Neutrality and Reunions (Komala Chapter 2)
Kundavai had come running when she heard that the Pazhuvur Ilaya Rani had gone to Vanathi’s chambers, out of the protective instincts she nurtured for the Princess of the Irukkavel clan. But she also knew that Vanathi can hold her own against Nandini, no matter what anyone may think.
Kundavai had walked in for Nandini’s stutter, her heart swelling with pride at her uyir thozhi’s gentleness and her genuinely kind nature.
She saw Vanathi turn to get water, and Nandini stopped her.
“No need, Ilavarasi. I need to go,” Nandini stood up, though looking visibly shaken, an expression Kundavai had not expected to see on her. What had her dearest friend said that had shaken Nandinit to this extent? “Lest Ilaya Piratti finds out that I have been here in your chambers.”
Kundava knew that it was time she announced her presence.
“I am already here, Ilaya Rani.”
She walked into the room as it descended into complete silence, noting once again with pride that Vanathi looked as regal and lovely as she always did. Her darling would never conspire, and she kept proving it over and over.
The two Moons, the two powers, stood opposite each other, staring at one another calmly and with a smile on their faces, deadly ones. Vanathi watched this silently, thankful to both Sembian Madevi and Kundavai for their influence in her life, teaching her to act as she would if needed, to foil those who were different and alike.
“Is there a reason I am finding you coming to my thozhi’s room?” Kundavai, as protective as ever of Vanathi, the latter feeling the same happiness she did, every time Kundavai defended her to anyone, considering Vanathi her own.
“When one sees themselves in another, one prefers to try to help them, Ilaya Piratti,” Nandini responded, her poise as elegant as her beauty was.
“Sees themselves in another?” Kundavai seemed to clearly understand, and stared back hard. “Is there a comparison?”
“Only broken hearts can heal each other.”
Kundavai’s strength seemed to have sapped, and she sighed. She had always felt guilty for the havoc she had caused in her elder brother’s life, though she was also very stuck on the future of the Chozha dynasty, and would not apologize for putting it first.
“If two are of the same mind, then it is only fair to accept that both did their best in the situations they were in, and the hurt caused is something that shames them greatly, though they do not show it.”
Nandini nodded, staring back as impassively as Kundavai was as well. Both seemed to have arrived at a consensus, for they turned at once to Vanathi, who looked at both with wide eyes, wondering what she had inadvertently gotten herself into.
Arulmozhi galloped on the horse, not wanting to make things harder at present. Vanthiyathevan joined him at the same speed, both rushing towards Kanchi, where Arulmozhi hoped his elder brother would be present. He needed Aditha to join him in Thanjai, and he knew he could convince his elder brother, where even his elder sister was not able to.
“Ilavarase,” Vanthiyathevan said, though he had no problem keeping up with Arulmozhi even then. His Anna had really chosen the right groom for his Akka, it seemed.
“Tell me, thozha,” Arulmozhi smiled, slowing down his horse to pause and listen to Vanthiyathevan’s words.
“Will the Pattathu Ilavarasar come?” he did sound doubtful, though his eyes held complete faith in Arulmozhi, causing the latter to smile.
“Anna will definitely come, nanba. I have complete faith in my ability to convince him to return to Thanjai,” smiled Arulmozhi. “Anna will listen to me.”
“I have no doubts about your ability, Ponniyin Selvare. It is just that I have often heard Karikalar proclaiming that he will not return to Thanjai at present…” Vanthiyathevan faltered, not knowing if he should bring up the topic.
“Due to the Pazhuvur Ilaya Rani?” Arulmozhi said. “Do no worry, Vanthiyare. I have ways of convincing my Anna. Onward to Kanchi!”
With a smile, he and Vanthiyathevan continued racing, though Arulmozhi kept seeing the face of Vanathi that the Oomai Rani had drawn, and kept turning over possibilities of how she can change the future of the Chozhas.
“Patta,” Arulmozhi embraced his grandfather tightly, whose eyes held tears of joy and reunion, like he had finally seen the Sun he had longed to.
“Kanne, nee inge eppadi? Vallavarayan unnai azhaithuvandhuvittane? (My dear, how are you here? Did Vallavarayan bring you here once and for all?)” asked Malayaman, still admiring his dear grandson with delight.
“Patta, something has come up. I wanted to meet Anna and request him to come to Thanjai with me,” Arulmozhi said respectfully, though he still stayed in his grandfather’s embrace.
“Enna nadandhadhu Kanne?(What happened, child?)”
“Patta!” Aditha’s voice interrupted Arulmozhi’s reply, the latter light up even brighter at the sound of his elder brother’s voice.
“What is this I hear about my thambi in Kanchi?”
“That is because I am here, Anna!” called out Arulmozhi, running in the direction of Aditha’s voice, whose footsteps were also heard.
“Mozhi? My little Sun? Is that you?”
Arulmozhi and Aditha embraced, both incredibly emotional due to the reunion, happy and content for a short while.
Yes, I stan Arulmozhi and Aditha bondingggg, as well as Arulmozhi and Vanthiyathevan bonding.
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