Blossom-Two lives and One heart FF** completed and author's notepg 29 - Page 18

Nandini and CHandra reached the same tribal village which awaits for their arrival. Nandini spotted the shiv temple and went inside it along with Chandra. She rang the bell which made the inmates of village to come out. Brihatsen came before the temple.Nandini and Chandra looked at them. They were some 20 villagers dressed in normal outfits. They were very serious and looks like they did not like Nandini ringing bell at an odd hour.Brihatsen notices Nandini who was dressed in blue clothing and holds the lily flower.He exclaimed pointing at the flower"Lily flower".

Nandini saw him looking at lily,she gave the flower thinking that he is asking the flower.Brihatsen takes the flower with respect"MahaPrasad".

Suddenly a lady in the gathering shouts " Har Har mahadev look the bull has come". Another person acclaims"Bamboo has blossomed.Durdhara has come ". Nandini and Chandra were clueless.The villagers began to throw flowers at Chandra and Nandini.Brihatsen shouted "Har Har Mahadev.Lets us bow to them!" A small boy began to run across the village"Maharani Durdhara has come!"

In a short span of time some 300 odd villagers gathered and looked at Chandra and Nandini. They were kneeling down before them. Chandra and Nandini looked unto each others face in confusion. A conch shell and kettle drums were beaten and old ladies of the village came with various plates.

Brihatsen prayed to Shiv before speaking and in a very respectful tone" Devi Durdhara and Maharaj Chandragupta Maurya, we welcome you both to our village." Nandini tried to deny" My name is not Durdahra. Neengalam yaru(Who are you ?)"It is her habit to speak in tamil in tension.

Brihatsen" Shivji,how true is the prophecy. Durdhara speaks a dravidian language"

Nandini explains "This is tamil and I am Nandini not Durdhara"when she tried to argue Chandra intervened" Please,we are not the person whom you are referring sir. My name is ".

Brihatsen crossed his talks" Your were Chandragupta Maurya in your past life ,and she was your wife Durdhara in that life. She has come to us to bless us and we are going to repay our debts.Please oh mighty king ,accept our humble request. Allow us perform your marriage now".

Nandini "Common , mukhya ji... I am not Durdhara ...By the way Chandragupta married Helena first and next Durdhara and last Nand's daughter Nandini whom he loved most. I have seen in the serial. So you wait for sometime when that Nandini comes you can get her married . Leave us now".Chandra placed his hand on his head after hearing some stupid facts from Nandini

Brihatsen" I don't know what makes you say that,but the truth is that Durdhara was the only wife of the king and he loved her till his death".

Nandini"Mukhya you don't seem to understand.I have hotstar in my mobile and just see the Chandra Nandini". She opens her mobile to find out that its battery is drained completely.Nandini is shocked as she charged it full before coming out from the resort.Chandra gestured Nandini to shut her mouth.

Brihatsen "Take the queen and make her ready for the wedding immediately"Nandini and Chandra got a shock of their life. They did not expect that a strange situation will be waiting for them in this new place. But their plight was very horrible. They did not have any guts to disobey these tribal people . They were around 300 of them gathered before the temple. Nandini looked at Chandra in terror .

Chandra hissed in her ears "Nandini,there is no choice before us. We cannot antagonize them.Let them do whatever they want.I am confident that these people wont harm us. We will get away quickly after their rituals get over."

Nandini" They are going to get us married.How can we allow that?"

Chandra " Do you have any choice. If you can fight them,then we can try".

Nandini made a cute pout after hearing his view.

Some girls came from the village and whisked Nandini inside a hut. There she was given a warm bath. Nandini was pampered like a princess. Then ,they made her wear a silk saree in blue color. Various silver jewelries like crest gem, nose ring with chain,bangles anklets along with a long necklace. Her face turned yellow due to turmeric and sandalwood paste.A wild jasmine flowers tied into her long plaited hair. Nandini looked herself in the mirror and exclaimed "Wow". The girls giggled at her.The older womenfolks chided those girls and asked them to keep quiet.

Chandra too was dressed by the tribals.Brihatsen gave him a long silver sword and explained that it was King Chandragupta maurya's sword .Chandra developed an instant liking towards it.Why he cannot explain himself. Nandini and Chandra were dressed as bride and bridegroom in no time by tribals.

