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nor will be able to have a bond of affection with him.”
After some time, the younger son got married. His wife brought in a dowry even higher than that determined for the elder daughter-in-law. The mother's expectation was more than fulfilled. Just for that reason, the younger daughter-in-law became the mother-in-law's favourite. As a result, the mother-in-law became partial towards her. From morning till evening, all the chores had to be done by the elder daughter-in-law. If she was resting for even a little while, she would be scolded, “Why are you lying down? Clean the vessels.” If her friends came to visit her, she would be insulted in their presence with bitter words and be told, “Send your friends away. They seem to have nothing better to do. If you keep gossiping, who will cook?”
As for the younger daughter-in-law? She had brought a large sum of money with her so she was treated like a queen. All the important things, which would bring honour to the family, would be performed by her. If some auspicious function had to be attended or if an invitation for any two persons had been received, it was the younger couple which would be given the opportunity. The younger daughter-in-law's parental family was welcomed with much enthusiasm but if the elder daughter-in-law's family visited, they were made to feel unwanted. Everyone could see the bias. However the elder daughter-in-law was cultured, and well conversant with the science of karma and had imbibed it. She understood that what was happening was only due to her own evil karmas. Nothing untoward that happened in her life was attributed to her
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