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UTTAMKUMAR
121
After this period, we shall go to some court and, with the sanction from the king, we shall wed
The merchant was pleased at these sweet and appeasing words. He thought that it was the threat he held that has yielded good result This has even changed a chaste woman who has turned to him He was more than sanguine that Uttamkumar could never come back After ten days, the ship cast anchor at Morepalli and, as per her condition, both Madalsa and the merchant came to obtain the sanction from the king. Introducing himself, Kuverdatta said,
'Sir ! In the course of my voyage, I picked up this woman and, if you be so pleased as to permit, this woman is ready to marry with me"
The king looked at Madalsa and said,
"Sister ! Has the merchant said the truth ? Are you willing to marry him ?"
When the king addressed her as 'sister', Madalsa felt somewhat relieved and saw a ray of hope. She had a feeling that she might be protected by the king. So with folded hands, she said,
“Your Majesty! Whatever the merchant has said is furthest from truth I am the daughter of the demon-king Bhramaraketu. I was married to Uttamkumar, a prince from Varanasi. We were travelling with this merchant in his ship. In order to satisfy.bis amorous wishes, he pushed my husband into the sea. He wanted to use force on me. I have somehow saved my honour by promising to marry him after ten days with the permission of some kibg and, with that purpose, I have been brought to this court I am already married and the question of my marriage again does not arise I seek protection with thee Please save me"
The king became furious at this revelation He ordered that all the treasures and wares belonging to the merchant were to be confiscated and he was to be put into the jail. Turning to Madalsa, he said,
"I will henceforth address you as my daughter You
