Shopnobhongo (broken dreams)

Collab with @harinishivaa

Standing in front of the window of Arulmolzhi's room in the Buddha Vihar , looking at Vanathi taking care of her thambi , Kundavai for the first time in her 22 years of life felt regret. Kundavai has grown up in a midst of a busy household in Pazhayarai, she was always followed by battalions of servants and  her sakhis. But loneliness never seems to leave her alone, It always comes crawling back to her at the end of the day when everyone falls asleep, leaving Kundavai all alone to deal with her emotions . Kundavai was always a happy child, she was known for her charming smile and happy demeanor but since that fateful day 5 years back when her Anna accused her of betraying his trust something broke inside of her. Since that day Kundavai has stopped sharing her feelings with anyone, how can she ? Her only friend , her Anna , had abandoned her . She had learned to suppress her emotions and become more logical and practical. She had vowed to herself from that day onwards that she will always let her head rule over her heart, because letting your heart become your leader means ending up like Anna , broken and devastated. But now seeing her Uyir Thozhi and her thambi together , Kundavai feels a certain kind of regret for that decision. She has guarded her heart with care for all these years but now she is feeling left out looking at them, she felt as if she is missing the eternal joy of life. How lucky is her brother to get someone like Vanathi in his life , someone who cares , someone who is always there , someone who fits perfectly with his kind heart. Arulmozhi needs Vanathi by his side to succeed in the battles of life , she was the Sita to his Ram .

" Ilavarasi!" the sudden call broke Kundavai's chain of thoughts , she looked up to find a certain Vaanar Warrior looking at her

Ah him, Finally he is here. Vallavaryan has been a part of Kundavai's thoughts for some months now , Unknowingly Kundavai has ended up giving this veer a special space in her heart. Kundavai gazed lovingly at his face, he looked tired , his beard was unkempt and his ever messy curls were falling on his forehead. But his sleep deprived eyes still have the same charm, the same twinkle in them...

" Is everything all right Devi?" - Vandiyathevan enquired once again

" Yes it is, why wouldn't it be Vallavaryan?"

" Well maybe because of the fact that you are standing here all alone in the balcony, you should go inside and meet your brother, ilavarasi."

Kundavai smiled at Vandiyathevan, and his heart missed a beat...

Ahh that smile , that beautiful smile. 

‘How can a smile be so intoxicating?’ Vandiyathevan thought

That smile has captured his heart since the day he first saw her in the hut of Kundandhai jothidar. He had lost his heart that day.

" Come here and see for yourself Vallavaryan."

Vandiyathevan walked towards Kundavai and peered in the window.

Kodambalur Illavarasi was sitting there by Arulmozhi’s side, her face shining with happiness, the sunlight  caressing her black tresses  as she gazed lovingly at Ponniyin Selvan's face. 

"Aren't they just perfect?"

Vandiyathevan was taken aback by the question, he had heard before from his friends back in Kanchi that Ponniyin Selvan is supposed to marry the Kodambalur Ilavarasi but after seeing him with Poonkuzhali he can't really imagine him with anyone else.

"They do ...but"

" But what Vallavaryan?"- Kundavai scorned at him

" It's not my place to say this Illavarasi but i think that Ponniyin Selvan's heart belongs to someone else and that someone else is definitely not the Kodambalur Ilavarasi."

Kundavai reeled in shock when she heard Vanthiyathevan’s words. 

Another woman had her brother’s heart? Who was it? Last she knew… was it the boat girl who had saved him?

“Who is it, Vanarkulathavare?” her voice sounded cold and furious, she did not even sound like herself. But she felt blinded by her worry for Vanathi. What had her brother done?

“Devi, adhellam edharku? (Devi, why all that now?),” Vanthiyathevan asked, triggering Kundavai’s fury. 

“Who is it, Vana Veera?”

“It is Poonkuzhali,” he submitted, sighing softly, looking at his dearest’s face, now cold like stone, eyes carved into the fury of an angel.

"That , that boat girl?"

"You are claiming that she has my brother's heart? The Arulmozhi’s heart?"- Kundavai almost screamed out of frustration causing all the vikshus around them to look in their direction  with curiosity.

"Illavarasi!, Calm down,” Vandiyathevan took an unsuccessful of attempt to calm the raging princess down but Kundavai was not listening to him.

"How can this happen again? How can another of my brother fall in love with a girl like that? Is history going to repeat itself again?  Am I going to lose another of my brother to this girl? To This mere boatwoman?" anger clouded in Kundavai's lovely eyes.

"When did this happen Vallavaryan?"- Kundavai enquired

"It, actually..."- Vandiyathevan mumbled 

"When?"- Kundavai enquired once again in a low voice

"Devi, i think we should step out before we discuss anything about this. This is sensitive news, You don't want anyone to know about this right? Especially the Kodambalur ilavarasi?"

Vallavaryan was not wrong - Kundavai sighed as she glanced  at her Uyir Thozhi. Still sitting beside Arunmolzhi gazing at him as if he is the only thing in the whole world. Vanathi shouldn't know about this.  This news can shatter the flower maiden's delicate heart, the heart she has  given to Ponniyin Selvare since she was nothing but a mere child.

Vanathi had heard the talk turned into an argument between her Akka and Vanthiyar.

She had known, from the second she had stepped into the Viharam and met Vanthiyar once more, that his friendship was not on her side. Even if she was his beloved’s uyir thozhi, to Vanthiyar, Vanathi seemed like a problem. Her silent, and often bashful nature was mistaken for timidity, resulting in none but Kundavai seeing her for who she is- a woman who can understand another’s heart just by looking at them. 

The only person she had had trouble with was the man she was gazing at, the Prince and King of her heart.

He was a closed book to her, a confusing enigma of emotions. He was also the one who had captured her heart, her ‘Ullam Kavar Kalvan’, for he had taken it and had decided not to give it back, like a thief. 

Not that she wanted it back. 

Her heart felt heavy, for she understood that her Kalvan will not return her feelings, despite what Akka had told her- Vanathi completely trusted Kundavai, but Vanthiyar had been with Ponniyin Selvar more recently than even Akka… why was everything suddenly confusing?

But how could she just leave him like that? 

Even if her Lord of wonders did not return her feelings, her duty would always be to him… so she would stay and take care of him, till Akka or Vanthiyar came back.

She drifted to her mindscape, where he shone once more, like that golden skinned Yaanai Paaga she had met and fallen for her, who had given her delighted smiles and sweet eyes, his baritone voice like the sweetest nectar she had ever heard. 

His brown eyes had sparkled with so much life, so much gentleness and spoke of a happy nature.. Till he had heard who she was. That had put a frown on his face, and she would do anything to remove that frown, one that her mere title had caused.

The Chozha Prince… who did not want to marry the orphan Princess. 

How could she blame him? When even she knew that she was no match for him? It was Kundavai Akka and Sembiyan Patti’s benevolence and the blessing of Parameshvari that made her lucky enough to even be considered his potential bride. 

