Leela did not believe her and wanted to see the proof of her boast. On being thus challenged
Konru immediately brought out her costly necklace worth nine lakhs. Lo and behold! The whole
palace started dazzling with its brilliance. Leela was so attracted to that necklace that she
wanted to posses it herself at any cost. She told Leela that she was not interested to sell this for
any material gain, this priceless necklace could be her only if she allowed her to spend one
night with the king. Leela could not resist the temptation of the ornament and agreed to that
condition and got hold of that beautiful necklace.
That night Chanesar returned to his chamber in a condition of being dead drunk. Leela told him,
“This poor servant will serve you and meet all your needs- she will care for you with all her
heart.” Chanesar frowned at it but as he was drunk Leela managed to bring them together and
vanished. In the meanwhile Konru’s mother had made all the arrangements; a priest was kept
ready, he immediately got Chanesar and Konru married. Chanesar did not know anything about
the going on as he was already drunk and after the ceremony he went and fell on his bed.
Konru also slept with him on the same bed. Chanesar was completely unconcerned about
whom he slept with.
In the morning when he got up seeing Konru on his side Chanesar was quite puzzled. He
silently wanted to leave the room. At this moment, mother of Konru entered and told him,
“Where are you leaving your wedded wife? Leela has bartered one night of yours for a mere
necklace!” Hearing the whole incident he was angry at the avarice of Leela and sensing the true
love of Konru for him he accepted her and even he was besotted by her beauty. Leela was
exiled from the favorite chamber of the palace and that place was occupied by Konru.
All this turn of events made Leela feel guilty and she started to curse herself for being attracted
to the glittering ornament and having exchanged the same for the love of Chanesar. It is said
that after all one has to pay for own action. There is no cure of the same with any healer and
one has to bear the pain. Thus Leela deeply repented for her action.
I can not say anything, but withering within,
Being attracted on an ornament, burn within,
I lost king myself; wish I meet him again,
I must meet beloved, else shall die of separation,
I keep on suffering, may my body go to beloved. (Shah Latif)
Having lost her beloved husband Leela went back to her parent’s house. She cherished only
one hope and desire that one day her beloved king would forgive her folly and call her back.
Leela repented for her foolish action and her pride was shattered, she gave up all her
ornaments and all her efforts to beautify herself. Those of her friends who used to envy her and
praise her beauty now started to taunt her instead.
Attracted by ornament, foolish! Your deed,
You put a wedge between self and Chanesar Jaam,
The page has turned, and you are now abandoned. (Shah Latif)
No comments:
Post a Comment