________________
298
JAIN RAMAYAN
treatment. A shiver ran through his body which ranged to the brims of his being like a flash of lightning.
He sat in his arm-chair overpowered by his impetuous emotions. His body shook like a dry leaf shaken by gusty winds. He went drooping and groping for the door of Prahasit's chamber. Seeing Pavananjay suddenly and unexpectedly entering his room, he entertained many doubts and fears. Prahasit got up and sat upon his bed. Noticing the seriousness and thoughtfulness in Pavananjay's face, he asked doubtfully :
"What's the matter!” "To-day... this very moment we have to return to our city". "Why ?"
“We have to return to our capital city of Adityapur; and I want to atone for my sins". His whole body was wet with perspiration.
"Of which sin are you speaking ?” Prahasit asked with amazement.
"The sin I committed in ill-treating Anjana, I want to make atonement for the grave injustice I have done her".
At first, Prahasit could not believe his ears; and when he realized what Pavananjay was saying, his eyes welled up with tears of joy. In great joy and elation, he embraced Pavananjay. Pavananjay's eyes also welled up with tears. He took Prahasit to the window and pointed his hand towards the direction from which the cry of the Chakravaka bird was surging. Even now, the female Chakravaka was crying in anguish.
"Dear friend Prahasit ! Look ! How sorrowfully the bird has been pining for her lover! Has not Anjana been experiencing the same anguish ?” Pavananjay said in a tone charged with emotion.
"That impossible thing which no one could do, this bird has done. Its cry has opened my eyes. It has removed the blinding and distorting scales from my eyes. Its cry has softened and melted my hard and cruel heart. On account of the separation from her lover only for one night, this bird has been crying and
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
