Recap: This series sets the stage for the Battle of Singapore by detailing the British colonial strategy of building a strong naval base, falsely believing it impenetrable, and underestimating the speed and innovative tactics of the Japanese forces who ultimately invaded via land and air in December 1941. The British defenses quickly crumbled, leading to a rapid retreat and the fall of Malaya.
6/26: Fall of Sarimbun
February 8, 1942, 10:30 PM – Japanese forces crossed the Johor Strait and landed, attacking Sarimbun Beach on the northwestern shore of Singapore. They used collapsible (foldable) boats to cross the strait. Approximately 13,000 Japanese personnel landed in Singapore as the first wave.
Japanese commander Yamashita employed a deception tactic, leading the British to believe he would attack the northeastern side of Singapore (near Pulau Ubin island).
Northeast Singapore was home to the island’s first zoo, Punggol Zoo, run by a Singapore Indian real estate owner William Lawrence Soma Basapa. One of its visitors was scientist Albert Einstein, who was in Singapore in 1922 to raise funds for the Hebrew University. When the British anticipated a Japanese attack from the northeast, they ordered Basapa to relocate his animals and birds within 24 hours.
Unable to comply with the short notice, the British took matters into their own hands, shooting and killing all the animals and reptiles and releasing the birds. Basapa, heartbroken, passed away in 1943. I haven’t been able to verify if this occurred during Yamashita’s deception, only that it happened in 1942, though the exact month and date of the zoo’s clearance remain unknown to me at the time of writing this. Regardless, when Allied forces took the Japanese bait, the main attack occurred at the unexpected Sarimbun Beach – a moment of complete surprise.
Sarimbun was defended by the 22nd Australian Brigade, but they were outnumbered by the Japanese. Insufficient searchlights hampered their efforts to defend their lines.
The capture of Sarimbun Beach gave the Japanese a foothold on Singapore Island. They advanced south and captured Tengah Airfield, effectively crippling Singapore’s air defense.
This successful capture of Sarimbun Beach marked the beginning of the Japanese invasion of Singapore, culminating in the British surrender just seven days later.
This 26-post series for the 2026 A2Z challenge explores Singapore’s WWII heritage, from the initial invasion to the liberation of Changi Prison. Using concise storytelling, I try to connect historical lessons of sacrifice and the need for peace all around the world.
Recap: This series establishes the context for the Battle of Singapore by highlighting the British strategy of building a seemingly impenetrable fortress, particularly a naval base, believing a sea-based attack was the primary threat. However, this security was built on flawed assumptions – a weak northern defense and reliance on a distant main fleet – and was quickly shattered by the coordinated Japanese attacks on December 8th, 1941, beginning with Kota Bharu and escalating to the sinking of the Prince of Wales and Repulse.
5/26: Entry into Malaya
British rulers in Singapore failed to anticipate the speed and air superiority of the Japanese forces. War observers claim that the British felt superior to the Japanese and were unaware of the true capability of the Mitsubishi Zero long-range aircraft.
They believed that their older Brewster Buffalo aircraft were sufficient to counter the Japanese threat. Consequently, it was easier for the Japanese to achieve air superiority over Malaya and Singapore. The loss of air cover resulted in many casualties among British troops.
Brewster F2A Buffalo (c) Wikipedia
When troops move in trucks, the enemy can identify them by their noise. If bridges are bombed, movement becomes difficult. Therefore, the Japanese used bicycles. Hard to believe, right? Yes, expect the unexpected. When bridges were bombed, they simply carried their bicycles on their shoulders. They moved at an unimaginable speed over land, nearly 20 km/day. They covered 600 miles in just 55 days through Malaya.
December 8, 1941 – 12.25 am The Japanese 18th Division lands at Kota Bahru
December 8, 1941 – 1.55 am The Japanese bomb Pearl Harbour
December 8, 1941 The Japanese land in Singora and Patani (in Southern Thailand) and Kota Bahru (in Northern Malaya) and begin offensive southwards. The first air raid on Singapore occurs on the morning of December 8 (Chinatown and Raffles Square) and air attacks to neutralise Tengah and Seletar air bases (these become inoperable by January 1942)
December 10, 1941 Japanese troops sink Britain’s two main warships – the Prince of Wales and Repulse off the cost of Kuantan
December 30, 1941 Martial law proclaimed in Singapore, which made stipulated offences triable by marital courts and empowered military authorities to requisition land, vehicles and property
January 8, 1942 Japanese troops penetrate the outer lines of defence at Kuala Lumpur, Malaya.
