The furious rage of Periya Pazhuvettarayar seemed to evoke no surprise whatsoever in Nandini. For three years now, she had made that great warrior, the venerable elder, dance like a puppet at the end of a string held in her hand. But today, for the first time, that string had snapped. The puppet, which had been dancing as she pleased, had now gained life and self-awareness. Nandini appeared to have anticipated this moment. From now on, she had no further use for that puppet.

Without the slightest trace of agitation, Nandini rose and bowed before Periya Pazhuvettarayar. In a voice trembling with emotion, she spoke:

“Swami, you have often told me that my words are sweeter to you than honey or divine nectar. But today, my words will taste more bitter than poison, just like the gruel I served you. Yet, I beg you, show me mercy and grant me permission to say a few words before I take my final leave from you. With the same lips that once called me ‘precious jewel’ and ‘beloved,’ today you have called me a sinner and a demoness. Yes, I am a sinner; I am a demoness! For three years, I have deceived and misled you. When I stood abandoned in the wilderness, you brought me into your palace. You made emperors and princes show me respect. You even dared to oppose your own dear younger brother, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar, for my sake. The slanderous words and mocking gossip of the townsfolk and the people of the land could not diminish the affection you had for me. Despite all this trust and the unparalleled honors you bestowed upon me, I have deceived you. That is the truth.

I have lived in your palace only to fulfill my own purpose. Without your knowledge, I have done many things. I have maintained secret dealings with conspirators. I have beguiled young men like Kandhamaaran and Parthibendran and used them for my own ends. But, Ayya, in one thing alone have I never deceived you. From the day the world knew I became your wife, I have accepted you as my husband in truth. By no fault of mine has any stain come upon your ancient and illustrious clan, which for generations has produced mighty heroes. And as long as I live, such a stain shall never befall you…”

“Nandini! What words are these that you utter? What greater disgrace could befall my lineage? Alas! By my own hand… with this very hand of mine… Oh, wretched woman! You had a sword with you, didn’t you? Where is it? Take it and sever my hand yourself! That is the only help you can do for me! No, no! Do not! This hand still has one more task to perform. A most important task remains. Do not, believing my words to be true, do anything rash!”

“Swami! I will not do any such thing. For so long, I could not use that sword even upon the one for