1138. The Army Chief's Faux Pas

"Indrakumari. What an impressive name! It means the daughter of Indra, the Lord of the Celestials" said the Army Chief Karthaveeriyan.

"Don't read too much into the meaning of my name. My father is not a chieftain like Indra. Nor is he someone well-versed in the art of war like you. He is just a machineman, who makes weapons using a simple tools" said Indrakumari.

"Listening to you gives me the impression that your father is adept in the use of language. You should have inherited the power of expression from him. Just as your father creates weapons that comes to my aid in fighting the war, he has also created you, a beauty glittering like a golden statue, to be my life partner."

Indrakumari was thrilled to hear the words of the army chief.

"When are you going to ask my father to give his consent for you to marry this golden statue?"

"Though I am known for my bravery in the battle field, when it comes to the task of seeking your hand in marriage from your father, I am a bit fearful. Give me some time to muster some courage, to meet your father and talk to him."

"If the king asks you to fight a war, you will muster your troops in no time and march towards the battle field. But you are asking me to give you time to muster the courage, before you could talk to my father!" said Indrakumari, smiling.

When Karthaveeriyan went to the palace to meet the king, he had a pleasant surprise.

The queen, the minister, the princess and two of the princess' friends were also present in the king's chamber. One of the two friends was Indrakumari.

The king had an important message to be conveyed to Karthaveeriyan.

Karthaveeriyan was listening keenly to the king's words, even while wondering why Indrakumari had not told him that she was a friend of the princess.

"The spies of the enemy king are roaming about in the capital. Therefore, women from the royal families need more protection. The minister's daughter will be leaving to her husband's place, after her marriage. She needs to be taken there with adequate security. Therefore..."

"I myself will accompany Indra's daughter, to ensure her security" said Karthaveeriyan.

For a moment, every one looked at Karthaveeriyan. perplexed by his words. The princess, who was quick to discern the reason for Karthaveeriyan's faux pas, turned  to Indrakumari and smiled. Indrakumari bowed down her head, feeling embarrassed.

The king and others, who watched this, understood the situation and laughed. 

It took some time for the army chief to realize that he had said 'Indra's daughter,' instead of saying 'the minister's daughter,' because he was thinking about Indrakumari in his mind!

Thirukkural
Section 3

Love

Chapter 114
Shedding Shyness

Verse 1138 (in Tamil):
niRai ariyar man aLiyar ennAdu kAmam
maRai irandhu manRu padum.

Meaning:

Love that is hidden in the mind comes out in the open, without having considerations for a person as someone to be pitied or someone who is inhibited by chaste. 

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'dhaLapadhiyin thadumARRam' by the same author.)

Verse 1139 (Soon)
Verse 1137