Modern Au NanDitha- Financial Consultant Nandini X War Vet Aditya

Modern au NanDitha- financial consultant Nandini x War vet Aditya

A Night to Remember - 1

The dull bustle of the party slowly grated her nerves. The lights from the bungalow ensured her vicinity was well lit.

The glorious mansion behind her looked different now. No longer the intimidating figure of her childhood – sometimes a monster and other times a skyscraper she could never never hope to scale.

She'd developed a fondness for it in the last few months. It was sick but graciously held on, hoping for a better tomorrow, much like it’s owner. And lo! Now both had recovered and celebrating.

She sat on a bench in the vast estate grounds and mulled over the shock of seeing him again. Just as she considered cursing her fate, It began raining- forcing her to look for shelter. “The price of wanting some peace” she groaned. The whole mansion was clouded by loud party music and conversations. Even the restroom could offer only a muffled din instead of silence, making Nandini flee outside. A decision she was beginning to regret with every raindrop that fell on her.

A wooden cottage was visible, tucked away in the estate’s furthest corner. She remembered from her sordid past that they stored their gardening equipments there. “very rich people-sque” she rolled her eyes

Attached to the shed was a small sitting room for the inhabitants to enjoy an evening away from the mansion, while still hidden from the public

With each step forward her mind relentlessly presented on memory after another, keeping up with the faint party song tempo.

The hide and seek they played as kids. She truly did wish to disappear back then… and went into an abandoned room. He, the son of her dad’s boss cum landlord, followed her but didn’t enter, unsure if she was inside. He called her name and gently coaxed her out.

It seemed like the greatest comfort back then, but now she almost wishes she never fell for his sweet lies.

The rain’s pouring became more insistent, jolting her back to reality.

"Damn that man" she cursed; she was drenched by now.

Just as she entered the cottage, dripping over the mat, she realised it was the same room. Her hiding spot from years ago, except it was expanded, with some comfy looking furniture and a kitchenette.. it looked solitary enough, only the porch light was on. Unbothered about ruining her client’s upholstery, she sat herself in the ‘living room’ couch and sunk into the cushion with closed eyes.

His beautiful, brown eyes when he saw her.

Her body tensed as she remembered his eyes darkening. The glorious mansion and the people all faded.

The awareness that it was she who elicited this response made her shiver.

He'd stepped forward, making her feel exposed under his unceasing gaze.

The gentle gruffness of his voice made her erupt in goosebumps. His love and longing filled voice reverberated across her whole body.

He walked even closer, hands extended as if to hold her. She froze in fright, wondering if he knew the effect he had on her even after a decade. What would he do if he was aware?

He was the first born of a great aristocratic family. The maharaja-zamindari system maybe long abolished but their social prestige and wealth persisted. Them and their old money neighbors were all saccharine charm- till they felt threatened.

Aditya, Kundavai, Arun- the names were suspiciously archaic and common for the kids of the districts most influential man, she’d thought initially . It was a later realisation that quirky names screamed ‘nouveau riche’ and recycling classic names was hallmark of the nobility.

Awkward teen nandini spied a happy young boy hiding behind his sister’s zara skirt. The sister looked like her chin was welded facing upward – beautiful but proud. A boy stood a few metres behind them, his posture betraying cockiness beyond his years.

Who knew it also hid a heart of gold? One that loved selflessly

The tiredness of the last few months caught up with her mind and threw random memories.

A young Aditya was spotted behind a tree, her own young self sandwiched between her amorous lover and the rough bark. Her natural modesty made her protest, each refusal weaker and halfhearted, as he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her relentlessly.

He began innocently enough, pecking her forehead, before his lips brushed her sideburn, tracing her hairline till her neck. He took extra care as he nibbles the side of her neck. Her eyes closed, unable to bear the pleasure blooming in her chest. Satisfied with the deepening of her breath, he kissed along her clavicle, mouth edging dangerously close to her décolletage.

Nandini could scarcely believe what was happening to her. She knew she was not adventurous as her peers. She never once thought any boy would care for her pleasure anyway, though she dreamt of it.

The storm of emotions reflected in her ruddy cheeks. She was sure he could hear her thoughts and feel her heartbeat. He was so close! The baser instincts, which only ever appeared when she was alone, now raged for more. Aditya moved back, knowing he’d pushed her limits far enough for the day. He was immensely excited to see his normally composed beloved lose control.

Unbeknownst to them then, they’d been watched.

Nandini laughed dryly, back in the present, for it wasn’t that incident that spurred the chaos.