One he had every right to reject, one he seemed to have from his heart. 

And yet..

What could she do?

She had been born for him, even if he did not want her. 

The sudden restless movement of her Prince brought her back to reality, and she leaned over, making sure he was comfortable, when he whispered a name that stunned her entire heart to a stone still statue. 

“Poonkuzhali.”

Vanathi felt her entire body burn with pain at the words he pronounced, her being tear from her heart almost. Her Prince did love the boat girl! 

But she could not blame him. 

What did Vanathi have? Misfortune. 

Poonkuzhali had saved his life bravely… how can he not love her? Why would he want this Princess who had nothing as compared to the brilliant woman who was exquisite, strong and independent?

She saw his Lotus eyes start to flutter, and she scrambled up, suddenly not wanting to be the first thing he saw when he woke up. As his eyes opened, she turned and ran out, wanting to get her Kundavai Akka. 

So intent was she, that she did not hear the name he whispered when he saw her retreating form. 

“Vanathi?”

So here it is ! The first chapter! It is a bit angsty but don't worry, everything will work out in the end... Please give me your honest opinions!

@whippersnappersbookworm and I are back! 

****

"Anna! We can't let you go to Kadambur on your own!" Kundavai protested as soon as she heard her brother's decision.

" Ilavarasi is right. You can't go to Kadambur all alone, especially when Nandhini is planning to murder you, Ilavarase. At least take me with you," Vandiyathevan interjected, desperate to stop his dear friend from making a rash mistake.

Aditha simply smiled at their concern. His siblings and friends care for him, but this is important and personal and he doesn't want anyone near him when he finally meets his beloved.

" No, I am not taking you with me, Vallavaraya. "

" But Ilavarase…"

" No! It's an order!" Aditha stopped Vandhiyathevan mid sentence, his voice now becoming stern.

" None of you are coming with me , all of you are going back to Thanjai as soon as Thambi feels better. Appa needs you people more than I do. I can take care of myself."

"Anna,” Arulmolzhi put a hand on Aditha's shoulder, trying his best to convince his Anna for the last time. Aditha purposely did not meet Arulmozhi’s eyes, for he knew that Arulmozhi’s pleading eyes could and will convince him to take his younger brother as well. 

" At least take me with you , we can talk with them , and maybe convince them to…"

" No Arul,” Aditha patted his little brother's head, only meeting his eyes for a fraction of a second, and even that seemed to make him want to change his mind. 

No! He could not!  

"I am sorry, but you are going back to Thanjai with them. I have to talk with Nandhini, and she is not going to listen to anyone other than me. So listen to me and go back to Thanjai. It's not a request, it's an order from the crown prince."

" Do whatever you want to do!" Kundavai huffed in frustration. “Why can’t you listen to us this once? We only want your safety.”

Aditha sighed , he was expecting this reaction from Kundavai. His sister and he tended to clash as they were equally stubborn. 

"Arul, Vandiyathevan , Kodambalur Illavarasi, would you mind going outside for some time? I need to discuss something with Kundavai privately."

Kundavai sat down by her brother's side as the others left them alone. She didn't catch Vandiyathevan glancing back at her with yearning in his eyes while leaving the room, so caught up in Aditha’s decision was she.

" Anna, is there nothing I can do to change your decision?" Kundavai enquired, tears forming in her eyes. 

" Unfortunately, no Kanna,” Aditha sighed as he looked down at his sister's eyes , her eyes shining with uncertainty and fear, the tears there hurting his heart. 

" This is something I need to do for myself. Please don't stop me, kanne."

" Anna,” Kundavai mumbled as she tried her best to blink back her tears , a fear of something uncertain gripping her heart. Kundavai knew in the back of her mind that the reunion between the lost lovers would never end in happiness, but her brother was never the one to listen to her once he had made up his mind. He will always do as he pleases especially when it comes to Nandhini. 

" You have grown up so much, Kanna. This is high time you should get married," Aditha said to lighten the tense atmosphere.

" Anna!" Kundavai playfully smacked his shoulders as she wiped away her tears.

" What Anna?" Aditha smiled as he pulled his dear sister into a hug.

" My little sister has grown up so much , she has become so beautiful and intelligent. Now she needs a man who would be her equal in everything, someone who could understand her scheming brain and possibly win an argument with her."

Kundavai laughed at her brother's words as Aditha absent-mindedly ruffled her long hair.

" Unfortunately such a man is rare, Anna."

Aditha looked down at her sister , tears glistening in her eyes and she rested her head on his shoulders.

" Is everything okay, thangai?"

" Yes, of course! Why wouldn't it be?"- Kundavai answered as she tried to blink back her tears

" Don't hide your tears from me, kanna. Tell me what's wrong?"

" Nothing Anna , it's just that I missed you."

Aditha knew it was the truth, but that there was more to it. He lifted sister's head and wiped away her tears, which kept falling regardless of her efforts.

"I missed you too, Kanna. So much."

" I am really sorry Anna,” Kundavai mumbled under her breath as she tried to compose herself.

" For what?"

" For everything I did, I didn't mean to hurt you, Anna. I honestly didn't know that Nandhini's absence was going to hurt you like that . I thought she was just a …"

"A passing cloud?" Aditha enquired

"Yes , but I was wrong . Apparently, you were in love with her so much that her disappearance broke you apart . Is such a love possible? One full of such selflessness, in this Kaliyugam? Our scriptures do speak of that love, but such selflessness feels so rare."

" Why are there so many questions about love suddenly, little one? Is there something I should know?" Aditha teased his sister, making her blush.

" It's nothing Anna , I was just wondering . Something happened last night which made me wonder."

" What happened?" Aditha wondered. What made his practical sister wonder about love? Is she finally realizing her feelings for Vallavarayan?

" It was Vanathi, she told me something last night and I simply can't get it out of my mind. She said that it doesn't matter whether Arulmozhi returned her emotions or not . She would continue to love him till her very last breath."

Aditha smiled hearing this declaration of the Kodumbalur Ilavarasi . He was right then. Vanathi is absolutely selfless and madly in love with his brother. But unfortunately Arulmozhi is hellbent on ignoring her love struck gazes. What is wrong with his siblings? They were both smart and intelligent, brilliant in fact, in everything. Except love, it seemed. 

" Ah sounds like something the light of Kodumbalur would say. Unfortunately, our stupid brother doesn't appreciate a gem like her, but I think I can understand her point of view."

“Explain it to me, Anna. Please. I want to understand. I want to understand her better, and you better. Please?” 

Kundavai was trembling with overwhelming emotions. 

