Page 122 - Courage Redifined

9. Kamlata Saved...

Kamlata in the hands of the Shepherd :

Kamlata had so much remorse over her sins that she sat
amidst the burning pyre of fire to die. As the fire spread, the
heat increased and she felt as if she was getting roasted but
her resolution to die was strong. This was because she wished
to get rid of her sinful life.

But destiny always has something different in store for you.
Suddenly black clouds enveloped the sky and it started raining
heavily. Not only did the burning fire get extinguished but
the entire city was flooded with water. Kamlata got carried
away in the turbulent water flow. She was getting dragged
away when a shepherd happened to see her. He flung in the
flood water and got her out. He made her lie down on her
stomach and removed water from her body. He warmed up
her body with the heat of fire. Kamlata gained consciousness.
She opened her eyes and looked around, but was confused.
She could not recollect where she was. She thought, “What
is this ? Where is the pyre of fire ? Why didn't I get burnt in
the fire ? Where am I ?” She was lost in her thoughts when
the shepherd asked her, “O sister! Where do you stay ? How
did you get carried away in this water ?

The shepherd addressed her by saying ‘sister’ but was attracted
by her beauty. He had seen Kamlata in those wet clothes and
had himself carried her to his place. He was no saint to not
get attracted by her beauty. He too, was a young man and

112 Courage Redefined