January 15, 1942 Muar is captured by the Japanese. Lt-Gen Percival orders remaining 30,000 British troops in Malaya to retreat to Singapore
January 17, 1942 The British blow up the causeway linking Malaya and Singapore to stop the Japanese from entering
January 30 & 31, 1942 British troops completely withdraw from Malaya into Singapore. In just 55 days, the Malay Peninsula was lost. The siege of Singapore begins
The British were unable to establish a defensive line. The Japanese often arrived before the British had completed setting up their defenses, attacking them from the rear. As the situation became unmanageable, British forces continued to retreat from north to south. It’s important to note that Singapore is located at the deep south.
Food and fuel are vital in wartime. The Japanese did not bring enough with them. The retreating British soldiers forgot to destroy their own food and fuel reserves. The Japanese captured these supplies, using British food and fuel to attack the British. That tactic backfired them later part of WWII, particularly in the battle of Imphal during battle against the British in India.
The British expected a conventional war, but the Japanese employed innovative tactics. While the British saw the jungle as an obstacle, the Japanese used it to their advantage. These differences led to the fall of Malaya in just 55 days.
This 26-post series for the 2026 A2Z challenge explores Singapore’s WWII heritage, from the initial invasion to the liberation of Changi Prison. Using concise storytelling, I try to connect historical lessons of sacrifice and the need for peace all around the world.
Recap: This series details the historical context of Singapore as a British fortress – marketed as an “impregnable” naval base – and chronicles the rapid unraveling of that security with the coordinated Japanese attacks in December 1941 that initiated the battle for Singapore and reshaped the Pacific theater of World War II.
4/26: December 1941
Everyone believed they were safe until December 8, 1941, at 00:25 hours Malayan time. The next three days changed the fate of the Asia Pacific.
Invasion of Kota Bharu, Northern Malaya:
Date: December 8, 1941 12:25 AM (Malayan time)
One hour before the Pearl Harbour attack, Japanese forces began their assault on Kota Bahru, a northern Malayan city. This is when World War II officially began in Southeast Asia.
Date: December 7, 1941 7:48 AM (Hawaii time) (December 8 2:18 AM Singapore time)
The Japanese Air Force attacked the American Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Citing this as a reason, America entered World War II officially.
First Air Raid on Singapore
Date: December 8, 1941 4:15 AM (Singapore time)
While people were asleep, Japan bombed Raffles Place and Seletar, killing 61 and injuring 133. Electricity was still functioning well without any blackouts, which inadvertently aided the Japanese – the city’s lights themselves guided them.
Sinking of HMS Prince of Wales & Repulse
Date: December 10, 1941 12:33 PM (Ship sunken time)
HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse, two massive warships considered the pride of Force Z, were bombed by Japanese planes near Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, a state on the eastern coast.
The destruction of these ‘unsinkable’ ships shattered the morale of the British Navy and broke the image of the ‘undefeatable navy’. The “Main Fleet to Singapore” plan explained earlier became an impossible idea.
The ships memorial at Alrewas. Picture (c) Wikipedia
Simultaneously, Japanese troops landed at Kota Bharu, beginning their land invasion.
This 26-post series for the 2026 A2Z challenge explores Singapore’s WWII heritage, from the initial invasion to the liberation of Changi Prison. Using concise storytelling, I try to connect historical lessons of sacrifice and the need for peace all around the world.
Recap: This series begins by drawing a parallel between modern conflicts and the historical context of Singapore, highlighting how military bases can become targets and inviting conflict. It then details how the British developed Singapore into a heavily fortified naval base – dubbed the “Gibraltar of the East” – believing its geography and defenses would protect it from attack, primarily from the sea, despite vulnerabilities on its northern jungle border..
3/26: Colonial Defense
Security was believed to be strong. As the Malayan jungle was located to the north of Singapore, it was believed that it would serve as a natural defense, much like the rock of Gibraltar. So, the defense was weakest in the north.
The defense of Singapore included British, Australian, Indian, Malay Regiment, and the Singapore Volunteer Corps.
