After receiving and welcoming the princesses, seating them upon the thrones, Aniruddha too took his place.

“Devi, if you had sent word that you wished to see me, would I not have come myself? What is the reason for your coming here in such haste? The Emperor is well, is he not?” he asked.

“The Emperor’s health is as it always is, Ayya! But his mind is not at ease. The fierce storm that struck last night has deeply troubled my father’s heart. He did not sleep at all through the night. Again and again, he lamented, thinking of the hardships the poor and humble folk living in huts must have suffered. At dawn, he bade me come to you at once. He wishes that arrangements be made immediately to help all those who have suffered loss and hardship because of the storm. That is the main reason I have come to you!” said the young princess Kundavai.

“Devi! What can this humble one do? You know well that the title of Chief Minister is all I possess. Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar has left the city at this time. He must have locked the treasury tight before leaving. Even Kaalandhakandar could not open the treasury hall without his permission! What help can I give to those who have suffered loss and hardship? You must have seen the many people waiting at the entrance. Yet I am ashamed even to face them. That is why I have been hesitating to go outside,” said Aniruddha Brahmarayar, singing a song of helplessness.

“Ayya! You need not worry about that. I am ready to give all my own possessions. My mother too is willing to do the same. You may take anything you need from the Emperor’s palace. My father has sent word to that effect. Please, make some immediate arrangement—at least some temporary relief—for the suffering of the poor…”

“Your personal possessions would be like offering puffed rice to a hungry elephant. The storm raged across the whole of Chola Nadu. We have not yet received news of what has happened and where. Here stands my disciple Paramananda—he brings terrible tidings. The sea has risen and, from Kodikkarai to Nagapattinam, has submerged all the coastal towns…!”

Hearing these words, Aniruddhar noticed that the faces of the three women present there were suddenly transformed by fear.

Immediately, he continued in a soothing tone, “But I do not believe it. What he says is nothing but a rumor. The rumor has spread faster than a storm. It is still too early for any news to arrive from the coastal regions. Even if messengers come on horseback, they will only reach here after noon today. In the meantime, we can make arrangements to do whatever help is possible.”

The young princess Kundavai, having somewhat composed her troubled mind, said, “Sir! The rumor about Nagapattinam has reached my ears as well. I came here intending to speak to you about it. Only just now have we returned after offering