Vishnurayan Keeps a Low Profile
Vishnurayan had wrapped a woollen shawl around his head which covered the lower half of his face, leaving only his eyes and nose visible. It was a good thing that it was the month of Margazhi, making it possible for him to cover himself fully because of the chilly weather.
Eager to meet his wife Anagha and Princess Chamundeswari, Vishnurayan had arrived at the temple—where they had planned to meet as he had instructed in his message to the princess—in the afternoon.
But to his shock, he had caught sight of at least ten soldiers from their kingdom’s army. Out of which, at least two were the commander-in-chief Pandiyan’s favourite men. That did not augur well for his plans. For all he knew, the princess’s life was in imminent danger.
Quickly wrapping the shawl around his head, Vishnurayan stood behind one of the many large pillars, keeping a look out. It was not long before he heard a soft roar and realised that Anagha and Chamundeswari must have arrived at the temple along with Manu. It was at least four months since he had set eyes on either of them. But… Vishnurayan sighed. It looked like now was not the right time. After all, as far as Queen Naganandini and the chief minister Bhupathi knew, Vishnurayan was away from Kongunadu for improving his health, having supposedly contracted a contagious disease. He most definitely should not to be located anywhere in the vicinity of either his wife or the princess.
With a deep sigh, Vishnurayan waited, crossing his legs at the ankles as he leaned on a pillar. He knew that it would not be long before Prince Vijayendra Chozhan arrived.
By Lord Sivan’s grace, Vishnurayan had met the younger brother of Emperor Rajendra Chozhan three times the past week. And they had come up with a concrete plan to keep the princess safe. It looked like Prince Vijayendra Chozhan was not only intelligent, but quick to the rescue of anyone in trouble. He had made a promise to Vishnurayan that he would help Princess Chamundeswari.
The idea had been to introduce the princess of Kongunadu to the Chozha prince. But it looked as if that particular plan was thwarted, thanks to Bhupathi and Pandiyan.
Vishnurayan’s gaze fell on the man who stepped into the temple just then, and he straightened from his leaning position. Sigh! It was a good thing that the prince had arrived early, and without any fanfare too. Unless someone knew how Vijayendra Chozhan looked, no one would have taken him for the prince of such a huge empire. But then, that is how Vijayendran was, preferring to travel around incognito whenever he could. That way, he could get so much more things achieved and in very less time too.
Quickly stepping out of his hiding place behind the pillar, he went up to the prince and greeted him in a soft whisper, “Vanakkam Ilavarase!”
“And who might you be?” asked Vijayendran, looking up and down at the tall man whose face was more than half covered. Looking into the man’s eyes, the prince immediately recognised him. “Vishnu!” He smiled. “Who are you hiding from?” he asked in a dramatic whisper, even as his mischievous gaze circled around them to ensure there was nobody close enough to hear their dialogue.
There was no answering smile in Vishnurayan’s pleading gaze as he looked at the prince. “Your Highness! A small problem has cropped up,” he said, his voice serious.
The mischief disappeared from Vijayendran’s face as he concentrated on the other man’s words. “Tell me.”
“Some trouble makers have arrived from Azhagapuri along with the princess. She…”
“The princess requires extra protection, I guess.”
Vishnurayan gave a sigh of relief. Thank God that the Chozha prince had grasped the matter immediately. Giving a small nod, he continued, “I cannot show my face here this evening, My Lord!”
“I presume the princess has already arrived in Thanjavur?” asked the prince.
“Yes, My Lord! She is right here at the temple. I am wondering how to introduce the two of you.” Vishnurayan shook his head in frustration. And here he had thought that everything was under control.
“The dancer for this evening: she would be the princess, right?” asked Vijayendran Chozhan.
“Yes, My Lord! Princess Chamundeswari will be the one performing tonight.”
“Then there is no problem, is there? I will know who she is. I will make contact when the time comes.”
This time, Vishnurayan’s sigh was longer than before. “I am so grateful to you, My Lord! I cannot tell you what a relief it is to know that the princess will be in safe hands.”
“Not at all, my man,” said Vijayendran, patting the other man on his shoulder. He really thought highly of the loyal servant of the royal family of Kongunadu. While Vishnurayan had not told Vijayendra Chozhan the whole story, the prince had read between the lines. It was obvious that it had not been an easy task for Vishnurayan and his wife Anagha to keep Princess Chamundeswari safe from the present queen and chief minister of Kongunadu.
Any kind of trouble within the Chozha empire or in one of the vassal kingdoms, it was Prince Vijayendran’s responsibility to sort it all out. He had learned young, watching his brother, the Chozha emperor, deal with various situations employing diplomacy. Maharaja Rajendra Chozhan went into war only when all other methods failed.
At twenty-one, Vijayendran had become an expert at maintaining peace in the various parts of the kingdom. And he went about his work quietly, without any fanfare.
Vishnurayan brought both his hands together in obeisance, his eyes tearing up with gratitude. If he could trust one man to keep Princess Chamundeswari safe, then it was definitely Prince Vijayendra Chozhan.
He only hoped and prayed that the rebel princess—yes, that is what Princess Chamundeswari was—would accept the Chozha prince’s help. After all, Vishnuvarayan, whom she trusted implicitly, would not be around to introduce the two of them.
With yet another soft sigh, Vishnurayan took the prince’s leave and swiftly walked out of the temple. After all, it was not at all safe for him to be found, not by Pandiyan’s men. That he was deeply disappointed at not getting an opportunity to meet his wife after all this long was something Vishnurayan refused to acknowledge.
Keeping Princess Chamundeswari safe was the most important issue at hand. And for that, it was necessary for Vishnurayan to stay alive.
