As soon as she heard footsteps outside, Poonguzhali walked towards the door of that small hut. Sensing that she was about to leave him and go away forever, Sendhan Amudhan let out a deep sigh. As she made her way towards the threshold, he felt as though his very soul was about to depart his body and follow her.

Poonguzhali opened the door slightly, peered outside, then closed it again and bolted it. Sendhan Amudhan watched her actions with wonder. What was this strange behavior? Not only had she bolted the door, but she was now turning back towards him!

Had her heart softened, even a little? But what if it had? Even if she did relent, she would only continue to lecture him—insisting that he must become a hero, seize the kingdom, ascend the throne, and rule as king. Her heart was like a storm-tossed sea, ever agitated by the winds of worldly desires. His own heart, by contrast, was like a tranquil pond, serene and content in the bliss of devotion to Lord Shiva. The small ripples that had disturbed his peace were caused by her alone. There would never be a day when Poonguzhali and he could truly come together. What was the use of indulging in such futile dreams?

When Poonguzhali came near, she gazed at him with her lotus-like eyes. Sendhan Amudhan’s heart faltered.

“Why did you bolt the door? Who was it outside? Was it my mother, perhaps? Or someone else?” Amudhan asked.

“Whoever it is, let them wait a while. Let them remain outside until our conversation is finished. When a king and queen are speaking in private, no one should interrupt them, should they?” she replied.

“King and queen! Who is the king? Who is the queen?” Amudhan stammered.

“You are the king; I am the queen! Did nothing I said all this while ever sink into your heart?”

“No, Poonguzhali! I told you, there is no use in you trying to instruct me. Your heart and mine are utterly different; they will never become one!” said Amudhan.

“It is up to us to make them one,” said Poonguzhali.

“That is an impossible task!” “If you cannot do it, I can. Amudha! I have made up my mind. I have abandoned the thought of marrying the royal prince and ascending the throne. I have given up palace life and royal pleasures. Compared to palace life and royal luxuries, your love is a thousand times greater to me. Since you refuse to come my way, I shall come yours. I will marry you…”

Senthan Amudhan was overcome with ecstasy. “Poonguzhali! Poonguzhali! I am not feverish now, am I? I am not dreaming, am I? The words you just spoke did not fall wrongly upon my ears, did they? I have not misunderstood you, have I?” he asked.

“I will say it once more, listen! Since you refuse to come my way, I have resolved to come yours. I will marry you. The things