Jain Journal 1981 01

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

Page 24

JAIN JOURNAL
Silently she remained standing with her eyes downcast. The shadow of evening was spreading on the brow of the eastern sky. The darkness was thickening.
'You go back, Prince. Prabhavati will wait for you for ever.' Sobbing out these words she left the place quickly.
Days and months passed by rotation of the sun on its path. In a cottage at the end of the Ramyaka forest Prabhavati was emaciating herself in meditation like the moon day by day attenuating towards the dark fortnight. Similarly the cool particles of the Ganga were not able to soothe the agony of Parsva's heart. The woman in love was calling him to come at her side like a devotee calling his distant god. This call had made him restless. He could see two creeper-like arms were ready in the blue shade of an Ashoka tree to embrace and lift him to heavenly bliss. Two star-like eyes were waiting for him night after night.
Parsva could not remain at the palace. He came out and called his charioteer. At his command he brought his chariot. And in a few moments after crossing the palace gate and the portals of the city it was running towards the Ramyaka forest.
Parsva arrived at her cottage. He saw her like a recluse deep in meditation with her eyes closed. He was astonished.
'Beloved Prabhavati ! 'He called her.
But her lips did not quiver, her brows did not expand, her cheeks did not become red.
Parsva called her again, 'Beloved Prabhavati !' But there was no reply.
Parsva came near her. Taking her lean arms and pressing them eagerly on his heart he said, 'Prabha, my Prabha, I have made you mine for all times.'
Slowly she opened her eyes. Her look was quiet, without desire or pain.
"You have come at last.' She said slowly.