Aditha's Queen

A Ray Of Hope

Periya Pazhuvettarayar had arranged for an ad hoc finance conference of the vassals in Thanjai. Sambuvarayar jumped at the chance to meet the veteran. He was far more concerned about his family affairs than money matters of his vassalage. He felt as if he was going round and round in a maze and not knowing how to exit with regard to his daughter's marriage. He was looking forward to a discussion with PP to find a solution for his daughter's fixation on the Crown Prince. He had also brought his son Gandhamaran along with him for support.

PP was more than happy to oblige and set up a lunch date with Sambuvarayar and Gandhamaran on the day after the conference. After a humongous feast befitting his stature and power in the empire, PP dismissed everyone and settled down with his guests, the father-son duo, in regal chairs .

"What do you wish to discuss with me, Sambu? This old well-wisher of yours is ever glad to help", PP started in his signature style.

"Arase! Thank you for the magnificent banquet. I wish to discuss my daughter's wedding with you. You are well aware that my family was overzealous about Manimekalai marrying Karikalan. When the prince dashed every hopeful princess's hopes and married a commoner he loved, our family was shattered more than the others. My daughter is dejected beyond return. I have since tried to persuade her to marry Prince Madhurantakan, who has an equal stake to the throne and has your favour. But she is threatening to take the extreme step of assuming monasticism. I am an unlucky man in an undesirable spot. I have always valued your abilities, experience and advice. Please advise me as to how we can get out of this loop", Sambuvarayar appealed to PP pitifully.

PP was a control freak. He loved staying on top of things and calling the shots. He cleared his throat dramatically before speaking. "Sambu! There is a solution to every problem. One needs to seek it out and adapt. Karikalan is a tough nut to crack, no doubt. He had his way and married a commoner. But his wife is no ordinary commoner. She looks like the personification of Mahalakshmidevi. Her beauty is not just worth the chola empire but the entire world." He then added as an afterthought, "So it would seem to the youth."

Sambuvarayar sighed exasperatedly. I know the prince is obsessed with her, old man.

PP continued. "But everything is not lost yet. It is possible to melt even a heart of stone. It is our job to devise how to achieve that."

"I am in the dark. You show the path yourself, Arase! I will gladly follow."

Gandhamaran who was intently listening all along, spoke for the first time. "We will do anything for my sister's wellbeing. Please tell us, Ayya!"

"You should bring the cloth near the fire for it to be consumed", PP spoke metaphorically.

"How would that become possible?", Sambu asked.

"Arrange Gandhamaran's wedding. Isn't it due anyway? His friend Karikalan will turn up for sure. And then it is up to your daughter to use her enticing skills and woo the crown prince to herself", said PP.

Sambu's face brightened. "I will soon find a bride for my son. He was hoping to marry Karikalan's sister Kundavai. But now...", Sambu blurted out and paused.

You useless worry wart!  "Everyone has hopes and targets. But when they are crushed, it is prudent to shift the targets and hopes and move on", said PP.

"I agree, Ayya", Gandhamaran said.

"That's the spirit, my boy. Let's try to fulfil your sister's desire. If it doesn't work out, we will make her see sense and choose the alternate option herself." PP gave them fresh hope. 

He turned to Sambu. "Do you have any girl in your mind for your son, Sambu?"

"No, Arase! But the possibilities are many. Do you have any suggestions?, asked Sambu.

"Would you consider my granddaughter Amudhanangai as a possibility?, PP asked.

"I am privileged, Ayya", Gandhamaran answered before his father could. He was more keen on his sister's wedding than his.

"We are honoured, Arase!", said Sambu.

"I will arrange the Penn Parkkum Vaibhavam (Bride Seeing Ceremony) for this evening. And we can fix the wedding date soon after", said PP. And this alliance will ring a warning bell in Parantaka's ears.

"As you say, Arase!", said Sambu.

"Sambu! Manimekalai needs a change of place. Send her over to my house as soon as you reach Kadambur. The poor girl grew up as a motherless child since she was a toddler. Though meaning well, you two have pampered and spoilt her without knowing what to do. She will benefit from female company and there is no dearth of girls in my household. I assure you she will turn a new leaf within a short period of time. And she will return home happily with you all after Gandhamaran's wedding", said PP.

"If that happens, i would forever be indebted to you, Arase!", Sambu said folding his hands, tears forming in his eyes.

Sambu and Gandhamaran took leave of PP to retire in their suites.

PP then analysed the situation in his mind. He owed this to Sambu. He was a trustworthy ally who always sought his advice on matters and never lied to him. Sambu had unshakeable faith in PP's abilities.

PP knew he was taking a calculated risk. Who could have guessed that Karikalan, who never looked at any woman, was the quintessential romantic hero hooked to his childhood sweetheart? Would he throw another surprise and fall for Manimekalai? PP's instincts said a strong no, so he dismissed the thought as soon as it was formed.

PP would win Manimekalai's confidence by fanning her hopes on Karikalan while simultaneously preparing her to wed Madhurantakan if Karikalan did not consent.  And Karikalan would never consent. He was his own man. The imbecile prince does not even acknowledge the importance of marital alliances to cement his future. 

His clever granddaughter Amudha and his niece cum Madhurantakan's wife Tribhuvaneshvari would keep Manimekalai charmed and bring the girl around. Luckily, Bhuvana is here for her perinatal confinement due to which Madhurantakan too spends a lot of time in Thanjai now.

PP suddenly felt very positive about Maduranthakan's prospects of becoming the future king.