Dusky Moonlight

21(3)

The next morning when she opened her eyes, the skies were cloudy and raining. She got up from the bed and looked around to see how big was her room. The red curtains were flying in the wind. Before she could get a grasp and come out of the weird nightmare she had, the court maid along with her workers entered her chamber.

"We are here to prepare you for the engagement ceremony," the elder maid said to Kayanangai.

She nodded in confusion.

They took her to the open Bathing area. A small pond covered by fragrance spreading flowers and plants looked pleasant. When she was looking at them, the maid asked her to strip and Kayanangai was stunned. She protested but they convinced that it's just going to be this way since she's the future King's wife, she will be watched by her maids while taking a bath.

That's new to her but she finds the bath so refreshing. The water isn't either too cool or hot after she came out the smell of Sandalwood, and Jasmine still lingered on her skin. Mathinila came when Kayanangai dressing up in the best saree that she has ever seen. A blue saree was designed with the gold strand. Her old jewels were removed off and she was given a new anklet which she loved to wear. After stuffing all the jewelry, it's heavy to carry. Her thigh-length hair was neatly braided and adorned with flowers.
"Kayanangai, you look beautiful," Mathinila complimented when she saw her.

Yesterday they couldn't talk much because everyone was around them, but now Kayanangai's eyes welled in tears and said, "I am afraid, Akka(sister), what I am going to do?"

"I am going to be with you, don't worry," she held her hand and sympathized with her sister, but more than that she's happy that she wasn't chosen for Aathiyan.

Kayanangai had some milk and fruits until her sister got ready. The rain was heavily pouring when she came out of the bathing area. But no rain or storm can stop this ceremony and everyone was clear in that.

Meanwhile, Aathiyan was preparing for the engagement, he wore his pattu Vesti and angavastram. Combed his attractive chin-length hair neatly and wore his chain, rings, along with his Kaapu. Most of the time, this ceremony won't be performed before the wedding but Raja wanted to turn this wedding as a festival. The next five days until the pournami the entire town is going to celebrate it.

When his eyes fell on the rain, he felt calm. Rain is a sign of blessing. It's been more than three months since it rained, and everyone in the place was reasoning that this union has been blessed by God.

Whatever he tries to think in the other way, Aathiyan was convinced by this miraculous occurring that maybe this wedding is going to change his life. He has to marry someone before becoming Raja so that's why he didn't stop anything.

When he was solemnly looking outside, his father came into his room. He was happy to see his son, immediately he removed his chain and gifted that to Aathiyan. "This is my present, your great-grandfather gifted me this and now I am giving it to you," he rejoiced.

"I am happy to have this, Father," he said.
"Let's go and I am very happy today. Look at this rain, you and your wife going to live a long life," he praised and Aathiyan chuckled.

Kayanangai walked along with her sister where the Rani and her family members were waiting for them. She's afraid more than yesterday as she's going to meet her Husband today. After greeting Rani, Kayanangai's father gave his blessings before they were all went to the Palace temple.

The floors were damp but the arrangements were made already. When she raised her gaze, the King along with his sons and a big crowd were waiting there for them.

As they got nearer, Kayanangai's heart throbbed in nervousness. She stood opposite them, looking down. She didn't raise her gaze and she shouldn't until she was told. Both the sisters greeted all the elders and raised their heads.