Part Five – The Pinnacle of Sacrifice

Vandiyathevan took the palm-leaf letter and looked at Vanathi. “Princess! Do you remember me at all? I was beginning to think you had completely forgotten me.”

“Sir! How could I ever forget you? How could my husband and I ever forget the help you have rendered us?” replied Vanathi.

“That must be why you waited for a time when I was away to conduct your wedding!” he said.

With a mischievous smile, Vanathi replied, “Yes; if you had been present, perhaps the wedding would have taken place with all the grandeur of Ponniyin Selvan’s coronation! Who knows what schemes you might have devised? Who can say?”

“Was it I who prevented Ponniyin Selvan’s coronation? Was it not the vow you made, in rivalry with Poonguzhali, that you would never ascend the throne? The fortune fell to the boat-girl! What use is it to blame me?” said Vandiyathevan.

“Let her enjoy that fortune! I bear no grudge against her for that, nor do I bear any against you. In fact, I am happy. But when you fix the date for your own wedding, make sure you consult a good astrologer for an auspicious day!” she said.

“It will suffice if we ask the Kudanthai astrologer to choose the date! You have such faith in him!” Vandiyathevan said, looking at Vanathi.

Vanathi laughed out loud and, turning to the younger princess, said, “Akka! Now that he mentions the Kudanthai astrologer, something comes to mind!” She burst into laughter again.

“What are you laughing about, Vanathi? Are you thinking of the astrologer’s prophecy—‘The child to be born from your womb will rule all three worlds’—is that what amuses you?” asked Kundavai.

“Why do you call it mere babbling, Devi? That prophecy is bound to come true!” said Vandiyathevan.

Vanathi, embarrassed without quite knowing why, struggled to suppress her laughter. Then she said,

“Akka! Whenever I try to say something, you always turn the conversation in another direction. I asked the Kudanthai astrologer, ‘From where will a suitable husband come for the younger princess?’ The astrologer replied, ‘Even if he were to leap down from the sky this very moment, he would do so!’ The very next minute, this man came leaping in, arguing with the astrologer’s disciple as he entered! I was laughing, remembering that incident.”

Kundavai, stifling the laughter that welled up within her, spoke with feigned annoyance, “Enough of your games! Let him read the urgent letter he has brought!”

As Vandiyathevan read the letter, both women noticed the shadow of worry that crossed his face.

“What news? What has Kandhamaaran written?” the younger princess asked eagerly.

“See for yourself!” said Vandiyathevan, handing the letter to Kundavai.

The letter read as follows:

“To my dear friend, Vallavaraiyan Vandiyathevan, forgetting all the wrongs and injustices I have done to you, please come at once to see my sister Manimekalai for the last time. Ilanjambuvurayan Kandhamaaran.”

After reading it, Kundavai said, “In a way, this is