Amarendra - Devasena :
Revived

***

A: Devasena!Devasena!😃

Ammu returned after work.Like a kid searching for his mother,he searched everywhere for his wife who was not to be seen.As he opened the back door to go to the washing area,he heard her voice and giggles of some other ladies near the main door.

"Amma,if you need any assistance we'll be around just call us."

D: Sure I will thank you.☺️

He turned and saw her entering balancing a heavy earthen pot of water on her hip and supporting her humongous bump with her free hand.He rushed to her side and took the pot.

A: What is this Devu?Couldn't you have sent someone to get this for you?Or waited for me?You know I don't like you to do all this...

He looked at the ladies who were standing outside his hut and they lowered their gaze out of respect.

"Ayya,we wanted to help amma but she refused."

One of them replied.He shifted his glance at Devasena in a way that was asking her what she was trying to do.She placed her hand on her husband's chest to feel his racing heartbeat.

D: Ammu,I'm fine...relax...I was feeling restless staying at home so to stretch myself a little I walked to the river to get water.

A: So?During this time why you have to do such tideous work...it pains me to see you do all this...

Amarendra took her hand and kept it on his cheek.

"Amma,ayya...we'll take your leave..."

Devasena smiled at them and nodded her head in approval.Once they left she closed the door.Holding her hand,Ammu led her to the cot and made her sit on it.He then sat on the floor and took her feet on her lap to massage.

D: Ammu,pls...don't...

She held his arm to stop him from touching her feet.

A: You didn't stop me when I took your feet to put on toe rings on our wedding day?

D: That...that was part of our wedding rituals so...

A: This is also a ritual which is part of our married life.Every husband should take his pregnant wife's feet on his lap and press them like so.

D: Don't lie,there is no such ritual.

She tried to pull her feet away but he held it.

A: Amarendra only speaks the truth.

D: Ammu pls ammu...anything but this...I don't feel good about you touching my feet.

A: But I feel so good about this...pls Devasena...allow me to do this...

He kept his puppy face and she relented.

D: You always have your way...

She ruffled his hair and he giggled.Taking out a pouch from his waistband,he passed it to her.She opened it and it revealed a handful of sweet jamun fruit.Her eyes gleamed with happiness as she took one and relished it.

A: I climbed the tree and plucked these for you.How is it?

D: Mmm...these are so sweet and succulent.I was craving for some and you got me.

She took another one and munched.Ammu chuckled seeing her eat the fruit like a little girl who got treats.She fed her Ammu too.

A: What's my son saying?

D: Nyom...nyom...you only ask...

Taking his hand she placed it on her bump.Stroking her belly,he spoke to his son.

A: Kanna...how are you?Are you sleeping or awake?Can you hear me?

He looked at Devu who gestured him to go on.

A: You know,I've made a toy cart for you to play...I'll make more toys for you...I'll take you to the fair and make you play the games there...I'll teach you to use a sword,to shoot arrows...

He went on speaking at length about his plans for his son but neither did Mahe kick nor move around and Ammu's face fell in disappointment.

A: He isn't responding to me Devu...he doesn't like me?😕

D: He loves you more than me that's why I get all the kicks but when you speak to him he listens silently.

They was a glint of happiness in his eyes when she said that.Ammu kissed her belly and wrapped his arms around her waist resting his head on her bump.Devasena hugged her Ammu to her chest.

D: One in my womb,one in my arms.This is my world.☺️

Ammu grinned.She kissed his forehead as he snuggled more to her.♥️

***

Post dinner they went for stroll.

"Dhandalayya,Dhandalamma"

Whoever they came across would stop and fold their hands with respect bowing their heads to Ammu and Devu who greeted them with respect and smile on their faces.

Upon returning Ammu set the cot ready for Devu.He spread a mat on the floor.Using his arm as his pillow,he lied down on the mat.

When Devasena dimmed the lights and came she saw him on the floor.