On a side note – when Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore in 1819, a group of Bengal regiment soldiers also arrived. They safeguarded colonial offices and residences and were among the earliest Indian migrants to Singapore. Later, Punjabi-s joined them as military personnel, police officers, and private security guards.
Plaque on the plinth of the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles at Raffles’ Landing Site by the Singapore River. Picture: www.historic-uk.com
This 26-post series for the 2026 A2Z challenge explores Singapore’s WWII heritage, from the initial invasion to the liberation of Changi Prison. Using concise storytelling, I try to connect historical lessons of sacrifice and the need for peace all around the world.
Recap: The military bases often act as targets that invite conflict rather than solely providing security. The British fortified Singapore against seaward threats after 1819, relying on dense Malayan jungles to protect the island from a land-based attack.
2/26: British Fortress
Singapore was marketed as the “Gibraltar of the East“—an invincible fortress with a strong naval base. I heard they wanted to build a naval base in Singapore in the 1920s, and they created an impression – among the public and bureaucrats – to secure enough funding for it. The real Gibraltar is a rocky terrain, whereas Singapore is a coastline with jungles, wetlands, and swamps.
Heavy 15-inch coastal guns were installed at Changi (east) and Buona Vista, facing south towards the sea. They were originally called “monster guns” when tested in England in 1934, before being shipped to Singapore. The media amplified this, reinforcing the narrative of a strong naval base.
The British relied on the “Main Fleet to Singapore” plan, which assumed a naval attack. Because Singapore is an island, the thinking was that any attack would come from the sea. Despite building the Sembawang naval base, they didn’t maintain a permanent naval force there.
On the side note, considerable amount of people worked at Sembawang Naval Base were Indians. Sembawang is called as Kochu Keralam (or Little Kerala) because of the large community of Malayali workers lived there. From the 1940s to the 1960s – it housed more than 4,000 Malayali families.
The assumption was that if a country like Japan attacked Singapore, the main fleets stationed in London or Europe would sail to Singapore to neutralize the threat.
But as we say, we plan, and He plans something else.
An aerial view of the Singapore Naval Base in June 1953 from RAAFAvro Lincoln bombers. Picture : Wikipedia/awm.gov.au
This 26-post series for the 2026 A2Z challenge explores Singapore’s WWII heritage, from the initial invasion to the liberation of Changi Prison. Using concise storytelling, I try to connect historical lessons of sacrifice and the need for peace all around the world.
This 26-post series for the 2026 A2Z challenge explores Singapore’s WWII heritage, from the initial invasion to the liberation of Changi Prison. Using concise storytelling, I try to connect historical lessons of sacrifice and the need for peace all around the world.
I am starting this year’s A2Z series at a time when unprecedented things are happening in the world. America and Israel jointly attacked Iran, despite Iran publicly announcing their intent to retaliate against US military bases in the Middle East. Not only did they announce it, they acted upon their words.
Military bases – how dangerous are they? Middle Eastern states, even those not participating in the conflict openly, have been hit by missiles and drones, and their economies have stalled.
Wait, wait. If this A2Z series is about the Battle of Singapore, why are we talking about America’s war on Iran? Because military bases invite wars!
With that context in mind, let’s go back to 1819, when Thomas Stamford Raffles took control of Singapore after purchasing it from local rulers. He believed Malaya would be the better location to establish British settlements and influence trade. Following this event, the British implemented their typical city planning, laws, government, and military forces in Singapore. This included naval and air bases as well.
Thomas Stamford Raffles by George Francis Joseph, oil on canvas, 1817 : Picture Credit: Wikipedia
Malaya and Singapore were covered in deep jungles. So the British thought it would be difficult for enemies to attack from land, and if there was a threat, it would likely come from the sea. Hence, most of their cannons were positioned to face the ocean, for safeguarding purposes.
The military bases themselves could also be targets. Therefore, they secured those locations too.
How effective were these defenses? We shall see later in this series.
World is facing a difficult time. Decision made by world leaders often based on their own interests, affect ordinary people like us. I recently saw a news report that more than 3,00,000 people returned to India from the Middle East. What has happened to their jobs? Do they have children who are in school or college?