Aditha didn’t stop with plying her with sweet dreams or attempts at seducing her. Indeed, if that were the case she’d ruefully dismissed him as just another callous youth.

He was plucky and naïve enough to tell his family about his intentions to wed her once his training and deployment ended. All hell broke loose, kundavai horrified by this 'social blunder' as she termed it. His parents were more understanding, perhaps hoping his desire would fade with time or the girl indeed would prove worthy of their firstborn. His grandaunt’s deathly silence was the deciding factor. A girl of unknown caste, no dowry or connections will be a great problem she’d decided.

Nandini’s mouth curled sardonically, forcing herself to focus on the present.

The family’s old fashioned management of their estate combined with the changing economy prompted them to hire a professional firm. Ironically, it was kundavai who insisted her parents to seek help – ever eager to preserve her family legacy (read ‘fortune’) .

He’d returned too.

Both parties skirted politely during the project. The family being the ones in need of help and nandini as the top employee of her financial consultancy firm, expert in refurbishing failing businesses and loss making ventures. ‘Make over queen’ her boss and colleagues called her. “Huh, if they only knew how hard it was to give my life a make over”, she mused.

Her friends tried hard to set her up on dates. She always chickened out- none of them will ever be him.

The family’s opinion of her improved and her services seemed integral in modernizing their ancestral property into a money mint. A party was organised to mark the estate project's success. 'A true taste of zamindari hospitality' they said. She’d grown too comfortable brushing shoulders with figures of her past.

They hadn't warned her of his arrival.

Aditya’s longstanding desire to join the army was initially opposed by his family. The prestige of such a career and it’s family history was what convinced them. ‘It’ll be a nod to our noble forefathers’ he chirped.

Their dismissal of Nandini’s foster parents from their tenant home made Aditya’s hopes sink. Her dad’s job as a pandit was taken, afterall Aditya’s grandaunt was a temple executive committee member.

They let him join the training academy earlier than planned- hoping to curb his questions. A top ranking cadet, he was quickly commissioned and deployed to the Indo-Pak border in Kashmir.

Perhaps his services proved to be invaluable, he stayed there for 6 years! His visits home were rare and brief.

She heard of his return merely few seconds before their eyes met. “he intends to stay here for 4 months” voices whispered.

A rugged man, with an aura beyond his years- the confidence of a man who’d looked death in the eye, stood next to the bar. He seemed disinterested in his drink, the people, the party until he looked up.

His tired eyes looked at her in disbelief.

-----------

Nandini woke up shivering. Her drenched clothes formed a puddle on the couch fabric. Her wine sari wasn’t any better, it’s fabric damp and stuck to her skin.

She looked around to remedy her situation. Aha! A thick blanket was folded and places inside one of the almirahs. She wrapped it around herself and switched on the fan to dry the damage she’d inflicted.

The shock of seeing him had made her flee without partaking in the various delicacies on display. She sorely regretted it, the zamindar mansion’s food was one of its few attributes she’d missed.

The kitchenette seemed empty and unused. Her hunger addled brain opened and closed each unlocked cupboard hoping to find – yes! This would do ! she thought as she picked up a lone biscuit packet.

She munched into the biscuit, uncaring of how loudly she chewed, feeling comfortable in her fleece blanket. Just the comfort she needed after her tumult. Not that she had any right to rage- it WAS his home. Bad enough she was surprised by HIS arrival – at his own house.

She huffed in disappointment when she noticed there weren’t anymore biscuits. The rain thundered more violently than before but the power hadn’t gone off. She settled in for a disconcertingly quiet night. “I’ll leave in a few hours” she told herself.

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To Him.

Falling for a man, out of reach. So far that the stars seem closer. As i live in a delusion of holding his hand, he lives his life not knowing me. And as i weep at night longing for him, he lives in satisfied bliss.

-Mithra

4- THE FIRST STEP

Part 1, 2, 3

Pazhayarai

"Madurayum Eezamum Konda Ko-Parakesari Parantaka Chozhare vanangidunnen". Veera Pandyan bowed before the Chola king showing great pretension of reverence and humility. The old king smiled arrogantly but he too pretended to be very gracious as he hugged Veera Pandyan and enquired about the welfare of his family.

A scribe read out the royal charter detailing the terms of surrender and the tax to be submitted to the Chola treasury. They have reviewed and conducted several rounds of deliberations in the presence of Chera vassals. Though they have no plans to follow it strictly, Cholas and Cheras don't need to know that.