D: Why are you sleeping here?Come up...

A: It's ok...my body aches when I sleep on the cot this is good for me...you sleep there.

Truth was the cot was too small for two people besides with her huge belly she would feel cramped and uncomfortable to fit in so he sacrificed it for her and chose the floor.Devasena slowly sat down beside him on the floor.He sat upright.

A: Why ma?Sleep up...

D: I don't like the cot too.I find it uncomfortable.I'll sleep with you here.

She reached out for the pillow and placed it behind him.

D: Sleep now...

A: There is only one pillow Devu.You use it,I don't need it.

D: I have a pillow...you sleep...

A: Where is yours?

D: You lie down,I'll get mine.

He did as she told.As soon as he reclined on his back,Devasena nestled her head on his chest and hugged him.He smiled.

A: My chest is your pillow?

She nodded and snuggled to him.He held her protectively.

A: Devu...shall I call your brother?

D: For what?I added the right amount of salt in the food no...🥺

A: Haha...not to complain.As per custom,your delivery and confinement should take place at your mother's place.They were ready to take you that time itself but you refused...at least now why don't you go and be with them?

D: (mv: He wants me to go as he isn't able to give me the comforts here...hmm)I know your plans Ammu...you want to send me away so that you can go to Singapuram caves and dance with the Manoharis na?

She teased him and he laughed.She looked up to face him.

D: See his happiness when I mention manoharis.😏

He held her by her chin.

A: You are the one and only Manohari in Ammu's life...♥️

D: Then why do you want to chase me away?

A: Err...I am unable to give you the comforts here that's why bangaram...I feel so guilty that I made you suffer during this time when you have to be pampered with all the best luxuries.

D: I know that Ammu,I was just joking.Btw,shouldn't it be the other way around?Wasn't it I who deprived you of your royal life and separated you from your mother?If I had not chopped that pervert's fingers you would still be living in the palace.I neither have control over my tongue or actions that is what brought you to this state.I'm unlucky for you...

A: Never say that Devu!You are my fortune!What use was that royal life which I was living for namesake?I had blood relations who treated me like a stranger.I felt suffocated being there but it was you who relieved me of that misery.The people here are not my blood but they treat me like their son,their brother,their father.There is so much love and peace around here.I feel so happy and I am so proud that I got a wife like you who never swerved from the path of righteousness and stood firm like a rock even while being threatened with the harshest punishment.

Her lips curved to a smile.

D: I got all that willpower and courage from you Ammu.I want only you not the comfort or luxuries.Pls don't talk about sending me to Kunthala.I will only be happy with you,in this small little palace we have made for ourselves.♥️

Smiling,he kissed her forehead.

A: Once our son is born,Amma will have a change of heart and accept us even then we'll not live in the palace.After I complete my duties,I'll return here.This shall be our home.What do you say?

D: This is what I just said...

He grinned.Staring at the wooden cradle Ammu made for their baby,both of them drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.♥️

***

Little did they know that his mother was not looking forward to her grandson's birth but scheming for her son's murder.

S: You have to kill Baahubali!

Her words echoed in his mind.

K: Sivagami Devi has ordered me to kill the darling son of hers...am I dreaming or is this real?

With a heavy heart Kattappa walked along the corridors leading to King Vikramadeva's room.Pushing the doors open,he went in and stood with his head bent before the huge portrait of Ammu's father.

K: Maharaja...

He dropped on his knees and cried.

K: I've been given the task of killing the real heir of Mahishmati...your son...

He choked on his words.

A: I am ordering you as the future King of Mahishmati,feed me maama...

D: Will you carry my baby Kattappa?

K: Oh lord...why are you testing me in such a cruel manner?Should I keep up the word of my ancestors?Or the promise I made to Sivagami Devi?Or Should I save my Baahu?I am clueless...why can't my soul just depart from my body this moment??

Lamenting,he hit his head on the feet of Vikramadeva's portrait.