We aren’t even sure if we’ll receive our gas cylinders on time. Hotels are closing, leading to job losses gifting economic problems for countries around the world. Despite knowing the devastating effects of war, why does it happening again and again?
The ongoing war has made me think about World War 2 from Singapore’s perspective. We lost many humans – Chinese/Malays/Indians/British/Austalians/Japanese. I will be narrating the story, starting with the first place attacked, Kota Bahru in Malaysia, and ending at Changi Prison, where the prisoners of war were held.
I will split this into 26 posts in 6 sections.
Part 1: Pre-War & Context
A — Ancient Roots
B — British Fortress
C — Colonial Defense
D — December 1941
Part 2: Invasion & Battle
E — Entry into Malaya
F — Fall of Sarimbun
G — Gap in Defense
Part 3: The Battle for Pasir Panjang
H — Heroism of Malay Regiment
I — Infantry
J — Junction of Pasir Panjang
K — Killings at Alexandra
L — Lieutenant Adnan Saidi
M — Massacre at the Ridge
Part 4: Surrender
N — Negotiation at Ford Factory
O — Occupation Begins
Part 5: Changi & POW Life
P — Prisoners of War (POW)
Q — Quarters of Changi
R — Religious Solace (Changi Chapel)
S — Stanley Warren’s Murals
T — Treatment of POWs
U — Underground Resistance
Part 6: Liberation & Legacy
V — Victory & Liberation
W — War Memorials
X — Xperience of Civilians
Y — Yearning for Peace
Z — Zeal for Heritage
To be honest, I’m feeling a little stretched for time. I missed Blogchatter campaigns and almost missed this one too! But the community reminded me (which is why I like this community) and I thought I would give a try. I won’t be able to write as much this year, but I’ll focus on story telling with simple language and fewer words.
I wish all my fellow bloggers for a successful season!
I will be using AI to help with grammar and awkward sentences, but I will try to keep my tone as much as possible.
The posts will be released six days a week between April 1st and April 30th. I seek your support throughout April to make this release successful and memorable.
Narobha’s treachery and murder of Tungabhadra led to a kingdom steeped in conflict. Narobha is killed by Tungabhadra’s vengeful son, Pasupati, who is then murdered by Narobha’s son, Jeyasinghan, seizing the throne. Princes Srikrishna and Anirudhdhan, Tungabhadra’s grandsons, survive Jeyasinghan’s assassination attempt with Sivappi’s sacrifice. They return, overthrow Jeyasinghan, and, under Parvata Vardini’s guidance, Srikrishna is declared Rajah with Anirudhdhan as his deputy. A marriage alliance between Srikrishna and Anirudhdhan’s sister, Sudakshina, is announced to ensure peace.
Chapter 26/26: Zenith of Wisdom
Part 2/2 of the novella ‘The cursed keris of Taravati’
A few months had passed since Parvata Vardini had crowned Srikrishna and Anirudhdhan. It was the predawn hours, before even the roosters announced the coming day.
As instructed, no guards lined the route from the palace to the Manvi River. Parvata Vardini left her residence, her figure a silhouette as she reached the royal court and pushed open its towering doors. She stepped inside, her gaze lingering on the empty court for a while before settling on the keris displayed near a shield. After a moment’s hesitation, she took the keris in her hand, a slight struggle evident, and walked out of the court and the palace without a backward glance.
Stepping out of the court, the chilled breeze once again enveloped her, raising goosebumps on her elderly skin. Reaching the riverbanks, the earthy scent of algae mingled with the fresh water, filling her senses. As if guided by an unseen hand, she descended into the river without hesitation, offered a silent prayer, immersed herself in the cool water, and then emerged. She stretched out both hands, water streaming from them, the cursed keris resting on her open palm. With a final release, she let the keris slip into the flowing water, then dipped herself several more times, as if cleansing herself of something defiling.
Finally, she stilled and stood in the water, gasping softly. She stepped out of the river in the lingering darkness, leaving her discarded footwear behind. Her bare feet sank into the powdered sand of the Manvi’s bank as she began walking along the path leading out of Taravati – decades after she had been abducted and brought into it.
