Jain Journal 1966 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 31

OCTOBER, 1966
"Nothing to worry.” replied Bhadra.
Really payment was no worry to Bhadra. But she became worried when the trader could give her only sixteen peices of blanket. For her thirty-two daughters-in-law, she needed at least thirty-two pieces. But there was nothing to be done. So she tore each blanket into two and distributed them amongst her daughters-in-law.
In the evening when the king went to the queen's apartment, he found that there was no light burning and Celwana was without a word.
So he asked, “What's the matter, my dear ?"
“Nothing.” replied the queen. "Better send me to a cottage.” “Why ?” said the king. Celwana did not reply. The king understood everything in his mind.
"Now I perceive the cause of your anger.” he said. “I am calling the trader back."
Whatever the price of the blanket, he thought, unless he purchased one, he would loose the peace of his mind.
But the trader was nowhere to be found. And meanwhile the report reached him that Salibhadra had purchased all the blankets.
The king was at a fix. How rich must Salibhadra be!
Next morning the king sent a request to Salibhadra to give one of the blankets to his attendant at a price.
On hearing the request, Bhadra was worried. She said, “There is no question of a price when His Majesty needs a blanket. But they are not in the house."
“Where are they ?"
There was a sign of irritation on her face. Then she said, "What to say ? My daughters-in-law never use a thing twice. So the blankets have been dumped in the dead-well by this time.”