The Shadow Blossoms~ Saaya Malar

Chapter 5

The evening air was thick with anticipation as the village of Kollangudi gathered at the ancient Shivan temple. The scent of incense lingered in the warm breeze, mixing with the fresh jasmine garlands hanging from the pillars. The sound of rhythmic chants filled the air, as the priest, draped in white and saffron robes, stood at the entrance of the Shiva Lingam .

The kolam festival had officially begun.

Saritha and Anusha lingered at the back of the crowd, blending in with the villagers. Saritha's heart raced as she tried to ignore the strange pull she felt toward the temple. She wasn't sure why she had come back to this place that was shrouded in mystery and warnings. Her gaze kept darting toward the stone temple, its towering spire looming over the village like a silent guardian. Anusha, always more curious than cautious, was scanning the crowd with wide-eyed excitement.

"Look at the crowd. This is intense," Anusha whispered, nudging Saritha. But Saritha was too distracted by a growing sense of unease, the feeling that they were being watched—closely.

The nadaswaram group began playing causing the villagers to stand apart. Saritha and Anusha was further pushed behind. The girls arched their neck to see the commotion. Ahead of them, Karpagam, the Panayar family's proud daughter, and her own daughter Ashalatha, walked gracefully side by side toward the priest. They each carried trays filled with sacred offerings—bananas, coconuts, flowers—while their servant's daughter,Aarakodi, followed dutifully with another tray. The villagers parted for them, heads bowing slightly as they passed, their respect palpable.

At the top of the temple steps sat the Panayar matriarch,Karpagam's mother, her wrinkled face stern, eyes sharp as ever. Even though her body had weakened with age, her gaze held power. The villagers bowed deeper when their eyes met hers. Behind Karpagam walked her husband, Moorthy Thevar, their son Harish, and a few others, all eyes on the looming temple.

"Anirudh sir!" Harish called excitedly, waving toward the arriving trio—Anirudh, Nelson, and Hrishikesh, Anirudh, the celebrated musician, smiled politely, trying to blend in, but the whispers from the villagers buzzed louder around him. His talisman felt hot against his skin causing Anirudh to rub his wrist as he walked towards Harish. Ashalatha's eyes sparkled with excitement seeing the famous musicians. On the other hand, slightly further away stood Aadhirai and Raasi who grinned widely in excitement seeing Anirudh. Nelson and Hrishikesh exchanged amused looks seeing the girl whispering not so quietly gushing about Anirudh to Aadhirai who shook her head fondly.

"He's here, right? The famous musician," one of the villagers whispered.

"I heard Panayar's son Harish is good friends with him," one whispered loudly to his companion l. Elsewhere beside Saritha and elder woman shook her head and nudged her friend.

"I heard Ashalatha Amma is getting married to him, that's why his invited," she said in a knowing tone.

" No, No I heard Manikavel Rayar ayya has paid him to come. His gift for Ashalatha Amma for their engagement," Another man said in a sage tone.

" No look that girl and him. That's Aadhirai Thamaraiselvi! Look how close they are standing. Remember that woman took her away to the city. She met him in the city and they eloped together here," another young woman said to her friend loudly.

Anusha snorted looking amused at Saritha who covered her snicker.

" I guess your favourite Rockstar isn't getting out of here unscathed," Saritha said with an amused grin while Anusha snorted and elbowed her

" My poor baby," Anusha lamented shaking her head at the absurdity of the villagers and their speculation. In their excitement seeing Anirudh Ravichander, they forgot to identify the two foreign girls blended in their large group.