faint, as it hit her that she had been wrong, so very wrong. She had been blind to every gaze he had directed at her, every word he had said she had been deaf to, even now she had been the one avoiding him while had been searching for her. She sat down heavily on a chair as she felt herself beginning to lose consciousness, only to be jolted out of it as she felt two very strong, callused hands on her shoulders. 

“Vanathi? Vanathi? Look at me, look at me. Are you ok?” 

She nodded weakly as she focused on his face, now scrunched into an expression of worry, as he looked her up and down to assess her. 

Arulmozhi felt an almost blind panic hit him as he saw Vanathi collapsing onto the chair in front of her, and he reached forward instinctively to hold her. 

“Kaadhale?”

“Vanathi?”, he tried as she seemed not to hear him, causing him to place his hands on her shoulders to ground her. It seemed to work as she focused on him, causing a flood of relief through his system. Making sure she was fine, he turned to fetch her a glass of water, handing it to her, as he noted how much her hands seemed to be shaking. 

“Wait, let me”, he said as he slowly brought the glass to her lips, watching as some of the water spilled down her chin. Making sure she was fine, he leaned down to wipe away the excess water on her face even as he felt his heart pick up pace with her gaze on him. 

Vanathi for her part was doing her best not to shiver at his close proximity, unable to look away from him for even a second as he fussed over her, suffusing her being with warmth. 

Seeming satisfied that there was no immediate threat of her fainting, he moved to cup her face with one hand as his thumb ran lightly over her face. Vanathi froze as she felt his touch so intimately, resisting the urge to simply melt into his arms. 

“You scared me kaadhale.”

“N-Natha,” she mumbled, blinking and blushing when she says that. “I am s-sorry…”

“Don’t be, not for calling me Natha, Swamini,” he whispered. When she flashed wide eyes at him, he cupped her cheek very gently, whispering, “Yes, you are my Swamini, Devi.” 

She looked at him deeply, with luminous eyes, which suddenly filled with tears. 

“You were trying to talk to me.. and I just, I hurt you,” she wept, falling into his arms. 

Arulmozhi immediately pulled her close to him, trying to calm her as he assured her that she had not done any harm to him.

“Shhhhhh anbe. Do not weep like this. You have never hurt me, ever. How can I be hurt by you, hmm?”

She still did not stop crying, every tear that fell feeling like a knife to his heart.  Gently detangling himself from her he knelt down fully in front of her, as he took her hand in his, ignoring the slight gasp she let out. 

“Ponniyin Selvare, what are you-”

“Vanathi, my uyirin uyir, my kanmani, you can never hurt me. You are not just in my heart but also my soul. I wish I could say my heart was mine but the truth is it has become yours long ago. You are in every breath I take and every one of my senses. I have been wanting to say this for far too long now, but there was always something preventing me. And today, I am kneeling before you to tell you I love you. Wholly, truly, irrevocably I love you.”

Vanathi gasped, her hands going to his neck to cup his jaw. 

“Once more, please?” She pleaded. 

“I love you, wholly, truly, irrevocably,” he whispered, tender smile on his face. 

“Swami,” she whispered softly, leaning to tip her forehead to his. “Swami, Swami, I lost my heart to you when we first met at the banks of Ponni Thai. And I only kept losing it over and over to you, every second of every day. I have dreamt so much of you telling me you loved me, that I couldn’t even process it at first. Oh Swami, I can’t express how I love you, but I do. So so so much. To see a smile on your face, I would even sacrifice my life.” 

Arulmozhi vehemently shook his head, bringing one finger over her lips. “Never, ever say that again Vanathi. My life is in you. I cannot survive without you.”

Vanathi laughed as she finally realized what had happened, pressing closer to her Swami as she just looked at him, determined to not miss even a second of possibly the happiest occurrence of her life. Separating from him, she moved to lay a soft kiss on his forehead as she murmured “I love you”, moving down to kiss his eyes as she said the same, then onto his cheeks, stopping only when she reached his lips. Drawing back slightly, she watched as his eyes opened as he looked at her, absolute love spilling out of them as he raised himself slightly to cup her face and slowly meld their lips together.

It felt as though a million butterflies had been released in Arulmozhi’s stomach as he finally kissed those lips he had dreamt of for so long, the smile that threatened to overtake his face making it difficult to keep kissing her like he wanted to. Drawing away only a few millimeteres to breathe he said, “You do know now there is no question of you ever avoiding me?”

Vanathi giggled as he said that, replying, “If avoiding you gets you to be so poetic, Swami, I will gladly do it.”