This was the same route, she recalled, that Tungabhadra had taken her in his chariot, stealing her away. The memory quickened her pace, each soft thud of her bare feet audible in the stillness. With a decisive mental thud, she severed the thought as if it were a lingering dream, and with each subsequent step, she shed another layer of her past burdens. She felt like a mere instrument, free from responsibility for all that had transpired, just as her Goddess had promised through Valli’s words.
After a long walk, as she reached the gates of Purvadasa Nagadutta, her father’s monastery, the sun finally broke the horizon in the east.
Jeyasinghan, driven by ambition and paranoia, murders Pasupati and seizes the throne. His reign is marked by fear and instability. Srikrishna and Anirudhdhan, with the aid of the loyal Panbalan and the selfless sacrifice of Sivappi, confront and kill Jeyasinghan, restoring order to the kingdom.
Chapter 25/26: Yearning for a New Dawn
Part 2/2 of the novella ‘The cursed keris of Taravati’
Jeyasinghan’s lifeless body, still mounted on his horse, was brought back to the palace, a grim spectacle for all to witness in the darkness of midnight. Srikrishna, Anirudhdhan, and Panbalan followed the procession, arriving in the lamplit courtyard.
“Victory to Rajmata Parvata Vardini!” the crowd chanted, their voices filled with relief and hope.
As Parvata Vardini emerged into the courtyard, the three men dismounted and paid their respects by placing their closed fists against their chests.
“Are you alright?” she asked, her gaze filled with concern as she embraced her grandsons.
“Yes, Rajmata,” they replied.
Turning to Panbalan, she acknowledged, “You are a true warrior.”
“As are you, Rajmata,” Panbalan replied.
“I know my dearest friend and ally, your grandmother Sivappi, gave her life to save my grandsons. Her thoughts were always for my well-being. She will be honored as the war goddess of Taravati, and a temple will be built for her at the border.”
“As you say, Rajmata,” Srikrishna affirmed.
Panbalan knelt, his eyes closed. His shoulders trembled as he fought back his emotions.
The following day was declared a day of mourning for the late king. Jeyasinghan’s cremation was carried out with full state honors. Neeli, her eyes filled with sorrow, bid farewell to her son’s remains and returned to her village that same day. Before departing, she looked at Parvata Vardini, her voice tinged with disappointment. “You got what you wanted, didn’t you?”
“This isn’t about what you or I desire,” Parvata Vardini replied. “A kingdom needs the support of its people. Without it, it will fall, like a palm tree severed at its roots.”
The next day, after a long interval, the court of Tarvati convened. Nearly every resident was present, eager to hear who would take Jeyasinghan’s place.
“What if Anirudhdhan and Srikrishna clash down the road?” Janaki mami voiced her worry as she walked towards the court.
“Yes, that’s been on my mind too,” Kesi mami replied.
The military leaders, headed by Panbalan, the traders led by Sokkalinganatha Chetty, the Vedic literary figures by Vaidhyanatha Ganapadigal, the Hindu priests by Saiva Sidhanta Sivacharya Neekantar, and the Buddhist priests by Ratna Manjunatha were welcomed into the court and shown to their designated seats.
The courtroom soon overflowed, with some citizens standing in the outer rows. Among the attendees was Valli, the celebrated fortune teller from the Pandya kingdom, who had sailed a great distance to reach Taravati, her keen eyes taking in everything as she found her place.
Accompanied by Anirudhdhan and Srikrishna, Parvata Vardini entered the court, greeted by a thunderous ovation. With no signs of age, her gaze steady and resolute, she wore a simple cloth belt around her waist, adorned only with a dagger. Despite the lack of jewels, she exuded an aura of authority, resembling the compassionate Prajna Paramita, the goddess of wisdom.
As the court conductor raised his hand for silence, the noise subsided, and a hush fell over the assembly. “With the blessings of Sri Gautama Siddhartha Sri Venkata Natha and Sri Parameswara, the blessed lands of Taravati and Durgavati have entered a new era of optimism and hope. I, the son of a devotee of my motherland, Gnana-desikan, hereby commence the proceedings of this court. Priest Ratna Manjunatha, address the court.”
A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. Manjunatha stood up and began –
“Om gate gate paragate.. paramgate bodhi svaha.“
“With the blessings of the lord, I move a motion to appoint Maharani Sridevi Parvata Vardini as the interim queen, empowered to issue interim orders.”
