Poṟkālam : Rise Of The Empire

|Aval|

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The palace in Pazhayarai was a lavish one. It had alluring balconies, pillars ,rooms with intricate works. In the daytime the sunlight peeked through the windows creating a beautiful golden glow making it look like a palace made up of gold. The corridors were filled with colourful paintings depicting the images of previous kings, natural scenery, Gods and Goddesses and even scenes from major epics. The architecture and art of the palace was a example of exquisite Cholzan craftsmanship.

There were a lot of other palaces belonging to different ministers and other important members of the court. Most of the palaces were abandoned as the previous emperor Sundara chozhar was shifted to Thanjavur. After the departure of Sundara chozhar to Thanjai, Pazhayarai started to lose its importance and after the departure of Kundavai it lost its importance even more.

Amongst all the other palaces, Kundavai's palace stood in the centre with great majesty. It's was a massive palace with beautiful gardens, rooms, corridors, floors etc. It was once home to great Cholza king Sundara chozhar and his precious daughter ilaya piratti Kundavai Devi but now it was only Vanathi who stayed there. Kundavai's palace was a diamond among gemstones. Adjacent to it stood the Periya piratti Sembiyan Madevi's palace.

Vanathi was sitting in the mandapam present in the middle of the palace garden in Nandipuram. Her thoughts were long lost in the beautiful town of Anuradhapuram where Arunmozhi was. His beautiful face often appeared in her memories and invited Vanathi to come to him.

She felt so lonely living in Nandipuram, ever since her childhood she never stayed away from Kundavai but since an year she never met her. Kundavai was her only companion in all these years and staying away from her felt very disappointing to Vanathi.

While she was lost in her thoughts she heard drums beating and the following announcement The daughter of Sundara chozhar, princess of Cholza naadu ilaya piratti Kundavai Devi is arriving. Vanathi couldn't believe her ears is Kundavai akka really back or is it one of my usual day dream? After a few minutes of thinking she decided to check on it.

Vanathi slowly got up and started to walk towards the palace. "You won't come to see me it seems". Vanathi turned back to see the same old friend of hers the majestic ilaya piratti Kundavai Devi. "Akka..." tears started to roll down Vanathi's rosy cheeks she ran and hugged Kundavai. "Vanathi why are you crying"? Ilaya piratti asked with a concern as she received Vanathi with open arms. A corner of ilaya piratti's eyes were also tear stained.

Vanathi sobbed burying her face in Kundavai's saree. She had buried the grief of loneliness and being seperated from her best friend in deep chambers of her heart, but after meeting Kundavai the dam of her feelings broke down into tears.

Kundavai made Vanathi to sit down and after calming her down Vanathi finally spoke. "Akka, now only did you get time to meet me. You did forget about me", she spoke with fake anger. "It's not like that kanne " Kundavai tried to console her. "I came here to take you to Kanchi." She said. Vanathi looked up at Kundavai's face with a shot of confusion. "Akka why now...?" Her words were cut short by Kundavai "Arunmozhi is arriving at Kanchi, I hope you have no second thought in coming", she said mockingly.

Vanathi's face brightened at the mention of Arunmozhi. She was indeed ready to go to Kanchipuram immediately. "Akka when are we departing", her voice broke tears again stained her cheeks. Kundavai laughed,"Be patient for one more day Vanathi we will travel tomorrow by sunset". She again mocked her.

A rosy tint adorned Vanathi's beautiful moon like face and she got up and ran into the palace with her hands hiding her face.

"Wait for me Vanathi", Ilaya piratti laughed.