Page 131 - Courage Redifined

Kamlata was now lost in her thoughts. She felt, “I was sitting
on the burning fire to die. Then how did I reach here ? Then
she recollected that it poured heavily and the floods would
have eventually led her here. She realised that it was useless
to share her actual story with the shepherd. Hence she made
up a story and said, “I was with my husband on the forest
path. We slept under a tree at night. But it rained heavily
and both of us got carried away in the floods. How is our
union now possible ? It seems that the strong water currents

must have dragged and drowned my husband. I was fortunate
to have been saved. But what is the use of such fortune ?
My husband has got carried away by floods. I am the most
unfortunate person.” Saying so she started weeping loudly.
All a mere drama!

That shepherd was pleased on hearing this. He saw that the
fulfilment of his desire to make her his wife was now easy.
He said, “What is the use of crying now ? What will you
do by going home ? What is the value of a single woman ?
Come, be my wife and take care of my house. I will take
care of you.”

Hearing this Kamlata was again lost in thoughts.

She was puzzled, “What to do ?”

Once upon a time, she was ready to burn herself alive because
of regret. She sat in the middle of fire but as it rained and she
was carried away by floods, her strong feeling of regret died
and her mind engaged in different thoughts. The shepherd
tempted her to become his wife. He had carried her to his
place and had provided warmth to her wet body. In spite of
Kamlata being in an unconscious state, the male touch had
delighted her. This inner joy had diverted her thoughts.

Kamlata Saved... 121