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UTTAMKUMAR
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was just wandering to see the places of interest when, all on a sudden, his eyes fell on Uttamkumar in a great surprise, he thought,
"How is it that he is here ? I pushed him down into the sea, and he is still alive and he enjoys the enviableposition of being the son-in-law to the king !'
He was bent on taking revenge He decided not to rest. till he put an end to Uttamkumar's life.
Kuverdatta reached a garden outside the city A flowerwoman was picking flowers Kuverdatta came to her and asked about her business The woman said,
“I make garlands and boquets out of these flowers and sell them in the market”
"Do you ever sell these to the king and his ministers ?°*
_"Oh yes, very often do I go to the palace. Besides, I sell my things to all big people and high officials here" ~_“Do you know the new son-in-law of the king ?"
"Oh sure. Only the other day, he bas been married to Princess Trilocana. I go to his palace too to sell flowers”
Kuverdatta now placed his gold necklace in her hand: and said,
"Fine woman! I want you to do a special job for me Will you oblige me?"
With the gold necklace in her hand, the woman could not but agree. She said,
“You are such a fine man How can I disoblige you ? I shall do anything at the cost of my life even to help you. You tell me what is it that you desire to be done."
Kuverdatta felt safe to reveal his plan;
"This new son-in-law of the king, Uttamkumar, is my inveterate enemy. I do not want to see him alive Can you finish him by some secret means ?"
The woman was in a dilemma She could not even dream of such a commission Her heart trembled at the thought of killing an innocent person. The merchant comprehended her thoughts. He took out a few gold coins from