Jain Stories 03

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

Page 83

ANJANA
در
73
"Where is Princess Anjana ?”
"Sir, excuse my ignorance But I don't understand how you are here at this hour. If I am correct, you went out with the prince
"Correct. But meanwhile the prince has changed his mind towards his wife and he has returned. Please carry this good news to your great lady"
As Anjana heard some people talking at the apartment door, she raised an alarm from her own room She had no doubt that this must be some miscreant. Prahasıt announced in a loud voice that they were friends and not foes
As Prahasit announced the arrival of his friend, this was a pleasant surprise for the lady who was least expecting such a thing She forgot in a moment all the misery she had suffered for long 12 years and came forward to receive her husband.
It was a happy union But time has wings, and the moments of happiness are perhaps the shortest The last two quarters of the night passed away like a minute It was near dawn, time for Pavananjaya to depart. But before be left, he gave a ring with his name carved on it to Anjana as a proof of his having spent a night in her apartment.
1
News soon reached the palace that Anjana was carrying a child There started a gossip all over the city. One day, Queen Ketumatı, Anjana's mother-in-law, came to her apartment to verify the facts herself. Anjana received her with due respect, but Ketumatı burst our in great anger,
"Ye harlot ! What's this? You have stained the family's great reputation What have you done when your husband is out of this city ? I must report it to the king at once and get you removed from the palace right now"
Anjana tried her best to defend herself, but the lady would listen nothing nor look at the ring which belonged to her son The ring only added to her fury.
"Get out of my sight, ye harlot, get out at once. Ye must have stolen it or picked it up somehow and now ye