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94
JAINA STORIES
On the fourth day, Jinadatta reached his father-in-law's house After the usual reception and meal, he apprised his father-in law with the purpose of this unusual visit It is a great irony of life that prosperity makes a friend of everybody, but not so adversity, which is a real testing time, when one may distinguish a friend from an indifferent onlooker. The father-in-law held consultation with the members of his family, even the family diety and regretted inability to extend any financial help
Extremely disappointed, Jipadatta turned his steps homeward Nearing his own city, he started to guess the reaction of his wife when she would hear of her father's refusal He felt somewhat mortified and ashamed But to avert the first shock of their meeting. he picked up a bag-full of pebbles from the bank of the river, placed the bag on his head, and returned home.
Purna eagerly received the bag from her husband and rushed to her bed-chamber to see what it contained. And what a surprise, it was all full of precious stones and games
'How very considerate my father must have been', thought she. He must have taken pity on our present situation and given these all'.
Then she took one precious stone, and went to a grocer's shop to mortgages it and bring some provisions She cooked various delicacies and served them on the table
Jinadatta was taken aback to see so many cooked items served on the table Said he,
“My dear! We are already in heavy debt. Why did you borrow again to prepare so many delicacies for me ?"
Purna smiled and said,
"Why, I borrowed nothing My father has given you so many precious stones and gems and I have sold but one out of them to get necessary provisions”
This was a real surprise for Jinadatta who had actually
