Nandini and Thiruveni have never been to such a big city. They held each other closely as if they feared that they'd lose each other in the hustle and bustle of the city. "Why is everyone screaming?", Thiruveni wondered. "You too are screaming akka", Nandini laughed. They weren't used to the loud non-chalant nature of these city dwellers.
There were big buildings everywhere. Some musicians were singing songs from Thiruvaimozhi. Some street vendors were inviting people to buy coconuts, flowers, sandal paste and betel leaves. "Do you want flowers, kanmani?", their mother asked. Nandini gazed at the jasmines and iruvatchi. Then she remembered that they don't have much money with them. "No amma, we will make some garlands later", Thiruveni said. Their mother sighed.
•-------------•
Their cousin Esana Shiva Bhattar lived in a small house in the west of the city. His wife welcomed them heartily. "Oh my god! These little girls have grown up so much", she exclaimed. "Doesn't everyone get older as time passes?", Nandini rolled her eyes. "Ey, behave", Thiruveni patted her lightly. But their mother was having none of it.
"Haven't they? Even strangers have started to enquire if we aren't planning to marry off our girls. This man, my revered husband, doesn't have to hear anything. It is I who should answer everyone. My beloved son is wandering around beating up Shaivaites. Maybe he is the one who gets all the beatings!", she started ranting when the opportunity presented itself. Bhattar's wife consoled her that no Brahmin will suffer in the land of Sembiyan Madevi.
Sembiyan Madevi. Nandini has heard about that reverent lady. The senior queen, aunt in law of the great Chola emperor Paranthaka Sundara Cholan. That widow continued living for the sake of their little son and spent all her time praying and renovating temples. She felt blessed that they are in the same town as this esteemed lady.
Bhattar's wife and Nandini's father were talking about visiting the senior queen with Eshana Bhattar. Since they were too tired by the long journey, they decided to rest today and visit her tomorrow. "Appa, Amma, Will you please take me to the palace? I want to see the Periya Piratti", Nandini requested. "Yes, yes, but now eat", Bhattar's wife smiled and poured some more curry into Nandini's leaf.
Thiruvaimozhi - A collection of hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu
Kanmani - Apple of my eyes
Periya Piratti - Senior Queen/Princess
YOU ARE READING
Nandini
Historical FictionA reading of Ponniyin Selvan from Nandini's perspective. Nandini is the narrator of this story and the events are presented as she (could have) comprehended them. I don't own any of the characters or situations.