" Kundavai ,calm down, kuzhandhai,”  Aditha rubbed her sister's hand to calm her down 

" You will get all these answers once you fall deeply and madly in love with someone. Love is more powerful than any other force in this world, it has the capacity to make or break one. It's the reason behind the survival of humankind. The power of love is what keeps us alive , it supplies us with hope in the darkest of times. There is an unexplainable kind of happiness in giving up and sacrificing for the one you love. You may say I am a mad man to still keep my hopes up , but it's better to be an emotional fool than a logical one. It's better to die for love than to live a life devoid of one. If someone gives me the option to choose between death in the arms of my beloved or death in the battlefield. I will always choose the former. Because at least I will be able to see the yearning and love in my beloved's eyes for one last time. I will die knowing that my love , my agony, was not in vain. And at least in my brief period of time on this Earth, I was able to experience this ethereal feeling."

" I don't know what you are saying, Anna,” Kundavai answered, confused by Aditha's monologue. He seemed to be answering her, but going beyond that. 

" What do you mean by dying in the arms of your beloved? Why are you even talking about dying?"

" It's hypothetical, kanna," Aditha replied as he wiped away his tears.

" Don't worry, there will be a time when you will understand what I mean, and I have a gut feeling that that time is nearer than you think."

"I don't think so Ann."

"Kundavai,” Aditha put his hand on Kundavai's head

" Let me give you a little advice as your big brother. For once try to live in the moment and let go. I know you have to become an adult and an older sibling to Arul when I abandoned you and I am extremely sorry for that. But don't refuse yourself the small joys of life. You are allowed to act childish and make mistakes. For once let your heart rule over your head , look around there is love all around you , try to embrace that love thangaiye!"

" But Anna, this is not possible,” Kundavai whispered under her breath.

" Stop caring about your duty alone for once Kundavai. There is much more to life than duty and rules. One can always balance duty and passion if they want to. People rarely receive love in their lifetime, even if they search the whole universe for it. Your Lucky that love itself has come to your doorsteps searching for you. Don't let that go to waste kanna, you will regret it."

"I don't know what to do Anna,” Kundavai replied as a sob broke out in her throat. "I have never been this confused Anna , never."

"Kundavai, you do know it is okay to not have the answer for everything, right?” Aditha clicked his tongue.

"Can we please leave this topic Anna?" Kundavai pleaded to Aditha. " It has been so long since we last met. I don't want to spend this precious moment crying.”

"Do you want to discuss Arul and his stupidity?" 

A mischievous smile spread across Aditha's face.

“Anna! It's serious! I am worried about him and Vanathi, and you are laughing?" Kundavai gasped in disbelief

"What else do you want me to do kanna? He is behaving like an Idiot around Vanathi. How can he not realize that he is madly in love with her? How did he end up being this stupid when it comes to love, he is my brother for god's sake!"

" He is in love with Vanathi? Are you sure Anna?” A glimmer of hope rises in Kundavai's heart.

"Of course he is!"

"But Poonkuzhali?"

"Ah Poonkuzhali,” Aditha sighed. "She is a beautiful woman , any man will be lucky to get her . But our Arul is not that lucky man, he is definitely not in love with her. But she is madly in love with him and that can cause a problem for us."

" Problem? What problem can she cause? Especially when Arul is not in love with her?"

Aditha stood up to face the window in front of his room looking down to the garden of the Vihara, where his brother stood bantering with the Kodumbalur ilavarasi, a smile shining on his golden countenance.

" Jealousy can make people do many things, Kundavai. I , myself, am a prime example of that. I think you should speak with her, make her see some sense."

" Me? But why?"- Kundavai questioned as she came to stand behind her brother

" Because she reminds me of you"- Aditha turned to face his sister.

" A stubborn, burning flame. You can handle her better than we do , just make her understand the reality of her situation and please don't threaten her. It will just make the situation worse."

" I will try my best,” Kundavai answered as she approached the door

" Kundavai!"

Kundavai turned around to face her brother . The light of the descending sun is falling on Aditha Karikalan's face illuminating his features, Kundavai can see tears shining like pearls in the corner of her Anna's eyes.

"Give love a chance, it will not disappoint you."

*******

Collab with @harinishivaa

Arulmozhi Varman was confused with himself. He said he didn’t want Vanathi, and yet, his thoughts had been deeply sunk into her, and his worry had been for the tender heart of said maiden. Why was her heart and it’s condition so important to him? What was it about her that made him worry so much?

Was he supposed to like Samudra Kumari?

And yet, his eyes would not even wander from Vanathi? What sort of man was he?

He was annoyed with himself, but even he knew that he couldn’t deny that something about his Akka’s best friend endeared him to her in a way no one else could.

He had felt her gentle gaze on him often, but every time he turned to look, she was looking away from him. Why did she not meet his eyes? Why did she change?

Why was she not that mischievous, teasing maiden he had met at first? Does his being Ponniyin Selvar change that they had interacted so well the first time?

Why would she want that change?

Parameshvara, has he gone mad? Why is he thinking so much about this and her?

He could hear a persistent voice in the back of his head trying to tell him something, but he shut it down. Now was not the time.

Even as he pondered so, he saw Vanathi walking along the flowers, and admired the connotation. Was she not a flower herself?

‘Arulmozhi!’ He chided himself firmly. ‘Stop it.’

He forced his mind to turn to something else, something political, something that had been bothering him since Vanthiyathevan had come to Eezham with news at Thanjai.

“Ilavarase?”

Ah, a hundred years. Vanthiyar had come up to him.

“Vaarungal, Vanthiyare, (come, Vanthiyare)” he smiled briefly at his friend.

“Is everything alright?”

“It is, though I have some doubts now… Vanathi!” He called out, taking quick steps towards her, her name sounding as common to his tongue as he said Chozha Nadu. Almost as if he couldn’t bear to call her anything else.

“Ilavarase!”

She startled, her doe eyes widening as her eyes met his, the sheer gaze of them having the ability to stop Arulmozhi’s very movement. Why did she always have this effect on him?

“Vanathi, can I ask you a few questions?” he said softly, walking to stand a respectable distance from her, though he was itching to stand close to her for some reason.

“Of course, Ilavarase,” she blinked her doe eyes at him, though easily accepting his request. It was clear she was curious what he wanted to know, and he was gratified at her easy acceptance.

“Vanthiyathevar has told me of the situation at Thanjai. But he was there only for a few days. You stayed there with Akka for quite some time, based on what Akka told me. What was your experience with the Pazhavettarayars there, Vanathi?”

“They weren’t incredibly welcoming of even Akka, my Prince,” Vanathi started. “They seemed very displeased that she had suddenly chosen to visit, with her whole retinue that too. And they were probably disconcerted by the fact that Akka insisted on parading with me into Thanjai. Nandhini Devi even made a comment on it that I think she thought was to hurt me, but it didn’t have the intended effect.”

“What did she say?” he asked, curious.

“Princesses flock Pazhayarai like bees flock flowers for nectar, she said. It goes to show her intelligence that she was able to hide her real meaning with pretty words,” Vanathi said frankly. “She isn’t actually wrong, but is not the true nectar the friendship of Kundavai Akka and the guidance of Sembiyan Patti?”

