Jain Journal 1980 01

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

Page 22

REVATI
GANESH LALWANI
Standing under the shade of Kovidara tree, Revati, wife of Gathapati Mahasataka was looking at the Pausadhasala with wistful eyes. As if there was no end of that looking. For inside the walls of that room Mahasataka had almost imprisoned himself. Taking initiation from Mahavira he was living a religious life for more than twelve years he had freed himself from all mundane activities
But Revati had not freed herself like this. Nor she had given up all kinds of pleasure of the world. She was in need of her husband's nearness, close understanding, warmth of his heart. Heart of young Revati was not like a desert. In her eyes was the dream of mating, in her heart thirst for the pleasure of love. But... She had even no right to enter into that chamber.
Days passed by, so the months, even the years rolled away. But her joyless days were hard to pass, as if they will never end. Time and again this thought would come to her mind: How could Mahasataka engross himself in religious practices by ignoring the longing of her eyes ? Was there no desire to have her in his mind ? If that was so it would be useless to tire her legs in going to meet him. It would be vain to go near him for quenching the deep thirst of the body afflicted by love. But no-she would not allow her youth to be wasted like the moonbeam fallen on dust. She would arouse him, beckon him to take a dip in her youthfulness to cool his heated body. Would he be able to refuse?
At last she made up her mind.
It was mid-night. The end of night is still far off. Cooing of the Koels had died out in the garden. There was no sound except a stillness. It was all darkness inside that room. In that room Mahasataka was sitting alone and was deep in meditation. Suddenly the floor of that room began to vibrate with the jingling sound of anklets. Ignoring all impediments and restrictions she stood before Mahasataka with all the fragrance of her seductive beauty like a heavenly damsel decorated with hundreds of ornaments.