Arulmozhi too felt a laugh bubbling inside of him as he got up and lifted his arasi in his arms to spin her around even as more laughter spilled forth from her lips, stopping only to press their foreheads together and say, “You are my whole heart Vanathi.”

“And you are my everything, Arase,” she whispered, shyly kissing the corner of his lips, blushing but wanting to shower him with her love.

He kissed her lips over and over, still twirling her, both of them joyous in the colours their life and love took. 

*****

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @nspwriteups @dumdaradumdaradum @dr-scribbler @willkatfanfromasia @kovaipaavai @celestesinsight @thirst4light @rang-lo @thegleamingmoon @theambidexterousarcher @whippersnappersbookworm @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @arachneofthoughts @krishna-sahacharini

[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

[khushireadsandrambles]

Veera Raja Veera..!

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

Ilavarasar Arulmozhi Varman had crowned the Prince Madhuranthakan Dev, and now was the time for the entertainment. The Princesses from the small Kingdoms of the Chozha Naadu came together with small lightened lamp in their palms, and the singers around them strung the strings of Veena and Yazh.

Kaaneero neer kaan,

Sozha Vetri vaal ondrai Kaaneero...

O azhagiye poovae,

Selludhiyo, malaridu po sagi...

(Are you not seeing it?

Can you not see the victorious Chozha sword?

O beautiful flower,

Will you not garland him, o friend?)

Their movements were slow, going with the beautiful Raaga and voices of the singers.

Veera Raja Veera

Soora theera soora

Veezha sozha veera

Seerar gnyaalam vaazha

Vaarai vaagai soora

(O royal warrior!

O brave and strong one.

Invincible Chozha warrior

May the world prosper

Hail to your victory!)

Sundara Chozha's chest swelled with pride when the Kathaakaars (storytellers) dressed as his ancestors and acted their tales of bravery outt. From Karikala Valava hoisting flag at Imaiya Malai to Vijayalaya Chozha's incomparable battle prowess, everything made his chest swell with pride.

Thoduvor pagai porai

nadugal serkkum veera

maara kaadhal maara

Poovor engum theera

Paavor pottrum veera

(Those who dare to oppose you,

you send them to their graves

O angel of undying love

Lovely damsels yearn for you.

We sing your glory, o brave one!)

Vandiyadevan remembered the day when a drunk Adithan confessed that he chopped of Veerapandiya's head. A nostalgic smile washed over his which soon turned sad smile. Kundhavai's eyes roamed towards Vandiyadevan and she frowned slightly at his sad smile, while Arulmozhi's eyes secretly tried to find Vanathi who was mssing.

Udaivaal araithaanga

Paruvol puvithaanga

Vaalava emai aala

varuvaai kala era

Aayiram vezham pola

Porkkalam serum sozha

Vendha Raja Raja!

Vaarai vaagai Soora!!

(A sword on your waist,

carrying the world on your shoulders

come and rule us

Board your ships!

Enter the battlefield like

Thousand charging elephants!

O Lord! King of King! Come,

Hail to your victory!)

The dancing male dressed as Chozha soldier soon returned dressed as Adithya Karikalan and gave him a proper tribute. The young soldeir made to look like Karikala was so similar that it immediately brought Vanavan Mahadevi and Sundara Chozha to tears.

The Dancing men soon dispersed and were replaced with females. The familiar voice of the female made Arulmozhi whip her head towards the arena, where he saw a beautiful damsel dressed in pretty white saree and golden jewellery sang and danced.

Viraliyar gaanam paada

Kanigaiyar nadanam aada

Paavaiyar kulavai poda

Parithear sagadam aada

(Royal maidens sing

and women dances

Singers sing in celebration

Horse chariots move in harmony.)

Kundhavai smiled widely and looked at Vanavan Mahadevi and Sembiyan Mahadevi and they too smiled in return. Arulmozhi felt glances at him but he pointedly ignored them, all while looking at Vanathi who danced like the celestial nymphs of Swarga Loka.

Alaimel Kathirai Pola

Vilangidum aruma deva

Padaiyani Perumai saattra

Pulavargal thamizhum theera

(Like the rising sun over dappled waters

You shine O Lord!

When singing praises of your army

Poets struggle to find words.)

Vanathi immersed herself in singing, Kundhavai's training finally fruiting when everyone was enchanted by this innocent and courteous Princess of Kodumbalur. Even Poonguzhali was spellbounded.

Kadalmel puyalai pola

Kalangal virainthu paaya

Vannalai seeratta

Thenpulam eengum veera

(Like the blustery wind skimming the sea

Ypur ships sped across the choppy waters

Blowy waves caress you

Charge south, O valiant warrior!)

