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The Son Excels the Father
423
“Vibhishan! Can a foe ever become a friend ? Our compromise was only a stratagem to get Khar and Dushan released." Ravan said looking towards Kumbhakarna.
"All right! After having come to a compromise with him and after having proclaimed that he is our friend, if we make a war against him again the world will reproach us and say that we are uncivilized. That step will be a reproach on civilization itself.”
Ravan, did not approve of Vibhishan's suggestion. Pausing a little he said, “That is why I am caught in a strange conflict, I am unable to see any way out of this conflict. You tell me what I should do now." Ravan spoke in great excitement.
All were deeply worried. They thought of the situation deeply but they could not think of any way out. "If King Ravan invades Varuna's kingdom it will be a reproach on Ravan's prestige and if he does not invade Varuna's territory it will be an impediment to his imperialistic sway.” It was this thorn that was stinging Ravan's heart. What was to be done ?
A little later Indrajit said, “I have thought of a plan.” “What's your plan ?" Ravan asked him impatiently.
“We should make the false allegation against Varuna that he has broken the terms of the treaty of friendship and on that basis we should send a warning to him."
Indrajit's deceptive plan caused much agitation to Vibhishan but he was silent. King Ravan also knew Vibhishan's sense of fairness very well. But he liked Indrajit's deceptive plan. With the idea of putting an end to the discussion he said :
“Very well! I will think about this plan. You also think about it. Since you have shared my worry I feel a little relieved and I will sleep well now.”
After the three went away, Ravan lay down upon his bed. Indrajit began riding on the winged horse of imagination thinking of the ways and means to satisfy the sky-high ambitions of
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