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272
JAIN RAMAYAN
this, she could not speak even a single word. If she said anything at that time she would unnecessarily become the object of the remarks and jokes of her companions.
But her silence at this junction sowed the seed of suspicion in the mind of Pavananjay. He thought, "What kind of lady is Anjana ? Her companion is comparing me to poison but she is silent. Probably, she loves and admires Vidyutprabha. Probably, his image is enshrined in her heart. If there was any place for me in her heart, she would have at once stopped their prattle".
At once, his anger shot up to the skies.
He pulled out his sword; and moved forwards, a few steps "I will cut off the head of this wretched young lady and her companions who are so full of admiration for Vidyutprabha”. He was about to pounce upon the young ladies, rushing forward impetuously but Prahasit stopped him.
"What an enormity are you going to commit ? What are you upto ?”
"Please do not stop me, Prahasit ! I cannot have any peace of mind until I have sacrificed these wretched creatures to the fiery flames of my anger".
"Think calmly a little. Though a woman is an offender she should not be killed. But Anjana is absolutely innocent”.
"You say that Anjana is innocent ? Shut up. Do not unnecessarily provoke me", Pavananjay said with raging emotions.
"I tell you Anjana is absolutely innocent. When her companions are saying all this she is silent because she is shy and cannot speak out. It is natural feminine reticence. Do not misunderstand her silence. There is no place in her heart for Vidyutprabha”.
Prahasit's indignant words checkmated Pavananjay's movements. He became silent. But his anger did not abate. He went
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