Aditha's Queen

Food For Thought

"Vandanam Ilavarsare!", Vandhiya Thevan grinned from ear to ear on seeing Aditha Karikalan after several months. It was the meeting hall at Ponmaligai where the Crown Prince, Vandhiya and Parthiva have had many discussions, deliberations and chats in the past.

"Vandhiya! Come, come, my friend!", Aditha extended his arms and embraced Vandhiya in happiness, conveniently forgetting for a moment that he was his sister's husband now.

"How are you and Devi, Ilavarase?"

"We are living here gloriously, Vandhiya. How are you and Kundavai?", Aditha asked.

"Ilavarasiyar was very fine when i left Pazhayarai. And I am glowing by her grace.  She will be basking in the company of her dear friend, Vanati Devi, while i am away. I am now coming from Ilangai, Ilavarase! I It was Kundavai Piratti's order that i make a clandestine trip to Ilangai, meet Arulmozhivarmar and then report to you before returning to Pazhayarai. I started my sea journey about a month ago from Nagai and here I am, having disembarked at Mallai yesterday", Vandhiya said.

"I was thinking of sending Parthiva on a trip to Ilangai to take stock of the prevailing situation there. He is itching to be in the war zone. But trust my sister to be ahead of everyone! What's the news in Ilangai, Vandhiya? How is my dear brother Arulmozhi? He has made us all proud by his victory. What did he have to say?", Aditha enquired.

"The younger brother follows in his elder brother's footsteps! Arulmozhivarmar sends his love to you. He is conducting himself with equal ease in war and peace in Ilangai. He has the endorsement of buddhist monks to replace Mahinda as ruler. But he is hesitant to accept without Chakravarthi's approval and a decisive end to the war, what with Mahinda hiding and leaving things suspended in thin air", Vandhiya said.

"I agree with Arulmozhi's decision. Go on, Vandhiya!", Karikalan prompted his friend.

"Ilavarase! The other news in Ilangai is quite distressing. Arulmozhivarmar's troops that fought the battle and won over the sinhalese troops will soon be battling hunger due to nonarrival of foodgrains that were due. There is talk among the warriors that their food had to be diverted to warriors of the northern command. This is demoralising them as the northern troops are currently not engaged in active war", said Vandhiya. 

"I have no doubt this situation is the result of authoritarian delinquency and mispropaganda. And i have no hesitation in pointing my finger at Dhanadhikari (FM) Periya Pazhuvettarayar for deliberately not allocating or withholding their due which has led to the dire state of affairs. It is not true that foodgrains were sent to feed the northern forces. On the contrary, i will personally make sure that foodgrains from our storage are immediately dispatched to the southern troops", said Karikalan, swiftly coming to the right conclusion and decision.

"Kundavai Devi is also of the opinion that PP's grip of control on Chakravarthi is tightening with each passing day", said Vandhiya.

Karikalan clenched his fists in anger as he envisioned his father's plight. 

If and when i am king, i will make sure these rebellious vassals are disempowered and put in their places. Making Kanchi the new chola capital will serve this purpose well and will also smooth the way for my annexations to the north while administering the country!

He then collected himself and said, "Vandhiya! I will give you an olai to be delivered to Chakravarthi! I had just finished drafting it when you arrived. It was originally intended to let him and my mother know that Nandini is pregnant and to invite them to be with us at Ponmaligai during these happy times. But PP's actions are more valid and pressing reasons for my parents to leave Thanjai and stay with us here in Kanchi", said Aditha. 

"My hearty congratulations on the great news, Ilavarase!", Vandhiya said, his voice oozing affection. "I will certainly do as you say."

"Thanks, Vandhiya! And i really appreciate your good work."

Aditha held Vandhiya's hand as they walked to his apartment to meet Nandini and have lunch together before Vandhiya could retire in his. "Do pass on the baby news to my sister. And convey my praises to her for the job well done in sending you to Ilangai and then to me. Also tell her to keep a watch on PP and report to me as she is able. I will give an olai to her as well", said Aditha.

"As you command, Ilavarase!", said Vandhiya.

Vandhiya got ready to leave for Pazhayarai the next day, carrying a bunch of letters given by Aditha and Nandini to their dear ones and promising to visit Thanjai very soon. Aditha and Parthiva saw him off as he drove off in a chariot. 

They then drove to Mamallapuram port to oversee dispatchment of the first consignment of foodgrains in ships that Aditha had managed to quickly secure in order to feed Arulmozhi's troops in Ilangai. Aditha and Parthiva had to put their foot down and resist their wives' attempts to accompany them to Mallai as both of them were now in their early stages of pregnancy.

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