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322
JAIN RAMAYAN
Ankush gave vent to the feelings that lay in his heart pent up for years. Narad listened to what Ankush said in concentration. He looked up at the sky and heaved a long sigh and Lav said.
"O you divine sage! Kindly tell us how far that city is where our father and his brother are living.”
“Dear young man! Your honoured father lives in the famous city of Ayodhya, which is situated at a distance of 160 Yojanas”. After saying this, Narad kept looking at Lav with unwinking eyes. Lav's face grew serious. He tried to read Lav's thoughts in his face. He could easily divine that Lav was not only desirous of visiting Ayodhya but also of avenging the injustice done to his mother. It was evident that Lav was seriously and angrily thinking of taking revenge against his father who had abandoned his mother heartlessly.
The court was dismissed for the day. All were happy; and Kanakamalini's joy knew no bounds. Her mother Queen Lakshmivati was in a mood of great joy and jubilation. All the women and girls of the city called upon Kanakamalini; and congratulated her upon her good fortune in securing such a husband. Kanakamalini thanked her stars because she had become the daughter-in-law of Shri Ram who was adored by the three worlds.
After dinner, Lav and Kush met King Vajrajang. He received the princes with affection and spent sometime conversing with them jovially. The chamber reverberated with their jovial conversation. Joy and jubilation filled the atmosphere. The king was conversing with them with an open heart. Finding a suitable opportunity, Lav said.
“Venerable King! We are extremely eager to visit Ayodhya. We are desirous of seeing Shri Ram and Lakshman."
"Dear Prince! Of course, you have to go to Ayodhya some day or the other; but the proper time has not yet come. I too desire that you should meet your father who is the greatest hero of the world; but.." King Vajrajang stopped in the middleof his sentence. He could not say anything more.
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