Melvaazhkai

Chapter 11 (part 1)

**Did I skip a couple of chapters? Yes, Do I have a reason? Yes, Why?  I'm just super excited for Arunmozhi and Devika to meet!*

In the middle of the ocean...

Vallavarayan wakes up from his sleep only to notice the silence and nobody around in the open ocean. The stillness of the air and the absence of any sign of life caused a chill to run down his spine, as he sat up, trying to comprehend the eerie scene that lay before him. The once bustling waters were now eerily tranquil, devoid of the familiar sounds of seagulls, and the gentle lapping of waves.

He searched for signs of his sister on the boat only to find her sword where she originally had been. Panic began to grip his heart as he scanned the horizon, desperately searching for any trace of his younger sister. But all he could see was an endless expanse of water, stretching out as far as the eye could see, without a single body.

He shouted out:

Vallavarayan: " Hey, boat girl! Poonguzhali! Are you playing with me? I'll lose my temper. A watery grave was predicted for me. Did you know that? Where is my sister? Poonguzhali!"

The water started bubbling as two women's heads appeared, hair covering a part of their faces. Vallavarayan let out a sigh of relief as he watched his sister step back onto the boat. He had been so worried that she may have drowned at sea. But then again, he had a little bit of faith that she would survive. It was his younger sister, after all!

Relief filled Vallavarayan's face as he embraced his sister tightly, feeling the warmth of her presence and the coldness of her clothes soak his top as well as the reassurance that she was safe. Poonguzhali watched the actions from afar with a gentle smile. The bond they shared was evident in every gesture, every word exchanged between them. It was a sight that filled her heart with warmth and tenderness.

The brother, with his playful demeanor, reached out to tickle his sister, causing her to burst into a fit of laughter. The sister nestled her head against her brother's chest, finding solace and security in his arms. He gently whispered words of encouragement, assuring her he would always be there for her. Poonguzhali's heart swelled with joy as she witnessed the genuine affection they had for one another.

Devika lay comfortably on her brother's lap, feeling the gentle strokes of his fingers as he played with her silky hair. The rhythmic motion of his touch lulled her into a state of tranquility, and a sense of safety enveloped her.

With each stroke, Devika's worries and stresses melted away, replaced by a profound sense of peace. She felt a deep connection with her brother as if they were intertwined in a way that surpassed the boundaries of blood ties. It was a bond forged through shared experiences, laughter, and tears. Devika couldn't help but smile, her heart overflowing with gratitude for having such a caring and loving brother.

Devika: " Poonguzhali. Is Sendhan Amudhan your lover?"

Devika's question caught Poonguzhali off guard, and she turned to her with a mix of surprise and shock. Poonguzhali's initial shock quickly transformed into a somewhat serious face as she replied:

Poonguzhali: " Did that silly flower man say that? If he said that to my face, I'd throw him into the sea."

Devika's laughter mingled with her brother's as she sat up, feeling a pleasant stretch ripple through her body. The carefree sound of their shared amusement echoed in the air, adding a touch of joy to the serene surroundings.