Chapter 17
Kullanaana is waiting anxiously at the river side, all he can do is to pray for his friends. One of his friend is sick, and fighting for his life, the other are risking their lives to save him. He felt angry with himself for staying at the river side, without doing anything for his friend.
Chettipravu has crossed the river with ease, thanks to his white wings. He is now searching for the Neelakkurinji. Ummikkunnumala is a giant hill, there are lot of plants in this hill. So it is very difficult to find a well with blue flowers in it. He don't know what to do, or where to start his searching. All he know is his friend is in need of it. He starts searching for Neelakurinji from the bottom of the hill.
At the same time, Karadiammavan is swimming across the river. He is slashing the water like a shower while swimming through the river. His eyes and mind are also worried about the deadly crocodiles. He has covered about half distance through the river and suddenly he found something swimming towards him. "Oh my God, the crocodile...." he muttered. He felt like all his body has paralysed and he is unable to swim.
He realized that the danger is near. The only way to escape is "Vanadevatha", the Goddess of the Forest. He prayed to her for a second and starts swimming as fast as he can. But it is too late, the crocodile is in front of him!
Chettipravu is flying all around the Ummikkunnumala as fast as he could and he is searching every nook and corner. But there is no sign of Neelakkurinji! "Is Hippomaman is right?" He started doubting. But the only way in front of him is to search for Neelakurinji.
Kullanaana is still waiting at the bank of Kattaar. He looks restless. Now the splashes made by Karadiammavan has disappeared. He is confused. At first he thought to return near Kittukuarangan, but he can't. May be his friends need his help. Suddenly he see some movements behind the big tree behind him. He starts slowly moving towards the tree and asked in a trembling voice "Who is there?"
