Aditha's Queen

The Heart Rules

Aditha Karikalan arrived at Sundara Chozhar's Thanjai palace. His friend Gandhamaran was wedding Periya Pazhuvettarayar's granddaughter the following day. Kundavai and Vandhiya Thevan had also gathered there for the occasion. After Aditha had touched his parents' feet, taken their blessings and exchanged greetings with everyone, the happy family sat down for a chat. Kundavai had been eagerly awaiting her elder brother's arrival to discuss political matters.

"Aditha! My congratulations to you and Nandini. Is she well? Amma, Appa and I can't wait to hold your little one in our arms. We are counting the days in anticipation.", Kundavai said.

"Nandini is fine. The vaidyar concurs that she is doing well. You should also come to Kanchi with Amma and Appa as you are very enthusiastic", said Karikalan.

"I will be there at the right time, Aditha! I cannot leave Pazhayarai at this exact juncture what with political issues coming to the fore and Arulmozhi also being away in Ilangai" Kundavai said in a worried tone.

"Do you mean Gandhamaran's wedding with PP's granddaughter?", asked Aditha.

"The wedding becomes a bigger cause for concern due to a prior development", Kundavai spoke in riddles.

"You have now aroused my curiosity, Kundavai. Come out with the secret this instant before my head splits to a thousand pieces", Aditha jested.

"Aditha! PP is desperately trying to incite Madhurantakar to challenge you and stake his claim on the throne.", said Kundavai.

"I will happily bow out and let him rule if he agrees to train with me in martial arts for a month. As the crown prince, he will have to pose for his official portraits in many postures holding weapons", said Aditha.

They all laughed but Vandhiya was unable to stop laughing for a while.

"Aditha! Get serious for god's sake", Kundavai chided him, still smiling herself.

"Tell me further, Kundavai! I am all ears", said Aditha.

"Madhurantakar has refused PP's proposal. The devoted son that he is, he reported everything that transpired to his mother as soon as he came home from Thanjai. And Periya Paati told me about this during one of our chats", said Kundavai.

"Why do you think Gandhamaran's wedding alliance is a threat then?", asked Aditha.

"I am worried about PP's persistence and proactive strategy. I am certain that he is moving the coins in the right direction to strengthen his pitch at the right time. He is obviously feeling confident that he can persuade Madhurantakar one day", said Kundavai.

"Kingship does not come by choice, Kundavai! It comes by chance. Don't we all know that Rajadithar missed out but Gandaradithar chanced upon it? Arinjayar barely sat on the throne whereas our father Paranthakar rules illustriously? So, i have no attachment whatsoever to the throne. I only have a duty towards it as long as i am tied to it. I am happy for Madhurantakar to rule us all. Hasn't Appa himself offered the throne to him many times before crowning me?" Aditha reasoned.