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3rd February 2005, 01:11 PM
#1
Senior Member
Regular Hubber
Back in Alwakurucchi, Gandhimadhi and Sivagami (her sister-in-law) are settling into the Ratnagiri mansion. Valli is busy playing with her infant son.
Just then, High Priest Nallayappur comes calling.
He is welcomed by Gandhimadhi Amma. After the formal introductions to Sivagami, Nallayappur informs Gandhimadhi about the Sanggu Thiruvizha. He tells her that Annamalai and Thavasi were agreeable to her presiding at the festival, as befits her ownership of the temple property deeds.
However, instead of being elated, Gandhimadhi looks troubled.
In her mind's eye, she sees Pattalathar lying dead in a pool of blood... the temple deeds fluttering in the breeze in front of the picture of Lord Annamalaiyar ...
The words "Andavan sottu kudumbangalay alikkum" echo in her mind ...
***
At the Thirunelvelli District Hospital, Ulaganathan regains consciousness. He looks around him, spots Gomathinayagam and calls to him. But before Gomathi can reply, Vaishu rushes into the room upon hearing Ulagu's voice, delighted to see him awake.
But Ulagu greets her with an icy stare. Vaishu feels worried and is about to say something when another visitor enters the hospital room ... it is Shanthi.
***
The moon shines above the Annamalaiyar Temple in Alwakurucchi, and is reflected in the temple pond.
The Kovil Paati wanders among the ancient pillars of the Sanggu Mandapam. She contemplates the age-worn paintings on the walls of the Mandapam, eerily lit by flickering oil-lamps. She senses someone's presence and turns around.
Chittan bows respectfully to her, his hands held in silent namaskaram. He then points soundlessly to a painting depicting the Sanggu Thiruvizha procession. The Kovil Paati nods and says, "Soon the Festival will be held at last... The wheels of Destiny are turning, and what was meant to be, will be..."
Suddenly a cold breeze blows through the Mandapam, extinguishing the oil lamps. The Kovil Paati and Chittan stare at each other in consternation ...
THODARUM ...
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3rd February 2005 01:11 PM
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