Jain Stories 02

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 33

ARAMASOBHA
11
If that be so, then bring some fruits and flowers. from the forest just now.”
"Well, sir, I shall do so to-night."
The king had no more doubt about the mischief played on him. The event was repeated on the second night, and then on the third, this time the king himself keeping watch With a sword in his hand, he sat in the shadow of a lamp At the right hour, Aramasobha came, embraced the child and started playing with him The king had no doubt as to who she was but he restrained himself. Aramasobha left the palace before sun-rise
In the morning, he went to false Aramasobha and said, "Lady! If you can restore the forest, well and good. Otherwise, I have no need of thee Go thy way"
The earth now slipped away from beneath the lady's feet She knew not what to do The king rebuked her harshly and returned to the court
On the fourth night, Aramasobha came as usual to her son The king was in hiding Now, before sun-rise, as she was about to return, he held her hand and said, "My dear, why this trick with me? Come back to thy palace I can no longer brook thy absence."
Aramasobha was taken aback She tried to free herself but failed. In a helpless tone she said, "Sır, there is some serious reason behind it. To-Dight you delay me not. I shall come again to-morrow at the same hour and narrate the whole thing to youIf you release me not now,I shall have cause to repent throughout my life."
The king said, 'My dear ! My eyes are lapguishing for you for many days Now that you are within my grip, how can I let you go ? Tomorrow is far off ; even a moment would be too long" Aramasobha was between a frying pan and fire To narrate the whole thing to the king would take a lot of time and the sun-rise was not far , if she did not do so, the king would not release her. She could not disoblige the king, whatever the risk She tried to be brief but all in vain Mean