***

Devasena sat upright clutching her lower belly.

D: Ammu...ammu...wake up...

He woke up.Seeing his wife groaning in pain he went to her side.

D: Ammu,call the midwife...

He made her lie down on the cot and covered her with the blanket.Caressing her head,

A: I'll be back soon bangaram...

Ammu rushed out and called the neighbor lady who brought the midwife.Devasena's maids were also called.One of the ladies sat beside Devasena and held her hand,while the midwife sat by her feet.

Ammu felt hopeless seeing Devasena in pain.

A: Devasena...!

He hastened to her side and grabbed her hand.Using the vastra tied across his waist,he dabbed the beads of sweat off her forehead and face.

"Ayya,pls wait outside.Don't worry we'll take care of her."

He was reluctant to leave her and Devasena too wanted him by her side but the other ladies would feel uncomfortable to have a man around while assisting her in the delivery process so Devasena gestured him to wait outside and assured him she would be fine.

Amarendra paced up and down outside his hut.Stress was evident on his face.

"Ayya is very worried but everything will be fine."

One of the village men passed a comment to which Ammu smiled lightly.

A farmer came running to Ammu.

"Ayya!They've taken taken Kattappa to behead him for Rajyadhrogam"

A: Did you see?

He nodded.Ammu rushed into his hut.

A: Mama is in danger Devasena,I've to go...

D: Huh...

She held his hand for support while trying to sit up.He helped her.The maids passed her the sword which she handed over to her husband.

D: He has given his word that he will carry our baby.Bring him safely.

He gave her a look that conveyed she was his better half in every sense.Giving her a parting kiss on her forehead,Ammu left.Devasena looked on at the door until he was out of sight,praying in her heart for him to return soon.

***

Ammu's horse galloped in tremendous speed at his command.He reached the place and found Kattappa tied to a tree that was surrounded by logs of wood which were set ablaze.Seeing Bahubali,the soldiers fled.

Ammu freed Kattappa and took him to a spot to unbind the wire mesh around his hands but he wasn't able to.

A: Who did this mama?😡

An arrow struck him on his back.More arrows came their way.Ammu shielded Kattappa taking all the arrows on his back.

K: Baahu...😭

Carrying Kattappa on his back,Ammu moved over to another safe spot.

K: Reyy...just leave me and go ra...this slave's life is not as great as yours...

Ammu pulled out the arrow from his back.

A: Even I wish to disown you but what to do you have given your word to my wife that you would carry my son and I've promised her that I'd get you safely so if you just keep quiet and allow me to...

Using the sharp edge of that arrow,he broke the shackles of Kattappa.

K: Aiyoo how will I tell?Just leave me and go...

A: Are you scared?Until you're there,no man can kill me...

"AYYAAA...."

That was it.Kattappa couldn't hide the truth anymore.He could never betray the faith his Ammu had on him.Nothing else mattered to him,not his ancestors words,not his promise to Sivagami,not the throne,not the kingdom.Absolutely nothing.

K: Baahu,forgive me ra...this is a trap for you.Your mother...no no...I'm here to kill you on at Rajamatha Sivagami Devi's orders.

Ammu looked at Kattappa in disbelief.

K: Go Baahu...go...escape from here...

Ammu flashed a painful smile.

***

The news of Devasena in labour reached Bijjaladeva and with the soldiers of Mahishmati,he made their way to the hamlet where Ammu and Devu were residing.Trembling with fear all the villagers came out of their huts and bowed before Bijjaladeva.

BD: Has that wretch given birth already?

No one answered him.

BD: All these huts look alike.Which one is theirs?

No one showed him the way.

BD: Oh...you're all trying to protect her and her baby?You think I can't find out if you don't tell me??

He called his guard to his side.

BD: Search every hut!!Bring her baby to me,I want to strangle him with my own hand and gift it's dead body to my Bhalla once he returns!!

The villagers who were cowering in fear until then became enraged hearing Bijjaladeva's words.

