Jain Journal 1980 10

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

Page 21

OCTOBER, 1980
By opening his wet eyes Ripupratisatru was looking at Mrigavati... She was the woman of a poet's dream by the touch of whose tender lips Bakula buds would blossom, by whose embrace the sweet Kuruvaka flowers would come to life, by the touch of whose feet Asoka trees would be afire with red flowers and by whose mere glance the Tilaka would be in full bloom. With passion he drew that silken body still closer as if on the day there was no value of social codes to him in the world. A strange truth had dawned in his life.
Ripupratisatru had returned to the capital. So did return Mrigavati. Had she met her life's mate? To this querry her maids were not able to snatch anything beyond, 'Yes, I had.' How eger they were to know who that fortunate was who won the love of their princess ? But they were not able to break the ice of her silence.
On reaching the capital Ripupratisatru called for the meeting of the Assembly. Besides the members, prominent citizens were also invited. So everybody was eager with apprehension. What had happened that necessitated the sitting of the Assembly? There was no news of any invasion nor that of any uprising.
So everybody came to the Assembly with uncertain anticipations. With the queens, Mrigavati also came.
Opening the Assembly Ripupratisatru thus put what he had to say : 'If in this kingdom a new jewel is born, to whom it will belong ?'
Everybody replied almost in a voice, “Sire, to Your Majesty.'
Ripupratisatru asked this question thrice and this was the reply every time 'Sire, to Your Majesty.'
‘Then by your approval I am taking that jewel myself,' he said.
'Yes, Your Majesty.'
Then pointing towards Mrigavati he said, 'She is that Jewel and I am taking her for myself.'
The Assembly was dumb in wonder. But before they could say anything Bhadra, the queen, arose and said, 'Your Majesty, what it actually means ?'