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390
JAIN RAMAYAN
“Then, is she not here ? Did she not come here ?" Pavananjay's heart overflowed with grief. He entertained countless fears and doubts regarding the safety of Anjana. His heart was torn with fears.
"Dear son, what shall I say? I am ashamed of my conduct. I cannot even show my face to you. I have strangled my daughter's neck with my own hands. Like a poor cow she came here but I, overwhelmed with thoughts relating to our familyhonour and blinded by my sense of prestige and honour, expelled her from here, after severely reprimanding her.” King Mahendra said beating his head, with his voice shaken by grief.
"We do not know where she has gone. We do not know what has happened to her. Probably she has been knocking about from pillar to post, alone .... helpless. She must be wandering in the midst of wild forests, deep valleys and mountains. At that time our Chief Minister gave the right counsel, "She is innocent. Do not send her away," but I did not pay heed to his words. I didn't think even a little of her distress and anguish; on the other hand, foolishly, I pushed her into the ocean of sorrow," King Mahendra wept bitterly.
"Oh king! What is the use of weeping now? Now, our duty is to search for that noble lady without even a moment's delay. We should, at once, send our trusted spies and guards in all the directions and should find out her whereabouts. The Chief Minister said consoling the king and indicating their immediate duty.
“Dear son, you kindly stay here. Within a short time, our able guards and spies will bring us news of Anjana. All will be well. Kindly have patience ....," The Chief Minister entreated Pavananjay to stay there.
"No, Chief Minister ! Until I can meet Anjana I cannot enter any palace; nor can I take rest anywhere. Till now, I have taken enough rest. That is why such a great injustice has been done to Anjana and she has had to face the humiliation of wandering from place to place;” and accompanied by Prahasit
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