Chanakyan's love

Thirty seven

Chanakyan

The temple was bustling with our people and as soon as they noted Ayya's presence, the masses paved the way for Ayya and joined their palms, welcoming him. Ayya returned their warmness and acknowledged their respect by reciprocating their action.

I was walking to his side with Amma on his other side and behind me was my Gowthami, checking me out as we saunter ahead. Smiling inwardly at her behavior, I make my way to the temple.

Ayya was given special treatment inside the temple and as every year, the main ritual was about to be performed on him but he refused and asked me to undergo it. I was taken aback, well, that would be an understatement.

We were standing outside the shrine and our Village people were surrounding the area and they were hushing amidst themselves at Ayya's demeanor.

Silencing everyone, Ayya spoke up, "He will be my successor and he'll be the next Village head. Provide him the respect that you provide me with. He deserves it. I wouldn't be standing here, alive and well, if not for him. He has all the qualities to carry up my position and lead our Village on the right path. Believe in my words like you always did, I can assure you that none is more capable than him to look after our Village," God, that's awkward. My mother was gaping at me meanwhile the other people were chattering among themselves.

I, a rowdy in their perspective, am going to be the village head? Well, they would need more time to process this.

Meanwhile, Gowthami who was standing by my side was more than pleased. "And today, on this auspicious day, I betroth my daughter to Chanakyan," the whispers go high at Ayya's words. Despite being delighted, I felt quite agitated.

I didn't expect Ayya to say this in here. I wasn't prepared and I wouldn't be surprised If the people were to reject me. "To a rowdy?" Rose a sound from the crowd but I pinpointed who it was and glared at the man. He cowered and lowered his head.

I don't care If I don't become the Village head and I won't take it to my heart If the people don't want me to take up that position but...If someone were to poke their nose in my personal life, between me and my Gowthami, he would be dead meat.

"If you all really do respect me and trust me, then I wish you all to be accepting of Chanakyan and give him the same respect you bestow to me. Disrespecting him equals disrespecting me. Not approving of him equals to not believing in me. The choice is yours," There remained quietude and Ayya ushered me to talk all of a sudden.

God, why didn't he inform me beforehand? I'm not prepared to give a speech now.

Scratching the back of my neck, I gaze around the people and speak the words that my brain produces, "If you don't want me to be the Village head, then get your guts up and voice it out. I don't take any disrespect from anyone...and I hope you all are aware of what I would do in case someone were to mess with me," Gowthami giggled at my utterances while the people stared at me with wide and horrified eyes.

"And yes, I'm a rowdy and this rowdy is going to marry Gowthami. If anyone has any problem with it, then the man, If he's man enough, can come in front of me and say it to my face," I ask as I unleash the sword from the back of my shirt and watch the frightened people.

"Keep it inside Chanakya! How would the people regard you If you behave and talk like this?"  I offer Ayya an irritated look.

"Well, how else am I supposed to behave? I don't remember you training me on that," he sighs and shakes his head.

Then I put the sword back in its place as Ayya orders the Iyer to go on with the rituals.

I was given the priority and the ritual was performed on me. The scarf that would be worn along with the veshti and shirt was tied around my head by the iyer and followed by was various rituals before the people started to scatter and enjoy the festival.

"Naatamaa!!!" (Village head or panchayat leader) I hiss as I heed my friends teasing me.

We were near the temple premise where stalls had been established and certain adventurous rides were installed. "Daii, gaandla irukaen, poidu!" (I'm already in a foul mood, just go,) They laugh to themselves and move away. The married ones joined with their families while the singles meandered behind girls.

Anyway, where's my Gowthami?

To find her, I start walking around and everywhere I go, people look at me oddly, some with fear while some with, 'this guy? Our next Village head?' I'm frustrated at the stares.

As I keep wandering, I finally spot my Gowthami with my mother. The duo was in a stall and conversing merrily with each other. The sight was alluring to watch. Two of the most important women in my life, my beloved ones, together and happy, I couldn't be more contented...

With a smile, I approach them but they pay no attention to me. They were so involved in the conversation they were having that they couldn't care less about my presence.

"Gowthami," She doesn't respond.

"Amma," she seems to have forgotten that she has a son.

Why am I even here?

Angered, I walk off from there, glaring at whoever dares to look at me. "Naatama...wait, wait," It was Gowthami's voice but I don't mind her and keep moving.

Within minutes, we both were away from the temple and the people.

"Chanakya," I still don't steer my interest to her. "Chanakya!" I pause as she yells my name loudly. I instinctively turn around and smile when I see her exhausted and fuming self.

"Do you know how tough it is to walk in this full saree!?" She scolds and comes forward. "Get me water, my throat is parched," I lift my brows at her.

"Look around Gowthami, there's no houses or any water bodies. Where do you expect me to get water from then?" She whines and hits on my arm.

"I don't know what you do, I need water," rolling my eyes at her, I begin to amble again.

"Naatama aagidathum nee romba maarita Chanakya!" (You've changed since you became the Village head Chanakya) She says dramatically and funnily, but the word 'Naatama' is causing me intolerable irritation.

"Podi," (Just go) she still follows me behind. "Enna Naatamaiku kovam varutho?" (Is the Village head becoming vexed?) I close my eyes to calm down myself and keep walking aimlessly.

"Naatama...where are we going?" I halt my footsteps, swirl to Gowthami, and pin my mouth to hers, kissing and devouring her deeply till her lips bleed.

I lick the blood off and kiss her lips again.

She beholds me like a poor puppy when I pull off and I smile, loving her expression.

Getting me off-guard, she speaks up again, "Naatama is bad," I squint my eyes while she slowly backs off with a grin stretched across her lips...

"Ading!" (You!) She runs away, laughing, and I chase her back, feeling ecstatic.

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