All the three members of the family started thinking about the issue. They could not find a solution. Ultimately, they decided to leave the decision to Madhumalti. She would select her own husband from the three suitors. On the appointed day, all the three would-be grooms arrived at Keshav’s house. It was a tough choice for Madhumalti to make as all the three were good. In the midst of all this, unobserved by anyone, a black cobra crept into the room. It slowly crawled towards Madhumalti and bit her. None could save her. She died instantly. The three suitors mourned for their loss as did everyone else. Later, Madhumalti’s last rites were performed. Madho gathered her charred bones in an earthen pot. He went to another town, and started living there. Vaman gathered Madhumalti’s ashes. He built a hut on that spot and started living there.
Death of Madhumalti
