From the ruined mandapam, Vandiyathevan went in search of Poonguzhali. He found her leaning against a tree, her body trembling ever so slightly with suppressed sobs.

Softening his voice as much as he could, he called out, “Poonguzhali!”

Startled by the sound, Poonguzhali turned around abruptly.

“Oh, it’s you?” she said, and turned away again.

“It’s me! Why are you so angry with me?” he asked.

“I have no anger towards you whatsoever.”

“Then why are you so agitated?”

“I simply cannot stand the sight of men.”

“Not even the prince?”

Poonguzhali turned and looked at Vandiyathevan, her eyes blazing with fire.

“Especially him! I dislike him the most!” she declared.

“What fault has he committed?”

“He doesn’t even remember me. He won’t even look at my face.”

“He remembers you very well. When I mentioned you, he said, ‘Oh! Don’t I know the princess of the sea?’”

“You’re lying.”

“Come and ask him yourself.”

“If he remembers me, why hasn’t he spoken a single word to me?”

“He did speak; you’re the one who ran away without replying.”

“I never did such a thing. Isn’t it natural to ask, ‘Who is it? What is it?’ when you see someone you know? What you say is a lie! He never even looked at my face.”

"Poonguzhali! There is a reason for that."

"What reason?"

"The prince is going through a very difficult time right now."

"Who said so?"

"All the astrologers have said it. The astrologer from Kudanthai told me himself."

"What did he say to you?"

"He said that for a few days, hardship upon hardship will keep coming to the prince. He said that everyone close to him will also face troubles. The prince knows this too. That’s why he doesn’t want anyone to be friendly with him. He wants the misfortunes destined for him to fall on him alone."

"Then why are you still friendly with him?"

"Didn’t you see just now? He’s trying to quarrel with me and drive me away as well. For no reason, he picked a fight with me on the road. The quarrel stopped only because you arrived."

"Even if he drives you away, won’t you leave him?"

"I will not. I will share and experience all the hardships that come to him."

"Do you like him that much?"

"Yes; I like him very, very much."

"Why do you like him?"

"I don’t know how to explain it. The moment I saw him, affection for him blossomed in my heart."

"It’s the same for me!" said Poonguzhali. Immediately, she bit her lip, regretting that she had revealed her heart so openly.

"I know you have affection for the prince. That’s why I came to take you with me. Come with me!"

"I will not come!" Poonguzhali said firmly and resolutely.

"If you refuse, I will forcibly drag you with me."

“If you come any closer, beware—here is a knife!” said Poonguzhali, drawing the knife that was tucked into her waist and showing