And I am back with another new story. But this is the anticipated one, now titled Komala: Fortitude, Intelligence and Acceptance.
*****
Vanathi was distraught.
She had broken into millions of pieces, and she did not know if she could ever be stitched back together, back into a person.
News from Arulmozhi was that he had met a boat girl who was intriguing to him, and though this bothered the elders, Kundavai Akka had also indicated that her elder brother had seen no qualms with it, instead stating that it doesn’t matter, but that the Prince got to marry who he wanted, whether a boat girl or Princess.
She had gotten a frown after she had said that, and Vanathi knew that there was more contention with regards to the matter of Izhaya Pazhuvoor Rani Nandini.
What was she to do?
She knew Arulmozhi hadn’t been interested in her,whatever the glances they shared, but all the elders kept encouraging her affections, and now, when they would never go away, this news had broken.
The tone of Vanthiyadevan had added to the hurt and made it a flaming fire of pain. He seemed fully in support of Poonkuzhali, the boat girl, which had clearly angered her Kundavai Akka, and she knew they too had a battle before reaching a state of union.
But luckily, the Vana warrior had also realized it.
But what was she to do now?
What would become of her?
She couldn’t bear to hurt her heart’s heart, her life itself, even if he had hurt her beyond with his clear words to Kundavai, which she knew was meant for her as well.
If she would try to drown in the Kaveri; someone would find her and save her, she knew.
She was being constantly watched by everyone in the family, especially Kundavai Akka. This was one of the rare times Vanathi herself was alone.
But she knew she couldn’t do that to her Akka. Her Yaanai Paagan…. no no, The Prince would not care, but her Kundavai Akka would.
And thus, there was nothing she could do.
A sudden commotion near the entrance of her chambers caused her to jerk back to reality from the depressing thoughts that whirled in her head.
“Enna nadakkiradhu ange? (What is happening there?),” she called out, swiping away at the tears still on her cheeks.
“Ilavarasi, Pazhuvur Ilaya Rani has come to see you.”
“To see me?” Vanathi blinked. She and the Ilaya Rani crossed paths only when the latter and Kundavai were sparring through words. She had seen the Ilaya Rani look at her with an indescribable emotion in her eyes, but for Nandini to seek her out…
“Vanangugiren, Pazhuvur Ilaya Rani, (Welcome, Nandini)” she said, once she reached the entrance, just as Nandini reached there as well. “Please come in.”
****
Elsewhere…
Arulmozhi stared at the sudden frenzy of the mute Queen, as she searched for a stick to draw something. He quickly grabbed the closest stick he could find, giving it to the Queen, waiting for her to draw something.
She quickly signed to Poonkuzhali, before turning to draw, the latter turning to him to translate.
“Athai says that things have the highest potential of changing, Ponniyin Selvare. She says that she is drawing the face of the person who will cause a powerful change.”
Arulmozhi watched reverently, though his expression quickly turned into one of surprise. He knew those features well, those doe eyes and the gentle upturn of the lips, accompanied by a gentle jaw.
“Vanathi,” he whispered, staring at the drawing of the Mute Queen, not noticing the surprise on his friend’s face, nor the flash of jealousy that passed through Poonkuzhali’s face. He was stunned to see her drawing etched on the ground, especially given the topic of discussion they were having.
The future welfare of the Chola empire.
Seemed like he had to get home to Thanjai earlier than he had planned.
——————-
This is a complete AU.
But the wars still happen, and the politics will still be there.
@vibishalakshman has been waiting for this one!
@rang-lo @dumdaradumdaradum @thelekhikawrites @ragalata @chiyaanvikram @hollogramhallucination @kovaipaavai