Menandros pointed out the Pallava chieftain to Ravidasan. Fate is indeed a strange thing. Aditha Cholan once stood with his spine bent in the court of Aparajita Varman. Then he took his head. Now the irumudi adorns his son's head and Aparajita Pallavan's and Rajasimha Pandyan's grandsons worship his feet.

But this compromise didn't come out of nowhere, did it? Everyone knew about Aditha Cholan's fight with his father-in-law Kannara Devan. Parantakan wouldn't have agreed to this arrangement if most of his forces weren't engaged at Thirumunaipadi. That was their hope too. Only Menandros and a few trusted lieutenants escaped with the royals last time. If these upstarts suffer a crushing setback in the hands of Rashtrakutas, it won't be impossible to declare independence.

Read about Chola - Rashtrakuta problem

They moved to the dining hall to feast and rejoice and Menandros quitely introduced some other vassals to him. Though much was left unsaid, Ravidasan understood the implications of his words.

Some were elevated by marriage alliances and other allowances, like Periya Pazhuvettaraiyan Kandan Amudhan. Some like Miladudaiyan Malayaman were allowed to keep their possessions, but they are not sufficiently rewarded with higher responsibilities. To be frank, he seemed happier than the highly decorated chieftains. After a round of alcohol, he and his companions started singing folk songs and dancing. Cholan's grandson too joined them. No wonder he is called Sundaran. He glowed as if he is made of pure gold.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyan Tappilidharman's two sons who looked like Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyakshan stared at them. Ravidasan and Menandros stared back with equal intensity.

°°°°°°°°°°

Madurai

"Who won?"

"We won, ilavarase. Those two pebble eyed demons had to concede defeat".

"Is it true that young Pazhavoor princes are seven feet tall and can bend a sword with plain hands?"

"No, they are almost as tall as me. Definitely not seven feet tall. What do you say, Ravidasa?"

Ravidasan was planning to take it up directly with Veera Pandyan. If those Pazhuvoor men are any indication, Chola Velakkara Padai is insanely strong. He had gathered that the elder brother used to lead them but now the younger brother has taken up that position and the older one is with his family's forces now.

"Definitely not seven feet tall. No sword bending either. But they can snap the neck of a grown man easily. Thalapathi, shouldn't we intensify the training program of our forces?"

"We are allowed only minimal autonomy. Haven't we divided the forces into smaller units and train them individually? We will have to wait till they are confirmed to be occupied elsewhere."

"I got an intelligence report that Kodumbaloor Irunkovelan and Sambuvarayan marched to Kanchi even before you left Pazhayarai". Jatilan sounded extremely proud about the confidential information he managed to secure.

"Ilavarase, I heard that the younger Pazhavoor prince was summoned by Kondandaraman (Rajadithan). If they are moving the Velakkara Padai, their situation is more precarious than we thought. That's the only thing that gives me some peace of mind."

"Paatta, how is appa's new recruit? Is this guy learning everything?"

"Absolutely. Also if everything happens as Ravi says, we can start mobilising our forces soon".

"Let me test him. Anna, tell me the names of the chieftains who were present there".

Ravidasan recounted the names- Pazhuvettaraiyan, Pallavan, Miladudaiyan, Sambuvarayan, Irunkovelan, Vanangamudi . . . Menandros started giggling like a teenager. "Jatila, your dream father-in-law wasn't invited".

Some chieftains like Mazhavarayar who lost their lands and titles are relegated to the background and don't get invited to events like this. He has a mad daughter - Uma Maheshwari. The girl spends the whole day dancing and praying before Natarajan. Ever since Jatilan met her, he hasn't stopped dreaming about her.

The prince didn't like Menandros' teasing. Uma Maheshwari and Jatilavarman. They are made for each other. Ravidasan and Menandros had to agree to that logic. Jatilan too might as well learn some dance from Malayaman. He walked away, blushing and complaining that no one has any regard for him.

Aha! Troubles of a teenage heart. Today was a pleasant day indeed.

Bonus: Uma Maheshwari's dance

Is there no place for this thumba flower(symbolising Parvati) in your sacred matted hair decorated by the crescent moon?

In this bountiful nature that produces the sound of om, this flower blooms with the nectarine offerings of love.

Won't Haran (Siva)'s eyes caress the petals of this humble flower?

Can you guess who is Mazhappadi Uma Maheshwari?

Who are Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyan Tappilidharman's two sons?

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5- Strategies and Solicitude

Part 1, 2, 3, 4

Madurai

"Tanjai has fallen" Can a few words give so much happiness to anyone? This is rivalled only by the happiness he felt when Kanchi fell. Jatilan was dancing as he hugged the guards who were with him. Gladdened by the sudden display of the prince's happiness and affection, they too started dancing. Much to his embarassment, Ravidasan called him 'Natarajan' and the other guards clapped and cheered even more. But Menandros kept himself busy as usual.