"We'll never let that happen!!😡"

"We'll lay our lives down to protect our Queen and her baby!!😡"

They roared.Men and women took whichever thing they got that would serve as a weapon.Even little kids too joined them with whatever they got.

"Ayya has taught us how to fight.Send your soldiers we are ready to battle them!"

A little boy took his catapult and stood bravely with the other men.Seeing that Bijjaladeva laughed out loud.His soldiers too joined him mocking at the boy and other villagers.

BD: Run away before you get trampled upon by my royal elephants!Soldiers...go....

Just as they were about to attack,the danger bell rang.

BD: Huh...the bell...who is playing with that at this hour?

One soldier came running to him.

"Prabhu!We're in danger!Kalakeyas have stepped into Mahishmati soil through the forests!!"

BD: Oh no my son!!Bhalla has gone there unarmed!!😱😱😱Why are you all standing and watching??Go!Go and protect my son,your King!My son Bhalla!!

At his orders,the soldiers who were sent to capture Devasena changed their course and set out to save Bhalla who had gone there to spy on Kattappa.

***

Ammu and Kattappa were fighting the Kalakeyas.Due to arrows pierced on his back,Ammu was getting weaker nonetheless he never gave up and put up a brave front.A lightening that struck set the place ablaze and the Kalakeya army perished in that forest fire.

While Ammu fought the army,the Kalakeya chief tried to attack him from behind with his weapon.Seeing that,Kattappa charged at the Kalakeya who flung him down.Kattappa hit his head on a rock and fell down unconscious.

Enraged by that,Ammu menaced towards the chief with his sword but when he kicked him on his stomach,Ammu fell down before Bhalla's feet.

Bhalla smiled devilishly at him.Thinking he was going to protect his brother,the Kalakeya chief menaced to attack him but Bhalla caught his hand firmly to stop him.

B: If you kill him,Mahishmati is yours.I give you my word.

Kalakeya glanced at Ammu was lying on the floor,picking him up by his hair,he punched him on his stomach as Bhalla watched on with an evil smirk.

Bhalla's guards who rushed there,surrounded him to protect him.They took him safely to a side.

B: Get our men to stand in position and take aim...the moment Bahubali kills Kalakeya,you shoot him to death.

He ordered his guards.He then turned to watch the battle between Kalakeya and Ammu.

B: Baahubali died at the hands of Kalakeya and I killed him to save my land is what I'm going to tell my mother.

Ammu who was severely injured was knocked out by the Kalakeya.He laid motionless on the ground.

B: Attack!

Bhalla ordered his soldiers to shoot Kalakeya.Instead of being surprised,the chief of Kalakeyas grinned devilishly at Bhalla.He turned and saw many Kalakeyas menacing towards him.Neither he nor his guards were prepared for them.

The Kalakeya chief ordered his men to kill Bhalla's soldiers and they jumped letting out a loud war cry as if obeying their master.

Bhalla had only his sword with him.Kalakeya gave him one punch and he fell down,his crown rolling on to the ground.

***

Sivagami was restless from the moment she heard Kalakeyas entry into Mahishmati.

RSD: Is Baahu alive or no...what will be the state of Mahishmati if Kalakeyas enter...

She recalled the words of her minister who described the Kalakeyas style of conquering lands.

"...they will attack the country,they won't leave any woman alone...they will dishonour them..."

Fear engulfed her.No doubt Bhalla was equally valiant but at that moment all Sivagami could think of was Baahu.She realised there was no one who could protect Mahishmati as he did.

She dropped heavily on her bed.

RSD: Alas!What have I done?I've killed the guardian of Mahishmati...now who will save her??

She lamented.Bijjaladeva barged into her chamber.

BD: Sivagami!Sivagami!Has Bhalla returned??

RSD: What?What are you saying?Where did he go?Isn't he in his room?

Bijjaladeva fumbled.He couldn't tell his wife that his son had gone to spy if Kattappa killed Baahu.

