After that, the two of them were trapped within it. Soon, strange sounds echoed around them—voices unlike any human they had ever heard. Creatures of an unfamiliar race appeared and carefully rescued both of them.
Not only did they save them, but after ensuring their safety, they sprinkled some kind of liquid onto their faces. Within moments, both of them lost consciousness.
After some time, they slowly regained awareness. As they opened their eyes, they realized they had been confined in an unknown place. Confused, they asked,
"Who are you? What is happening here?"
Without answering, the beings dragged them out of a house and made them stand near a massive chasm. Only then did they realize where they were.
They had arrived in Maayavanam.
"We mean you no harm," the two said quickly. "Please listen to us calmly. We have not come to hurt anyone. That is the truth. Do not be angry with us—just release us. We have come in search of the Thanthirakarar."
The beings looked at them suspiciously. "Who are you? Why are you searching for the Thanthirakarar?"
"Yes, we seek him. Please grant us permission to meet him. We need his help," they pleaded.
At that moment, the Thanthirakarar himself arrived.
"Bring them to me," he commanded.
As the guards attempted to restrain them further, the two suddenly broke free from their bindings. Their strength and skill became immediately apparent. The very men who had been begging moments ago now stood boldly before the Thanthirakarar.
Mistaking their actions as an attempt to attack, the guards shouted in alarm. Two elite warriors rushed forward and struck them down. What followed was an intense battle between the four.
Suddenly, one of the warriors noticed the sword in Rudhran's hand. His expression changed instantly. He rushed forward, placed the sword down, and bowed his head before Rudhran.
Only then was the truth revealed—he was Parthiban, the commander of the Gandharva kingdom.
Meanwhile, the other warrior was still fighting with Bermiyan. In the heat of battle, they realized the truth—they were father and son. Overwhelmed, they stopped fighting and embraced each other.
Afterward, the two explained everything that had happened, including Pandu's condition. The three of them finally understood the situation.
Without wasting time, the four of them, along with the Thanthirakarar, set out toward the Gandharva kingdom. But suddenly, the Thanthirakarar stopped.
"No. This is not where we must go now. There is no time for that. Our destination is Zimbara City. We must reach it quickly—time is running out."
With that, they changed course and headed toward Zimbara City.
Upon arrival, the Thanthirakarar spoke seriously:
"Listen carefully. The four of you must first bring Zimbara to me. After that, we will place him inside a magical circular formation. Once that is done, Zimbara will lose his current state, and Pandu will regain his original form. But be extremely cautious—if you make a mistake, it could cost you your lives."
The four of them nodded and proceeded toward the place where Zimbara resided.
They created a small disturbance to draw him out. Enraged, Zimbara emerged. His ferocity was overwhelming, and the four struggled to contain him. They couldn't attack him freely, as Pandu's life was tied to him.
With great effort and precision, they finally managed to capture Zimbara.
Laughing wildly, Zimbara unleashed his full rage. The four of them struck him strategically and lured him toward their destination. Chasing after them in fury, Zimbara followed.
At the right moment, they bound him with iron chains and forced him into the magical circle.
Only then did the Thanthirakarar act.
With his powers, he subdued Zimbara. Gradually, Zimbara lost his monstrous rage and returned to his human form. At the same time, Pandu regained his original state.
After explaining everything to him, the group left for the Gandharva kingdom.
When they arrived, the kingdom welcomed them with great celebration. The return of Parthiban and the arrival of Parivendhan filled the people with immense joy. Pandu, having regained his former self, was equally overjoyed.
Festivals were already underway, and everyone decided to stay and celebrate together before departing.
The kingdom prospered, and seeing this, the Thanthirakarar felt deeply satisfied.
Later, he called Rudhrasenan.
"My son," he said, "I am truly happy. Your lineage has sacrificed everything for this kingdom. They did not live for themselves, but for the people. Because of this, I have decided to grant you a boon. Ask—what do you desire?"
Rudhrasenan shook his head. "I have no desires. I do not need any boon."
"No," the Thanthirakarar insisted. "You must ask for something. But it must be for yourself—not for your people, your wife, or your children. Tell me your true wish."
After a moment of hesitation, Rudhrasenan spoke.
"I have a question… Is rebirth real?"
The Thanthirakarar smiled gently. "Yes, my son. Rebirth is real. It exists for all beings."
"Then… I wish to know," Rudhrasenan said, his voice filled with curiosity. "What will I become in my next life? I want to see it."
The Thanthirakarar chuckled softly. "What a strange wish… but I will grant it."
He placed two fingers on Rudhran's forehead.
Rudhran's eyes slowly closed.
In that moment, thousands of years passed in an instant.
He was reborn in a distant future—in the peak of a modern age. Through the Thanthirakarar's power, he was shown everything: from his birth… to the course of his new life… and even to the very end.
And what he saw… was this.