“How many would view it as you do, Vanathi?” reposed Arulmozhi rhetorically, smiling when she acknowledged his words with a smile of her own, having understood what he meant.

“They do have full control, my Prince. They have made the Chakravarthy a prisoner, and even try to manipulate him with regards to you and the Pattathu Ilavarasar,” Vanathi said softly. “They tried to imply that you both are competing for the throne, but Chakravarthy got furious and asked them if they had cut the tongues that wagged such tales about you and the Crown Prince.”

Arulmozhi’s eyebrows rose in some surprise and sadness.

“So my Patta also feels this?”

“My Prince, he may be playing politics, but I believe he does really adore you. I saw his face when the news of your drowning reached us. He was broken, shattered beyond belief. He kept saying, ‘En Arulmozhi, en Chella kuzhandhai’ over and over.”

“I see.”

Arulmozhi looked distant, silently feeling the emotions and smiling mildly.

“What else, Vanathi? Have all the scrolls I sent reached Appa?”

Vanathi looked at him with something like awe and knowing, as if she had been expecting this from him.

“No my Prince,” she said, sighing. “Your dearest mother told me that the Chakravarthy wanted you and the Pattathu Ilavarasar by his side, but that the two brothers did not relay the message. She requested Akka to bring both of you back, as at this very moment, your father needs you by his side.”

Arulmozhi felt disturbed. He had to get to his father. He really did. But his brother- he felt almost disoriented.

“Is there anything else?”

“Ilavarase, they manipulated your father’s orders and made it an arrest instead of his order for you to return to his side,” she said quietly. “And I know who suggested that as well.”

“Nandhini,” Arulmozhi responded, sure and certain.

She nodded, sighing.

“She hides her intelligence behind her honestly stunning beauty,” Vanathi said frankly. “She has dropped suggestions for your Chittappa to covet the crown. She had suggested your imprisonment, and she dislikes Akka, for reasons you well know.”

Arulmozhi nodded, his eyes sparkling at how honest Vanathi was, and how her acumen was showing itself in subtle peaks, one he had felt in her but not seen till then.

“So tell me, Vanathi, how have your fainting spells been?” he teased.

“Vanished finally, my Prince,” she blushed and teased back, making him laugh.

“You stopped fainting, you talk, Vanathi, how could you hide this from me?” his tone stayed teasing and mischievous, making her laugh. The particles of the air seemed to laugh with her, showering the world with golden sparkles, and Arulmozhi was captivated, despite not realizing it.

Vandiyathevan was confused; he didn't expect to see his Uyir thozha's face getting illuminated in the presence of the Kodumbalur ilavarasi. Arulmozhi's eyes sparkled with a different kind of emotion as he continued to tease Vanathi ,who discarded her usual shy self and actively participated in the banter.

" Didn't Ponniyin Selvan say that The Ilavarasi is nothing to him then why is he behaving like this?"- Vandiyathevan wondered , he had previously seen Arulmolzhi converse with Poonkuzhali, the girl he thought he was in love with . With Samudrakumari, Ponniyin Selvan was his usual charming self , easily fluctuating between flirtations and platonic adoration . But with Vanathi , the great prince transformed into a young child who doesn't know how to behave around a woman. His behavior reminded Vallavaryan of young boys trying to catch the eye of the girl they loved with teasing and bullying.

" Was the adoration him and Samudrakumari shared was a figment of my imagination or a projection of my own desire for Kundavai?"

Vandiyathevan glanced at the pair standing in front of him lost in their own world , laughing like little childrens on a comman joke they shared , adoration visible in both their eyes as their laughter spread like music across the Vihara. Their serene countenance didn't show any sign of the storm raging inside their hearts, the small moment of happiness among the grieve tension filled atmosphere has separated them from the real tangible world and its problems.

Looking at them reminded the Vanar kulam warrior of a certain moment he shared once in a boat with his beloved, the moment where they were lost in each other's eyes without a care of the world and the rules that forces them apart.

‘Was Kundavai right all along? Is Kodambalur ilavarasi Vanathi always the one for Ponniyin selvan?’

His thoughts continued to ring in his head, as if in some divine push, when he heard the Prince laugh out loud, genuine and open, hearing something the Princess had said.

By Ishvara, had he been that wrong about the gentle Princess?

@vijayasena @vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @ambidextrousarcher @celestesinsight @jukti-torko-golpo @ @rang-lo @dr-scribbler @ragkee @ @ @ @sakhiiii @harinishivaa @freeunknownwasteland @nspwriteups @willkatfanfromasia @gemsmusings @celestesinsight @sampigehoovu @balladedutempsjadis

Prahelika (puzzle)

Collab with @harinishivaa

Arulmozhi Varman had never been this confused in his whole life, it had been ten days since he had seen death face to face, ten days since he had jumped into the ocean to save his Uyir thozha from getting drowned . He had spent those ten days in a semi-conscious state , drifting between nightmares and realities. He clearly remembers the touch of a soft hand on his temple, the whisper of a few words and a lullaby in his ears in between those horrible dreams trying to lessen his pain . Who was that? Was it the Samudra Kumari or was it his akka's dear Thozhi , Kodumbalur ilavarasi?

If it was the latter, what was she doing here in the vihara? Arulmozhii let out a frustrated groan as he tried to remember those words that the mystery girl was whispering in his ears , something along the lines of how she had dedicated her life to him , and how she had belonged to him since the beginning of time.

If that's the Kodambur ilavarasi…. how is he going to break the petal-like heart of that young maiden? How can he tell her that she doesn't belong to him and probably never will?

‘Akka, why did you have to give her high hopes?’ he despaired.

"Arul!"

Arulmozhi looked up to find his dear akka standing in front of the door, her wild hair falling over her temple , her eyes glistening with tears. Arunmolzhi didn't expect to see his sister, the picture of perfection like this. He thought she would come running to him smiling widely, her eyes overflowing with happiness, and tell him how a certain Vanar warrior had been successful in stealing her heart. But there she was , looking like a lost woman, which hurt his heart.

“Akka?”

Something bad had definitely happened. His sister would never look like this, especially after he had just woken up. He knew how much she loved him.

“Kanne, you are up!” she ran to him, cupping his cheeks and kissing his forehead.

"Oh how worried I was, Arul! I felt like I had lost the post precious person, I am so happy that you are fine . Don't ever dare to leave your dear sister like this!"

"I won't , I promise, akka" Arulmozhi smiled as he wiped away his akka's tears."How can I ever leave you, akka? Without your guidance I couldn't do anything in life. I will never leave you, I promise! Now don't cry , I can't bear to see tears in my dear sister's eyes . They don't suit you, akka.”

“Tears are going to be normal for me, thambi,” she whispered, shaking her head.

“What do you mean, Akka?”

“Adhellam thevai illai, kanna, (all that is not necessary, dear one)” she said, sitting next to him. “You tell me, how are you feeling?”