Vanathi twirled around when her eyes locked with Arulmozhi, and with a outstretched hand towards his direction, she stopped. While evryone thought it was a dance pose, only he knew that she was again lost in his amethyst eyes like she always did. One of the other dancers noticed this and purposely bumped into her, with intention to waken up her, and she succeed.

Kootraagil Sel, Kaatraagi sel

Sara sara sara saravena

velmazhai than Peidhida

Para para para paravena

paayattum paaimaaram

(Be assertive, go like a wind

to rain arrows

let's sail the ship faster)

The soldiers returned behind the twirling damsels, now the naayagan dressed as Arulmozhi Varman. Madhuranthakan shared a smile with Arulmozhi Varman.

Malavargal veeram kanna

Samuthiram veruvi pogum

Uruviya vaalai kandu

Piraimadhi naani pogum

(To witness the bravery of warriors

the sea becomes scared of

when he pulls out the sword

The Moon will shy away)

Vanathi twirled around the naayagan, all of her fluid movements making everyone a fan of her. Kundhavai smiled proudly. While the other girls were also great, Vanathi was always the most talented.

Ethirigal uthiram serndhu

Kuthikadal vannamaagum

Udhirndhidum pagaivar thegam

kadalukku annamaagum

(The blood of enemies

Makes the sea change its color

the bodies of enemies become food

for the creatures in the ocean)

Arulmozhi perked up with an idea as he stood up from his throne and went towards his father. Upon hearing, Sundara Chozha smiled widely and gave Arulmozhi his blessings. Vandiyadevan moved to get up but he denied.

Pulimagan veeram kandu

pagaikkulam sithari odum

saramazhai peithal kandu

kadalalai karaikku odum

(After witnessing the bravery of Chozha tiger

The enemies run away

After witnessing the rain of arrows

The sea waves runs to seashore)

Adada perum veera

edada thodi vaalai

thodada sara maalai

adhuda pagaivorai..

(O such bravery

take your sword

make garlands

kill your enemies)

Vanathi was so immersed in the dance that she didn't saw a majestic elephant making its way towards them. The others dancers did and stepped away after noticing the mahout. Soon he reached Vanathi and the huge shadow that loomed over her made her tun away. Vanathi smiled when she saw the face of Mahout.

En Thamizh vaazhga vaazhga

veera sozham vaazhga

natramizh vaazhga vaazhga

nallore dhesam vaazhga!

The elephant moved his trunk, and not breaking their eye contact, Vanathi stepped on the Trunk. Elephant rose it's trunk higher and higher, while Arulmozhi outstretched his hand for Vanathi to hold. Everyone stood up from their seats watching in awe as she held his hand, and stepped in the small chariot that was made on the Elephant.

"Yaanai Paaga."

He couldn't help but smile when she put her hand on his left shoulder.

————————

@vibishalakshman @thatacademic @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @rang-lo @willkatfanfromasia I desperately need a feedbackkk!!!

[neengareadynaaready]

Jayam Ravi as Arulmozhi / Ponniyin Selvan Karthi as Vanthiyadevan in Ponniyin Selvan I (2022)

[mounamelanoyi]

Malar (a VanMozhi ficlet)

A/N: Inspired by my love for Jayam Ravi and those eyes of his OOF (feel free to imagine a younger JR in this fic as well haha). Would love to hear your thoughts in the replies!! 

---

There was no way around it. 

Ever since they had all come back from Nagapattinam…her Ilavarasan had been different. 

The days where he’d barely acknowledged her presence - where she’d melted into the walls when he walked by and he didn’t even notice that she was there in the first place - were long gone. Now, she could hardly remember the last time they were in the same room together and she didn’t feel him…watching her. 

In the mandhiram, for example - as she stood next to him, desperately trying to ignore the heat of his body so close to hers. Vanathi could feel his eyes on her, watching her as she fervently tried to keep her attention on the prayers. 

And even today - in the garden, as she and Kundavai and the other maidens lay amongst the flowers, plucking and weaving garlands of jasmine and chrysanthemums, she could feel the warmth of his gaze on her as he and Vanthiyar meandered by. When she made the mistake of looking up at him, catching his eyes with her own…she could barely hold his glance for more than a second before dropping her eyes - but not before she saw his lips curve into a sly little smile. 

It was a struggle, but Vanathi kept her mouth shut until the other maidens had left to their duties.

“Akka?”

“Hmm?” 

“Ponniyin Selvan…” At the mention of her brother, Kundavai swung her head around sharply, eyes searching Vanathi’s face with interest.

“Yes? What about him?”

“W-why does he look at me so…why does he look at me like that?”

