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Kirthidhar, The Saintly King
. 33
What else can a lay man like me say ?
King Kirthidhar fully comprehended the meaning of what the Chief Minister said.
Some years passed; and the palace of Ayodhya resounded with joyous screeches. But the mockery of fate was such that Queen Sahadevi in accordance with her preconceived plan ordered her maid to conceal the child in some secret place. Accordingly, the maid concealed the child in an underground cellar and she too lived there.
Then Queen Sahadevi sent word to the king that she had given birth to a dead child. As soon as he received the news he came running to the harem. When he saw the expression on the face of the queen, he grew suspicious. He said in an agitated voice.
"Where is the dead child ?"
"The maid has taken it away”. Queen, Sahadevi gave a curt reply.
"Which maid”, he asked. "Sunanda !"
Kirthidhar, leaving the chamber went to the door-keeper. “When did Sunanda go out ?”
"Oh King! I have been here on guard since last evening. Let alone Sunanda, not even a tiny bird went out of the harem".
“Did anyone go out carrying the new-born child ?” “No, my Lord !”
Kirthidhar stopped there. He stood thinking for a few moments. All sorts of doubts and fears distressed him. Yet making a decision, he returned to the queen's chamber. He sent for all the maids and asked them with evident perturbation.
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