Chandra came to the mandap and was asked to pray Shivji. He later sat on a mat before Shiv .Then,Chandra saw Nandini accompanied by a group of young girls coming towards the mandap.She was looking very beautiful in that saree and silver ornaments.Brihatsen made her sit near Chandra .He was completely bewitched by her.

"Nandini,is one of the rarest beauty who can shine in any dress.Be it formal or traditional or tribal dress."He thought and smiled.Nandini notices this and asks "How can you smile even in this situation sir ?"

Brihatsen summoned their priest.On looking at him,Nandini could not control her laugh. "He looks like bundle baba of Chandra nandini(the jain monk of Kalinga). She remembers how her forum friends made fun of the bundle baba.But the priest was very dedicated to his work and started saying mantra.The mantras were like greek and latin to both of them.

The tribal people danced in pairs before the mandap. The old generation people were very respectful while youngsters were very happy on seeing this wedding. For them it is the most awaited wedding which is prophesied some 3000 years ago.These tribals were expecting the arrival of their beloved king and queen who saved them from the dacoits and did many good for their village for a very long time. After one hour again a conch shell was blown and tribals started to dance in tune with kettle drums. Brihatsen came with a plate and showed it before Chandra.

Brihatsen" This is Rani Durdhara's mangal sutra. Our ancestors took this from her ash. Please take this and wear this to her now".Nandini looked at the mangal sutra ,it was nothing different from modern mangalsutra .It had a small chain of black beads and in between golden beads .It had a peacock like pendent .

Chandra took the mangalsutra and decorated the neck of Nandini with it .A old suhagan lady came with kumkum plate. Chandra took the kumkum and laid it Nandini's forehead.The tribals showered flowers and rice on them.Arthi was taken before shiv and a Bhairagi baba appeared in the temple.He came and placed his hands on their heads"May you two live along,happy and contented life along with your children".He miraculously disappeared in the crowd. The tribals clapped their hands in joy .

Nandini's eyes shed tears out of joy. She had dreamt this for a long time and never expected that her wedding is going to happen in this manner.In a totally isolated place,far away from her kins and friends. This marriage is a pure in its own way. No lavish spending,no gossips,no fights ,no invitations,no extravagance ,no a/c room,no bachelor party,no makeup,no photo shoot. Just he and her surrounded by a group of people who are pure and innocent by heart . They did not have any ego or malign thoughts.

Chandra smiled at Nandini after the wedding got over.Nandini too smiled at him.

After the marriage ,they gave various delicacy before chandra and nandini. It had mostly vegetarian items. Chandra and Nandini finished them as though they did not had any food for days.Brihatsen was very happy. They spend really nice time in that gatherings .

In night they had a bonfire dance.Chandra and Nandini danced along with the tribals. Brihatsen too joined the dance with his family. The flute and drums were played meticulously . The tune was so charming and vibrant. It was an intense mixture between hypnotic, hard hitting thumps and thunderous rolling drums.The tribals tapped their feet and clapped their hands adding flavor and harmony to the music which is being played. Some girls also sang folk songs.It was so ecstatic !Chandra and Nandini were so happy .

When they left Chandra and Nandini for nuptial night in the queen's palace,it was 9.

Meanwhile back in the resort Ashwath and others got worried as they could not trace Nandini and Chandra. Shukla and Shaheer went in a jeep along with resort manager to trace them,but it ended futile. Saravanan and Pramod took a bike to search in the opposite direction. Again they returned empty handed. Shukla and others decided to take the help of police by next morning. They were hopeful by that time Chandra would make a dramatic entry with Nandini citing that they lost the way.

There in the queens chamber in the palace of Mauryan age,there was a bed which was decorated with flowers. Nandini and Chandra sat in each corner of the room.It also had their back pack and other belongings which they carried all way since morning. Just then a group of girls entered the room and handed Nandini a jug. They giggled and blushed which made Nandini very irritated. Chandra too got very tensed and was thinking a way out.The girls said that this is Somapanam.Soon,they vacated the room and closed the door.

Nandini spoke in soliloquy" KKUm,seematham verikum vida matanga pola iruku?(looks like till babyshower this people wont leave us?")

Chandra" kya?"

Nandini "onnum illa( Nothing)"

Nandini took the jug and poured it in the glass. She handed over it to him as well.Both of them had a gulp .

