1145. What Makes Poonguzhali Intoxicated?

"I have been repeatedly requesting you to put an end to your drinking habit. But you won't listen to me" said Poonguzhali, in exasperation.

"I have been trying. But I couldn't succeed. I need the state of intoxication, drinking gives me" said Inamkumaran.

"Why do you need that state? I don't feel the need for such a state!"

"Everyone needs a kind of intoxication. I don't know what will make you fee you such a state."

"Just because you are unable to give up drinking, don't theorize that every one needs some kind of an intoxication" said Poonguzhali.

At that time, Poonguzhali's attention was drawn to something she just noticed. Turning her head to look in a particular direction, she told Ilankumaran, "I will be back in a minute" and walked in that direction.

When she came back to Ilankumaran after ten minutes, Ilamkumaran asked her "Where did you go?"

"I saw two women looking at us and talking. I went near them and listened to what they were talking about us" said Poonguzhali.

"What did they talk about?"

"What will they talk about? They were remarking that you and I have been roaming about the village together. They said that it would be better if we get married and then go about the village as a married couple!"

"Did you fight with them for gossiping about you?"

"Why should I fight with them? After all, what they said was true" said Poonguzhali, with a smile.

"When you went near them, I came after you, stood behind you and observed you. I noticed that you felt elated listening to them speak about our love!" said Ilamkumaran, laughing.

"You will indulge in such surreptitious acts!" exclaimed Poonguzhali, in feigned anger.

"Aren't you doing the same thing? You look for people gossiping about you, listen to their conversation stealthily and rejoice. I think it makes you feel intoxicated!"

"How can you call it intoxication?"

"It is intoxication, alright. I saw the sign of intoxication in your eyes, when you were listening to the gossip. It was as if you were going to enter a state of stupor. The intoxication you get by listening to the gossip about our love is similar to the one I get from drinking liquor!" said Ilamkumaran.

Thirukkural
Section 3

Love

Chapter 115
Shedding Shyness

Verse 1143 (in Tamil):
kaLiththoRum kaLLUNdal vEttaRRAl kAmam
veLippadum thORum inidhu.

Meaning:

Just as one who has a habit of drinking feels delightful, whenever he consumes liquor, we feel delightful, whenever there is a gossip in the town about our love.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'pUnguzhaliyin bOdhai' by the same author.)

Verse 1146 (Soon)
Verse 1144