BD: Huh...uh...my son!He has gone to defend his mother and mother land!!He has gone to fight the Kalakeyas singlehandedly!!

RSD: Bhalla!!😱😭

***

Fight was going on between Bhalla and Kalakeya.His army had killed the Mahishmati soldiers.

Sivagami came running with more soldiers on tow.Seeing the Kalakeya chieftain about to strike Bhalla with his weapon,Sivagami rushed to fight him.Taking her dagger,she went to pierce his chest but the Kalakeya who was extremely powerful,caught her wrist tightly crushing all her bangles.He pushed her and she rolled over to where Baahu was lying.

Sivagami picked herself up and kneeled beside Ammu.

RSD: Baahu...get up Baahu...

She shook him.She placed her ear on his chest to check if he was alive.His heart beat which gave her great relief.Meanwhile,

B: Pls...pls...don't kill me...I'll give you whatever you ask!You can take my mother and also all the womenfolk of Mahishmati!!I need to live!!!

Sivagami looked at Bhalla.She couldn't believe the son she had given birth to was willing to stake her honour and the honour of the womenfolk of Mahishmati to an enemy in exchange for his own life.An act of cowardice which was unknown to the royals of Mahishmati.She abhorred him for being a weakling.

RSD: Chi!To save you only I ordered this son to be killed?I have no forgiveness in this birth.

Bhalla ignored her and continued pleading to the Kalakeya,whose mercy he was at,to live him free and kill his mother and his brother thus revealing his true colour to his mother.

RSD: Baahu...I've erred you..I'm sorry...you give me whatever punishment you want I will accept it happily but pls wake up...

She lifted Ammu's head and hugged him to her chest.The Kalakeya smote the tip of Bhalla's head with his fist sending him to oblivion.He then made his way towards Sivagami.

"Mahismati is mine and so are you..."

He laughed devilishly.With his foot he stamped firmly on the end of her saree pallu thus disabling her from getting up and running away.

RSD: Baahu!!!😭Get up...Parameshwara,take my life instead,let my Baahu live!!

Bgm...

"Ganga taranga ramaneeya jata kalapam gowri nirantara vibhushita vama bhagam narayana priya mananga madapaharam
varanasi purapathim bhaja Vishwanatham..."

It began to rain.As the droplets fell on Ammu's and Kattappa's faces,they regained consciousness.Ammu snapped his eyes open and saw the Kalakeya about to lay his hand on his mother.

Rage pulsed through him.He grabbed Kalakeyas feet and dragged causing him to fall on his back on the ground.Holding a rock for support,Ammu got up and stood on his feet.

K: Baahu,here...

He threw his sword which Ammu caught.He shielded his mother from the evil Kalakeya.

A: You be here Amma...in a while his head will roll before your feet!😡

Bgm...

"Heysaaa Rudrasaaa...."

Fight round two between Kalakeya and Ammu.While Kattappa attacked the remaining Kilikilis,Ammu fought their leader.As promised he chopped Kalakeyas head off and sent it rolling near Sivagami Devi's feet.

The Kalakeya army was also defeated by Kattappa-Baahu duo and Mahishmati was saved.🥳

***

With Kattappa's support,Ammu staggered his way to his hut.Seeing him hurt and bleeding the villagers were worried but Kattappa assured them that he was fine.Ammu kneeled beside his wife who was unconscious.Taking her hand into his he looked at her lovingly.

A: Devasena!Look at me...

She slowly opened her eyes and saw her Ammu.Seeing him hurt and bleeding she panicked.

A: I'm fine Devu...nothing...it's ok...

He hugged her to his chest.Seeing them reunited,Kattappa rubbed the happy tears from his eyes.

"Waaahhh....waaahhh"

After cleaning him and wrapping him in a fresh cloth,the midwife came in carrying him.Baby Mahe made his grand entry.

"Ayya...it's a boy!"