“Hail to Taravati! Hail to Sridevi Parvata Vardini!” The crowd erupted in cheers, echoing through the hall. Manjunatha and Neelakantar assisted Parvata Vardini towards the throne.
Parvata Vardini stood facing the crowd, acknowledging their greetings. She offered prayers, and her seat on the throne. The crowd went crazy and the slogans erupted as high as the roof.
She issued several orders: the appointment of Panbalan as the chief of the army, rewards for Panbalan’s family, and donations to the Darma Kriti Vihara, the Sumedha Vihara, the Ananta Sayani Temple, and the Parameswara temple.
She also decreed the construction of a temple dedicated to Kotravai or Durga, the war goddess, at the city’s edge. Naming it the “Sivappi Ammai Temple,” she honored the fallen heroine. A hero-stone was erected at the site of Sivappi’s courageous fight, and land was granted to support the temple’s upkeep.
As the question-and-answer session commenced, Sokka-Linga-Natha Chetty, representing the traders, posed the first question. “For any nation to thrive, political stability is essential. The recent fights for power and the ongoing violence within the royal family have made us worry about what the future holds. How can we make sure our people have stability and prosperity?”
Manjunatha rose to answer. “Since the ministers are yet to be sworn in, I will address your concerns. We understand the necessity for stability. Our recent history has made it clear that internal conflict leads only to ruin. We are determined that Jeyasinghan’s reign will mark the end of such instability. Only with internal peace can we properly address external threats.”
He continued, “To address your concerns about who will rule next, the court wishes to propose this: Prince Brahmadasan Srikrishna, son of Vallabhan Pasupati, who was the son of the late King Tungabhadra and our revered queen, shall be the next king. Prince Anirudhdhan Chandramurti, son of Bharatan Parameswara, who was the son of the late King Narobha and our revered queen, shall serve as his deputy. They will share the duties of governing.”
Janaki Mami from the citizens stepped forward. “Many mothers here have lost their sons in this power struggle. What if these two princes have a power race in the future and cast a shadow over our future? We cannot keep losing our children because of pointless palace conflicts. Rulers should make our lives easier. If they can’t, they should at least not make them harder. But our lives have become difficult here.”
Manjunatha started to reply, but Parvata Vardini interjected, “The court respects and thanks all of you for sacrificing your sons for the good of the country, amma! I know this question weighs heavily on everyone’s mind. We have considered it deeply. We are aware of the strong bond between both princes. They have endured much and supported each other greatly. We believe their cooperation should evolve further. And we have a plan for that…” She paused briefly before continuing.
“Prince Brahmadasan Srikrishna will marry Sudakshina Vaijayanti, the sister of Prince Anirudhdhan,” she announced.
“That is a wise decision!” Sokka-Linga-Natha Chetty declared enthusiastically.
“Hail the Rajah of the combined lands of Taravati and Durgavati!” the court conductor proclaimed, his voice ringing through the hall, and the crowd roared in response.
“Hail the Deputy Rajah of the combined lands of Taravati and Durgavati!” the cheers continued, filling the air with renewed hope.
“Hail our mother, Rajmata, Nareswari, Sridevi Parvata Vardini!” the cheers reached a powerful crescendo.
arvata Vardini rose, acknowledging the unwavering support of her people. “No kingdom can truly flourish without the backing of its people,” she declared, her voice resonating with conviction. “The trials of the past have imparted invaluable lessons. I wish to express my deepest gratitude for your approval of our decisions concerning the future leadership.”
The court conductor then announced the adjournment of the session, yet the enthusiastic cheers and approving murmurs continued to echo throughout the hall.
Jeyasinghan, having murdered Pasupati, crowns himself king, but his reign is plagued by paranoia and fear of retribution from Srikrishna and Anirudhdhan. He attempts to assassinate the young princes during a hunt, but they are saved by the sacrifice of Sivappi. Srikrishna and Anirudhdhan find refuge with Priest Ratna Manjunatha, where they meet the loyal Panbalan, who reveals his allegiance to Parvata Vardini and joins their cause to overthrow Jeyasinghan. A plan is hatched to create chaos within the palace.
Chapter 24/26: X Marks the End
Part 2/2 of the novella ‘The cursed keris of Taravati’
Anirudhdhan entered the palace from the front, accompanied by Panbalan. Srikrishna entered from the back. All three had their faces covered with black cloth as they rushed towards Jeyasinghan’s bedroom, where the commotion was escalating.