Nandini"yenna kandravi idu ( This tastes so bad..!)Chandra examines the drink and says"I think this is made out of forest fruits"

Nandini"Is it alcoholic?"

Chandra"nay...I don't think so"

Nandini laughed " Sir, these tribals are mad. They call me Rani Durdhara and you... you as king . Thank God,they did not bring Helena and Apama. I cannot tolerate them.By the way where is Chanakya. ?"Nandini started to laugh heartfully.The laughter got echoed in the room

Chandra rebuked "Will you stop laughing girl. We are in a deep trouble. I am thinking a way out and you are so careless. ".

Nandini got angry " Ok,I will not speak. Even I know we are lost,you need not remind me".

Time was making small leaps. Nandini heard someone calling her from the corner of the room.She at first ignored the voice. Later she became curious and went in the direction of voice .Nandini found that the room had a back door. Without informing Chandra she opened the door and began to walk in the long corridor which was adjoining the back door.

After some time Chandra found that Nandini is missing. He too spotted the backdoor and was looking for Nandini in the corridor which was well lit with oil lamps. Chandra was beckoned by a melodious music. He followed the voice and atlast he found that it was Nandini who was singing. She was in a room at the end of the corridor.

There he beheld Nandini standing before a mirror which was very old . It had lost all its mercury coating . It looked like that room belonged to some bygone era which had all stuffs which Chandra did not see even in a History channel. The vase was looking very odd and the room arrangement was very strange.He notices Nandini who was adjusting her jewels.She was humming some song which looked like a sanskrit verse.The same songwhich enchanted him in the corridor.Nandini's musical voice hit the final low note before ending .Her saree was carelessly dangling on one side of her shoulder .Her plaited hair now undone were flying carelessly wild and untamed with wind rustling.She looked through the mirror meeting his gaze, and passed a coy smile.

Chandra became doubtful and in a soft tone"Nandini, what are you doing here?why you came here without telling me?"

Nandini did not turn back. He chided her for coming out without informing him and asked her to come back.Nandini did not react to his words.He shouted in a high pitch this time"Nandini".She made a jerk and turned back .

Nandini joined her hands in reverence and spoke "Pranipath,Arya. Kimartham Vilmabha? Nandini na asti, aham Mythili api Durdhara(Salutations! Why are you late? Iam not Nandini,I am Mythili also known as Durdhara!)"

Chandra was taken aback with Nandini speaking Sanskrit. He knew that she is not conversant in this ancient language.

Chandra" This is not a place to joke Nandini"

Nandini in a confused face" Bhavatha katha asti ?Kidarza bhasahi Arya? Aham janami(How are you? What kind of language you are speaking noble man?I don't understand).

Saying so she came near her and hugged him tightly"Bhavatah kim kashtam asti Arya ?(tell me what troubles you?)

Chandra was somewhat confused.Is this the same Nandini who said she will not sit in the bike holding him ,now she is taking him in her arms?"More than that she speaks as though she has every right on him.He knew her for all these days,never did Nandini did this with him.

Chandra shooed her away to bring her back into senses,but she did not get angry. She took his hand and led him towards a portrait in the wall. It was of Chandragupta Maurya with Durdhara!Chandra was startled to see amazing similarity ! Yes the painting's facial features and their faces had a strong resemblance.

Nandini lovingly"Smarati kila( do you remember now?)

Chandra was seated fixed in the place . A wind came gushing into the room and made a soft touch in his face. He atlast moved his eye from the portrait and looked at Nandini in a loving manner.

"Durdhare!kushala va? Kati dinani aham smartava tvam ( Durdhara are you fine?How many days I have remembered you ?)

Nandini eyes were moist and " Arya,atipanna tvam ( I have missed you all these days")

Chandra held her face between his hands and "Gyatava Durdhare tvam kamayami( I know it Durdhara!I love you !).

Nandini blushed as he said this.

Nandini places her hands in the belly and says "nasti dukapradha( It is paining here terribly!)

Chandra shared her agony "kshamashava mama apradham Durdhare( Forgive me of my sins Durdhare"

Nandini searches for somebody and asks " kutra madiya shishwa(Where are my children?"

Chandra " udayvanene balaku upavesht( They are seated in the royal garden")

Nandini again throws a question" asyaha putra namam kim?What name have you kept for my son"?

