Aditha's Queen

Diplomacy And Departure

Aditha received a warm welcome at Kadambur palace. Sambuvarayar and Gandhamaran were pleasantly surprised when Aditha's protection guards made an entrance and announced the crown prince's arrival. They were already in celebratory spirits and the palace wore a festive look. Sambuvarayar immediately gave orders to arrange for Aditha's stay in a luxurious wing of the palace and organised suitable places of stay for his retinue.

"Welcome to our humble home, Ilavarase! And what a great time for you to grace us with your arrival! Manimekalai gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday. We have sent messengers to deliver the good news with invites to the royal families in Thanjai, Pazhayarai and Kanchi for the naming ceremony. We are indeed honoured to host you during this happy time", said Sambu. 

"Congratulations, my dear uncle! I am delighted to take part in your happiness. But I started to Kadambur for a different purpose before i received your invitation.", said Karikalan.

"Whatever be that great purpose, we are extremely pleased and privileged to host you until and beyond the naming ceremony, Ilavarase!", said Sambu. 

"I am afraid i cannot stay that long as preparations for war are in full swing and duty beckons me to Kanchi soon", Aditha said.

Sambu and Gandhamaran led Aditha to the reception hall where refreshments were served.

Aditha who knew that Manimekalai was due to deliver her child soon, had brought along and presented a golden cradle for her baby. He gifted prized pieces of jewellery from his personal collection to Sambuvarayar and a golden sword to Gandhamaran. He presented an exquisitely crafted gem-studded gold jewel box to Gandhamaran's wife that Nandini had specially chosen and packed.

Sambu and Gandhamaran were overwhelmed by the crown prince's thoughtfulness and thanked him abundantly.

"Please rest and refresh yourself after the long journey and we shall talk about everything under the sun a little later, Ilavarase!", said Sambu.

Gandhamaran held Aditha's hand in his and took him to a magnificent wing of the palace.

Aditha was treated to a grand banquet that night. It was during the post banquet chat that Aditha requested Sambuvarayar to send his troops led by his son Gandhamaran to strengthen his hands in the northern conquests. Sambuvarayar was touched by the crown's prince's arrival and was swamped by Aditha's humility and affection. Sambu happily obliged Aditha's request. The trio chatted on for a long time, catching up on a lot of information.

Aditha was resting his head on his mother's lap. Vanavan Maadevi stroked her son's hair gently. Sundara Chozhar was carrying baby Arulmozhi. Kundavai sat sandwiched between her parents on the couch.

"Why did Uncle Sarangamallan die?", asked Aditha.

"Because God asked him to leave us all and go with Him to a beautiful land called heaven", said his mother.

"Will God bring him back to us again, Amma?", asked Aditha.

Tears ran down Vanavan Maadevi's cheeks for her dear brother who had died in battle. "No, Aditha. He will never come back."