By the time Vanathi had finished stammering out her question, Kundavai had leaned back onto her arms, watching Vanathi with a knowing smirk curling her lips. 

“That’s my brother’s way of showing us that we need to get the two of you married off immediately - before…” Kundavai trailed off. 

“Before what, Akka?”

For the first time - ever, Vanathi secretly thought to herself - she looked on as her Akka flushed, hints of red and heat suffusing her cheeks, and murmured, almost under her breath, “certain things happen, kanne...I don’t know all of it either, but…” Kundavai stopped short, shaking her head. “That’s neither here nor there,” she declared, prim and firm yet again. And this time, she looked Vanathi straight on in the face, eyes warm with affection and amusement. “You and my brother shall find out - together.”

Vanathi would never admit it aloud, but deep within her…she knew what Kundavai meant. Her Arasan loved her. She was finally sure of that, had been sure of it since he became her Yaanai Paagan once again in Nagapattinam. But now that he was sure in her affection and she in his…he wanted more. He wanted to possess her, have her in the most primal way a man could a woman. He wanted her. 

And Vanathi was slowly starting to awaken to the fact that…she might just want him back in that way too. Maybe that would explain the little thrill that ran through her whenever she saw those golden muscles of his, rippling as he hefted those heavy swords and axes like they weighed nothing. Why she wanted to tangle her fingers in that thick, curling hair of his; why that self-assured smirk of his sometimes sent arrows of fire hissing through her veins.

Now, it was Vanathi’s turn to shake herself back to reality, sheepishly realizing that she’d faded off into a daydream in front of her Akka herself. But Kundavai just laughed at her, reaching out to fondly pinch her cheek. 

“He’ll be yours, kanne - soon.”

—

It was a gorgeous twilight, and a gorgeous evening ceremony on the water, but Arulmozhi was slowly - and very surely - reaching the end of his rope. 

He liked to think that many of the things said about him were true - he worked hard, day in, day out to be the level-headed, calm, righteous man he needed to be for his people.

But everyone seemed to forget one crucial little fact.

The same fiery blood that ran through impetuous Sundara Chozhar’s veins, that ran through hot-headed Aditha Karikalan - ran through Arulmozhi Varman too. 

Arulmozhi only let that side of him out on rare occasions - on the battlefield, or when there was an injustice that couldn’t be corrected in any way other than force. But now, as he watched Vanathi - his Vanathi - twirling in front of him - her slender curves, the burnished bronze of her skin, set off by the milky white of the jasmine in her hair, all gleaming in the golden light…Arulmozhi burned.

As she made her way closer and closer to him, the cloying scents of jasmine, sandalwood, musk all clouded his mind to the point where he could think of one thing and one thing only - what it would be like to clasp her in his arms… to set his mouth to that velvet skin and make those plush lips of hers fall open - just for him.

So this time, when she trembled, swaying in front of him, Arulmozhi caught her up in his arms, holding his uyirin uyire against him - and he did.

—

For as long as she lived, Vanathi knew that she would never forget the feeling of the first press of her lord’s lips to her skin. 

Nor the wet heat of his mouth, soothing the scratchy sting of his beard as he traced tendrils of fire down the slope of her neck.

Nor the cold metal of his rings dragging over the sensitive curve of her waist as he pressed her body to arch against the warm weight of his bulky frame…

Vanathi felt herself descending into madness at his hands. 

“Natha,” she called out softly, the word slipping off her tongue so naturally - and Vanathi couldn’t even regret it seeing how her Arasan’s eyes flicked up, darkening in response. “This- this is dangerous.”

“Why is it dangerous,” he rasped out, pressing her only more firmly into him, “for me to lay siege to what’s mine?”

And to that, Vanathi had no answer - for she was his. Her eyes slid shut as she relaxed into him, and she felt her lord’s lips curve into an answering smile against her skin.

Her akka was right - they really did need to get married.

[thirst4light]

In Memoriam

This is my first try at Vanmozhi Fanfiction. Inspired from the PS 2 movie scene. Planning to do a two part follow-up of this prologue. Let me know what you think!

Prologue

'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all.’ (In Memoriam A. H. H., 27.13-17) 

The sky of Thanjavur was strangely grey on a Vaikasi afternoon as the people waited for their beloved crown prince, Aditha Karikalan, to come home.

Only this time, there was no line of excited girls, wearing their best sarees,  chattering away with their aarti thali on the steps of majestic Thanjavur fort, waiting to catch a glimpse of their handsome  prince.

Instead, a grief-stricken royal family waited patiently. Chakrvarthi and the young prince, Ponniyin Selvan were waiting at the front, while the women of the royal family waited behind.

