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220
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Mother! You kindly go back from here. Even by a mistake, you should not see my stained face again. You should not speak a single word to me", and like a child Prabhav wept and sobbed. His sobs ended; and he fell upon his cot again unconscious.
King Sumitra had come there following Vanamala. He stood behind the door of the chamber and overheard the entire conversation. Seeing the change that had come about in Prabhav and the noble feelings that had arisen in his heart, King Sumitra was overwhelmed with joyful emotions. His love for his friend became deeper than ever. He stepped forward to embrace his friend but suddenly he stopped and stood like a stone-image motionless and silent. But that was only for a moment. Then he went in.
Prabhav sent way Vanamala through the backdoor of his chamber; then he took out his sword from its sheath which had been hung to the wall and lifted it to cut off his own head. At once, King Sumitra ran upto him and with all his strength seized the sword from him.
"My dear friend! What an enormity are you committing?"
"My dear king! This is what is fit for me. Please do not come in my way. Please give that sword to me. I deserve this punishment. I must punish myself. I must atone for my blunder".
"But where is the need to die? Why should you commit suicide. Is death the only punishment for a mistake? Is there no other punishment ?"
"Please let me die".
"No, Prabhav, as long as I alive I will not allow you to kill yourself under any circumstances". With a palpitating heart and with his eyes full of despair, he looked at the majestic face of his friend; embraced him and began weeping bitterly. King Sumitra also embraced him affectionately. Gradually Prabhav's anguish abated. His weeping ceased. He recovered his spirits, some time later; and then King Sumitra returned to his palace.
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