Nandini

Chapter 39 - Fall of a Great Tree

Why am I not dying? Die! Die! Die!

Nandini tried to will herself into dying. But nothing happened. She hoped that she isn't looking as bewildered and frustrated as she felt. Both Pazhuvettaraiyars were with him. Arulmozhi was challenging some girls to do something. Maduranthakan stood behind Sembiyan Yakshi and observed everything silently. It will look less awkward if she displays her teeth.

Aditha Karikalan too smiled. Is that relief spreading through him? His smile grew even wider. A glorious radiant smile. He sighed as if some grave danger has passed. Then smiled again. He didn't look this elated when he was crowned. Perhaps it is because the crown was always his and he was expecting everything to happen like this. There was a small bump on the way. A slight, insignificant one. He has triumphed over that too. She felt like a phantom of Karikalar taunting her.

Yes, Veera Pandyan's lover is here. She is the ninth and lowliest wife of my vassal. Not a mere vassal, my oldest and most trusted vassal. What did you think woman? Did you think I was going to keep you with me forever? Did you expect to sit on the throne by my side? I am a prince born in a clan with thousands of years of history. Didn't you hear the poems recited during the ceremony? Isn't that what you always wanted? Isn't that why you were sleeping with Veera Pandyan? Where is he now? Know your place. Know your place. Know your place.

The world was spinning around her.

"Aiyyo"

Did she utter that? Has she gone completely mad? Foolishness! No, it wasn't she but the Emperor who screamed. Sundara Cholan's handsome face which looked as ethereal as the descriptions of Manmathan took on an ugly expression. He fainted like a giant tree uprooted by thunderstorm.

Everyone including the crown prince rushed to him. Nandini knew that there is no danger that Maduraikonda Ko-Rajakesari hasn't faced in his life. From shipwreck to battles to his darling son falling into Ponni, Sundara Cholan's resilience was renowned in all three worlds. But why did the man take one look into the ladies' chamber and faint?

Pazhuvettaraiyars carried him to a bed. Periya Piratti and Maharani wiped his face and pressed his feet. The crown prince tried to wake him up. Arulmozhi dashed to the other wing of the palace.  "Ladies, girls, kindly leave the room. The Emperor needs some space.", Kundavai kicked them out of the room.

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Kundavai's taunts are getting out of hand. Won't the cobra let her live in peace even after her brother was crowned? Sembiyan Yakshi occasionally smirked at her crookedly, happy that she has accomplished her goals. Her grand-nephew is the crown prince and her mortal enemy is out of the picture.

"Are you alright, Periyamma?"

"Yes"

"Um"

"I was checking out the decorations in the anthapuram, Ammu. They don't look as beautiful as the decorations in Tanjai".

"It is fine if you feel sad. I just asked".

What is this girl talking about? "I know about you and Sembiyan Piratti's son".

Luckily, that worked. Ammu stared into the distance and sighed. Then she  smiled, "I don't mind that you know. I was going to tell you when we go back to our home. But please don't tell appa or periyappa".

Nandini rolled her eyes. "Won't the Emperor himself conduct this marriage tommorow, no, today itself if there is an auspicious time, if you just tell everyone? Do you know how many lovers are seperated because rank and status stands between them?"