Slightly behind the royal family, Kodombalur Ilavarasi Vanathi was also waiting along with other royal women, looking over the sea of the people that gathered at the outer court of the fort. Since last night, as the news of the prince’s death spread, people kept coming from all corners of the Cholanadu. 

While Vanathi waited, she thought of everything and nothing.

Such a contrast, Vanathi reflected, looking at the grey sky briefly before her gaze settled on the royal family who were clad in pristine white, a decorum when someone in the family passes away.

As if even the sky was mourning along with this family.

Vanathi’s thoughts got interrupted as people’s clamour suddenly increased, making her focus at the entry gate of the fort.

Finally, Aditha Karikalan had arrived in Thanjavur.

In the city where he grew up. In the city where he belongs.

A long procession of regiment came by foot, closely followed by the prince's beloved horse regiment, waving the chola flag. 

From where she was standing, Vanathi could  see the chariot carrying the prince’s body from a distance, closely flanked by his trusted fighting companions, Manamalyan, Parthibendran and Vanthiyadevan; not leaving their beloved prince’s side, even in death.

As the chariot slowly moved across the crowd, Vanathi could hear muffled cries while some people started to shower flower petals at the chariot, a sign of their last respect to their Ilavarase. A section of the crowd even started to tussle with the guards to touch the chariot and pray.

It took a long time for the guards to clear the way for the chariot to cross the short distance of the entry gate to the steps of the fort. 

When the chariot carrying the prince's body finally stopped in front of the fort stairs, there was a momentary pause among the royal family members. 

As if they could not believe what they were seeing.

The ailing Chakravarty was the first to break down as he could not support his weight anymore. Ponniyin Selvan gripped his father tightly, making sure his father could come down the stairs to meet his beloved elder son.

Raṇi varataṭcaṇai Sembiyan Mahadevi, Rani Vanavan Mahadevi, Iliya Piratti slowly started to walk behind the Chakravarty to meet their nephew, son and brother, Aditha Karikalan, one last time. Vanathi followed them as well, her steps heavy with grief.

As everyone in the family huddled at the front of the chariot and tried to caress the beloved prince’s face, the cries of the Chakravarti and Rani were the most heart-breaking.  Vanathi, who was standing at the end of the chariot, could not take it anymore. She bowed her head, closed her eyes to drown out the sound of cries and desperately put her hands together in prayer.

Ishvara, may the Ilavarase join you in heaven. And…And give my beloved royal family and the people of Cholanadu the strength to overcome this difficult time.

Vanathi stayed still for a few minutes, hoping the cries had subdued. As she opened her eyes, she knew that her attempt at focusing on praying was futile. 

But she had to try. 

In desperation, her eyes searched for the only face that could give her strength at this moment. 

As her eyes landed on Ponniyin Selvan’s face, Vanathi realized, despite being such a pillar of strength to his father, the young prince could not hold himself together anymore.

His face contorted with unspeakable grief; tears were streaming down his eyes continuously.

Vanathi had endured loss in various forms from a very young age. Her mother’s death, even though she had never met her, had left a deep wound in her childhood. Then her father’s death at Ilankai war, leaving her as an orphan in this cruel world. Then bidding farewell to her only father like figure uncle Periya Velar before every war, not knowing whether he would return alive from them was always tantamount to loss for her….Yet, no pain of these losses compared to the pain of seeing her beloved Ponniyin Selvan grieving at this moment.

Until this point, Vanathi did not realize that she had been crying along with everyone else. But seeing her Ponniyin Selvan break down like this, fresh tears blocked her vision completely. Her heart felt so heavy that for a moment she felt like she could not breathe anymore.

Wiping her tears with pallu, Vanathi took a few deep breaths to calm herself.

As the guards started to move to take the chariot away for cremation, on a whim, Vanathi decided to come at the front of the chariot and touch Ilavarase Aditha Karikalan’s feet, seeking blessings.

An opportunity she never had before.

While she looked at the crown prince’s resting face one last time, Vanathi realized, in death, Aditha Karikalan had finally found his peace.

The peace that he had been searching for a long time.

Tagging my enablers who I have on my profile: @harinishivaa @nspwriteups @balladedutempsjadis @celestesinsight @thelekhikawrites @reeeereeeereeereee @whippersnappersbookworm @sambaridli

Feel free to tag others/reblog if you like :)

[chemicalmindedlotus]

Manoranjanaa- VanathiArunmozhi

Splash.