"Why don't you too join them and have some fun, Thalapathi?"

"Later. Now we have work to do, come."

Veera Pandyan pondered over the situation over a glass of toddy. He traced his fingers across a map which outlined the current holdings of different chieftains. Subjugation of Pallavas and the over-reliance on Pazhuvettaraiyars ultimately backfired on Cholas as there weren't enough troops or strong leadership to counter the unexpected attack on Kanchi and Tanjai. Some spies reported that Pallava forces didn't even bother to fight much. When you make peace with being a vassal, it doesn't matter if a new overlord replaces the former one.

However Tanjaiyum Kanchiyum konda (Conquerer of Tanjore and Kanchipuram) Kannara Devan gaining too much foothold in the region will hamper their rise. The king's secret council suggested that they should arrange for at least one Pazhavoor prince to return and capture Tanjai. Pazhuvettaraiyars fighting on multiple fronts will eventually weaken Cholas too. If they have to strike, they need to heat the iron themselves.

°°°°°°

Mazhappadi

Prince Amarabhujanga Jatilavarman tried his best to convince Mazhavarayar Madhavan that they aren't testing his loyalty. According to the secret council, the disgraced former chieftain of Mazhappadi is indeed the best candidate to plant an idea or two among Cholas. They will think that the man is just trying to reclaim the lost prestige of his clan. But the he dramatically beat his chest like a monkey and declared that he is a faithful servant of the meenkodi. If he wanted to betray them, he could have done it before this.

Manimaran, the one of ministers who escorted Jatilan and led the discussions, looked like he is itching to remind Madhavan of the times he tried to get into the good graces of Kodandaraman. But he managed to accomplish their task without any undesirable diatribe. Manimaran's adept management of the situation remained Ravidasan that he has much to learn about the practical ways of handling conflict in different scenarios.

Nevertheless can't this "help" genuinely endear him to the tigers? No one can blame him if he uses this opportunity as a ladder since the clan has suffered a lot for siding with the losing side. Ravidasan couldn't offer any better suggestions either. So he stayed quiet and concentrated on the prince's bodyguard duty, which was an even more tedious task than he expected. The boy is quite restless.

"I don't want you to follow me everywhere".

"We are the humble servants of your father, ilavarase."

"I order you to stand down and relax. If you don't want to relax, these people are planning to host a villupattu tonight. Help them with the arrangements."

"Our orders come from the Emperor himself".

"Ravi anna, you all please stay here and give us some privacy."

Us? Oh, that. Technically, they are supposed to taste the prince's food, accompany him everywhere and talk to everyone before they meet the prince. As the daughter of a respectable family, Uma Maheshwari might refuse to be treated like a commoner girl. Finally, they reached a compromise.

How could he forget the young prince's infatuation? Isn't that why Jatilan volunteered to come here in the first place? Though Madhavan offered to send a few of his men with them, they turned down the courtesy saying that the prince needs some relaxation after the tiresome deliberations. Ravidasan resisted the urge to playfully scoff with a roll of his eyes and tease him as they walked to the temple.

They were expecting to hear songs and the jingling of dancing bells but a doomed silence permeated the atmosphere. He observed them from a distance as Jatilan slowly approached a beautiful forlorn girl. Finally - the famous Uma Maheshwari! A pair of dance bells were placed on a platform near her seat and the crimson hue on the girl's cheeks indicated that she was aware of their, no, the prince's presence.

Ravidasan was even more surprised to hear the girl complaining about her "Parameshwaran" not visiting her earlier and prolonging their marriage. The girl is as fascinated about him as he is about her. So it isn't a mere one-sided crush as everyone thought! He didn't even dare to think what these crazy children are doing as he concentrated on the patterns on the Nandi statue. Their marriage was a topic discussed in the secret council but most people were against it as it will only result in Paranthakan keeping Mazhavarayar at an arm's length. May the Lord of Mazhappadi help his devotees to fulfill their desires!

Ponnar meniyane pulitholai araikisaithu, Minnar senchadaimel milirkondrai anindavane, Manne maamaniye mazhapadiyul manikkame, Anne unnai allal ini yarai ninaikene . . . (O Siva with the golden body! O Siva wearing the tiger skin on your waist and bright kondrai flowers on the lightning like matted locks! O king! O the great gem! O the ruby in Mazhapadi town! O mother! Who else except you will I think about!)

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