"Much better, but tell me something. Is your Uyir Thozhi here?"

A smile formed on Kundavai's lips by this question, all the sadness and doubts suddenly vanishing from her face. She knew it! Her thambi would never go against her wishes. Vandiyathevan was wrong, she hoped. He doesn't care about that boat girl, romantically, did he? She knew her younger brother and knew he cared for every human being dearly. But how could he care for Samudra Kumari like that, when it is Vanathi who resides in his heart?

" She is , but why do you care, thambi?"

"I d-don’t!" Arunmolzhi answered, covering his face with his hands, knowing he did not sound convincing. He could feel his head threatening to burst.

"I am worried that her being here will only make her hopes high! She will think that I want to marry her, and I don’t want to hurt her."

“She knows you don’t want to marry her,” Kundavai suddenly responded, her tone all too neutral, startling Arulmozhi. “Do not assume things about my thozhi without knowing her. This is not what I taught you, or what Patti did.”

Arulmozhi stared at his sister with wide eyes, wondering what had happened. But he also felt guilt creep in.

Had he judged the Princess too harshly?

Akka was right, he did not know much about her, despite his… Oh, he understood now. He had attempted to ask his Akka about her, and that had fueled his Akka’s desire for him to marry her Thozhi.

“If you don’t want to marry her, fine. I will marry into a Kingdom with two Princes so that one of them can marry Vanathi,” Kundavai responded, still calm. “I will not separate from her.”

“I.. what?”

He was shocked. His Akka.. Vanathi… he suddenly could not shake the image of Vanathi marrying another man, and how awful it made him feel. Even the feeling of the fever had not been so bad.

“Akka, you said you would never leave Chozha Nadu.”

“I won’t, but I will ensure my Vanathi has a happy life, and is also with me,” Kundavai said.

“Is that why you wanted her to marry me?” Arulmozhi did not know why it saddened him.

“No. The best of men can marry only the best of women.”

"And you really believe that Vanathi is the best for me? I know you love her, but how can you think that she is everything I want?"

Kundavai sighed at her brother's words, as if they hurt her head and heart.

" Maybe she is not what you want, but she is everything you need. She fits perfectly with you, she is the water which reflects your light. Her kind heart is the perfect match for your noble one , she will understand you more than anyone. You need someone innocent and pure like her to survive in this world. Vanathi will be the cooling shade in your life after a long day. She will provide you with peace and happiness. Do you know what Jothidar told me about her? He said that Vanathi would give birth to one of the greatest kings of all times and she would marry a man who will one day become the king of the kings! Don't you see how everything matches with you?"

"Then is this the real reason, Akka?” Arunmolzhi inquired in a low voice, unable to keep his hurt completely hidden. "You want me to marry her because of her fortune? Not because of the fact that she will love me?"

" What are you even saying, Arul? It's nothing like that. I want you to marry her because I know that she is perfect for you! I know she is in love with you, and she will help you achieve your goals.”

"What if I want to forge a new path, Akka?"

"Wh..what do you mean?"- Kundavai was taken aback by her brother's sudden declaration. What is happening? Why is Arul suddenly behaving like this? The Arulmolzhi she knows never dared to go against the wishes of his akka, but this…

"I just mean that I am tired of all this akka! I am tired of all the expectations you people have from me , I am tired of this royal life , it suffocates me. The three months that I spent in Eezham, away from the kingdom, away from all the courtly politics, were the three best months of my life . And this makes me believe that maybe I am not meant for all this greatness you talk about, or the throne. Maybe I just want to live a simple life exploring this beautiful world rather than sitting on a throne and dwelling in politics!"

Kundavai sighed, and looked at her brother.

“Why this drastic change, thambi? You are not one to give up on your motherland.So why the sudden change? Was Vanthiyar right? Is it the Samudra Kumari?”

“The Samudra Kumari? Poonkuzhali? What does she have to do with this?”

" The least you can do right now is not lie to me, thambi! I deserve the truth! Are you going to leave us, Kanna? Please tell me you won’t? And what about my Vanathi?”

"I …akka!"

" Ilavarasi!"- Kundavai and Vandiyathevan turned around to find Vandiyathevan standing at the door.

" I am sorry, but the crown prince is here."

Aditha Karikalan knew from the very moment he stepped onto the periphery of the Buddha Vihara that something wasn't right. His suspicion was further confirmed when he came face to face with his siblings. It had been almost a year since he had seen his siblings, one year since the day he came to know about his beloved's marriage to his thatha. He could feel something was going on between his siblings , something that they were purposefully hiding from him. Kundavai's twinkling eyes and Arulmolzhi's morose demeanor clearly hinted in that direction. Even his best friend, Vallavaryan Vandiyathevan, who is known for his charming nature, seems to be sulking around the Vihara all alone. Aditha covered his face in frustration.He may have been a bit busy, but that doesn't mean his siblings have outgrown him? Then why are they not sharing their problems with him? Do they not trust him? Or do they think he is a madman who is incapable of helping them?

The sound of prayer coming from Vihara, interrupted his thoughts.

"No!"- Aditha thought aloud ,

" I may have abandoned my siblings before, but now I am here and I will not let them suffer as long as I am alive."

****************************

It's here! LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS SO WE CAN IMPROVE. ITS IMPORTANT!

Bhognohridoy (broken hearted)

Collab with @harinishivaa

Poonkuzhali was exhausted, she was tired of waiting and peeping around to get a glimpse of her Ponniyin Selvan. Since the day the Kodambalur illavarasi had arrived, Poonkuzhali hasn't dared to go near him. She was afraid of witnessing something that could break her heart into a million pieces. Although she had seen the aforementioned women roaming around the Vihara, taking care of Arulmozhi ,tending to his wounds.She was curious about this woman who apparently is going to marry her, Ponniyin Selvan.

Vanathi was exactly like she imagined, beautiful, graceful and petite. Just like a so- called perfect princess should be. Jealousy filled Poonkuzhali's heart even with the very mention of her name. What was so special about her? Why does everyone think that she is his perfect match? Will she ever be able to understand him or protect him from the dangers of the world like she did? Does she even care?

No, she does. As much as Poonkuzhali wants to ignore it, she knows in her subconscious mind that Vanathi cares about Arulmolzhi. She had seen her sitting beside his side looking at him like he was the only thing in this universe. Vanathi's love for him was pure and beautiful, maybe much stronger than hers?

"No!" Poonkuzhali stabbed her knife into the wooden pillar as the very thought entered her mind.

" No no it can't be , her love can never be stronger than mine!"

Since Poonkuzhali was a young child she has been known for her beauty. Everyone who sees her compares her to the divine goddess of heaven. Men fall at her feet yearning for her love , but Poonkuzhali never spared them a glance. In her heart she always believed that she was destined for greatness. Only the greatest of all men is worthy of her beauty and her love. She was meant for a divine entity, not some mere human being. So she guarded her heart with care and saved herself for her god , until she met him: Her Ponniyin Selvare.

