Aditha's Queen

A Divination

Aditha had started implementing the administrative tasks of governance as co-regent per his father's advice. He was equally adept at administration as he was at warfare. His chola ancestors had already devised an advanced, transparent, professional and democratic management model for those times. Aditha started to fine-tune it with reforms in the army, navy, governing councils and educational institutions to deliver more successful outcomes for the country and rewards to all contributors. He strengthened his sick father's hands with his mettle and began earning acclaim for his abilities.

"I knew of your superior management skills when you set up Kundavai with Vandhiya and Parthiva with Dharini. Lo and behold, how happily married they are now! Not to mention that all relationships are securely consolidated", a proud Nandini said to Aditha.

Nandini was efficiently driving the chariot towards Mamallapuram while Aditha was effectively verbalising the route for her. Parthiva and Dharini followed behind them in their own chariot, sometimes racing a little ahead of them or just driving by their side. Their bodyguards in horses and chariots went before and behind them at a safe distance away.

They stopped inside the gates of an antique but spruced up eighth century Pallava palace. It was Nandini's and Dharini's first trip to the coastal city that was home to many architectural marvels and they were hardly able to contain their excitement.

"Welcome Anni, Aditha and Dharini!", Parthiva said and led them in.

The girls were enchanted by the old-world charm of the palace.

"And there are prettier sites to see besides this hidden gem! We can't wait", said Dharini.

"I am awestruck", said Nandini.

"You have just entered the dreamland created by Parthiva's forefathers. Mamallapuram will leave an indelible impact on everyone who visits", said Aditha.

The couples settled down in their respective quarters. They met again during dinner and played the game of dice together for a long time before retiring to bed.

The next day was a day of busy sightseeing for them with Parthiva assuming the role of tour guide and the other three absorbed in the wonderful sights and his stories. They visited the seven shore temples (only one of them is now extant), Pancha Rathas, the cave temples, Ganga's Descent from heaven depiction, the innumerable carved monoliths and the Thirukadalmallai temple, most of which were built by Mamallan Narasimhavarman and Rajasimha.

The third day was a friends' day out at the beach with packed lunch. They all played dice by the beach. Aditha and Parthiva took a dive in the waters and swam together. Nandini and Dharini were chiselling soft stones, sitting atop a rock, which was their newfound passion. They were laughing their heads off at their own clumsiness.

The girls were walking nearby when the men came ashore.

"Parthiva! The sea waters remind me of Arulmozhi. My little brother is wreaking havoc on the enemy troops in Ilangai. Mahinda is unable to face him in battle and has gone into hiding like his good friend Veerapandiyan", Aditha said and laughed.

Parthiva joined in the laughter. "I have never doubted Arulmozhi's prowess. Now my fingers are itching for us to advance further north and expand our territories, Aditha."

"Not just the north, we shall also invade islands of the eastern and western seas. Chakravarthi has put a temporary hold on our advances now. But we will soon start to chase our dreams", said Aditha.

Dharini said to Nandini, "I am having the best times of my life. I am fortunate to have you as my friend and sister, Nandini! You make everything all the more worthy."

"I totally reciprocate your feelings, Dharini! I haven't felt this grateful about life before. And it adds to the charm that our hubbies are thick friends too, doesn't it?"

"Don't forget that they are also co-BILs to the world now because of our new relationship."

They both smiled. They had reached a cave structure nearby, talking and walking. Aditha and Parthiva were out of their sight now. They saw a seer kind of old man sitting in meditative posture with his eyes wide open in a man-sized dent on the cave. He seemed to beckon them with his eyes. Nandini and Dharini walked towards him.

"Royal ladies in nondescript clothing! Married to war heroes! One struggled to achieve prize while the other cake-walked to triumph! Both will be blessed with sons! One of them will become a great king! But oh his father! He stands to lose! Lose big time! Oh!", the diviner prophesied loudly to them and closed his eyes tightly shut. 

They moved away from him slowly, realising he was not about to say anything more.

Perumale! Shiva Shiva! Nandini and Dharini were baffled. They did not know whether to believe him or not. Was he a saint? Or an insane vagabond? But he was right about their past and present predictions. Will the future unfold in the way he soothsaid?  Was he an enemy spy in disguise who stayed abreast of their information and was trying to demoralise them?  Their protection guards would have combed the area before their visit and eliminated suspects, wouldn't they?  Did they somehow miss this inconspicuous man hidden in a hollow of the cave?

They held each other for support as they walked back to where Aditha and Parthiva were. They decided not to tell their beloved husbands about the man's prophecy for now to avoid causing any apprehension in their crystal clear minds.

Book One Titled "The Still Waters" Ends.

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