Those who marry a young woman after reaching an advanced age always dwell in the illusory world of suspicion. For them, a natural aversion arises whenever they see strangers. For Pazhuvettarayar, there was even greater reason for such aversion. He did not at all like that Nandini had come and stood before him and begun to speak. At the same time, he could not bring himself to rebuke Nandini either.

Therefore, in reply to Nandini’s question, he said, “Queen! There are countless people in this world whom we do not know. It is not possible for us to have seen and known everyone, is it? So, there is no loss to us because of that!”

Hearing this, Parthibendran said, “Sir! There is no loss to the Chola kingdom’s treasurer’s queen for not knowing me; the loss is mine alone. Therefore, let me introduce myself, Lady! They call me Parthibendra Pallavan!”

“Oh! Is that so? I have heard your name before!” said Nandini.

“Parthibendra! Why did you mention only your name and leave out your honors? When did you become so modest and humble? Nandini! He is not just Parthibendran. He is the Parthibendra Pallavan who conquered Vengi and Kalinga and took the head of Veerapandiyan!” said Pazhuvettarayar in a mocking tone.

For a moment, Nandini’s face darkened like a storm-laden sky. Two flashes of lightning seemed to dart from her eyes, shining and vanishing instantly. The next moment, she laughed aloud, her voice ringing like silver bells.

“Sir! How many people have claimed the proud title of ‘the one who took Veerapandiyan’s head!’ Is there any count for that?” she asked.

“Lady! The commander said so out of his fondness for me. In truth, I am not worthy of that honor. The glory of taking Veerapandiyan’s head belongs to Aditya Karikalan alone!”

“Why do you say so, my boy? Shouldn’t you also claim a share in the pride of striking a dead snake?” Pazhuvettarayar asked in a mocking tone, and let out a short, sharp laugh. “No, my lord! No! Aditya Karikalan did not slay a dead serpent. When he raised his sword, Veerapandiyan was very much alive, a serpent with all its venom. To save his life, a maiden as enchanting as Mohini of the celestial realms appeared before him, joined her hands, and pleaded. Had I been the one holding the sword, I would have instantly cast it away. Veerapandiyan would have escaped with his life!” Thus replied Parthibendran to Pazhuvetaraiyar. Yet, his eyes were fixed keenly upon Nandini’s face.

Nandini sensed that the conversation was treading into dangerous waters. Turning to Pazhuvetaraiyar, she said, “My lord! Why recall that old tale now? Should we not inquire about the purpose of his visit?”

At once, Pazhuvetaraiyar said, “Yes, my boy! Enough of old stories! Tell us your tale! When did you leave Kanchi? Where are you bound? What brings you here?”

Parthibendran, whose mind had been clouded by the sight of Nandini, now remembered the purpose of his coming.

“Sir! Forgive me! I have been speaking of all manner of things. I have come bearing news of utmost importance. News so dire it could plunge the entire Chola land into a sea of sorrow— The prince Arulmozhi Varman, who set sail with me from Lanka, leapt into the sea when the storm struck our ship. His fate remains unknown. I have come to see if, by chance, he has found refuge here!”

Before he could finish, Pazhuvetaraiyar cried out, “Ah! What did you say?” and collapsed to the ground like a great tree uprooted by a whirlwind.

Parthibendran rushed forward to support him, but Nandini stepped between them and gently pushed away his outstretched hand. She seated herself beside Pazhuvetaraiyar, lifting his head onto her lap.

“Water! Water!” she cried.

A maidservant hurried in from the tent with water. Several warriors, the lighthouse guards, and members of his household came running. With great composure, Nandini motioned for them all to stand back. She sprinkled water on Pazhuvetaraiyar’s face and called to him in a tender voice, “My lord! My lord!” In a few moments, the old man’s eyes fluttered open. At once, his senses returned, and he sat up with a start.

“Nandini! Was what I just heard true? What did this Pallavan say? Did he not say that Ponniyin Selvan has been taken by the sea? When that valiant prince was but a small child, these very hands lifted him up and carried him on my shoulders with joy. Yet it was with these same hands that I set my seal upon the order to have him captured and brought here. Alas! What will the Chola land think of me?” cried Pazhuvettaraiyar, striking his forehead. Never before had Nandini seen that diamond-studded warrior so shaken and distraught; indeed, no one had ever witnessed such a sight.

“My lord! Do not be agitated! He has not yet told us the whole story, has he? Would it not be better to hear everything and then decide what must be done?” said Nandini.

“Yes, you are right. Parthibendran! Speak quickly! You said Ponniyin Selvan drowned in the sea and died, did you not? Is that true? Or are you, with some ill intent, spinning a tale? Do not play with a hungry tiger! Beware!” thundered the old lord, his eyes blazing with fire.

“Sir! Forgive me! I did not say that the prince is dead. Even I cannot believe that such a terrible loss could befall this Tamil land. I only said that, when the storm reached its fiercest, he jumped from my ship into the sea. By the grace of God, perhaps he survived. Perhaps he has come ashore somewhere along this coast. It is with that hope that I have come here to search…”

“He jumped into the sea during the storm! For what reason? Why did he jump? Why was he on your ship? What were you doing when he leapt?” demanded the lord of Pazhuvoor, his