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The Wheel of joy and Sorrow
299
lamenting thus; but I have kept her away even from my for twenty two years. I have abandoned her completely; and, now, I do not know what might be her condition".
“No, Prahasit. I cannot bear this any more. All these days, I did not realize what I was doing. I had totally misunderstood her; and I was wandering through the mazes of mistakes and misunderstandings. Surely, she has been crushed under the weight of my hardness, cruelty and unjust treatment. When I set off on my march of victory, I slighted her; and reprimanded her; and that should have been a message of death to her".
Pavananjay's eyes were wide with fear and horror. He began to shudder at the enormity he had perpetrated. He embraced Prahasit and began sobbing like a helpless child.
"Pavananjay! What is the use of weeping ? Even now you can set right the situation. You have realized your mistake; that is enough. It is said that if one makes amends for one's mistake, it is no more a mistake”.
"No dear friend ! I am a sinner. I am a wretched creature. I am a foul-tongued monster! I am a mean fellow! How can I face her now ? and how can I say, “My goddess ! I caused the greatest calamity to you; and I have pushed you into hell to suffer countless tortures. Kindly pardon me !” Pavananjay's voice was choked. The tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Friend ! To err is human. Naturally, men act unjustly sometimes; but you have realized your blunder. This is indeed a great thing. Truly Anjana is fortunate. She is indeed blessed; and that is why she has a noble man like you for her husband".
"Prahasit! Get up, let us not delay. Let us at once return to Adityapur. Otherwise...."
"Otherwise that noble woman experiencing anguish by the separation from her husband may commit suicide". Suddenly, Prahasit entertained a strange fear.
And the two friends, at once, set off to Adityapur; and began travelling through the sky.
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