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NAGILA
GANESH LALWANI
In those days there were a few girls as beautiful as Nagila. That's why Bhavadeva fell in love with her and married her.
Everyday life is full of work and people come for business all day long. So taking leave of this world Bhavadeva as if has reached at the lone heart of Nagila. Whatever were in Nagila one could not give expression nor could forget. And this had over-whelmed Bhavadeva like the tune of a viņā heard from a distance. So everyday he used to decorate her as he wanted and then caressing her soft cheek with overpowering emotion he would say, 'Ye are Queen of my heart ...
Nagila also reciprocated the devotion of Bhavadeva immensely. In reply she would say, 'That's because of your love, my dear!'
Bhavadeva used to muse and then would say, 'Small is my world. But your love ?-- that was like the whispering of the bamboo leaves.'
That was a month of Spring. Everywhere was Sāla blossom at its best. Nagila was seated before Bhavadeva in the courtyard. Her light dark hair was gleaming in the bright rays of the sun. Her costly garments were also shining. Besides her were strewn flowers of rare variety.
At that very moment some one knocked at the door. Though Bhavadeva was reluctant to open the door, still he had to go and open it.
In front of the door there stood his elder brother Bhavadatta.
Years ago Bhavadatta gave up the household life taking initiation in framana-hood. But they loved each other since child-hood. So seeing him after so many years his face beamed with joy.
They talked for a long time. And when Bhavadatta took leave of him he followed him taking his begging bowl in his hand.
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