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at the time of parting, you had offered me gurudakshina-my fees as a tutor, but I had told you to keep it as a deposit with you till I needed it. Years have rolled by, and now the occasion has arisen when I can claim my gurudakshina.”
Viddubha exclaimed, “Of course, you can! I know my duty; even without your asking, I grant you full protection. None dare touch you; your person and property are sacțed. The retribution I seek does not include you. I have sworn complete annihilation of Kapilvastu, but you and yours are immune from the flames of revenge that will raze to the ground the whole of this town.”
Raising his hand in protest, Mahanama intervened, “But surely. I have not come to ask a boon for myself! I am seeking a pledge of protection for the whole town!”
Viddubha roared like a lion, “Do not ask for the moon, Gurudeva! No sermons can put out the flame of revenge that I have nursed in my bosom all my life; it will burn itself out only when the town and the people are reduced to a heap of ashes!"
"I cannot bear to see this massacre. Won't you grant me this boon? I plead for it as I have never pleaded to anyone for anything," urged Mahanama in a beseeching voice.
After a moment's pause, Viddubha replied with a twinkle in his eyes. "Let us strike a bargain; I remem
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