Indira and Other Stories/The Two Rings/Chapter 9
IX
Hiranmayi was much astonished at hearing that she was the wife of so exalted a personage. But she experienced neither pride nor pleasure. Rather was she depressed in spirits. She reflected, "All this time I have been separated from Purandar, it is true, but at least I have not been married to any one else. From this time forth I must know the pain of loveless marriage. Besides I am Purandar's wife in my heart. How shall I, loving another, desecrate this great man's home by being his wife?"
Her mind was busy with such thoughts when the Raja said:
"Hiranmayi, you are my spouse indeed. But before taking you to myself, there are some questions I must beg you to answer. How is it that you are living in Purandar's house without paying any rent?"
Hiranmayi stood abashed with downcast looks.
Again the raja asked, "Why is your servant Amala always going to and from Purandar's residence?"
Hiranmayi was still more abashed and distressed. She thought to herself, "Is the raja omniscient?"
The raja went on, "There is another very important matter. Why did you, a married woman, accept a necklace of enormous value from Purandar?"
This time Hiranmayi summoned up courage to reply,
"My prince, I find that you are not omniscient. I returned that necklace."
"Not so, you sold it to me. Look, here it is."
So saying, the raja took the necklace from the casket and showed it to her. She recognised it at once, and was completely non-plussed. She said, however,
"My prince, did I myself bring this necklace to you for sale?"
"No, but your servant or messenger Amala brought it to me. Shall I send for her?"
Hiranmayi was vexed, but could not refrain from smiling at a happy thought that now occurred to her. Hastily she answered,
"My prince, I admit my guilt. There is no need to send for Amala. I admit that I sold you the necklace!"
This time it was the raja's turn to be astonished. He said,
"Woman's ways are past comprehension. How did you, a married woman, come to accept such a gift from Purandar?"
"I accepted it as a token of his passionate love for me!"
The raja was still more astonished.
"What do you mean?" he asked. "What sort of love do you mean?"
"My prince," she cried, "I am a wicked woman. I am not worthy to be your wife. I make my obeisance. Suffer me to depart. Forget that you were ever wedded to me."
Hiranmayi bowed low and was about to depart when the raja's puzzled face was irradiated by a jovial smile. He laughed aloud.
Hiranmayi turned her face towards him.
"Hiranmayi!" he cried, "you have beaten me fairly! I have lost the battle of wits. Look, you are not a wicked woman, nor am I your husband! Do not go yet."
"Maharaj," she replied, "will you then explain to your servant what all this business means? I am only a poor woman. Can I believe that so exalted a personage is pleased to amuse himself at your servant's expense?"
The raja, still laughing, said, "My good lady, great people like me are fond of such mystifications. Now tell me. Six years ago, did you not find half of a torn scrap of paper among your jewels? Have you got it still?"
"Maharaj, your highness is omniscient, after all! I have got the paper by me still."
"Well, then," said the raja, "get into the palanquin again, go home, and fetch me the paper. When you have brought it to me I will tell you everything."