________________
396
JAIN RAMAYAN
whatever path you may choose to pursue and if any difficulties or dangers arise I am fully ready to face them with you," Prahasit said with a determined voice.
Pavananjay fell into deep thoughtfulness. He knew very well that Prahasit would never allow him to leap into fires and he would certainly leap into fires along with him. Pavananjay fell into an indescribable quandary. He began to think deeply over the situation. “Somehow or the other I must prevail upon Prahasit to return to Adityapur. Otherwise, he will not allow me to act according to my plan."
"Prahasit, please think a little calmly. If you go to Adityapur and tell my parents about the situation they too will make their attempts to search for Anjana and they may be able to find some clue to her whereabouts," Pavananjay said looking into the eyes of Prahasit.
“Then you too accompany me to Adityapur. How can I go alone? Why should we not both return to Adityapur ?"
"My returning to Adityapur now is out of the question. I will search for her in these forests, in the valleys and all the caves in this area .... and on account of my not returning to Adityapur my parents will concentrate on the task of searching for her."
The night had far advanced. Prahasit's. eyes had grown heavy on account of sleeplessness and weariness. Even Pavananjay was tired but he could not get a wink of sleep. He was being consumed by the flames of separation. Prahasit lay down upon that rock. Within a short time he slept soundly. Pavananjay sat beside him motionless and mute. The night advanced further. Suddenly, an idea occurred to Pavananjay. He looked at Prahasit who was sound asleep. He slowly stood up. He placed a few steps to go away leaving Prahasit there. But then he suddenly stopped. His heart did not agree to his going away thus.
"If you go away from your friend thus, deceiving him, how would he feel? What would be the effect of your action upon
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
