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The Son Excels the Father
417
whole city began to sway in joy and jubilation. In every house, people were adoring the noble virtues of Anjana and Pavananjay.
Soon after the celebrations were over, King Prahlad and King Mahendra sought Manasveg's leave to return to their cities. Manasveg insisted upon their staying there for some more time. But both the kings had come away without making proper arrangements for the maintenance of order and administration in their cities, in their absence. Much time had passed since they had left their cities. Therefore, they had to return to their cities urgently. King Manasveg gave them a hearty send-off.
King Prahlad requested Pavananjay and Anjana to accompany him to Adityapur taking Hanuman with them but Pavananjay was not willing to go to Adityapur, at present. Moreover, King Manasveg was not willing to send away Anjana and Hanuman to Adityapur so soon. When King Prahlad and Queen Ketumati insisted that Pavananjay, Anjana and Hanuman should accompany them, Pavananjay said politely; -..
"Dear father! Do not think that we are angry with you or with mother and that we are unwilling to accompany you on account of that reason. The truth is Anjana and Hanuman naturally love to stay here for some more time. Moreover, it is not proper to go away, against the wishes of her uncle. There will not be much delay in our coming to Adityapur. We will come there sometime later."
Naturally, Pavananjay's old father shed tears. His bright face became bleak but he was silent. He knew everything. He knew that Anjana was a woman of spotless character and that Ketumati had made false accusations against her. King Prahlad also felt guilty because he had given his silent consent to the steps taken by his queen. He knew that the queen as well as he had to pay for that sinful action. In fact, in a way he was ashamed of returning to Adityapur without Pavananjay and Anjana. Queen Ketumati also tried to prevail upon her son and daughter-in-law to accompany them to Adityapur, but Pavananjay was firm. At the end, he said clearly and firmly; "Mother,
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