The World of Courtesans c12.68

c12.68

In the meanwhile, the maids returned to their mistress Hariṇī and told her of the beauty of Narmadāsundarī. Hariṇī decided to abduct her and confine her in an underground cellar. Having made the decision, Hariṇī made preparations to receive Vīradāsa. She anointed her body with perfumed oil, and got it massaged by her maids. She bathed and dressed herself in costly garments. She wore garlands and finally applied scent to her body. After meeting him and gaining his confidence, she persuaded him to give her his signet ring. The maids of Hariṇī took this ring to Narmadāsundarī and asked her to go in haste to visit Hariṇī’s house, where Vīradāsa lay desperately ill. They said that he had sent her this signet ring to convince her of the truthfulness of their statement. At first she hesitated but finally agreed to go. They put their plan into action and locked her up in an underground cellar. She lay there weeping and bemoaning her fate.