Chapter 24: The Coral Trader
After Naganandi and the Chinese traveller had left, Sivakami sat immobilized like a stone statue for some time. Old memories flooded her. The breach of the Thirupaar Kadal Dam, the threat to her life on account of the flood, Mamallar arriving at the right moment, helping her on to the earthen boat and rescuing her seemed to have occurred just the previous day. A slight smile appeared on her beautiful, sculpted face thinking that she, who did not die by sinking in that deluge, was going to die by falling in the well in the muttram of her house.
She wondered how it would feel when she was falling into the well and after she fell into the well. What would she think about when she struggled for breath in the water? Will she recollect Mamallar rescuing her when she fell off the boat at Mandapapattu? As she was thinking thus, she heard a voice in the street call out, “Pavazham[i] for sale! Pavazham!” Sivakami disconnectedly muttered to herself, “Indeed! The pavazhamalli tree is growing in this house! Even after I die by falling into the well, it will continue to blossom!” She again heard the voice call out, “Pavazham for sale!”
She could not fathom why she shivered on hearing that voice. Had she heard that voice before? Soon, the coral trader entered the house and said, “Amma! Do you want to buy pavazhams? These are rare high quality pavazhams. Their hue outshines the Ajantha paints!” On hearing the word ‘Ajantha’ Sivakami was taken aback. She stared at the mature face that sported a thick moustache and beard. Ah! Those eyes! Those eyes that looked towards her with affection and devotion! “Amma! Do you recognize me?” Asking thus, that coral trader sat next to her and untied his bundle.
Sivakami recognized Gundodharan’s voice. Nevertheless, she was unable to trust her eyes and ears. She asked, “Is it you, Gundodhara?” “Yes! It’s me, amma! Have you forgotten me?” asked Gundodharan humbly. “Yes, appane! I have forgotten you. How many years have passed since all of you had left after saying that you would return?” asked a slightly irritated Sivakami. “Amma! Would it have sufficed if we had just returned? Didn’t we have to prepare to fulfill your oath?” said Gundodharan. “Ah, the oath! The disastrous oath!” said Sivakami. She then looked at Gundodharan and said, “I have given up my oath, Gundodhara!”
Gundodharan stared at her uncomprehendingly. “Amma! What are you saying?” he enquired. “It’s nothing, appa! Aren’t you referring to my oath! I myself have relinquished it!” “Please don’t speak thus, amma! The oath you have undertaken is the oath Tamizhagam has undertaken. It is everyone’s responsibility to uphold it!” “Have you come disguised thus to fulfill the oath? Is that why you’re carrying corals?” asked Sivakami with a mocking smile. “Thaye! I am visiting you here like Hanuman, who in his capacity as Rama’s emissary had visited Seetha. Ramabiran[ii] is going to come here leading an ocean-like army!” he said.
Overcome by emotions, Sivakami trembled. Ah! Was her nine-year long wait going to truly bear fruit? Is Mamallar going to come here and fetch her back to Kanchi? Is the well that was waiting to gobble her up going to feel cheated? “Yes, amma! A Pallava army of a size not witnessed hitherto by the southern country has been mobilized. Mamalla Chakravarthy and Commander Paranjyothi are leading that army!” said Gundodharan. “Did you say Mamalla Chakravarthy?” asked Sivakami, who was taken aback.
“Forgive me, amma! What I said has shocked you. Mamalla Prabhu is now the Chakravarthy of the Pallava Kingdom. Several years have passed since Mahendra Chakravarthy’s soul departed to heaven.” Hearing this Sivakami shed copious tears. She had been angry with Mahendra Pallavar for several reasons. Nevertheless the deep affection and devotion she had developed for him as a child remained intact. Gundodharan remained silent for some time to allow Sivakami to give vent to her sorrow.
Sivakami abruptly stopped sobbing and exclaimed, “Gundodhara! I beseech you. I will not remain in this city even for another moment. Take me away right now!” Gundodharan stood frozen out of shock. Observing this, Sivakami said, “What are you thinking of? This is also the opportune time. It seems that Pulikesi and the fake bikshu are leaving for Ajantha in another two days. Security is lax here these days. We can easily escape. If you’re unwilling to take me along, please be merciful and push me into the deep well at the backyard of this house!” Then she resumed sobbing.
[i] Pavazham – Coral in Tamil
[ii] Ramabiran – Another name for Lord Rama
