________________
98
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
The trader presumed her to be entertaining herself with other maids or staying upstairs
The trader returned at night from the shop. Again Chandana was missing He repeated his question, but the reply was the same He inferred that she had gone to bed earlier than usual Next day also she was not seen He again quenched his curiosity accordingly When she was absent the third day, he grew serious He collected all the servants and maids and demanded the whereabouts of Chandana They were in a fix Either way it would be a death to the person whether the fact would be revealed or concealed They found themselves between she Scylla of the master's annoyance and the Chariboys of the mistress How to dodge death? A resourceful old maid came to their succour One unafraid of death solves one's own problems as well as of others The wise maid plainly stated, 'Chandana is imprisoned in this cell'
Who did it?' questioned the master The maid retorted, Why should we be interrogated on this issue ?'
The trader could fathom the situation He opened the door promptly
As if the dark clouds were cleared once for all, the bright forehead of the fair Chandana emerged before him as a sun does in a cloudless sky.
'How unfortunate dear daughter? The wildest fancy would not see you treated in this manner'
'None is to blame father Nemesis is visiting me for some evil desert'
The forbearance of Chandana and her affectionate tone consoled the trader
'That you have suffered starvation and thirst wrenches my heart with anguish
'It least matters I can have my meals now l' said she
The trader went to find out if there were any meals for her Cooking had not started in the kitchen There was no rice left
