The Invention and Departure
Mullai Vidhura stood before the time machine, her heart racing. The revelation that Rohan had unearthed—a hidden Chola king named Karthikeyan Kathirvelazhagan, whose history was mysteriously erased—had ignited an unquenchable fire within her. Ever since that discovery, Mullai had been restless, driven by an insatiable desire to meet this enigmatic king.
Rohan: “Mullai, are you sure about this? We’re stepping into the unknown.”
Mullai: “I have to know, Rohan. There’s something about this man… something that calls to me. And we need to find out why history has forgotten him.”
Leila: “Whatever happens, we’ll stick together. We’ll uncover the truth.”
Mullai nodded, her determination unshakable. Before they departed, Mullai bid a tearful farewell to her beloved father, her anchor in the present. She transferred all her assets to Rohan and Leila’s names, assuring their parents that she would protect them and bring them back safely.
Mullai: “I promise, Appa, I’ll come back… and I’ll bring them back, just as they are now.”
Her father’s eyes were filled with pride and worry, but he trusted her. Mullai was strong, brave, and relentless—qualities that would guide her in the journey ahead.
The Arrival in Ancient Tamizhagam
With one last look at the world she was leaving behind, Mullai stepped into the time loop with her friends. The sensation was disorienting, like being pulled through a vortex of light and shadow. When they emerged, they found themselves in ancient Tamizhagam, the land lush and untouched by modernity.
Before they could fully grasp their surroundings, they were ambushed by soldiers from a small kingdom under Karthikeyan’s rule, known as Thennadurai. The soldiers quickly captured Rohan and Leila, dragging them away, but Mullai, driven by sheer instinct and adrenaline, managed to escape.
She ran, her feet pounding the forest floor, until she could no longer hear the soldiers’ footsteps. Exhausted and disoriented, she stumbled into a cave hidden behind a majestic waterfall, where she finally collapsed from exhaustion.
The King’s Discovery
When Mullai regained consciousness, she found herself in the dim light of the cave, wrapped in a warm cloak. She slowly opened her eyes, her vision still blurry. The first thing she saw was a man sitting across from her, his gaze intense yet gentle. It was none other than King Karthikeyan Kathirvelazhagan.
Karthikeyan: “You’re awake.”
Mullai’s heart skipped a beat. This was the man she had been desperate to meet, the one whose history had become her obsession. She struggled to sit up, but the king quickly moved to support her.
Mullai: “Who are you?”
Karthikeyan: “I am Karthikeyan Kathirvelazhagan, ruler of these lands. I found you unconscious in this cave.”
Mullai stared at him, trying to remember the story she had concocted.
Mullai: “I… I’m from a nearby kingdom. We were attacked, and I sought refuge here.”
Karthikeyan: “You are safe now, with me. I will ensure your protection.”
There was a commanding presence about him, but also a warmth that made her feel safe. Despite the fear and confusion swirling within her, Mullai felt an inexplicable connection to this man.
The night passed with Karthikeyan keeping vigil over Mullai, ensuring her safety. There was something about her—her strength, her determination—that drew him in. He felt a protectiveness toward her, unlike anything he had experienced before.
Morning’s Light and Heated Words
As dawn broke, the first rays of sunlight filtered into the cave, casting a soft glow over the king and the mysterious woman he had found. Mullai stirred, her eyes meeting Karthikeyan’s as she slowly sat up.
Mullai: “I need to find my friends.”
Karthikeyan: “I’ve sent my men to search for them. They will be safe.”
There was a calm authority in his voice, but Mullai wasn’t one to be easily reassured.
Mullai: “You don’t understand. I can’t just sit here and wait. I need to be out there, finding them.”
Karthikeyan admired her spirit, but he wasn’t used to being challenged, especially not by a woman. He moved closer, his eyes locking onto hers.
Karthikeyan: “You will stay here where it’s safe. I will not risk your life.”
Mullai’s eyes narrowed, her rebellious nature rising to the surface.
Mullai: “You can’t order me around. I’m not one of your subjects.”
Karthikeyan’s lips curled into a slight smile. He liked her fire, but he wasn’t about to let her endanger herself.
Karthikeyan: “You may not be my subject, but you are in my land. I will protect you, whether you like it or not.”
There was a moment of silence as the tension between them simmered. Mullai could feel the intensity of his gaze, the way his presence seemed to dominate the space around them. But she wasn’t one to back down easily.
Mullai: “I didn’t ask for your protection. I can take care of myself.”
Karthikeyan leaned in closer, his voice low and firm.
Karthikeyan: “I know you can. But that doesn’t mean you have to. Let me take care of you, just this once.”
His words, though commanding, were laced with a tenderness that caught Mullai off guard. She felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of frustration and something she couldn’t quite name.
Mullai: “Why do you care so much?”
Karthikeyan’s expression softened as he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Karthikeyan: “Because from the moment I saw you, I knew you were different. There’s a strength in you, a light that draws me in. I can’t explain it, but I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Mullai’s breath hitched at his words. There was an undeniable pull between them, a connection that transcended time and logic. She wanted to resist, to push him away, but she found herself drawn to him in a way that defied all reason.
For the first time in a long while, Mullai felt vulnerable, yet strangely safe in his presence. She wanted to argue, to assert her independence, but something in his gaze held her captive.
Mullai: “You’re stubborn, aren’t you?”
Karthikeyan chuckled softly, his hand still lingering near her face.
Karthikeyan: “You have no idea. But then again, so are you.”
Mullai couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. There was something intoxicating about him, something that made her want to surrender, even if just for a moment.
As they sat there, the weight of the world outside the cave seemed to fade away. For a brief moment, it was just the two of them, two souls from different times, drawn together by fate.
But reality soon intruded. Mullai knew they couldn’t stay hidden forever. She had a mission, and she wouldn’t rest until she had answers.
