Indira and Other Stories/The Two Rings/Chapter 7
VII
And now at last the fifth day of the waxing moon of the month Asharh of the fifth year after Hiranmayi's marriage had come round. Remembering this fact, she was seated absorbed in thought as the dusk of evening drew on. She was thinking, "By the guru's order I can wear my ring to-morrow. But shall I put it on? What is the good? I may perhaps find my husband by means of it. But do I want to find him? Why is another's image always imprinted in my heart? My plain duty is to control and punish my wicked heart. Otherwise I shall fall into deadly sin."
At this moment Amala arrived in a state of high excitement and astonishment.
"Here is a fine business," she cried, "I don't know what to make of it! What will happen next?"
"What is the matter?" asked Hiranmayi.
"Why a whole crowd of menservants and maidservants have come with a palanquin with orders to convey you to the raja's palace."
"You have lost your senses, foolish woman. Why on earth should they want to take me to the raja's palace?"
True enough, however, one of the raja's maids here made her appearance and, making due obesiance, said, "It is the order of my master, may the holy gods prolong his days, that Hiranmayi shall at once accompany us to his palace."
Hiranmayi was amazed, but did not dare to refuse. The raja's orders could not be disobeyed. Moreover there was no occasion for fearing to enter Raja Madan Deva's palace. The Raja enjoyed the highest reputation for kindness and virtue. Not only was he virtuous himself, but owing to his vigilance no woman ran any risk of insult or annoyance under his roof.
Hiranmayi said to Amala, "I agree to pay my respects to the raja. Come you with me."
Amala agreed to go, and her mistress, mounting into the palanquin, was carried to the palace in great state. A maidservant conveyed the news of Hiranmayi's arrival to the raja and presently returned to escort our heroine to the presence.
Amala remained outside, in much impatience and curiosity.