Part II of Chapter 37. More romance. Enjoy.

CHAPTER 37

“ … AND WHO SHALL SACRIFICE THE MORE?”

PART II

“Not in a thousand life-times!” Sivakami declared decisively.

She paused, and then continued. “I’ve read in many stories, My Lord – heard of them even – that many women were so courageous, and loved their husbands so much that they stood beside them in battle shoulder to shoulder, and performed as many valorous deeds as the men themselves. I have heard that Kaikeyi was King Dasaratha’s charioteer in war, as was the lady Subadhra for her lord, Arjuna. Alas – I wasn’t born for such things. I cannot journey to battlefields. The sight of blood makes me faint. I am but a naïve girl, meant only to sing, dance and stay inside the protected confines of my home. But that doesn’t mean that I shall subject you to the same fate. Never will I let you, My Lord, born to be an Emperor seated on his jeweled throne, and vanquish enemies with your sword, slave away in my father’s hut with a measly chisel. Hands that hold a javelin with such spirit and valour, to beat the rhythms for my dances! I shall never allow it, Swami. Don’t ever say that you will renounce your Empire and throne. If you do, I shall know that I’m the reason for your terrible decision and kill myself!”

“Sivakami, it isn’t just the blood of a sculptor that runs in your veins, but the fire and pride of all the courageous Tamil women who have lived and died here. You possess the valiant heart of young women who were brave enough to send their new husbands into battle straight from their marriage fires. In truth, Sivakami – you have every quality that embodies the strong, spirited mother and wife! You needn’t come with me to the battlefield, or drive my chariot for me. And do you know why? Because whenever I leave for battle, you shall always be in my heart. The words you uttered now will forever be ringing in my ears. Your love for me shall give me endless strength and determination!”

“Swami, you were born into the valiant Pallava clan, defeated the land’s most valorous wrestlers before you were eighteen and earned the title Maamallan – why would you require my words to give you strength? Was it my memory that gave you the courage to shred your enemies into pieces during battle? I’m a pathetic creature who shivers at the sight of an eight-legged spider! Do you remember, My Lord – once, when we playing hide and seek as children in my father’s home, I hid myself behind a huge statue. I saw a cockroach behind it and screamed the house down. You ran out from where you were hiding, embraced me and tried to calm me down. You asked me what had frightened me, but I was so ashamed of myself that I didn’t dare answer. And when I finally did, you wouldn’t believe me! Afraid of a cockroach? Not on your life! This was your ruse to get me out of my hiding-place, you laughed. But My Lord – I truly was terrified of the cockroach, then. I felt the same terror a few moments ago when I saw the snake. Look at how my body trembles, even now!”

Maamallar did not need an excuse to wrap his strong arms around her once again, and pull her into an embrace. “Come, now, Sivakami. What silliness is this? Why do you shiver so?”

“I don’t know, Swami. Lately, I’ve been seized by constant fear. For some time, now, I’ve had this horrible feeling, this premonition – that a great catastrophe is going to befall me. I must tell you something – something I haven’t even told my father, yet …”

“Yes?”

“Do you remember the time I danced to Naavukkarasar’s hymns in his Kanchi monastery and fell unconscious? Once I had woken up, our eyes met. You took your leave of me with your heart, through the language that only you and I can speak. A little later, my father and I left for Kamali’s home. Just as we stepped out, Naavukkarasar stopped my father and spoke a few words to him in a very low voice: Your daughter is blessed with a divine gift. She will attain great heights – but I am seized with sorrow whenever I see her. I fear that some great disaster is about to befall her. Take great care of her! I heard his warning clearly. Ever since then …”

“Indeed, he’s a great seer, Sivakami, and what he said did come true, didn’t it? You were caught in this dangerous flood – could there be anything more disastrous than this? And you escaped, by God’s grace! Nothing terrible will befall you, ever,” Maamallar said firmly.

“My Lord, this flood was the means of bringing us together for three, glorious, heavenly days – how could I ever consider this a disaster? That’s why I fear that a more terrible fate awaits me. But what of it now? Or indeed, ever? I know now that I hold a small place in your large heart. That thought will give me the strength and enthusiasm to live each day. I shall wait here gladly, until you emerge victorious in the war, and come here to claim me, with your father’s permission. No catastrophe shall shake me, as long as I’m protected by the armour of you heart.”

“Mandapapattu is that fortunate, is it? You’re going to stay here, then?” Maamallar’s tone made it obvious that this was his wish as well.

“Yes, My Lord. I don’t believe I can be as happy anywhere else. I shall have very fond memories of this little village, their temple, these boulders and the Varaha River. Father too, has fallen in love with this place – he’s been talking of carving temples and sculptures. I believe he will be happy here, too. There’s only one thing that worries me – I hope to goodness that that evil Naganandhi never comes here!” said Sivakami.

“Never fear, Sivakami. He won’t,” consoled Maamallar, having heard of the bikshu’s fate from Gundodharan.

At that very instant, a lean figure from behind the boulder on which the couple were seated, rose and slunk away into the darkness.

It was Naganandhi.