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OCTOBER, 1975
I want the silent corners of my chamber to be resonant with the sound of music coming from the nimble feet of some pretty maid.
Vadhaman :
Mother, the stream of your affections is gentle and everflowing. But your cravings are endless. They feed on what they get.
Trishala :
It is these desires and cravings that keep this world going. [Picks up Yashoda's portrait] Now look at this, portrait. I like it best. How beautiful are her eyes, like two flowers in the hands of cupid. Her nose is so aquiline like a boundary-line drawn up. Her lips are like two sweet banks betwixt which flows the stream of speech. In her temperament, disposition and behaviour, she appears to be Indrani. You wanted to know in whom the entire excellence of Shurasena kingdom had collected. It is this daughter of Kalinga. Her name is Yashoda. I want you to be married to her.
[Vardhaman keeps quiet]
Trishala :
Today, I am pouring forth before you, my year's pent-up longings.
[Vardhaman is still silent]
Trishala :
Why keep so mum, my son. Your silence is a challenge to your mother's affections.
Vardhaman :
Mother, are your affections so cheap as to be a flower on the wedding-altar. There are many flowers in the wreath of your affection. Why attach so much importance to this one single flower ?
Trishala :
All flowers in a mother's love are alike. But each flower has its individual importance. Wedlock is that flower that lends colour and beauty to the entire garland.
Vardhaman :
May the flowers of your love and affection spread far and wide. Do not tie them to a string.
Trishala :
What do you mean?
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