Chandra with a pride " Devanam priyaha asti"( beloved of Devas ie birth name of Bindusar")

Nandini in a happier tone" Madura namam(sweet name)"

Nandini after some long pause"etat balaku prati anya patni suvyaviharam karoti (does your other wife treat them nicely?)

Chandra replies " aham brahmacharyam palami Durdahre (I remained unmarried) .

Nandini fell at his feet and " Kshamsva Arya, Aham vyartha tubhyam(forgive me ,Iam useless to you ")

Chandra consoles her"Vidhi devadutta Durdhare!(Fate is powerful Durdhara).Nandini accepted his words.The fault was not his or hers .It was predetermined by God.

Chandra makes a request to Nandini "abhavat dirghakala bahu vishaya vadati(It is been a long time I have to speak a lot with you.Please come to me")

Saying so they both came back to their original room.Chandra and Nandini smiled at each other. Chandra began to run his fingers on her face.A breeze swept inside the room.Time was ticking away slowly. Some wild animal was making some sound in the deep forest.There was pin drop silence in the room.

Nandini was sleeping in the mat spread across the floor near the bed. She was indeed dreaming .In her dream,she finds herself in some spa . The beautician pampers her feet and massages them. It was so pleasurable but something was very odd. Though the beautician was a girl of her age,her hands were very rough.Her face was very similar to Helen.Again scene shifts and she finds herself in a hamam bath where she sees the very tribal girls who dressed her for wedding. They are massaging her body while giving bath.They are now brushing her long hair . Suddenly her head was somewhat heavy and she was restless as she was sleeping.It got reflected in her dream .Now she was walking in her dream.

Nandini finds herself in a lone factory .Some machine was getting repaired by her. Nandini saw a unknown man taking a knife and cutting some fruits.Nandini felt her chest was very heavy and her heart was palpitating on seeing his face. Later the same person comes with a knife and inserts it in her lower abdomen and he asks " Does it pains very much?". She whines and moans in the pain and asks him to stop stabbing but the attacker does not seems to bother to her pleas.He continues stabbing her ,but to her surprise there is no blood oozing from her stomach . Again,she tried to get up,but she was unable to move.Instead Nandini, twitched her body in the floor.She tried to open her eyes but cannot open it and she was paralyzed in the sleep. Her leg muscles got stiffed and unable to move .She felt suffocated and her breathing became irregular .The stabbing pain started to reduce now .Suddenly out of blue,Nandini saw herself jumping from the peak of the mountain and was floating in the air.The pain now completely vanished .The stiffness which fixed her body disappears and her muscles became relaxed.She found herself in the green pasture land where she took one of the lambs and caressed its head. She smelt the lamb's head and lamb made a sound"mmm" .The lamb made a soft lick in her cheeks and Nandini was very happy. Now she was very relaxed .The force which pinned her to floor loosened its grip.That was a weird experience!Never in her life she dreamt of having pain followed by pleasure. Nightmare followed by a good scene! Nandini opened her eyes,the room was dark except the corner lamp was lit and was shining brightly.Nandini sat up in the floor and found Chandrasekhar was sleeping very peacefully on the bed situated at a good distance from her floor mat. She checked and confirmed that it was her dream.

" I think it must be sleep paralysis" Nandini consoled herself. No one really harmed her.The door was intact and locked . Windows were locked from inside. Nandini hurriedly changed her into original dress in a small closed portion in the corner of the room, which she ensured that nobody especially Chandra can see her changing dress. Nandini removed the silver jewels and flower and kept in a shelf. She forgot to remove her mangalsutra .Nandini went near him and patted his shoulder. Chandra opened the eyes and looked at her .He sleepily asked" What do you want now?again you are troubling me"

Nandini brought him to senses and " We can make a move now". They took their belongings and jumped from the window and was slowly taking steps.It was not too high and they managed to jump. Somehow they crossed the village and reached its other end.
Nandini"Thank god nobody spotted us?"

Chandra asked her to keep quiet and they crossed the forest with help of small keychain torch. They walked and walked for approximately 3 hours and found a village.

Chandra spoke to a villager " Sir,which place is this?"

Originally posted by: shailusri1983

A very beautiful marriage. A true soulful union of two separated lovers. I just cannot find words to describe the scenes or chapters. When I imagine the scenes in my mind's eye, the only word which comes to my mind is "MANTRAMUKTH!" (Spellbound!)