Nandini

Chapter 25- Death and Life

Enperumane!

Her mother was screaming and wailing her lungs out. Nandini has never heard her crying like this. Where is appa? She saw annan rushing inside and she too put aside the vegetables she was chopping. Amma was lying on appa's chest and crying.

Is he?

No, he can't be.

No, no, no.

•------------•

Nandini felt like a part of her died with him. Maybe it was her childhood that died.

Appa

Poor man found her in the flower garden in their old village. She called him appa. He treated her as his own daughter. If anything, he loved her more than he loved Thiruveni akka or Thirumalai annan. He pampered her so much like a princess that she even thought that she is equivalent to literal princesses and fought them. Poor man!

He was old but reasonably healthy. And now he is gone. Gone. Just like that. He didn't wake up from sleep. Isn't it ironical that she treated everyone in the village and her father didn't even wait to get treatment? Maybe he would have lived a long time if he didn't adopt this sinner and bring her up as his daughter. She never gave him peace of mind. Why didn't death take her instead?

Many relatives they haven't seen in years visited them after his death. Even akka crossed the Vaigai with Nila. Though the trip barely lasted 25 vinazhigais, she feared like she is crossing Vaitharani.

Some sympathised with his unexpectedly expired short life. Some declared that he was lucky to have died when he was healthy and sane. Some wondered what will happen to unmarried Nandini. Some offered that they will be at their beck and call if a need arises. Liars! Where were they till now? But she really didn't feel angry. What else are these poor people supposed to say?

Akka, Periyappa and Periyamma stayed with them for some time. They have certain responsibilities, they claimed. They knew that Nandini had fallen in love with some youngster when they lived in the Chola country but nothing more. Luckily, they didn't ask for details. Periyamma urged her to forget everything. She was in love with a merchant whom she met during the village fair. They loved for three months, after which she never saw him again. Ever. She and Periyappa were laughing as they recounted how she attempted to kill herself by slitting her wrists at night. The kitchen knife at her home wasn't sharp enough and she woke up everyone by trying to sharpen the knife.

Annan and akka too started to pressurize her about getting married.

"Poor Amma. She lost her husband and now her unmarried daughter is staying at home alone and depressed, did I mention unmarried?"

"Everyone mentions it at all times", she smiled. "Poor Amma indeed. Annan always go on trips. Akka, you are living happily with athimber and Nila. Won't she be alone if I get married and go away?"

Annan and akka laughed as if they had heard a great joke. Though Periyappa and Periyamma didn't seem to understand, they too joined them. Later akka told her that they all are relieved. She thought Nandini is still hung up on the royal brat who abandoned her. They are happy that she has moved on and had given a thought to practical issues.

"That logic is applicable to you too. Won't you be alone if something happens to me or Amma?", Annan asked. Nandini understood the implications. She will never ever live with her married sister. Imagine people saying unnecessary things and destroying akka's life! Unthinkable! She won't give them an opportunity.

Athimber wanted to take Amma and Appa to his home since the day of their marriage. That poor orphan boy really yearned to live in a family, relishing the love of parents. Father joined the feet of Perumal before that could happen. He will be happy to take in Amma. In fact, he badly wants to do it and hasn't said anything till now because Thiruveni strictly prohibited him. Also Periyappa and Periyamma live on the other bank. Amma will have a lot of company. Nandini doesn't have to worry, at all.

"If you are willing to get married, athimber knows some very nice young boys. Actually a few of them even enquired about you, but it was I who avoided them by giving various excuses".

Periyappa and Annan repeated it. Apparently many young men showed interest in her and they have stalled all proposals fearing her reaction. Poor people! They have lied for her and suffered others' ridicule. This can't go on. She needs to shed her old life and choose a new one. She needs to get married! She needs to get married soon!!

"Amma, Akka, Anna I am ready", she told everyone and laughed hysterically.

Enperumane- My Supreme Lord

25 vinazhigai - 10 minutes

Vaitharani - A mythological river between the realms of death and life, like Styx in Greek mythology

Periyappa and Periyamma - Uncle and aunt

Athimber - Sister's husband