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270
JAIN RAMAYAN
Sita who was plain-hearted and unsuspecting did not know that the three queens were planning her ruin. She was totally unaware of the fact that it was an evil-scheme. So, she drew a picture of Ravan's feet.
"Ah! Extremely beautiful! How can I praise your extraordinary skill in drawing a picture?"
Shridhama and Ratinibha said expressing apparent admiration and appreciation. They swayed with delight and elation. Even Prabhavati could not conceal her innate feelings. Shridhama took the picture of Ravan's feet; and retained it with her. Sita was delighted to see that the other queens were happy. She was happy that she had delighted them.
The three queens, were happy that their plan had succeeded. They felt delighted at the thought of the way in which they could ruin Sita.
One was happy that she had given joy to others.
The others were happy that they had played a trick on Sita and achieved their selfish objective.
Just then, the attendants came and said to Sita, "Our revered mother Aparajita desires to see you."
"Go and inform mother that I will call upon her at once.' Then turning towards Shridhama, Ratinibha and Prabhavati, she said "Mother desires to see me. I must go. You are always welcome here."
"Surely, dear sister! When we come to you, we experience great joy and satisfaction!" Shridhama said gravely and returned to her palace. Ratinibha and Prabhavati also left the chamber. Sita set out to meet the Queen-mother.
After sometime, the three queens met in the palace of Prabhavati.
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