The crashing waves of the sea below captured Kodumbalur Ilavarasi and Arunmozhi Varmar, who were engrossed in its chilly waves, while the flames enraptured the to the heights of the skies, and the duo disappeared amidst the rising waves and blazing flame. Vaanathi was held in Arunmozhi's iron grip, hardened fingers clasped her dripping waist, and her hands rested on his shoulders and she heaved deeply, sharp breaths escaping her lips as his fingers curled and tightened around her body. Arunmozhi Varman felt his body aflame, the very presence of Vaanathi igniting flames of uncontrolled passion in him, while the Ilavarasi felt like the flowing waters of the ocean, enraptured by the piercing waves of ecstasy, her pale, white clothes clinging to her body like the second skin, but she felt Arunmozhi's skin penetrate through her layers, touching the corners of her soul.

"Ponniyin Selvare..." Her rapturous voice played like the most beautiful music ever, in his ears, while a naughty smirk laced across his lips, a flicker of the flame of his intense desire rising in his brown irises, while the water that was dripping from his forehead slipped down his face, falling on Vaanathi's sharp jaw, then drawing through her throat and to her heaving chest.

"I have not even done anything yet, Ilavarase!" Arunmozhi breathed onto her neck, pulling her closer to his chest, her heart in such a close proximity to his that their breathes and heartbeats started to align, thundering against each others's torsos.

His lips pressed slight kisses on her cheeks when the waves went up, and Vaanathi couldn't help but clutch him closer to herself, changing her tone to a pleading one, while the smirk widened on his lips.

He swiftly turned her face towards herself, brushing his lips over her eyelids then to her cheeks, finally resting on her flower-petal like lips, while her eyes widened, hands going round her back, while his other palm caressed her cheeks. Her eyes bore into his, and she finally uttered into his lips, a sharp, precise breath leaving her chest.

Veera Raaja Veera!

An (Amatuer) Attempt to bring the melody of VRV into words!

@harinishivaa @thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @ragkee @thirst4light @whippersnappersbookworm Sorryy if I missed anyone!

[dr-scribbler]

Kundhavai: *Here we go again* Now what you should do when you go in front of ArunMozhi?

Vaanathi: I will try to flirt with him.

Kundhavai: Good. Now what you should not do?

Vaanathi: *trying to process the answer*

Kundhavai: *expecting her to say something*

Vaanathi: Should not faint before the Prince

Kundhavai: Good! now go and do what I taught you.

Vaanathi prays and walks toward Arunmozhi

ArunMozhi: *Smiles seeing her*

Vaanathi: *Operation command: FAINT*

ArunMozhi: *Watched worriedly as she faints*

Kundhavai: *Whispers* I am never getting a sister-in-law.

Kundhavai: *trying to teach and import all her flirting skills to Vaanathi.* Vaanthi: *trying to stay awake.*

@whippersnappersbookworm  @harinishivaa @thelekhikawrites  @willkatfanfromasia  @yehshuhua  @arachneofthoughts  @vibishalakshman @nspwriteups  @thirst4light  @hollogramhallucination   @celestesinsight ​  @curiousgalacticsoul  @themorguepoet

[whippersnappersbookworm]

Viraha(a feeling of longing one has when seperated from one's lover)

Kundavai was sitting all alone in the veranda of anthapuram.Night has descended upon Pazhayari , the residents of the city had retired after a day full of celebration. Only the darling Illavarasi of Chola Kingdom is awake with the serene moon as her companion. Moonlight shines brightly on Kundavai's sharp features and doe shaped eyes. The always alert and sophisticated Kundavai seems a bit lost in her own world as she humms a soft melody...

Aganaga aganaga muganagaiyae..ho

Muganaga muganaga murunagaiyae..ho

Murunaga murunaga tharunagaiyae..ho hoo

Tharunaga tharunaga varunanaiyae..

Yaaradhu yaaradhu

Punnagai korppadhu

Yaavilum yaavilum

En manam serppadhu

'Vandiyathevan '...

Illavarasi first heard this name three years back in a letter from her Anna. She remembered it vividly, as it was the first letter where there was no mention of Nandini.But rather it was filled with tales of a certain Vanar prince who had impressed her Anna with his quick wit and charm. Since then Vallavaryan had became a regular member in Anna's letters . Those tales of bravery and charm had obviously impressed Kundavai, and made her keen to meet this paragon of manhood. In some of his letters Anna had even joked about how the witty prince would be a perfect match to her scheming mind and how he would swept her of her feet. Kundavai , having been raised as a perfect princess never believed in those abstract concepts of love, she always knew that if she ever married it will be a political alliance , and what is marriage? but an arrangement between two people. Kundavai was too mature to believe in any romantic nonsense, but today after meeting the Veer from Vanar Kulam , her heart wants to believe in this madness.

