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The Upliftment of Sodas
sat before Sodas. The faces of both were clouded with gloom, agitation and anguish.
"Anand! First tell me your story".
"Dear friend! As soon as I came to know of the arrest and imprisonment of the cook, I thought first of my welfare and safety. You are not unaware of the harsh nature of the Chief Minister. Therefore, I ran away from Ayodhya in disguise. No city or village seemed safe for me to take shelter because no place is unknown to the spies of Ayodhya. In consequence, day and night, I kept wandering through wild and dense forests. Thus wandering, I happened to come here. I felt that this place was safe from all points of view. There is a fine lake at a short distance from here. Countless medicinal herbs are found in plenty here. Moreover, we can get plenty of edible things here. Even to-day, I came here searching for food".
After having heard Anand's story, Sodas also narrated his story in full.
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"Dear friend!
Now we shall abide here. I will render all
service to you. You will not lack anything." Anand said politely, trying to inspire courage and confidence in Sodas.
"Anand! Don't you think that it is dangerous to reside in the same place? Moreover, if we remain in the same place we may not get enough food. So, instead of staying in one place, is it not better to keep wandering from place to place? Is there anything wrong in doing so?"
"Dear friend! We may secure our food from somewhere; but this place is safe and proper for our residence from every point of view. And now I have got the company of a mighty friend. Why should I fear anything when I have a heroic friend like you with me!"
Anand would not give up his insistence inspite of all that Sodas could say. So, he agreed to abide there. Then, the two friends went sauntering and reached the bank of the lake. Anand washed the bruised body of Sodas with the cool waters of the lake. He also washed the blood-stained clothes of Sodas; and then the friends proceeded towards a secret place.
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