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234
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Father! This is impossible. Shall I give my daughter in marriage to one who has been an inveterate enemy of our royal line ? Under no circumstances will I do such a humiliating thing. I can breathe peacefully only after killing him in a battle. What happened to his grand-father, Mali will happen to him also. I will deal the same deadly blow to him. - I can be peaceful and happy only after I have killed him in a battle; and only after he has shared his grand-father's fate. Dear father! let not your affection for me blind you to realities. Kindly have a little patience. Don't you know your son's courage, valour and abilities? Don't you have confidence in me? or are you agitated by some unknown danger ?"
Just then, fear and wonder arose in all on account of the commotion among the people. At the same time, there arose a commotion in the palace also; and all were worried. Some guards came running to Indra; and said :
"Your Excellency! Please do not delay. The vast army of Ravan, the King of Lanka has surrounded our city of Ratanupur".
Indra became furious. His anger shot up to the skies. At once, he went straight to his chamber where he held political discussions. Seeing Indra going away thus in a hurry, Sahastrar felt greatly unhappy. He visualised his prosperous kingdom being ruined and destroyed. He was greatly worried by Indra's behaviour which had been prompted by his false sense of prestige. But what could he do ? He could do nothing because the political power and the administration of the kingdom were not in his hands. They were in the hands of his son, Indra. At once, Indra sent for his ministers and held a meeting with them. He desired to know the opinion of each one of them.
"Revered Brihaspati! You please tell me what method I should adopt in this adverse situation ?
"War !” The Chief Minister said at once. He said so because he knew the nature of Indra's anger. He also knew that if any one at such a time gave some suggestion which went against his opinion, Indra would ruin him.
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