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234
JAIN RAMAYAN
Even before dawn, the three riders on horseback reached the outskirts of the city of Rajgrihi. They alighted from their horses and began walking slowly towards the city. All of a sudden Virdev heard a code sound. The three at once stopped there. They took out their swords and were ready to face any attack by the enemies.
“Virdev”.
Hearing this unexpected call, Virdev was shocked. He looked around sharply and he noticed a shadow coming out of a clump of trees towards him.
“Who are you?" "Ikshyaku".
Virdev looked at him with fixed eyes. The shadow handed over to him a letter. Virdev opened the letter. Shambal struck two flint-stones; and made a little fire with dry grass. In light of the fire Virdev read the letter. It had been written by Shrishen, the Chief Minister of Ayodhya. After having read the letter he put out the fire.
The three went forward. The shadow giving back to him the reins of the horse disappeared.
"Anjali ! We are now safe, as long as we are within the limits of the Chief Minister's residence and until we reach his residence" Virdev whispered these words into the ears of Anjali. The day dawned. The gate of the city was opened. The three entered the gate of the city.
"Who are you? Where have you come from ?” Suddenly the guard at the gate asked them stopping them.
"Brother! We are travellers. We have come to see the splendour and prosperity of Rajgrihi. We have come from the north”. Anjali said without any hesitation and turning towards Virdev said, “This is really amazing. Magadha is not ashamed of dishonouring travellers who come from other kingdoms”.
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