United States or Bermuda ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
In the presence of none of them did he mention the name of Surja Mukhi, but all were grieved at the sorrow expressed by his grave countenance. The old servants, saluting him, went aside and wept. One person only did Nagendra wound. With the long-sorrowing Kunda he did not speak. By the orders of Nagendra the servants prepared his bed in Surja Mukhi's room. At this order Kamal Mani shook her head.
Then Srish Chandra repeated what the Brahmachari had told him of his meeting Surja Mukhi by the roadside, her illness, medical treatment, and improvement in health. Omitting many painful details, he concluded with the words: "Ram Kristo Kai did not relate all that Surja Mukhi had suffered." On hearing this, Nagendra rushed out of the house.
Surja Mukhi was much distressed on hearing of Kunda's flight, especially as Kamal Mani had assured her that what Debendra had said was not worthy of credit: for if she had had any bond with Debendra during three years, it could not have remained unknown; and Kunda's disposition gave no reason for suspicion of such a thing. Debendra was a drunkard, and in his cups he spoke falsely.
I should have known you by your breath." While in the sleeping chamber, bathed in a sea of joy, Nagendra and Surja Mukhi held loving converse, in another apartment of that same house a fatal dialogue was being held. Before relating it, it is necessary to record what occurred on the previous night. As we know, Nagendra had held no converse with Kunda Nandini on his return.
His face and eyes were inflamed he had been drinking, and as he had never been given to drinking before his wife was shocked. From that time it became a daily custom. One day Surja Mukhi, casting herself at his feet, choking down the sobs in her throat, with much humility entreated, "For my sake give this up." Nagendra asked angrily, "What is my fault?"
No, Nagendra, your dying would not save Surja Mukhi; but it would be well for you to die. After a time Surja Mukhi sat up; again clasping her husband's feet, she said: "Grant me one boon." "What is it?" "Remain one month longer at home. If in that time we do not find Kunda Nandini, then go; I will not keep you." Nagendra went out without reply.
Bring a bough of the babla tree, and show her how pleasant it is to be pierced by thorns." Surja Mukhi said gently: "We do not like songs of that sort; sing something suitable for the home circle." The Boisnavi, saying "Very well," began to sing "By clasping the Pandit's feet, I shall become learned in the Shastras; Learning thus the holy Shastras, who will dare speak ill of me?"
The word dkhar is that applied by a Khasi to an inhabitant of the plains. We come across names such as 'khar-mukhi, khar sowali, the first word being an abbreviation of dkhar, and mukhi being the common Bengali name which occurs in Chandra Mukhi, Surjya Mukhi, &c.
Mind you put it prudently, and shed some tears also, else she will not consent." Even to this Kunda did not consent; she would not say either "yes" or "no." Haridasi, having finished purifying her face and hands, turned to the ladies and asked for contributions. At this moment Surja Mukhi came amongst them, the desultory talk ceased, and the younger women, all pretending some occupation, sat down.
You could never reproach me so bitterly as I have reproached myself. I am sinful; I cannot rule my own heart." Surja Mukhi could endure no more. With clasped hands, she entreated bitterly "Tell me no more; keep it to yourself. Every word you say pierces my breast like a dart. What was written in my destiny has befallen me. I wish to hear no more; it is not fit for me to hear."
Word Of The Day