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Searching for a Bridegroom
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humbly and placed in his hands a portrait. The king and the queen observed the picture and were delighted by its winsome and attractive features. They were fully satisfied with the fascinating looks of the prince. Greatly elated with joy, they said, "Is it the picture of an actual prince or is it the magnificent creation of some great artist ?"
"Your Excellency! This is not the creation of any artist. It is the portrait of a Vidyadhar prince who is renowned for his extraordinary valour and his divinely beautiful features".
King Mahendra was greatly delighted to hear this. Till now he and the queen had seen many princess and had heard all details about them but they had not liked anyone so much as they liked this prince. This portrait captivated them. The portrait was passed from hand to hand. Everyone who saw it admired it greatly. On seeing it, everyone swayed in the swing of elation. Everyone was delighted by Anjana's good fortune. An atmosphere of joy descended over the entire city. The members of the royal family, the courtiers and the people of the city were happy that a suitable bridegroom had been found. An atmosphere of elation and jubilation took the place of gloom and depression.
The next morning, the sun rose with greater splendour over the City of Mahendranagar. The heavy weight of many a weary day had ended. The King and the courtiers sat in their seats in the royal court. An official of King Mahendra entered the. Court. Even he bowed to the King respectfully; and conveyed to him a portrait. The portrait had been wrapped in soft, respledent velvet. When the king unwrapped the portrait, his eyes widened with amazement and admiration. He became
pell-bound and kept watching the beautiful features of the prince who had been painted in it. Noticing the wonder and delight that had appeared in the face of the King, everyone in the court was eager to have a look at the portrait.
The King slowly passed the portrait to the Queen. The Queen saw the picture and was greatly fascinated by it. She had with her the picture, that had been received on the previous
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