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262
JAIN RAMAYAN
“Where is Vasant Tilaka ?” "Why? I am here !” saying this, Vasant Tilaka entered the
room.
“You will live for a long time. You will live for a hundred years. You appeared just when I thought of you”.
“But my life-span will not be so long as my beloved friend's.” “Then do you desire to die before I die ?
"Yes. I wish to die with my eyes fixed on your face when I have to die. If I die with you by my side .... I will not feel the dreadful pang of death”. Vasant Tilaka said in a jovial manner.
"Ah! What is this? You are talking of death! Please talk of living ...." Another companion of theirs said speaking in the middle.
"Oh! Where were you till now ?” said Anjana.
"In the chamber of discussions”, she said putting on an air of seriousness.
"Who allowed you to enter the secret counsel-chamber ?” "Who can prevent me from entering any place in the palace?" "Ah! You have said it well”. “I just crept in unnoticed following mother”. “Really, you should be rewarded for your courage”. "Give it. Who will reject a reward ?"
"At least, tell me what took place there”. Anjana said referring to the basic point of their conversation.
“The King and the Queen have settled your affair”. "Settled my affair ?"
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