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116
JAIN RAMAYAN
Hearing the words of Sodas Anand merely smiled. When Sodas looked at the cook he too glanced at Anand and smiled.
“What is the matter? Why is it that you two keep smiling at each other? Is there any secret in it ?”
"No, dear King! There is no such secret in it; we are merely 'smiling. Your joy has increased our happiness."
"No, Anand! There must be some secret reason for your smiling. That is why you are smiling. At least let me know what the matter is".
“There is no such secret dear friend”.
"Then why are you smiling thus ?" And Sodas began staring at them.
"When the right time comes I will myself tell you what the matter is". Anand tried to give an evasive reply.
But Sodas was impatient to know what the matter was. He realised that they were concealing something from him but he did not say anything. After that, the two friends went to take rest. Sodas again asked the same question.
Anand said seeking the King's forgiveness;
"Oh king! Kindly give me an assurance that you will not be angry with me. If you give me that assurance I will tell you what the matter is”.
"My dear friend! I love you more than my life. I assure you that I will not be angry with you. Tell me what the matter is. You need not have any fear”.
“Dear Lord! The dishes have been so delicious because they are prepared out of meat".
“What did you say, Anand ?”
Sodas began to shudder with fear. On account of nausea he felt like vomiting.
he Seedlike some tinskudder with
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