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THE WAY OF LIFE
THE CALCULATION OF A PASSIONATE PERSON
Queen Kadamba wanted to show the King some serious fault in Lilavati's character. If the King saw such a fault in her character, he would cease adoring her. How wrong are the calculations of a person blinded by sensual pleasures ! Kadamba was planning to destroy somebody's life and happiness in order to attain the King's love and adoration; so, she began searching for some fault in Lilavati's character. She was searching for such a fault that if it was seen by the King, it would fill him with contempt for Lilavathi and that would make him completely averse to her. Then, Kadamba would get all the love of the King, for herself.
Once, Queen Lilavati fell ill. She was suffering from fever. She used to get fever on alternate days. The King got her treated by the best doctors but her fever was not cured. The King and all the members of the royal family were greatly worried and anxious about the queen's ill-health. She was growing weak day by day. Even the doctors seemed to give way to despair. Lilavati's attendant went to the Chief Minister's house to meet Pathamini, the Chief Minister's wife and to tell her about the queen's ill health. The attendant's face was filled with despair and gloon. Pathamini asked her why she was in such great worry and despair; and the attendant began to weep bitterly. The attendant said to Pathamini, "Our Queen Lilavati has been suffering from fever for many days. No medicine has been effective in curing her of the fever. The Queen's body is growing weak, wan and withered. The King has been worried about it, day and night. All the members of the royal family are plunged in deep sorrow”. Pathamini heard the words of the attendant. She thought for a while and then said, "I have a device with me, which can reduce and cure the fever." The attendant's eyes sparkled with hope and delight. She said, "Do you really have any remedy for the fever? If so, give it to me, dear sister. It will be a great benevolence." The attendant clung to Pathamini and entreated her to give her the article. Pathamini said, "Listen, if the queen wraps herself in the garment that the Chief Minister wears at the time of worshipping
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