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## Sixteen Chapters
353. In this state, her entire family was equally distressed, or even more so, and they were constantly troubled by the question of what to do. ||25|| They pondered whether this had happened without any reason, or if it was the result of ripened karma accumulated from past lives. ||26|| Or perhaps it was the consequence of some obstructing karma acquired in a previous birth, now ready to bear fruit, the result of Vayu Kumar's actions in the past. ||27|| As a result, he, along with this innocent and virtuous woman, is unable to enjoy the supreme pleasures that bring happiness to all the senses. ||28|| Listen, Anjana, who had never experienced even a moment of sorrow in her father's house, is now burdened with this suffering due to the influence of her karma. ||29|| What remedy can we, who are devoid of fortune, find in this situation? This is a matter of karma, beyond our reach, beyond our efforts. ||30|| It would be good if this princess, through the merit we have accumulated, becomes the object of her husband's love. ||31|| Or perhaps we have no merit, not even a speck, and we are submerged in this vast ocean of sorrow, caused by this child. ||32|| When will that auspicious moment arrive when her beloved husband will hold her in his arms and engage in playful conversation with this child? ||33||
Meanwhile, a conflict arose between Varuna, who possessed immense pride and strength, and the powerful Rakshasa, Ravana. ||34|| Ravana sent a messenger to Varuna, who, radiating the supreme brilliance of his master, addressed Varuna, saying: ||35|| "O Varuna, the glorious lord of the Vidyadharas, Ravana, commands you to either pay your respects to me or prepare for battle." ||36|| Varuna, with his naturally steady mind, laughed and said, "Messenger, who is this Ravana, and what does he do?" ||37|| "I am not Indra, nor the powerful Vaishravana, nor Sahasrarashmi, nor the Maruts, nor Yama." ||38|| "This one, adorned with jewels bestowed by the gods, is indeed worthy of respect. Let him come, and I will show him what it means to be rendered speechless." ||39||