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308
JAIN RAMAYAN
Queen Ketumati's loud and angry voice reverberated in Anjana's chamber. The maids and attendants left their work; came and stood there trying to know what was happening.
"Get away, at once, from my presence; and do whatever you like. There is no place in our palace for a lewd woman like you. For a long time you have been throwing dust in my eyes; henceforth, your treachery cannot continue here."
Anjana felt as if the sky cracked and crumbled over her head. How long could she bear with those words that fell like hammer-strokes on her ears and which pierced her tender heart like poisoned arrows ? She collapsed on the ground like an uprooted tree. Vasanta Tilaka tried to comfort her. She sprinkled cold water on her and fanned her with a fan; and made her regain her consciousness. But on account of bitter anguish and agitation she kept wriggling on the floor. She felt as if the whole world was reeling around her. The tears were streaming from her eyes. Her cries of anguish were echoed by every stone in the walls of the chamber;
"On lord of my life! When will you come and listen to my anguished cries ? I implored you not to go back but you went away promising me that you would come back soon. I do not know when you will come and relieve me of my anguish .... Now, I am unable to show my face to anyone".
All those who had gathered there shed tears of compassion but Queen Ketumati did not care for Anjana's distress. She left Anjana there in a state of bitter distress and despondency and went straight to the chamber of King Prahlad placing steps violently and angrily. King Prahlad was amazed to see Queen Ketumati's angry and frowning face; and asked her:
“What's the matter ?” "We are completely ruined ...."
He sat upon his throne and said in a serious tone," I do not understand anything.”
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