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In Search of Anjana
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running greatly amazed to see that his son-in-law had come unexpectedly.
"Dear son! When did you come ? Please come into the palace. We will sit there and talk about everything," King Mahendra said in a serious tone.
"I have not come to take rest in your palace. I have come in search of Anjana. Where is she ?" Pavananjay repeated his question looking angrily at King Mahendra.
“Dear son, do not even mention her name. You know she has brought disgrace to your family and to mine ?"
"Enough of this nonsense. Stop talking thus about her. She has not stained anyone's honour. On the contrary, we have behaved like monsters and stained her honour. I tell you, she is a noble woman .... absolutely noble !"
"Oh! What am I hearing now! Is it a dream or reality? Then my daughter ..... my dear daughter Anjana is innocent.... ?" King Mahendra felt as if thunder-struck. He felt that the whole world was reeling round him. He began to shudder. Prasannakirti also was greatly grieved to hear all this.
"Yes, king! She is pure and sacred like the Ganga and venerable like the Meru mountain. She is absolutely innocent. My mother on account of her ignorance of the situation accused her of ignoble conduct; and expelled her from Adityapur. She was brought here. It is only after knowing all this that I came here to take her back. Where is she? Please do not delay. Tell me at once. Where is she? I cannot bear separation from her. I must seek her pardon. I will atone for my mother's sin, if only I can meet her now.”
Hearing Pavananjay's words, King Mahendra wept like a child. His heart began to break to pieces. A dark cloud seemed to have covered the eyes of Prince Prasannakirti. He lost consciousness and sank to the ground. The Chief Minister wiped his tears. The whole atmosphere became sad and gloomy.
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