________________
400
JAIN RAMAYAN
"I told him that I would discuss the matter with you and your mother".
“Dear father, I will never marry him."
"Dear daughter! I too do not like your marrying such an ignoble man; yet...."
"Father! What do you wish to say ?"
"Dear daughter! He has not asked for your hand in marriage in a respectable manner. He has commanded me to surrender you to him and you know no one can do anything against the obstinacy of a child, or a woman or a king."
"Your meaning ?" "Somehow or the other, he wants to secure you”. ..
Shribhuti's words were full of agitation. Vegavati was filled with fear. She fell at the feet of Shribhuti. She was shaken with fear and anguish and her eyes were streaming with tears.
“Dear daughter! Do not worry. I have thought of a plan to save you from this calamity. We can leave the city at once and go away to some other place.”
“Yes, father. We shall do so", Vegavati said in a voice shaken with emotion.
Shribhuti returned to the Prince. Soon after seeing him, the Prince said, "Slaribhuti why have you come alone ? Where is Vegavati ?” His eyes were full of lust. His sensual passion hissed out like a cobra. Hearing the shameless words of the Prince, Shribhuti began to boil with anger. Even before Shribhuti could say anything, the prince said.
"Shribhuti! I want Vegavati. Bring her at once here. I will bestow upon you enormous wealth".
Shribhuti could not restrain his anger. With all his might, he hit Vajrakant's face. Vajrakant's jaws broke and hot blood
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
