________________
440
PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
Surangi replied: "Dear sister, I congratulate you for bringing to me good news but how should I welcome him as he is not on speaking terms with me".
Kurangi said: "Do not worry, I will pursuade him to take his lunch at your place. So keep dishes ready".
Surangi was delighted and she got up early in the morning to prepare variety of food. She eargerly awaited the arrival of her
husband.
On the next day noon, when Subhata arrived, he found the doors of his house shut. As he conveyed the message in advance, he expected cordial welcome from his wife awaiting at the doors. But the sight was altogether different. He said loudly: "Oh dear, I have arrived and open the door". There was no reply and Subhata addressed her with many sweet and affectionate words whereupon Kurangi opened the doors and sat in a corner turning her face aside. Subhata thought that Kurangi had taken ill due to some unknown reason. So in order to win over Kurangi, he said: "Darling, point out my offence which forbids you to talk with me lovingly. Stand up and serve me the dinner.
Immediately, Kurangi with gesticulation said: "You are a great pretender. You have conveyed to Surangi that you would be dining at her place while you tell me to serve the dinner".
In the meanwhile, his son sent by Surangi arrived and politely paying respects to Subhata said: "Father, dinner is ready, please
come".
Subhata could not make out what all that confusion was. He stared at Kurangi, but she contemptuously said: Enough of your pretentions. You can go to your beloved Surangi. She will feed you to your heart's content".
Subhata was much annoyed with such bitter words of Kurangi, and he arrived at Surangi's place. Surangi was eagerly waiting to accord her hearty welcome. She accorded a warm welcome to her husband, bathed him with hot water and seated him on the wooden seat to take his lunch. Various delicious eatables were served but Subhata did not stretch his hand to eat. Surangi asked: "Lord, why do you not eat? Is there anything missing?" Subhata replied: "Yes, there is one thing missing. If vegetable
