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128
JAIN RAMAYAN
“What do you think are the proper steps ?” Another queried.
"My opinion is that if the king rejects our advice, we shall at once, dethrone him; and we shall place the prince upon the sacred throne of Ayodhya.” The Chief Minister expressed his opinion rather emotionally. .
"What you say is right. If the protector himself turns a destroyer why should we give him any respect or importance ?" Another minister said endorsing the opinion of his colleague.
“The first thing to be done is that we should meet the king. We shall try to prevail upon him to discard his devilish habit. Our decision will depend upon what happens at the meeting." The Chief Minister said explaining to them the plan of action they had to carry out. All the other ministers gave their consent to it.
The night had far advanced. All had gone to sleep. The atmosphere was silent and still. There was no sign of any disturbance or commotion anywhere. Yet, it was essential that they should meet the king and hold a discussion with him. Therefore the Chief Minister went to the palace accompanied by the other ministers. He sent a message to the king by a guard.
"The cabinet of ministers desires to meet you”.
Sodas also had not slept. He had not been able to get a wink of sleep. In a worried tone, he said to the guard;
"Bring them here".
The Chief Minister and the other ministers entered the King's chamber. For a few moments, all were silent. Then, breaking the ice, Sodas asked the ministers why they had come to meet him at such a late hour in the night. In reply to his question, the Chief Minister said in a serious manner:
"Oh king! You are aware of the fact that for the last one month someone has been abducting children. This has caused a great agitation and discontent among the people of the city".
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