The Crown Prince and His Love

Chapter 3 |Ilam Kaadhal|

Title: Young Love

Aditha Karikalan looked at the beautiful moon, tapping his foot restlessly on the floor. He wanted to share this news with Nandini, somehow. He saw the guards roaming around the castle grounds scouting out every inch from the balcony. A sudden urge to see his moon, Nandini took over him. He wanted to meet her before leaving.

Karikalan left his room and walked outside rapidly. There was an eerie silence lurking around the palace. The grasshopper buzzed their usual tone and the leaves ruffled with him as walked through the meadow. He constantly had to hide behind a pillar or a tree to prevent himself from being caught.

"Tomorrow the Prince is going to war it seems," A guard said.

"Isn't he a bit too young?" The other guard asked. "What will he do there?"

Adithan moved swiftly, successfully avoiding their gaze. Adithan approached the temple, the lamps were still lit indicating someone was in there. He decided the check there first and walked towards the temple. When he entered he heard a bird sing. No, No, not a bird. The voice was as beautiful as a sparrow's. If honey had a voice, it would sound like hers.

He stood at the door frame, mesmerised by his beloved's beauty.

Half of Nandini's face was lit by the oil lamp, the other half was lit by the moon light which was peaking through the windows. It was like adding the sun and moon's beauty. That's how beautiful she was. She was expertly tying the flowers which lay beside her into a garland, humming her favourite devotional song.

Adithan just stood there. He couldn't utter a word. It was like a crow caught his tongue. He couldn't move. All he wanted to do at that moment was to look at her and listen to her singing.

But nothing good ever lasts long. His shadow fell on her. She stopped singing and jerked up. Before she could gasp, Adithan put his hands on her mouth gently. "It's me," he whispered.

"Karikalare, don't scare me like that," She whispered in her sweet voice.

"I just wanted to see my beloved," He said, caging her between himself and the wall. He looked at her with his piercing black eyes. But Nandini's eyes fluttered.

"Someone will spot us," She said nervously, as she looked here and there.

"So what?" He said inching closer to her.

"They'll throw me out," She said.

"As if I'll let that happen," Karikalan scoffed. "I want to tell you something," He said, as soon as he opened his mouth someone called Nandini's name out.

"Nandini!" A man's voice called out.

Her eyes widened in fright. "Hide!" She whispered, as she shoved Karikalan behind a large pillar.

"Haan, Anna!" She replied.

"Who are you talking to?" He asked with concern. He was Nandini's foster brother, Thirumalai. He was the one taking care of Nandini since she was a child.

"No one, Anna! Just talking to myself," She lied. Adithan looked at her with a smile. He was about to say something but she put her finger on her lips, gesturing to him to not say anything.

"I heard some sounds though," He asked.

"No, Anna," She bit her lips as she tried to think of a lie. Adithan folded his hands and looked at her. "A rat! A rat came, Anna," Nandini said.

"Should I come in and get rid of it,"

"It's okay, Anna I took care of it,"

"Okay, ma, finish the garlands up, we need them for tomorrow's festival," He said.