- Purushottam Agarwal 

The girl was taken aback by the abruptness of this so momentous a preposition. However mere thought of the outcome of such a preposition made her to shrink instinctively. She took time to understand the seriousness of the proposal staring into his eyes, then shifted her gaze away from him and asked in a soft voice, " Who are you sir, and what gave you an idea of our marriage without knowing any thing about me or telling any thing about yourself? Isn't it a bit ridiculous...? And..... scurrilous too... to speak of such things to an unknown young girl?"

"There are times when one can not hold back what flows out from ones heart spontaneously. I am afraid if you do not consent I shall have to abduct you even at the cost of my life."

After a while she laughed heartily filling the atmosphere with a euphonious music and appeared to be amused with what he had said. She rested her chin on her right palm, stared into his eyes. The girl, Chandra, looked at the man; her gaze penetrated deep into his eyes. She critically examined the man who claims to have become mad for her, to be infatuated so ardently. She accepted that he was quite handsome and fascinating too. The woman within her whispered that he is right man for her, desirable by all accounts; any woman can loose her head and heart for him. She addressed him cautiously,

"You will have to negotiate with my parents to obtain me. If you can spend a lot then they may agree. But will it be worthwhile for you to spend that much for a tribal girl, an uncultured girl of no consequence. You may get a very beautiful and accomplished wife in your own community. You have a very good personality."

“ Leave this for my consideration. You just tell me how to contact your parents?”

"I understand that the owner of the inn, where you are staying, is arranging tonight a function to entertain one of his important guests. Now I can guess it is you. My parents shall be there. You may avail the opportunity if you so desire."

She spoke with a smile mixed with shyness. She looked extremely lovely to him in her wet cloths. He advanced few steps towards her. She instantly understood his intentions and ran away, laughing teasingly, deep into the forest. She appeared flamboyant with joy. Her silver anklets made lyrical sound as she ran.

In the evening at the inn Sadanand met the parents of the girl. Sadanand with little efforts could make them agree to his proposal, of course at a huge compensation.