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VII
THE CONQUEST OF LANKA
“My dear children! When can my long-cherished aspiration be fulfilled ?" Kaikasi said in a voice shaken by pain and agitation, looking intently at her sons.
“What is your long-cherished aspiration, dear mother ?" Vibhishan said, to know her mind.
"Dear son ! My aspiration is that you should recapture your ancestral kingdom; that you should conquer Lanka; and establish there a free Kingdom."
"Oh ! The conquest of Lanka! Is that all? That will be just a game for us. Kindly tell us if you have any other aspiration".
Vibhishan glanced towards Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna stood serenely watching the face of his mother which had been darkened by worry; trying to probe her thoughts and feelings in the dim twilight.
Bells were being rung in the high temples in the city of Swayamprabha. The time of Arti was over. Here and there, lights had begun to glow.
After having received Kaikasi's commands, the two brothers stood up. As soon as Kaikasi entered her sleeping chamber in a mood of deep depression, she received the news that a son was born to Mandodari. She was overwhelmed with joy on hearing this news; and gave away as a gift a gold necklace to
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