Poonkuzhali still remembers the first time she saw him. He emerged like a divine being, a golden light surrounding him like a halo. He was the sun among mortals , his presence had the power to turn hell into heaven. He won her heart with a few words , he gave her a new identity, a new birth: Samudra Kumari , The queen of the seas. From that day onwards, Poonkuzhali decided that Arulmolzhi is the one meant for her, he is the king to her queen. She nurtured that dream in her heart for those painful months of separation , her dream transformed into a reality when she met him again in Eezham. He nurtured that small dream , and gave her hope . But all of those dreams disappeared as soon as that princess arrived! She came out of nowhere and took away Ponniyin Selvan, her Ponniyin Selvan. The one who talked about his dreams with her. Arulmozhi didn't even care to inquire about her once? He didn't even search for her? How can he do this?

" Of Course he can,” Poonkuzhali muttered as she used her knife to destroy the wooden pillar of the vihara.

"He is too busy with his princess to care about this boat girl!"

"Ayoo!" Poonkuzhali turned around to find Vandiyathevan standing behind her with a mischievous smile on his face.

"Is the Samudra Kumari planning to destroy the vihara or what?"

" Go away!" Poonkuzhali answered.

" I don't need you!"

" Of course you don't, but I do. The crown prince has called you.”

" What? Why?" Poonkuzhali turned around to face him.

" How can I know?" Vandiyathevan shrugged his shoulders

" Why don't you come and find out?"

Vanathi didn't want to be in this family meeting, she didn't want to be near Ponniyin Selvan when he is reunited with Poonkuzhali. Because she knew she couldn't bear to see him glancing at another woman with love in his eyes. It was Kundavai who forced her to come here.

" Why are you hiding from her, Vanathi? There's nothing to be afraid of! Be a brave girl and face your fear. Be the Vanathi I know, calm and quiet but an enigma in her heart,” she said.

Right now, Vanathi didn't feel so brave , she felt like the walls of the room were closing , choking her and making her breathless.She had an urge to disappear inside the Earth like Sita , as she sat there half-listening to the banter between the three siblings.

"Illavarasi, Poonkuzhali is here."

Vanathi's head jerked up to finally face the woman she had heard so much about. The woman who was able to win the heart of the unattainable Ponniyin Selvan, the heart of the man whom she loved.

Poonkuzhali was the very epitome of beauty. She reminded Vanathi of the stories of the divine Apsaras she heard from her grandmother when she was young. Vanathi was not a man, but she could understand why any man would fall in love with her. Poonkuzhali was ethereal, she was like a burning flame , her beautiful eyes reminded Vanathi of the sea : the sea during the storm . She stands tall among all the royals , as if daring them to challenge her. Her haughty gait and proud posture reminded Vanathi so much of Illayi Piratti. No wonder Arulmolzhi fell in love with her .

Kundavai on the other hand was taken aback by Poonkuzhali. She expected a timid and shy girl, who would crumble under her glare, but this girl was something else. She didn't care about what the people in the room thought about her , she didn't care that they were royal, she only had eyes for one person, her brother. Maybe Vandiyathevan was right, Poonkuzhali was special. Her presence reminded Kundavai of a certain friend from her past…

‘No!’

The very thought made her shiver,

She was right. Poonkuzhali is unsuitable for her brother. Not because she is a boat woman, but because she is a fire that can burn him.

"So you are the one who saved my brother?" Aditha enquired

" Yes , Ilavarase," Poonkuzhali bowed down as Aditha addressed her.

" I couldn't have done that without my aunt's help."

" Your aunt?"

" I will tell you about her later, Anna," Arulmolzhi whispered to his brother.

" Thank you, kanna,” Aditha turned around to the girl standing in front of him.

" You don't know what favor you did to our family. We will always be grateful to you."

" It was nothing Ilavarase, I have to do this for myself,” Poonkuzhali replied, making Kundavai scorn, in anger.

Aditha simply smiled at her reply.

" Ah, you are a smart girl, I see. So tell me, Samudra Kumari , what do you want as a reward for saving my brother?"

" Re…reward?" Poonkuzhali mumbled

" Yes reward , Penne, you saved my brother's life. I have to reward you for your brave deed."

Poonkuzhali looked towards Vandiyathevan in confusion.

" Go on. Tell,” Vandiyathevan encouraged her

" I don't need anything, Ilavarase."

" You must need something. Go on, tell us."

"I really don't…"

Aditha smiled seeing her hesitate.

"Tell me Kanna , I promise you I will try my best to give you what you want."

"Ayoo Ilavarase, don't promise me anything too rashly, you will regret it later,” Poonkuzhali laughed bitterly.

Aditha scorned at her , this girl was now getting on his nerves . What is the deal with her?

"Why don't you just tell him?” Kundavai interrupted , wanting to end this conversation.

Poonkuzhali stood up, fixing her gaze at the princess. She had heard about her, she knew how much influence she had on her brother's life. Poonkuzhali also knew that Kundavai was the one arranging the marriage between Vanathi and Arulmolzhi. She was the one taking him away from her.

" You can't give me what I want, Illavarasi , rather you don't want to!" Poonkuzhali replied, rendering everyone in the room speechless. Anger rose in Kundavai's face as she realized what she meant.

" I think I should leave. I am sorry if I have upset you with my words. Please forgive me if you can,” Poonkuzhali replied as she ran out of the room and clashed with Sendhan

"Kuzhali wait!"-

He called out her name but Poonkuzhali didn't stop to listen, tears threatened to come out of her eyes not because she regretted her words but because she remembered how Arulmolzhi hadn't bothered to glance at her once while she was there, rather he was busy staring at the beautiful face of a certain princess .

"Oh, you are not wrong Arul , that girl is a Spitfire,” Aditha tried to joke to lighten the intense atmosphere Poonkuzhali has caused with her unexpected declaration.

" Hmm " Arulmozhi replied as he glanced towards Vanathi, who refused to even look at him. Why? Was she okay? What was Akka thinking about bringing her here in front of Samudrakumari? Didn't she know it could affect her heart? What if she once again faints? Who is going to take care of her then?

" Arul, are you even listening?" Kundavai snapped at her daydreaming brother, though she had noticed his looks, and had to control her smile.

" Anna is saying something!"

" I am, I am!"- Arulmolzhi replied as he tried his best to compose himself

What am I doing? Why am I worrying so much about Kodambalur Ilavarasi? When akka is there to take care of her.

" Vallavaryan, why don't you come and sit down? We need to discuss our plan of action,” Aditha gestured to his friend.

“Of course, llavarase,” smiled Vanthiyathevan, taking a seat next to Aditha, who noticed the tense yet easy air between his brother and the Kodumbalur Princess.

He sighed. Looked like his brother needed to hear about love from him.

