Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 55

APRIL, 1985
135
"I have brought you this humble food. But what are you looking at ? Quickly take a few morsels. Your time for meditation is passing away."
Kosa uttered many a sentences like that at a time. But these made no impact on Sthulabhadra's mind. He said slowly, "All these for me ? But Kosa, all your labour have gone in vain."
"Why?” she said, “You loved these things once."
Sthulabhadra began to smile. Said he, “I am a monk. I cannot take food prepared for me. I shall collect my food from here and there."
Tears began to flow from Kosa's eyes. She said, “Why are you tormenting me ? Will you beg ?”
“Don't be disheartened. This is a monk's life.”
Kosa left the place. The food remained untouched.
It was raining outside. Everywhere was the darkness of the night. The air was thick with the scent of wild Mallika. Reclining in her bed Kosa was reflecting the sweet episodes of the past. She recollected those days when youth gave her a special charm. The talk of her infatuating beauty was on the lips of every youngmen of Pataliputra. Probably there was none who could resist her temptation. Every youngmen's heart was burning with a desire for her. It was in those days prime minister's son Sthulabhadra came to her house. How beautiful were his eyes ! She knew not when he entered into her heart. So her fans were not able to reach her. Kosa who was desired by all became of one. Her door was closed for all except Sthulabhadra.
At last that evil day also came when receiving king's message he left for the court. The prime minister's post was vacant and the king offered it to Sthulabhadra. But not accepting it he left the court and went away no one knew where. Still Kosa was confident that he would return. Because he was her's only. It was for this she gave no indulgence to her new lovers and she bore the pangs of separation like one whose lover is abroad. And today when clouds had thickened in the sky as also in her mind, Sthulabhadra was aloof.
But no she would not acknowledge defeat. At midnight when the wind was howling Kosa decorated her hair with scented flowers. Then she appeared before Sthulabhadra.