Ponniyin Selvan-Untold

Naadagam | Vandiyathevan-Kundavai

The Pazhayarai palace donned a festive mood, for it was the final day of Kanda Shasti. Preparations were being made for a stage performance that would show the birth of Lord Murugan, Parvathi Devi presenting Him the vel, and Soorasamharam.

The sound of anklets jingling ferociously resonated in the corridors as Arulmozhi Varman's beloved, Vanathi Devi ran.

She very narrowly dodged a man carrying a Parai. "Sorry!" She apologized and dashed inside a room with a shiny golden Vel.

"Murugare, here's your trusty Vel." She said and presented it to a person standing near a mirror.

"Thank you!" Said Vandiyathevan, who was dressed up as Lord Murugan, twirled it in his hands and admired it. "When am I supposed to be on stage?"

"Right after His birth, I expect it will start after an hour or so. And why isn't your face resplendent with the holy ash?"

"It wasn't there on the table. Why was I chosen as Lord Seyon out of all people?" He asked.

"Because a few years back on Gokulashtami, someone sneaked inside Pazhayarai wearing a Kamsa mask and enchanted the whole audience. The Ilaya Piratti and I weren't able to see that wonderful performance." Vanathi replied.

"You flatter me, Thangaiye." He chuckled. "Oh, look who's arrived."

She looked back to see Ilaya Piratti Kundavai, who was looking at Vandiyathevan's outfit. "I've got to oversee the arrangements," Vanathi said, leaving.

"So Murugar is going to kill Soorapadman with this Vel, huh?" She asked, gesturing to the weapon in his hand.

"He killed the demon with this spear, and you kill me with your sharp gaze."

"You always seem to like my eyes more than anything else about me..." Her voice trailed off as she picked a small bowl of Mai from the table.

"How can't I? Your innocent, lotus-like eyes burn into my soul and command me to fulfill all your wishes."

She faintly smiled. "All eyes will be on you today, even the evil ones." She said softly, placing a very small dot of mai on his left cheek. "Won't yours be?"

"Just like how one always searches for the moon amidst stars, my heart too will yearn to see your youthful face."

Vandiyathevan placed the spear on his table and pulled Kundavai closer. He cupped her cheeks with his hands.

"For quite some time, I feel that all we've done is talking and nothing more..." He said, his voice low.

Kundavai waited till he inched his face closer, and pushed him away.

"Uh-huh, not today! It's a holy day and you're dressed up as God. Besides, this is not our bedroom. What if someone sees us?"

Vandiyathevan tsked and sheepishly grinned. "Speaking of the moon, you're like one on Earth. You seem to be near but I can never touch you."

Kundavai shook her head and headed for the doorway. "Oh Deivanai, don't leave me here!" Joked he. "If I'm Deivanai, who's Valli?" She shot back.

"Valliyum thaame, Deivanaiyum thaame!" (You are Valli and Deivanai too!)

She stepped aside to let a young boy in. He was dressed up as Murugan and held a plate of Vibhudi.

"See, what did I tell you?" Smirked Kundavai and left.

"Vallavarayare, I was asked to give this to you." The boy said. Vandiyathevan carefully smeared it across his forehead.

"Well, kutty Kadamba," Vandiyathevan held the boy's hand and exclaimed "It's time! Vetrivel Muruganukku..."