part 12

The ascetic was astonished. What even the accomplished sages of the world could not achieve, the innkeeper of this roadside tavern had accomplished. "This is the first time I have witnessed such a miracle," he thought. At that very moment, he recalled the beautiful Sumati and said to himself, "I had lost all hope of attaining Sumati, but now, there is no longer any obstacle in my way. The day of fulfilling my objective is not far."

The ascetic continued his daily routine as usual, and when the opportunity arose, he stole the flask and left for Champapur.

At the place where Sumati had died, a grief-stricken lover had already built a hut and was living there in sorrow. The ascetic took out the elixir from the flask and sprinkled it over Sumati's death site. Sumati, now adorned in the attire of a newlywed bride, came back to life. Along with her, the man who had burned himself to death for her also revived. Sumati, an embodiment of unparalleled beauty, looked extraordinarily captivating in her bridal attire.

Just then, the young man who had gone to immerse Sumati's ashes in the Ganges returned. Now, all four young men claimed Sumati as their wife, leading to a dispute.

King Vikramaditya said, "O Pushpapatra! You decide—who is Sumati's rightful husband?"

A gentle breeze, carrying the fragrance of flowers, swept across the assembly. Then, a sweet and soft voice was heard:

"O noble men! You have narrated a very intricate story. However, a marriage is not considered complete without the exchange of a garland. I have witnessed countless weddings, too many to count. I cannot err in judgment. A woman will choose as her husband the one who is willing to sacrifice everything for her. The young man who jumped into the flames for Sumati, who gave up his life for her—his love and sacrifice are the truest and greatest. Therefore, he is her rightful husband."

Having said this, Vetala returned to Vikram.

Princess Leelavati's face turned red with anger, and she trembled with rage. She rose from her throne and hurled the Pushpapatra far away.

King Vikramaditya, observing the princess's expression, said, "Your actions suggest that you do not agree with Pushpapatra's judgment. Please present your own decision and explain who Sumati's true husband is."

Princess Leelavati replied, "Pushpapatra is a fool for calling a brother a husband! He knows nothing of relationships. The man who was revived along with Sumati is like her brother. The one who immersed her ashes in the Ganges performed a posthumous ritual, which is done by a son. Therefore, he is like her son. The one who sprinkled the elixir and revived Sumati gave her a second birth and is thus like a father to her. According to righteousness, none of these three can be her husband. Only the young man who remained at her death site, offering prayers and incense in devotion, is her true husband."

The princess's attendants praised her wisdom. In their hearts, they all considered the man who had burned himself for Sumati as her true husband, for nothing is more precious than life itself. However, the princess had declared him a brother through her judgment.

Everyone said, "The princess is supremely wise. Her intellect is commendable. Tonight's vigil has been truly meaningful."

The attendants were now convinced that this man was no ordinary individual. In such situations, Princess Leelavati usually remained silent to the extent that even reading her expressions was impossible. Yet, this man was not only wise but also an exceptional scholar of psychology.

Even King Vikramaditya was mesmerized by the princess's intelligence. However, only half the journey toward the destination had been completed. He pondered deeply on how to weave the next part of the tale.

The announcer declared, "Princess Leelavati has spoken for the second time."

Her affectionate attendants beat the drum—

The princess has spoken her second word!

—To be continued.