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MRIGASUNDARI
31
As the ladies came back after a promenade, the keeper broke the good news,
‘Hullo, ladies! The man who came with you is now a king"
This was a pleasant surprise Meanwhile arrived a chariot send by the king to take the ladies They were now at the palace
Mriga had not revealed her identity so far Now it was time to do so This was a great surprise for Sajjankumar Mriga now insisted that they must return to their native city at once where other co-wives were anxiously waiting for them Besides, as she had moved out on her mission for six months, the period was nearing its end, and upless they returned at once, the second co-wife would move out on a similar mission Sajjankumar readily agreed So after having made necessary arrangement for the administration of the kingdom, the whole party moved out
But meanwhile six months had passed before the party could return, and as per previous decision, the second Co-wife, Sringarasundari, with the blessings of her parents-inlaw and good-wishes of other co-wives, and dressed as a man, moved out on horse back Sringarasundarı became Samanta Singh Samanta Singh reached the park at Mahimapur, contacted the lady-keeper and thrust five pieces of gold into her hand At once, his board and lodging were arranged making him comfortable The horse was tied in the stable and served with fresh grass Samanta Singh took his food and retired under the shade of a tree, where he was soon asleep
Just then Princess Sulochana had arrived in that park with her friends and attendants Her eyes suddenly fell on Samanta Singh, and she was attracted by his grace and personality Said she,