"Uyir Ungaludaiyadhu devi ..."

He had told her but did he really meant it or was it an empty promise? For the first time in her life Kundavai doesn't have any answer to a question, an uncertain fear of losing something she never had has grappled her heart, for the first time in her life Kundavai felt restless and lost, she felt as if something has shifted, something has changed. Till now everything in her life has revolved around her family and her beloved Chola Desam but now something has changed. Someone else has entered her heart without her knowledge...when did this happen? She felt as if this was the moment she was waiting for since the day she was born. She was an young girl till yesterday but now she has transformed into a woman . An woman eager to meet her beloved, to embrace him , to tell him how much he means to her .Is this what the poets talks about? Is this how one feels when in love? Is it what her Anna had felt when he had met Nandini? Or is it what her dear Vanathi had felt when she first saw her brother? Kundavai murmured to herself as she played with her long wavy hair -

Vandiyathevan what black magic have you done ? What games are you playing with this innocent maiden's heart? Why are you tormenting me like this? Why did you make those promises to me? Why? Why?

I was perfectly fine , living in my small happy bubble untill you arrived like a West wind in my life ... You have transformed this practical, hard hearted illavarasi into a swooning maiden . You have stolen my heart and carried it away with you to Eezham ... Leaving me here all alone yearning for a touch or a glance . How can I sleep peacefully in night when my heart is out there , away from me in a boat towards Eezham... Oh how I wish to leave all this scheming and plotting behind and run away with you to the sunset!! - Kundavai sighed

" I know that I could never be yours as you are a comman man and i am a princess bound by her duty to the crown but today with the ever-present moon as my witness I promise to you that you will be the only one i will ever love!

Unknown to Kundavai another soul faraway from her in a boat towards Eezham was promising her the same

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

Haa..aaa..aaa..aaa…aaa..

Alaikadal aazham nilavu ariyaadhoo

Yeloo yel yeloo

Adi mana dhaagam vizhil theriyaadhoo

Yeloo yel yeloo

"Dhaat!"-

Vandiyathevan muttered sleepily.

Poonguzhali is going on for hours now but there is no use of telling her that as she will once again threaten to stab him with her knife . Vandiyathevan tries to sleep ,but alas! Poonguzhali's haunting melody was not going to make it easy for him.

"Poonghuzhali , what a beautiful name !"- Vandiyathevan thought.

Senthan Amudan was not wrong she is a beautiful girl but not as beautiful as Kundavai.

Kundavai?

Where did this came from? When did Vandiyathevan started comparing every other girl he met with the Illiya Piratti?

Vandiyathevan like every other comman folk of the Chola Desam has heard several glorious tales about Kundavai since he was a teenager. He had heard about her unusual beauty which had made the greatest of the kings mad, he had heard about her intelligence which can rival the learned sages. But every single praises dims in comparison to the real women . She was much more than that , she is a goddess in disguise , her twinkling eyes are much more addictive than opium , one wishes to get lost in them. She really is the most precious jewel of the Chola kulam. Vandiyathevan remembered how fondly Aditha karikalan and his grandfather used to recount Kundavai's several anecdotes to them , and how each one them used to wait eagerly for this tales , especially him and Parthibendan.

Parthibendan!

Drat! How could he forget about Parthibendan?

Isn't Illavarasi already promised to Parthibendan? Yes! Parthibendan told him that he and Kundavai are going to get married.

Haye! What was he thinking? How can he forget this important detail? And how can he,The Vallavaryan Vandiyathevan lost his heart to an already engaged women!

"Lost his heart? When did this happened?" - Vandiyathevan wondered aloud

Women had always enchanted Vandiyathevan. They are so pretty, yet so dangerous. His elders had always warned him about the evils of the women. Thus Vandiyathevan had always managed to guard his heart. But this time he was not so lucky , the cupid's arrow had finally pierced him. Love has come in his life in form of the Illiya Piratti. But what is so special about this particular woman? She definitely isn't the most beautiful one... Vandiyathevan had met women far more beautiful than her. For god's sake he had met the Pazhavoor Ilayarani , whose beauty rivals the heavenly Apsaras. But here he is lamenting over the unattainable Kundavai .Did he really had to fall for the one woman in the whole Chola Desam who he can't have? How stupid of him. Also what was he thinking ? Promising the Illavarasi that his heart belongs to her...she must have thought that he is an uncultured warrior who flirts with everything that resembles a woman. He does but still!! .Vandiyathevan ran a hand through his already messy locks , Poonguzhali has finally stopped her repetitive song. But Vandiyathevan is no more in mood to sleep , his heart has been set ablaze by the new found realisation .

