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JAIN RAMAYAN
“We three should join together and spread rumours and scandals against Sita. We should see that all in the city would talk about the matter. We should speak of the picture of Ravan's feet in such a way that the attendants will come to know about it and will begin talking about it. Then, soon the rumour will spread throughout the city. When the scandals reach the ears of our lord, there will be a cyclone; and then he will have to think of the matter seriously; and will have to take some steps.”
Ratinibha was filled with fears when she heard the words of Shridhama; but when she realized the inner meaning of her words, she felt happy. But she thought fearfully, "If our plan fails, we three will have to face disgrace and bitterness.” But Shridhama said, “But we need not fear anything. The matter will spread in the form of a rumour; and nobody will come to know that it is a conspiracy.” When Ratinibha heard this assurance given by Shridhama she felt a little relieved. Her fears disappeared. Then the two went to meet Prabhavati. They explained their scheme to Prabhavati and secured her consent.
In consequence, they decided to implement their plan in Prabhavati's palace. They began talking about the matter in such a way that soon the attendants in the palace began to whisper to one another saying. “It seems Sita has drawn a picture of Ravan's feet! It seems she always keeps remembering Ravan.” These rumours and scandals began to spread among the attendants and servants. The same rumours and scandals appeared among servants and attendants of Ratinibha and Shridhama. Even when they heard these rumours, no one was willing to believe them. They thought that it was impossible to believe those rumours that Sita had drawn such a picture; but when they saw the picture with their own eyes, they could not help believing the rumours. They could not discredit the rumours.
Soon, the rumours about the picture spread like wild fire throughout the city of Ayodhya.
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