Jailer

Author(s): Abhayshekharsuri, Sujata P Kapadia
Publisher: Harshadray Private Limited

Page 74

why he would come to him for help when the ruler of his own country King Harishena was so very generous. He worried that if he offered Bhimsen work, there was a chance he might be deceived. The kind-hearted King became miserly towards Bhimsen. He refused Bhimsen a job by saying that he had none to offer him. Dhanasar Shreshthi again came forward to take care of the disappointed Bhimsen. He told him, "Stay back for six more months. Jitashatru will surely remove your poverty”. Bhimsen stayed there for six more months, hoping for fate to turn in his favour, but Karmasatta made even Jitashatru think otherwise, "If the King has not helped him, even I should be cautious. Something must surely be amiss". He also became unsympathetic towards Bhimsen. Dhanasar Shreshthi who was, till then compassionate and kind, became wicked and malevolent. He refused outright to return Bhimsen's arms or to pay him his salary and threw him out, calling him a rogue. Karmasatta did not allow Dhanasar to remember Bhimsen's faithfulness, good behaviour and service.
Then Bhimsen happened to meet Ratnasar who was a kind and generous 'shravak'. He was extremely pained to hear Bhimsen's heart-wrenching tale and was overwhelmed by his honesty even in those difficult circumstances. Karmasatta was unable to change its opinion about Bhimsen so it made Bhimsen himself commit a mistake. Sheth Ratnasar gave Bhimsen precious gems worth millions which Bhimsen hid in a quilt made
Shravak = a votary/laity
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