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JAIN RAMAYAN
emotions. They were happy, sad and angry and they were silent. Queen Ketumati began to burn with anger. She began to entertain all sorts of doubts and suspicions regarding the chastity of Anjana. She went running to Anjana's chamber. At that time, Anjana was engaged in a delightful conversation with her dear companion Vasanta Tilaka. Their jocular conversation ended by Ketumati's angry and harsh voice. Queen Ketumati was questioning some maid there in a loud and angry voice :
"Where is that noble young lady Anjana ? She is a wretched pretender. She has stained the good name of our family". On hearing the voice of her mother-in-law, Anjana came out of her room slowly. She bowed respectfully to her mother-in-law with folded hands. Queen Ketumati was shocked to see her; and stared at her blooming body with eyes widened with shock. Her body which had grown full now added to her beauty. Ketumati began to burn with intense anger. She thundered with anger: "You wretched creature! You have brought great disgrace upon our illustrious family. You have stained the honour of our family. Are you not ashamed of your conduct ? You have stained the honour of our family as well as the honour of your father's family. Oh! We cannot bear this disgrace !"
“But revered mother! Listen to me a little."
"What is there to listen to ?... You will say that Pavananjay came and met you! ..... Oh you sinner! For the last - twenty two years, my son has not seen even your shadow. Poor fellow ! He kept completely away from you. He has been shunning you and has been saving himself from you. Yet you have blackened his face by your evil conduct unbecoming of our status. Tell me, you shameless creature ! Whose child is it?"
"Mother...." Anjana's eyes welled up with tears.
"Wretched creature ! To-day, your true nature has come to light ! All these days I thought that you were innocent and noble ! I used to pity you; and I used to curse my son."
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