Manithan Vaanam

After a broken promise changes the vaanam forever, the party steps out of their pink lotuses and makes its way back to the center of the city, Konga Naadu. As they get closer, a search party approaches them, explaining multiple groups had been tasked to find the crew. The search party leads our group back to the fortress, specifically to Marathan's ready room. Marathan asks them questions about their bout with Khootabha, which the group answers as much as they can. When he asks about what Khootabha meant regarding a broken promise, the party, unsure of the answer, stays silent. However, Bhavannan has a knowing look on his face, prompting Marathan to ask for a private talk with his son; the others head out of the room. Bhavannan explains that in his vision with Veyyon, He told Bhavannan of a promise made with raatchis, where the raatchis and mirughams will not interfere with the vaanam if the Kadavuls will not.[1] As the father and son realize that Mun Mugham had broken that promise, they deal with the realization that a holy war is on the brink. Marathan urges Bhavannan not to speak of this to Thalaivi Veyyoni and says he must travel with Bhavannan, for Thanvika, Marathan's daughter and Bhavannan's sister, has gotten married. Bhavannan leaves the ready room, rejoins the party, and they all prepare for the three days of travel ahead.

The next morning, the group mounts their yaans, and Marathan joins them on his vetri-yaan. Bhavannan, forgetting to mention his father joining the group, receives a telepathic message from Aadhi, who exclaims surprise and annoyance with the surprise guest. Bhavannan answers wearily, saying that Marathan misses their family. Aadhi also asks if Bhavannan will see his family before the ritual, which Bhavannan denies, claiming that he would like to be done with Bodhi before doing so. As their conversation concludes, the journey begins, with all the yaans walking in unison out of the fortress city. The three days pass uneventfully, the dry heat of Konga Naadu subsiding into a lesser, yet more humid heat. On the first day of travel, Aadhi approaches Bhavannan, and the two have a genuine conversation about their relationship and their past issues.[2] Aadhi explains the respect she has for him, and the sorrow she has that he might die with her. Bhavannan apologizes to Aadhi for his stubbornness and his unwillingness to become friends until now. The two make up from their last private conversation, and promise to have fun after the ritual, celebrating their adventures and heroic deeds finally.

During lunch on the first day, Haavani meets with Bhavannan, and as they sit together to eat, Bhavannan asks Haavani why she is still helping him, since her holy duties given by Veyyon have been accomplished. Haavani then explains that even though her task has been achieved, she considers him a good friend, and swears to keep him alive as long as she can during the ritual. They both express their joy to have met each other, and conclude their lunches in laughter.

Whilst the moon sets on the second night of travel, Shwari and Haavani discuss their sordid past, their breakup and their possible future together.[3] Shwari talks about her lack of confidence in the relationship, feeling not good enough for Haavani, but that she would like to be. Haavani explains that her place is always at Marthandam, and that she will never want to keep Shwari at the city if she doesn't want to. They agree to test it out once more after the ritual, and Shwari can visit Haavani whenever she would like. They chat the night away, broken bonds have been amended. As the party approaches Marthandam, Shwari takes Aadhi to the side, and shows her the rangoli drawing she has made, a sketch of the rangoli she plans on drawing for Aadhi at the ritual. Aadhi excitedly looks at it, and asks for some extra purples for the patterns, which Shwari promises to do. The two discuss the ritual just a little more, and before they cry, they end their conversation, making sure their last words are left as sweet as it can be.