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HARIBALA
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part to look down on this man His luck is to take a favourable turn very soon. Who can be a better consort for thee save he ?
Now a feeling of joy replaced her remorse and she began to feel love for the man She looked at him agaia and tried to read into his mind. But Harıbala sat calm, grave, placid With hesitation, the princess said
"I am thirsty If you fetch me some water. . " Haribala got up at once and proceeded towards the jungle. After a short time, he came back with a jar full of water. The princess drank to her heart's content Then she looked at him again. She was convinced that a man who could bring water within such a short time in such a lonely place could not be just ordinary.
The sun was now high up in the sky and Vasantashri could fully see the man What wander, the ugly man was totally changed and he was now all beauty and youth. Vasantashri was immensely delighted. She said to him
"My dear, it is time you accept my hand The desire that goaded me hither in thy company may now reach its fruition"
The two were married there as per the gandharva rites.
It was the begioning of a new chapter in the life of Harıbala and Vasantashri. They resumed their journey and reached the city of Visala As they entered the city, they met with a merchant from whom they came to know all about the city. They decided to settle there They purchased a seven-storeyed mansion for their residence, took four horses and many attendants to make their life comfortable Theirs was a very happy life
All along a man of active habits, Haribala maintained them even now Everyday, he would receive the needy at his house, listen to their difficulties and extend whatever help he could, including financial Though a new-comer, he soon became well-known on account of his generosities, a very Tespected citizen of the city of Visala Stories of his