Ammu looked proudly at Devasena who smiled at him through her pain.Without any prompt,Kattappa took baby Mahe's feet and placed it on his head as the proud parents looked on.

Taking Mahe in his arms,Kattappa cooed to him.Mahe frowned at him.

M mv: Is this baldy my father?The great Bahubali whose stories of valour and greatness I listened to with interest?I don't want!Somebody pls send me back into my mother's womb,I'll remain there.😑

Baby Mahe shut his eyes not wanting to see a baldy father.Kattappa gave him to Ammu who cradled him carefully in his arms.He showed their son to his wife.

Baby Mahe snapped his eyes open and saw his mother for this first time.He smiled at her.

M mv: Wow!What a beautiful!But why she chose that bald guy?Your selection is very bad amma...😤

Devasena cooed to her son.

D: Kanna...see,your nanna....

She showed him to Ammu.

M mv: What?So that baldy isn't my dad?Thanks to god!!Now who is the actual one...

The moment he saw Ammu,Mahe gave a toothless grin.

M mv: He's the Bahubali?My nanna?😃

Ammu kissed Devasena's forehead thus putting to rest Mahe's doubt.

M mv: Sorry Amma I mocked your choice indeed you have selected the right one.He is the best match for your beauty and grace.

Baby Mahe snuggled to his father's chest.Ammu kissed his son and placed him the middle of himself and Devasena.The little one was happy getting all the attention from his parents.♥️

***

Carrying Mahe,Kattappa stepped out of the hut and showed him to the villagers who rejoiced on seeing their prince.They danced in joy.

K: See nanna...whole of Mahishmati is celebrating your birth!

Kattappa cooed to Mahe who smiled in response and held his tiny palm up as if saying he also wants to join in the celebration.Kattappa took the little one back to his parents.

K: Baahu,I'll arrange for sweets to be distributed to everyone!

RSD: Kattappa...

She was standing outside the hut.Seeing her,the smile on his face disappeared.

A: What happened mama?

He looked away.Ammu got up and stumbled towards the door.He saw his mother.

A: Amma!Why are you standing there?Come inside...😃

Holding her hand,Ammu brought her inside.Kattappa stepped aside giving way for her.

A: Devasena...see,who has come!

Devasena welcomed Sivagami.She tried to sit upright but Sivagami rushed to her side and held her by her shoulders refraining her from doing so.

RSD: It's ok ma...you lie down...you need to rest.

A: Amma,won't you see your grandson?

Devasena gave Mahe to her.

M mv: Wow!She's also stunning!I'm surrounded by beautiful women...I'm lucky!🥰

She kissed her grandson.Cradling him in her arms,she touched Devasena's feet.

Her actions surprised Devasena.

D: Rajamatha...why are you...

RSD: Forgive me Devasena...if there is one person who can forgive this sinner it is you...I almost made you a widow and your son an orphan.

Devasena looked at her husband and Kattappa cluelessly who had their eyes cast down.Sivagami confessed everything to her daughter-in-law.

Devasena was shocked beyond words.She didn't know whether to be happy that his mother changed for the better or hate her for almost wrecking her world.All she could do was thank the almighty in her heart for rescuing her husband and bringing him back safely to her.

RSD: Devasena...whatever punishment you and Baahu give me,I'm willing to accept it.

Kattappa was happy seeing the change in Sivagami.Ammu went and kneeled before his mother.

A: Amma,you've not done any wrong for us to punish you.This life was given by you,you have every right to take it and I'll be glad to die for you.

He clasped her hands.

RSD: Aiyooo...pls don't taunt me...how will I atone for my sin...Baahu,you have to rule Mahishmati as the King.You and Devasena have to return to the palace.Only then I will feel at peace.Looking at Kattappa,

RSD: Kattappa,arrange for a meeting with the ministers.Today itself I have to make amends.

