The First Empress

Embarrassment at Engagement

'The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time and, still retain the ability to function'

Kamanar placed his hand on Sambaladevan and he sat down quickly. He was still not able to contain his anger. However, he wanted to get done with this wedding to show his anger. Once their daughter entered his land, he would show them what he was capable of. With that thought, he consoled himself and sat down. Virutha Varmar was not able to acknowledge or decline his son's achievement. He just nodded his head at the crown prince.

Aditha smiled and turned around and looked at everyone.

Aditha: Arasiyaaruku vanakkangal!

He didn't wait for her answer. He then directly went towards Rukmani who stood up the moment, he had entered the mandapam. As he signalled, Sangamithra also came and stood next to him. They both went and touched her feet.

Aditha: Aasi thaarungal thaaiye! Naan ivalai meendum manandhu konden.

Rukmani asked the maid to give her the sacred rice. As they touched her feet, she threw it on them. Aditha's eyes caught her wounds and he gripped her hand.

Aditha: Mannithu vidungal thaaiye.. Thangalai vittu naan sendru irukka koodadhu.

He whispered. She blinked her tears away and responded.

Rukmani: Un thangaiyaiyum thambiyaiyum indha kayavargalidam irundhu kaappaatru.

She whispered in a voice only audible to him. He held her hands tightly to assure her. He then gestured Sangamithra to go and have her seat.

First minister: Ilavarsar nalla neratthil dhaan thirumbi vandhu irukkireergal. Thangalin thangaiyin nicchayam nadakka irukkiradhu. Adharku thaan itthanai makkal koodi irukkiraargal. Thangalidam kooravillai endru varuttham illaiye?

He wanted to ignite a fire between the king and the crown prince. However, Aditha dodged it much better than he had anticipated.

Aditha: Arasar ariyaadhadhu endru edhenum ondru irukkiradho??? Avaruku migavum pidithaval allava en thangai? Aval manam pola than oru manamaganai paarthu iruppar endru nambugiren. Enakum Rajendiranukkum endha kuraiyaiyum thirumanatthil vaikkaadhavar avalukku mattum vaitthu viduvaara enna?

Virutha kept his head down the entire time Aditha talked.

Aditha: Naanum itthanai makkalai kandadhum ennai kaana than vandhirukkirargalo endru enninen. Hmmm..

He left a huge sigh. A man from the crowd stood up and yelled.

Man: Thangalai kaana dhaan vandhom ilavarase!

Aditha smiled and responded to the man, "Nandri!"

For his one smile, the crowd again erupted in claps. Silently he was making a statement to everyone that anyone could be the ruler but he was the one ruling the hearts of the people. He had never stood up against the king in this manner. However, the wounds on Rukmani's body made him react this way.

Aditha: Sari mudhanmai amaichare! Maappillai enge irukkiraar?

First Minister: Sannathu Arasar, Sambaladevan...

Before he could finish, Aditha interrupted him.

Aditha: Sambaladevarukku pillaigal illaiye? Angu enna manamagan irukkiraan??

Sambaladevan wasn't able to control himself. He truly felt embarrassed. He stood up and yelled.

Sambaladevan: Virutha Varmare! Idhu enna thirumanathirku azhaitthu avamaana padutthugireera?