“Enough is enough!” Jeyasinghan roared. “I will drag the old hag queen by her hair and cut off her head in public, the pros*itute!” he yelled and gritted his teeth as if they will break into pieces, raising his sword towards a supporter of Parvata Vardini. Suddenly, Srikrishna kicked him from behind, dislodging the sword from his grasp.
“You will pay for your slanderous words, you unlawful uncle,” Srikrishna declared, his eyes blazing with fury.
“You? So, all these are designed by that witch her group, is it. Do you still think you are the king. The kingdom is mine. You are just transit. You won’t see another sunrise, young man.” Jeyasinghan spun around to face him. As the fight erupted, Anirudhdhan joined Srikrishna. The conflict intensified, and as supporters of Parvata Vardini flooded into the palace, Jeyasinghan was forced into a retreat. He eventually leaped down the stairs, seized a horse, and fled towards the forest.
***
“Come, come… this is the way… come, come…”
Jeyasinghan heard a voice as he rushed away on horseback. “Whose that?” he asked.
“Go at once… The forest is good. The forest is divine. The forest is lonely… come, join our world,” the voice continued to echo.
“I say, whose that?” he shouted. His voice sounded rough and strained.
With a scary laugh like the cry of an owl, Sivappi appeared in the air, her sarong smudged to air, her grey hair flowing wildly, seemingly obscuring the rain-covered forest behind her.
“Goodwill or evil, it will follow you. No matter how fast you go,” the old woman laughed in a thunderous voice.
***
As Srikrishna pursued him, Panbalan called out to Anirudhdhan, “Prince!” Upon seeing him, he threw the keris towards Anirudhdhan. Anirudhdhan caught it in one hand and tossed it to Srikrishna, who was now also in pursuit. The three of them chased Jeyasinghan into the same forest where he had plotted to kill the princes during hunting. Jeyasinghan had a head start, but the other three had already spotted him in the distance. The horse’s progress was soon impeded as they reached the paddy fields bordering the forest.
Crossing the muddy paddy fields with their sandy bunds proved difficult. Jeyasinghan stumbled and fell into the mud. As he scrambled to his feet and rushed towards the trees, the other three caught up.
“You are not supposed to do this to me! I am of your father’s generation, your elder!” Jeyasinghan pleaded desperately.
“Did you ever consider that when you plotted to stab my father on his back, dear uncle? Rajmata is of your mother’s generation, isn’t she? Did you think about that, when your people abused her? After all the wrong you’ve done, what made you believe I’d show you mercy? ” Srikrishna retorted.
“Did you ever think about it, when you planned to assassinate us during our hunting trip?” Anirudhdhan added, as they surrounded Jeyasinghan.
The moonlight illuminated the muddy field, making their grim task starkly visible. The cry of a lone fox echoed from the forest, soon joined by the howls of others. with a reddish eyes, At the edge of the rainforest on Mount Ranadhira’s slope, two hyenas appeared, their eyes gleaming red in the darkness.
“Prince!” Panbalan called out.
Srikrishna turned towards him.
“Chest!” Panbalan urged, gesturing. He wanted to steer the princes away from the cowardly act of backstabbing that had defined Narobha and Jeyasinghan’s past.
As Jeyasinghan frantically tried to draw his dagger, a unified “Heyyyyy….” echoed through the moonlit darkness. In that instant Srikrishna plunged the keris deep into Jeyasinghan’s chest. He forcefully penetrated Jeyasinghan’s torso, while Anirudhdhan held him firmly in place. Jeyasinghan’s choked cry startled the distant hyenas. Gasping for air from punctured lungs, his life finally sputtered out with a gurgling ‘khrrr… khrrr.‘
Suddenly, Narobha’s spectral form appeared in the sky as a flash of lightning, his voice booming like thunder, “Hey Maran Saththan, isn’t that enough? Please release my children from your vengeance…” The lightning illuminated the entire forest as bright as day, revealing Jeyasinghan’s terrified face to all three of them. Maran Saththan manifested on the other side as a long streak of lightning that struck a nearby tree, followed by a thunderous pronouncement: “Om.”
