‘MĀLATĪ AND MĀDHAVA’
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midst creating agreeable surprise in Malati and himself feeling in her presence as if he were ‘under a shower of heavenly ambrosia/ Soon it transpired that Makaranda who had learnt of Nandana’s efforts and was hastening to be with Madhava lest the unwelcome news should unsettle him too much, saw the pitiable state in which Madayantika was and went to her rescue. Makaranda was injured in his encounter with the tiger but he succeeded in slaying the animal and saving Madayantika from its fury. When KamandakI and the rest went out, they saw Makaranda had fainted and was being supported by Madayantika. Seeing his friend in that sad condition, Madhava also swooned. After some time both the friends recovered, the one with Madayantika’s ministrations and the other with Malatfs loving caresses. The incident strengthened further the love between Malati and Madhava. It also gave rise to a like affection between Makaranda and Madayantika which betrayed itself through ‘an intermingling of tremulous looks'. At this juncture, a messenger brought the news that the king had settled the marriage of Malati with Nandana ; and Madayantika left with him to congratulate her brother. The news from Nandana upset our hero who heard it for the first time now, and he cursed his fate which had planted in his heart such fruitless love. While KamandakI was asking him to be of good cheer, Bhurivasu’s wife sent word to her to fetch Malati immediately. She left the place and Malati followed her thinking that she was looking upon Madhava for the last time. Madhava also departed soon after along with Makaranda.
With all his hopes thus suddenly blighted, Madhava felt that he could never more think of love for his matchless Malati. So in a desperate mood he went in the evening towards the grave- yard to invoke the aid of the spirits of the dead. But what was his surprise when he heard the wailings of Malati there! For- getting his errand of despair, he rushed in the direction from which the pitiful cry came, and reached the temple of Kali. When he went in he saw a terrific votary of Kali there, Agho- raghanta by name, standing with upraised sword and reciting a hymn. By his side stood a woman, Kapalakundala, his pupil. There was seated before them Malati decked in all the symbols of a victim about to be sacrificed. When Madhava saw her, she had the sweet syllables of his name on her lips which gave him one more proof of the secure place he had won in her heart.
