Shloka 31
Jaratkāru’s Marital Compact and Departure (जरत्कारु–जरत्कारुणी संवादः)
ततो भक्षयतस्तस्य फलात् कृमिरभूदणु: । हस्वक: कृष्णनयनस्ताम्रवर्णोडथ शौनक
tato bhakṣayatas tasya phalāt krimir abhūd aṇuḥ | hrasvakaḥ kṛṣṇanayanas tāmravarṇo ’tha śaunaka ||
随后，当他正吃着时，从他手中那枚果实里生出一条极其细小的虫。其形甚微，目色乌黑，身呈铜赤——正如所见，哦，绍那迦。此事昭示：命运的隐秘使者能借寻常之物而行事；当诅咒或恶意在暗中发动时，祸患亦可悄然而至，细微而潜藏。
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that consequences driven by curse, karma, or hostile intent may manifest through subtle and unexpected means; what appears harmless (a fruit) can conceal the instrument of harm, reminding one to be vigilant and ethically mindful about causes set in motion.
As the person is eating the fruit, a tiny worm suddenly emerges from it—described with black eyes and a copper-colored body—marking the appearance of a concealed agent that will play a role in the unfolding danger being narrated to Śaunaka.