"Kundavai " sighed Vandiyathevan

"I know that you are unattainable and engaged to someone else but I have given you my heart and from today onwards it will always belong to you. I promise to you with the ever present moon as my witness that you are the only one I will ever love."

Here you go!. This my attempt to write a fic about my favourite ship Kundavai and Vandiyathevan... please give me your honest opinions. Thank you @shaonsim ,@vijayasena for encouraging me to post this. Thank you @ambidextrousarcher for helping me with the typos

@thelekhikawrites @vibishalakshman @rang-lo @kovaipaavai ( your fic influenced me to write this)@thatacademic @dumdaradumdaradum @nspwriteups @thegleamingmoon @ragalata @rapunzels-stuff @hollogramhallucination give me your honest opinions

[nspwriteups]

His Idol - Arulmozhi x Vanathi fic

A/N: my Vanathi spends a lot of time in her dreamworld and my Arulmozhi is a student at Vanthiyathevan's school of flirting😂

@thatacademic got me so excited I just had to write and post this as soon as got the idea

Inspired from 'Temple' fic by @rang-lo🖤

Everyone gathered at the sanctum of the Durgai temple were immersed in thoughts of devotion to Goddess Kali, welfare of the kingdom or praying for their loved ones. Well, everyone except Vanathi. Try as she might,she was not able to concentrate on praying to Kali Amma for not more than a few minutes. How can she when she is painfully aware of the presence of her yaanai paagan right behind her - the person who has stolen her heart and her mind and is refusing to give it back.She was not able to take her eyes off him when they were walking side by side on the streets greeting the people, when they were travelling on the elephant and certainly not now when they are standing so close that she was sure if she were to move he would notice.

But will he? He only smiled at her when they locked eyes at earlier times, he was pretty much oblivious to her gazing at him at other times. As much as he was oblivious to Kundavai's other companions desperately trying to seek his attention. Surely he would be praying to Kali Amma now, with his eyes closed and wouldn't even notice her looking at him one more time?

Emboldened by her own convictions, Vanathi scanned the crowd, majority of them had their eyes closed, others had their gaze trained upon the Goddess statue, lips silently chanting prayers.The pandit was loudly chanting hymns and doing aarti. Slowly she turned her head, very slightly that it cannot even be called a movement. Her eyes first landed on her Ilavarase's elbows, slowly trailing up to see his forearms, golden bangles, palms folded together, his face, his....eyes...opened and focused....on her.

This was the least she expected to happen so she found it almost impossible to break eye contact with him. He looked at her fondly with a small smile etched on his lips. She found herself returning the smile and slowly turned back, praying for the crowd to disperse already so she can run back to her chambers and melt in embarrassment.

The aarti was completed and now the pandit was handing out the prasad. Still, Vanathi could feel a pair of eyes at her back and looking back she wondered how long he had been gazing at her.

"Ponniyin Selvare, what are you doing?" She couldn't help but whisper

"Looking at my idol" he whispered back

"But the idol of Kali is over there"

"My idol is right here, next to me"

Her eyes widened at the remark, glancing at her yaanai paagan who was now grinning at her. Such honeyed words..where did he learn to talk like that?

"Ilavarase, when did you become such a tease?"

He tried to suppress his laughter, disguising it as a cough " You can thank Vanthiyathevan for it"

Of course, she should have guessed it. The Vana Clan prince and the Chola prince has been thick as thieves ever since their first meeting, so of course Vanthiyathevan would impart his expert knowledge to his newfound friend.

They remained quiet for some time.

"Vanathi" her heart skipped a beat when she heard her given name being uttered with so much care. " Can we meet after this? In the garden? Preferably without my Akka hovering over us and analysing our each word and reaction?"

She took a sharp intake of breath. A secret rendezvous? Behind Akka's back? How intriguing!

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her uyir thozi glancing at their direction. It was like Kundavai could sense they were talking about her. How was she going to evade her smart Akka? What would distract her? Or better yet who?

Vallavaraiyan Vanthiyathevan. Yes, who else is more qualified to distract her Akka than the charming and loyal prince who has already won Kundavai's heart with his " uyir ungalodayathu Devi" .

'Kamsa Mama' Vanathi thought 'You have to do one more favour for this Maya Kannan'

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@vibishalakshman @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai @willkatfanfromasia. @thegleamingmoon @deafeningflowercat @thelekhikawrites @dumdaradumdaradum @whippersnappersbookworm @yehsahihai @theperfectidiot20 @itsfookingloosah Would love to hear your opinions 🥰