________________
Bharath's Detachment
203
his seat of state and fell into deep thought. As he sat there, he lost all count of time. The evening grew completely dark. Darkness veiled the city. The atmosphere became resplendent with the light of thousands of lamps burning in the towers of the city. An attendant approached him and said in a humble voice;
"May his excellence be victorious ! Dear lord ! The Chief Minister desires to meet you."
"Let him come in."
Within a short time, the old Chief Minister entered Bharath's palace with slow and measured steps. He sat in a seat of state, after saluting Bharath. Having rested a while, he said in a soft voice,
“Dear emperor! The entire city of Ayodhya has been swaying in joy and jubilation. Everyone in the city is experiencing boundless joy."
Bharath looked seriously towards the Chief Minister. He could see in his radiant eyes, a feeling of serenity and cheerfulness. "What you say is true, dear Chief Minister. The return of Shri Ram has filled the hearts of the people with joy and elation."
The palaces of the queens are overflowing with waves of joy after many years of desolation. I was sunremely han when I saw the queens in that state of joy and jubilation. All these years, I was a witness to their unbearable grief and anguish.”
"Actually, mothers have regained a new life and dear Chief Minister now I am also relieved of my burden. I am now feeling absolutely relieved and peaceful.” And suddenly he became absent-minded. Sometime passed thus and then as if shocked by something, Bharath said, "Dear Chief Minister! May I mention a point ?”
“Surely you may, dear king ?”
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org