Kuzhali is here!! Let us know your opinions on this chapter! please!!!

@harinishivaa

Collabwth @whippersnappersbookworm

*****

The wind rumpled Vanathi's long hair as she stood all alone on the banks of the sea looking at the golden sun setting on the horizon. It's light reflecting on the gently calm waters, making it golden. The sun always reminded Vanathi of Ponniyin Selvan, radiant and full of glory. Shining brightly upon everyone around him but still unattainable. 

All the other princesses back in Pazhayarai were right. Vanathi is a foolish good for nothing! . How stupid she was to think that she could match up with the aura of Ponniyin Selvan? He is the mighty sun and she ? She is nothing but a mere dewdrop on the grass. 

Vanathi sighed as she sat down on the steps of the bank, still successfully avoiding the Prince of her dreams. It had been three days since she had arrived here under order of her Kundavai Akka, three days since she had heard Ponniyin Selvan call out the name of another girl in his sleep, three very long days. Vanathi had overheard the conversation between Kundavai and Vandiyathevan which further confirmed her suspicion of Arulmozhi being in love with another woman. What was her name? Yes, Poonkuzhali.

 Vanathi had caught a glimpse of her once, peeking through the windows of Arulmozhi’s room one night, her big bright eyes shining with tears as she gazed upon Arulmozhi's face. Vanathi knows that look very well. She has been giving the same look to Arulmozhi since the very first day. It is also the very look that she has caught Vandiyathevan giving Ilavarasi whenever she is not looking. It's the look of love. But unlike Kundavai, Vanathi was not angry with Poonkuzhali, she could understand her feelings. Ponniyin Selvare was the man every woman yearns for , he is the literal embodiment of Purushottama Raghava, so it is completely understandable that Poonkuzhali fell in love with him . But the fact that he returned her affections devastated Vanathi. 

Since she was a mere child she was told that one day she would grow up to marry the mighty Ponniyin Selvan, the great Chola Scion, the one who is the apple of everyone's eyes. Her whole life was dedicated to becoming the perfect woman for him, but even after all this Arulmozhi never bothered to glance upon her. The only time he did, was when she fainted. It was the only time his Lotus eyes gazed upon her , it was the only time he ever exchanged words with her. And those few words were enough to light a fire in her heart, the fire that burned her in his absence. But now the name of another woman on his lips had extinguished that fire, Vanathi felt as if she had lost the only purpose she had in her life. What is she going to do now? What next?   

"Vanathi..."- Vanathi turned around to find Kundavai standing behind her. She looked fatigued, shadows forming under her beautiful eyes,as if a sudden sorrow had gripped her heart, taking away the golden glow she always had in her face.

"Akka, when did you come?" Vanathi enquired, standing up to hug Kundavai, who hugged her back. 

" Right now, kanna,” Kundavai answered, while sitting down beside her Uyir Thozhi

" Where were you dear? I have been searching for you since yesterday! You completely vanished , you didn't even visit Thambi after he woke up!"

Vanathi looked down. 

"I was giving you three some space akka, it has been so long since you three met each other. You had so many things to share ..."

"Kanna .." Kundavai ran a hand through her unruly locks of hair falling over her face, blocking her view.

" We don't need any privacy from you! You are a part of our family!"

" Akka, to you, I am a sister. But please don’t say I am part of your family. Even when you all consider me so, the one who…well, doesn’t. So please don't lie to me! Especially when I know the truth!" 

Vanathi exclaimed, looking away.

“What truth? Arulmozhi did not confess to loving Ponkuzhali, Kanne.”

“He whispered her name in his sleep,” she whispered.

“When?” Kundavai sounded sad and puzzled. 

“When I was taking care of Ponniyin Selvar… I lost myself after that, not wanting to be a blight on his happiness seeing the Samudra Kanya. Akka, please don’t blame her. She is just a woman who lost her heart to your brother, who steals all hearts.” 

“Vanathi, this is your graciousness, my sweet girl,” Kundavai hugged her friend, tears falling down from her eyes. 

“Akka,” Vanathi hugged Kundavai, knowing that the latter was crying for more than one reason, and that she had finally found the space to do so. She just hugged her tighter, letting her cry out, though she suddenly became aware of the gaze of her sun on them from inside. 

She forced herself not to look in his direction, instead focusing on her Akka alone. 

" I am so sorry Kanna , I am sorry that you are going through this pain. I wish I could do something to lessen this pain of heartbreak but I can't, I don't know how to."

" It's perfectly fine, akka,”Vanathi replied as she tried her best to calm the princess down.

" I am perfectly fine , but tell me the truth, akka , are you okay? Is there something that is bothering you? Please tell me the truth, akka , I can't bear to see you like this."

" Is everything okay?" 

Vanathi froze for a second, hearing his honeyed voice, and looked at Kundavai in worry. 

“Thambi, let me just… be for a moment,” Kundavai said, closing her eyes and burying her face in Vanathi’s shoulder. 

Vanathi wrapped her arms around Kundavai tightly, looking at her heart’s Lord. His orbs held the colour of molten gold, shining with worry for his elder sister, though he still looked a bit tired. Was he resting well? 

Did he take his medicine properly? And eat the food Akka took for him?

She knew he had no idea that it was food in her hand that he was eating. 

“Vanangugiren, Ponniyin Selvare. It is good to see you up and about. Akka was very worried,” she said,trying to be calm in her greeting, but as polite as ever. She knew colour had rushed to her cheeks the moment his ethereal Lotus eyes had fallen on her face. 

Arulmozhi was thrown aback for a moment by how she sounded, and how her eyes held a courage he had seen in her the first time they met on the banks of Ponni Thai. And yet… he could not help but be drawn to the darkening blush on her golden cheeks. 

“Ilavarasi, I didn’t know I would be seeing you, though I did know you had come,” he responded, partly curious that she hadn’t come to see him. He knew the larger part of him felt uneasy that she hadn't come to him, and whether he accepted it or not, he had come to the two because he wanted to make sure both were okay, not just his elder sister. 

"Ilavarase, I came with Akka. She was… devastated at your drowning, and needed someone to take care of her.”

Vanathi avoided telling him her own state, her drowning, the wedding she had seen…

Arulmozhi was once again confused by her formal behavior. Why was she behaving like that with him? He almost felt like asking her whether she was devastated by the news of his drowning, but didn't know how to phrase it without sounding desperate.

" Of course I know about your existence, Ilavarasi , you are my sister's Uyir Thozhi after all. How can I not keep tabs on you?"

Vanathi's heart skipped a bit due to this statement. Why is he tormenting her like that? Doesn't he understand that all these sweet talks are not going to help her ? This only makes it difficult for her to let go of him.

" Arul, don't tease her like this!" Kundavai said, now looking up. “The main reason I brought her was so that she doesn’t get kidnapped, again.” 

“Akka!” Vanathi sighed but also giggled a bit.

