Nandini

Chapter 16- Chaos

"Jagad vishannam tam drushta tenasou vishasamnjitha"

(Substance which cause sadness to the world is called poison)

She repeated the axiom in her mind. When she started to learn medicine under Parameswara Bhattar, she thought it will be easy because she already knew how to treat minor ailments. But he said that human body's illnesses are infinite, just like its possibilities. Bhattar claims that he is still a student, hasn't completed learning and won't complete it in his lifetime. If such an eminent man feels so, what hope does she have?

Amma and appa were baffled when she said that she wanted to learn medicine. Don't they already know enough medicine for their day to day concerns? It isn't meant for the girls of the priest family. She should learn more hymns and string garlands. Even Karikalar was surprised when she told him about her studies. She didn't tell him that she planned to accompany him to battle field and tend to his injuries.

By the way, where is he? He should have been here by now. They always meet at this spot. Nandini had almost left when she heard the hoofbeats. He looked disturbed.

"Is everything alright?"

"Nandini, I am sorry for being late. My father is going to a meeting. I will accompany him. We leave tomorrow".

"When will you return?"

"I am not sure. After one or two weeks maybe?"

"Is this why you look so sad?", Nandini took his palm and put in on her eyes. "I know that you have your duties. Please concentrate in the meeting. I will miss you, but I will be fine".

He hugged her tightly and played with her unruly hair. "Take care, dear. Be careful". She noticed that his heart is beating faster than usual.

"What is matter ilavarase? Is it another war?"

Suddenly she too felt nervous. Is the Emperor going to send him to Eezham?

"No, Nandini. Even I don't know what's the meeting all about but I am sure that it isn't about war or administration. It is some diplomatic meeting. Don't worry about it".

Then he stayed silent for sometime.

"If I tell you something, don't panic. Alright? We will handle this together. No, I will take care of everything. There is a small problem".

Nandini understood what he meant. Someone told his family about their friendship and they aren't happy. She expected this. Karikalan promised her that he will not let anyone interfere in their relationship. Relationship. Is this a relationship? She cherished what they have, but he is the crown prince. It was an undeniable truth.

He wasn't upset by Kundavai's opposition or his father's subtle warnings about losing oneself to doomed love. What shocked him is paati's weird behaviour. He didn't expect her explicit support but he thought that she will understand him. She is a gracious widow who spends her time praying and building temples. But it was she who opposed them vehemently. He got so used to seeing her as a pious woman that he forgot that she was once Emperess of this whole realm. Even now, she is highly influential. Suddenly he felt a tinge of fear. What if something happens to Nandini when he is away?

"Nandini, I don't expect them to harm you. But I didn't expect this reaction either. So we should be careful. I am appointing a few of my trusted gards to monitor you when I am away".

Nandini felt uncomfortable about some men following her everywhere. Sure, Periya Piratti or Ilaya Piratti might scold her. But deploying guards is too much, right? What if someone sees the guards? What if the guards tell their friends or family, then they tell everyone? Karikalan insisted that they won't. He held her tightly.

"Nandini, some government servants always wander among the common folks wearing civil clothes and interract with people, acting like spies. My people too won't look any different from the normal people around you. It is a common practice from purana ages".

Nandini remembered one story. When Sita got pregnant, people of Ayodhya doubted her chastity and the royal spies informed Raman. Though he trusted her, he banished her to the forest respecting the public opinion. Inauspicious! Why is she thinking about unpleasant stories? Plenty of kings used spies for good purposes too. Annan knows all purana stories. She should ask him about some pleasant spy stories.

•-------------------•

When Nandini went to the palace, Kundavai refused to talk to her. She looked at her with so much disgust and hatred. Arulmozi Varman had asked for a flute like the one Nandini bought for the Janmashtami celebrations. In fact, he asked if he could keep that one but Nandini wasn't going to part with that flute. It was special. So she bought another one for him. She heard Kundavai scolding her brother when she was within the earshot and forbidding him from speaking or meeting her ever again. Obviously, it was directed at her. What has she gotten herself into?