Kattappa bowed his head in subservience and was about to leave when,

A: Maama wait...Amma,I'll not rule Mahishmati as King.Let Bhalla only rule.Devasena and I have decided to remain here for the rest of our lives.You are always welcome to see your grandson or we will bring him there to see you.

He looked at Devasena who smiled in affirmation to his statements.No matter how much Sivagami Devi and Kattappa tried to convince him he was firm.

A: I will always protect my mother and motherland as a son,not as a King.Pls amma,let me be this way.

He said with a smile.Sivagami caressed her son's head.

A: Amma,you only have to name my son.

Rubbing her tears away she smiled at the baby.

RSD: Amarendra Bahubali's son,Mahendra Bahubali.😊

"Amarendra Bahubali Jai Ho!!!Mahendra Bahubali Jai Ho!!"

***

Though Ammu refused the throne,God had other plans for him.Due to the heavy blow given by Kalakeya,Bhalla slipped into coma.He could not function as a normal human thus was unfit to be a King.As he had no heir,there was no other option apart from making Amarendra the King of Mahishmati.

Ammu sat beside his brother in his chamber.

A: Bhalla,get up Bhalla...

He tried to wake his brother.Ammu placed Bhalla's crown next to him and taking his hand ran it over that in an attempt to bring back Bhalla to normalcy but to no avail.

RSD: Baahu,it's time for your Pattabishegam...come...

Sivagami called him.Leaving the side of his brother reluctantly,Ammu went with his mother.

Cradling baby Mahe in her arms,Devasena stood by Ammu watching with a proud smile while he was crowned as King of Mahishmati by Rajamatha Sivagami Devi.

"Baahubali Jai Ho!!"

The people of Mahishmati rejoiced.Their voices reverberated throughout the land.

BD: Bhalla...saw that...everyone is celebrating him...enough sleeping...wake up...Let's plot to kill him!You think what to do,I'll also think...

Unable to accept defeat and his son deprived of the throne and kingdom like he was,Bijjaladeva became mad.

***

After touring the neighbouring villages to check if his people were safe from harm and living peacefully,Ammu returned to Mahishmati.He stopped his chariot and got down at the hamlet where he and Devasena lived some time back.

Ammu felt like spending some time in the isolated hut which was once their home.When he stood near the threshold,he was surprised to see Devasena sitting on the floor in her royal finery.She was separating the raw rice from the husks using a traditional bamboo sieve while cooing to her son who was flailing his legs and hands from inside the cradle.Seeing his family there,Ammu smiled.

A: What are you doing here Devasena?

Washing his feet,he came in.Carrying his son from the cradle he sat beside his wife.

D: Where else will I be if not my home?Remember what we spoke that night?

He nodded.Smiling she went to the kitchen and came out with a hollow wooden plate of porridge,some green chillies and pieces of shallots which was the layman's staple food.Passing him that she took Mahe from him and sat beside her husband.

Ammu slurped the porridge from the bowl and bit onto the green chilli.He relished the simple yet flavorful and healthy meal.The bits of rice stuck to his beard and moustache which Devasena wiped from the end of her pallu.

A: Devasena...it's so yummy!!Here,try it...

He held the bowl near her mouth and she slurped it.

D: Mmm...it's delicious...

They continued having their meal.A thought occurred to her and she became solemn.Ammu looked at her questioning through eyes the reason for her gloominess.

D: Ammu,what if Kattappa killed you that day?

Ammu flashed an all knowing smile.

A: We are warriors Devasena.We should be prepared to face everything.Death is for the body,not the soul.If that had happened,I would still have returned to you through our son.

He caressed Mahe's head.

A: Nanna,you want some?

Mahe gurgled at his father in response.

D: Ah ha...you want the same food as your nanna?Once your Annaprasannam is conducted you can have rice until then only milk for you.

M mv: Who discovered all this customs?Bad people...😤

She soothed her son's back.Talking and laughing,the King and Queen of Mahishmati,re-lived their happy moments once again.♥️

The End