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120
JAINA STORIES
Kuverdatta was the real culprit. But she was helpless and remained silent.
After a few days had passed, Kuverdatta approached Madalsa and said,
"Madalsa, my dear Why are you so much aggrieved for one who is no more There 1S no possibility of Uttamkumar ever coming back to life. But why should you make yourself miserable for him? I am at your service. You accept me and all that I have will be at your feet"
Madalsa could anticipate this. Shaking with anger at his dirty intentions, she thundered,
"Merchant ! You are looking at me with lustful eyes, but your desire shall never be fulfilled I am the brave daughter of a demon king and wife of a very powerful man on earth. Do you think I shall ever lay my eyes on such a filthy creature like you? Keep yourself out of my sight, or you will suffer the consequences
""
The merchant was not to be cowed down. He became furious and cried out in a very sharp voice,
"You haughty woman! You should know with whom you are talking If you win my favour, you may be a fortunate woman, but if I am angry with you, you will be without any succour I have made a very polite request so far, but if necessary, I shall not hesitate to apply force even. You have no friend on this ship. All the people here are in service under me."
This open threat shook Madalsa was not wise for a person of inferior with a more powerful man She changed talk and tried to be more accomodating
She realised that it strength to fall out the mode of her She said,
"Merchant! What you have said is correct and I realise my own situation But I want to make a request We should at least wait for ten days and see if Uttamkumar comes back We should not do anything in haste or right now For, anything done hastily and stealthily seldom succeeds.