Book Title: Tales froM Indian Mythology
Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

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Page 57
________________ Kaveri and Agastya 33 life-giving radiance. But Kaveri would caress the flowers and mumble something to them, as she emptied her pitcher of water beneath the creepers and plants. "Why do you quiver?" she would ask. "Why do you wither? Why do your petals fall off? I want you to enjoy perpetual youth and fragrance. Then you can defy the wind and the worm." Turning to her, Agastya would say, “Kaveri, you can speak to the flowers!” "Yes, I know their language, Agastya. I want to be with them for ever and with you too. Oh! You have done so much for me. But somehow I feel the time for my departure is approaching." "I will not let you go. Kaveri, look at that lovely pair of pigeons. Nothing has ever succeeded in separating them. In the severest of storms and in the cruellest of droughts they manage to remain together protecting each other." "Agastya, I need your protection. You are to me what the tree is to the creeper. Oh, why do I feel so helpless this morning? Agastya, I seem cast into a dark, loveless world,”. she cried. Consoling her, Agastya assured her, "The world cannot be dark and loveless with Kaveri and Agastya in it. But if some prince takes you away, what will you do?” "His kingdom shall be drowned in my tears. How can you associate princes and palaces with me? Agastya, I somehow feel that you do not love me as intensely as I love you. Oh, you mean so much to me, and I nothing to you! Agastya, just touch me, and I shall shrink into a breath and dwell in your heart as the source of the smile in your eyes. O handsome hermit, I want to realise my nothingness in your arms. I want to tear open my heart and show you how I have enshrined you TM-3 Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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