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Gadhãdhar's eyes were red like the red 'kovai' fruit. His body was trembling and arms and legs were not quite functioning the right way. He seemed like an instrument in Prabhu's hands. Srivãs understood everything. He had already learnt about it from Nityãnand and now looking at Prabhu, he started weeping. Prabhu said, 'You are like my father. Can you yourself stop me from carrying out my duties? Am I embracing Sanyãsa for my material needs? Both you and me lack devotion. Just like a businessman travels overseas to earn money to take care of his kith and kin, I am taking up austerity to earn the wealth of love ('premai') to protect you all. Let us all enjoy that."

In a meek voice, Srivãs said, "Prabhu! Only those bhaktas who would still survive when you return can enjoy that bliss! We will not survive in your absence. You are the only reason why we devotedly join together perform Nãma Kirtan. Only with your blessings can we survive until you return!"

Meanwhile Murãri Gupta too reached there. Learning the news, he swooned. When he regained consciousness, he said, "Prabhu! You are omnipotent! You will not listen to our words. You would definitely keep doing what is good for all of us, no matter how much we, your beloved ones, stop you. But please don't forget one thing. Please grant us a boon that we forever be in remembrance of your lotus feet - the holy feet which can transform a listless life into a meaningful one! We are doomed if we forget your holy feet."

Embracing Murãri tightly, Prabhu said, "All of you my companions since many 'janmas' (births). What is the use of having memory if I forget you all? It's only to remember our beloved ones, that we possess memory." Talking thus, Prabhu walked towards his home, consoling his bhaktas. The news of his taking up Sanyãsa spread like fire. With a heavy heart, everyone felt, "Can we not the lotus face of Gaur Hari any more? Will the Lotus eyed Nimãyi not grace us with his love filled eyes? Alas! which barber would ever remove Nimãyi's beautiful and curly tresses? Will Nimãyi go from home to home begging for food in ochre robes? How will Nimãyi's tender rosy feet bear the pain of walking bear-footed all the way?"

A few cried, "None would ever have the fortune of dressing up Nimãyi's sprawling tresses with fragrant oils! The lucky star of Nawadweep is going to set! Alas! Wonder which cruel planet has cast its evil spell on this Nadiyã village!" Thus the devotees cried out in sorrow.

To be continued...

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