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The Flames of Jealousy
267
"Our lord cannot bear with separation from her even for a moment." Ratinibha said endorsing the opinion expressed by Shridhama and smiled a little suggesting her meaning. Her smiles revealed her venomous feelings.
"How long can we bear with this indignity and ill-treatment? We must do something about it; and in the heat. We must change the situation somehow. This should not be allowed to continue. Is only Sita his wife ? Are we not also his wives ? Are we not also his queens? We should do something to create a misunderstanding between them. We should do something to poison Shri Ram's mind against Sita. This excessive fondness he has for her should not be allowed to continue.”
Shridhama glanced towards Prabhavati. Prabhavati's eyes were fixed on the ground. Her face looked serious and gloomy. She was certainly listening to Shridhama's words in silence; but it was evident from her face that she did not relish this conversation; and that she was not at all interested in that kind of talk.
"Sister Shridhama! Have you thought of any plan by means of which we can create a misunderstanding between Shri Ram and Sita ?” Ratinibha looked at Shridhama with piercing eyes.
"Yes. I have thought of a plan.” “What is it? Let us know.” Ratinibha's eagerness increased.
Prabhavati also looked towards Shridhama. She seemed to be desirous of carrying out Shridhama's plan. For a few moments, nobody said anything. There was silence in the chamber. Then Shridhama got up and nervously closed the door of the chamber. Then she explained in a low and suppressed voice her plan to Ratinibha and Prabhayati. Ratinibha felt greatly elated to hear it but Prabhavati was silent. She did not say anything but Shridhama was of the opinion that they could carry out the plan only if Prabhavati agreed to join them in doing so. She insisted upon Prabhavati's acceding to the plan. Therefore Prabhavati gave her consent. After that Shridhama returned to her palace.
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