Page:Chandra Shekhar.djvu/97

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Chandra Shekhar

had been at Bedagram when misfortune befell Shaibalini. In fact, Sundari was the mistress of the house. Her mother was an invalid and unfit for domestic duties. Sundari had a younger sister—her name was Rupashi. She, for the most part, lived in her father-in-law's house.

Sundari, putting on the Dhakaishari and wearing her ornaments said to her father, "I shall go to see Rupashi—I had a very bad dream about her." Sundari's father, Krishna Kamal Chakravarti, was very fond of his daughter. He at first tried to dissuade her, but ultimately gave his consent. Sundari left for Rupashi's father-in-law's house, and Sreenath for his own.

Who was Rupashi's husband? It was that Pratap! After Chandra Shekhar had married Shaibalini, he often used to meet her neighbour's son Pratap. Chandra Shekhar became much pleased with Pratap's nature. When Sundari's sister Rupashi attained marriageable age, Chandra Shekhar brought about her marriage with Pratap. Nor was that all. Chandra Shekhar was Kasim Ali's teacher—he had great influence with him; he was, therefore, able to secure for Pratap an employment in the Nawab's service. Pratap's merit

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