Aditha's Queen

The Tigress And The Lion

Kundavai was very impressed with Ponmaligai on first sight. It was a lot grander than the Pazhayarai and Thanjai palaces. Karikalan has done very well for himself and the chola country, indeed! I hope his marriage works well and none of the vassals get upset and cause strife in the country. She has not had a chance to have a heart to heart talk with him since her arrival, what with his friends Parthivendran and Vandhiyan flanking him at all times. Arulmozhi too seemed to enjoy their company way too much. Men! They think they are so important. 

Her parents were resting to overcome the travel fatigue but she was feeling hyperenergetic. And Vanathi was helping Periya Piratti unpack her puja paraphernalia which she would never let outsiders handle. Kundavai decided to take a quick sight-seeing tour of the palace on her own.

She had just finished a couple of massive halls and was walking through a hallway when she came across Parthivendran. 

"Kundavai! What a pleasure to bump into you", he said.

"I am just taking a trip around Ponmaligai, Parthivendrare!"

"You should also visit the other beautiful sites in Kanchi and Mallai while you are here."

"It will have to be another time. This trip is solely for Karikalan's wedding."

"Did you know that Kanchi is called The City among cities?".

Kundavai was irritated now. To her Pazhayarai was the city among cities and Thanjai was the second best. "Really? I did not notice anything special when i came. I will wear the city among cities glasses next time and have a good look when i go back", she said to put him off. She could see that she had ruffled some of his feathers.

"The war has taken me to many places but Kanchi is my home turf, where i am happiest. I suppose it's true for everyone", Parthiva said trying hard to be civil.

"Nothing will ever take me out of Pazhayarai. That is where i plan to live my entire life and rule - behind my father and brothers", Kundavai said and she sounded harsh even to herself. 

She knew he had marital hopes on her. He was an eligible bachelor, alright - good-looking, a warrior par excellence, blessed with Pallava heritage and Aditha's bosom buddy. Her father liked him too. But he was just not her type. She was looking for something more in a husband but she was not quite able to place what that was. 

Parthiva was a typical MCP who would want his wife to live in the same city and house as himself - or worse, in his city and his house. That's quite normal and not chauvinistic, Kundavai!, a voice popped up in her head. Not for my husband!, she hushed it. If Parthiva is ok with my conditions,  then......... I am certain he will not be. And it suits me fine.

He gave her a scornful look and said, "Excuse me. I have to rush now."

Parthiva was seething with fury. The gall of her. It was true that he had entertained the idea of  marrying her. But that was to increase his political clout. When he was in Thanjai, even Chakravarthi seemed favourably inclined towards him after their victory over Veerapandiyan. Wasn't he a trustworthy natural choice in the inner circle of her many suitors? But she is after a stooge who will do her bidding and not a partner. It's bad enough that the great Pallava empire of Narasimhavarmar is reduced to a chola vassalage. And for me to be her puppet? Never! Does she think it is her right to be big-headed because of her beauty and status? You are not half as beautiful as Nandini, you self-conceited bossy ogress!

Aditha was not just a great friend of Parthiva but was like a brother to him. The two had fought many battles together and were groomed together by King Malayaman since their early teens. Parthiva had great respect and love for Malayaman Thatha too. Aditha had opened up to Parthiva just a few days ago about himself and Nandini being lovers since their teens, the royal family's ban on her and how they finally came around. Poor Aditha and Nandini! Parthiva had wanted to call Nandini 'Anni' when he first saw her with Aditha but held back wondering whether it would be appropriate if Aditha ever became his BIL.  But now, oh well!

I have no doubt the ogress had a big role in the ban!