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The Moon was Eclipsed
281
"Oh you leading citizens of Ayodhya ! All of us know the rumours and scandals that have been raging in Ayodhya for some days. Hence, there is no need to repeat them here. We have met here with the purpose of refuting and repudiating those rumours. But we can do so only by meeting Shri Ram. It is not proper to take any decision in his absence. Therefore, we should, at once, meet Shri Ram and inform him of these rumours and scandals. We should discuss the matter with him. Then Shri Ram can take any decision which he deems proper. But we should do our duty; otherwise people would say that we have failed in carrying out our duty."
There was silence in the chamber. Everyone was listening to the words of Vijayshreshti with deep concentration. All sat with their heads bowed. Everyone looked agitated and worried. Then Kshema Mahattar looked towards Vijayshreshti.
"Come on Kshem ! Let us know your opinion.”
“Dear Sir! What can I say? My mind has become completely agitated. A great calamity has befallen Ayodhya ! How unfortunate we are to see all this! I wonder why the people of Ayodhya have not been punished by gods for committing this enormity of calumniating Sita! I wonder why their tongues are not paralysed! The truth is that rumours do not have any basis. I cannot believe these rumours."
"We too do not believe these rumours. Sita is not at all such a woman. This is impossible." All the leading citizens said expressing their opinion and endorsing the opinion expressed by Kshem.
"But when we do not believe these rumours where is any need to inform Shri Ram of this matter ?”
It is our duty to inform him of what people have been saying and what we have discussed," said Vijayashreshti in a calm manner.
“Of course, we should inform him of what people have been saying but we should also make it clear to him that we have not played any role in spreading those rumours."
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