"Kidnap? Who is kidnapping the Ilavarasi?'- Arunmolzhi asked, confused at his sister's words , a worry rising in his chest

" Akka , can we please leave this topic?" Vanathi pleaded.

" No we can't! Akka, please tell me the whole thing right now. Is Vanathi’s life in danger by any chance? "

Kundavai sighed at his reaction. Why is her brother like that? Does he even know what he is doing? Times like this reminded Kundavai of the fact that Arul is still a young man , maybe too young to take the burdens of the Kingdom.

" I'll tell you all about that later, Thambi. Don't worry, no one can harm my kanna while I am here. Now, tell me where Anna is? We need to talk with him."

" He is in his room talking with Vandiyathevan."

" Vandiyathevan?” Kundavai scowled. Vanathi shook her head at Kundavai. 

“Akka, don't be angry at him.” 

“Why am I not allowed to be Kanne?” Kundavai looked furious, causing Arulmozhi to worry even more. What was going on? 

“If you are angry on my behalf, please don’t be, Akka,” Vanathi pleaded. “You have always said that everyone is entitled to their opinions. So why are you angry at him for having his opinion? It may differ from yours, but that is okay. Please don’t be angry with him.”

His sister was angry at Vathiyar? On Vanathi’s behalf? What had he missed?

Kundavai looked at Vanathi’s pleading eyes, and nodded her head, turning to Arulmozhi to talk before he could question her. 

"What are they talking about, thambi? Do you know?”

Vandhiyathevan sat motionless under the stern gaze of the crown prince. It has been 15 minutes , 15 long minutes since the crown prince had called him into his chamber. 

" is everything alright ilavarase ?" Vandiyathevan questioned, frustrated by the prolonged silence. Aditha always did this with him, and got him to crack. Yet, he fell for it every time. 

" You told me,” Aditha replied. "I sent you to Pazhayarai to my sister so you can work as a spy for her and help her! But apparently you are too busy arguing with her and making her cry, care to explain this?"

Vandiyathevan internally groaned at the question,how come he knows about the fight?. Vallavarayan has been trying his best to apologize to Kundavai for his behavior, but the princess keeps on evading him and his glances. He knew that his behavior towards the ilavarasi was anything but proper, he lost all sense of manners and decorum. But what was he supposed to do? 

He couldn’t betray Poonkuzhali either. Though the sudden memory of the gentleness of the Kodumbalur Princess touched him and he closed his eyes. 

"Did Nambi tell you?"- Vandiyathevan enquired as he covered his face in guilt

"He was worried about you Vallavaryan, now tell me what exactly happened?"

“I… I was too harsh on the Kodumbalur Princess, Ilavarase,” he said. “That is why Ilaya Piratti and I fought.”

“On her best friend? On the one woman who loves Kundavai for being Kundavai, and not for her being Ilaya Piratti? Vallavaraya, why would you be harsh on that flower-like maiden? Everything I have heard of her is only positive. Not a single negative trait have I heard or even seen in the few instances we have met.” 

Vanthiyathevan looked at the Crown Prince, who looked very concerned at him. 

“I.. I felt she loved Ponniyin Selvan for the crown…” 

Aditha looked at Vanthiyathevan, shocked. When did his perceptive friend turn so delusional? Was his brother operating under the same assumption? 

Oh, what did his sister have to deal with? 

“I can’t tell you about the Ilavarasi, but I will tell you one thing- if there is anyone who can give my brother everything he needs, it will be her. No wonder Kundavai has been frustrated with both of you.” 

Vanthiyathevan stared at the Prince, surprise and shock filling him. Before he could respond, Aditha asked a question that froze him. 

“But why is your fight with my sister making you feel this awful, Vallavarayan? What are your thoughts regarding my kuzhandhai Kundavai?” 

" My…my thoughts?" Vandiyathevan stammered.

" Yes your thoughts, Vallavaryan, I don't see anyone else in this room."

" It's nothing Ilavarase , she is the daughter of Thanjai Chakravarthy, sister of you and Ponniyin Selvan and I treated her like that . I argued with her. Of course, I feel awful."

" So it's just that, nothing else?"

" Ilavarase…” he faltered, not able to lie, especially after his promise. 

Aditha Karikalan stood up from his bed and stalked towards his loyal general, his comrade in arms, and poured him a glass of wine.

" Vandiyathevan, I am two years older than you, and we are good friends. Would I not know when you are obfuscating? I know what it is, but I would like you to tell me.” 

“Ilavarase, I can’t… how can I…” he closed his eyes, allowing the tears he had held back to fall. In front of Aditha, the tears didn’t seem anything but natural and accepted. 

“Nanba,” Aditha said, wrapping an arm around Vanthiyathevan. “My sister reacts the way she did to you only when she is angry with people she loves. Yes, I said love. Don’t lose hope. Things will work out.” 

"How ? How will they work out? I am nothing but a landless prince. I have nothing to offer . And Kundavai Devi is the daughter of Chakravarthy. Emperors and kings from distant lands are ready to give up their lives for one glimpse of her. Who am I in front of them? She is a goddess and I am a mere human being . How can I be worthy of her love? ”

“Vanthiyathevare, my sister will never leave Chozha Nadu, even after marriage. This she swore. But as for who you are- you can talk and run circles around these Emperors and Kings, verbally or physically. If I had to say, only Thambi and I challenge you physically and verbally. And Thambi more than me. Vallavaryan, trust that love you bear for her, and bear with her. My sister has never been in love before, so she may take time to understand. Please be patient with her. All will be well. I have faith in you, since the first moment I saw you I knew that you were the perfect match for her . You are the only one who can challenge her intellect. You can understand her more than any other man ever will. You are the only man I can see my sister being truly happy with, so please don't lose hope."

" But Ilavarase, what about Chakravarthy? Will he give his permission? Or what about the ministers and the officials? Will they ever accept this match?"

" Vallavaryan, do you really care about them? It doesn't matter what they think , they are not the ones getting married, you will be! Yes, you are right. It is definitely not going to be easy ,but if your love is true, no force in this world can stand in your way. You have to fight for what you want , you have to prove to my sister that you can do anything for her!"

" I can give away my life for her sake, Ilavarase!"- Vandiyathevan replied, his eyes burning with passion and love.

“Then start with getting to know the Kodumbalur Ilavarasi. She is a very big part of my sister’s life, and Kundavai will not budge if you continue harshness towards the Ilavarasi. Be genuine towards her, and show Kundavai you have taken her comments about you not knowing the Princess to heart, so keep an open mind to see why Kundavai thinks what she does. If you do that, Kundavai will reciprocate.” 

" Are you sure about that, Ilavarase?"

" I am, Vandiyathevan, I know my sister well enough to say this . And I want you to marry her, so think about what I said and act! Your genuine intentions will no doubt move her.” 

" I will , I definitely will!"- Vandiyathevan promised to himself, a promise that he planned to fulfill until the day he breathed his last .

******