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364
JAIN RAMAYAN
That incident caused great anguish to me. I have not been able to recover from that pain. I have not been able to recover my spirits; and now shall I meet my lord and face another calamity? I do not see any point in my returning to Ayodhya."
Sita began to shudder with fear and anguish. She spoke with great difficulty. Her anguish found expression in her sorrowful accents. Her voice was choked with emotion and her eyes welled up with tears. Sugriv heard Sita's heart-rending words with sympathy. He again saluted her and said.
"Revered Queen! What you say is true. Your anguish fills me with grief. You have been bearing with boundless sorrow with an extraordinary patience but now the days of sorrow have ended. The period of adversity has come to an end. Now you will have peace and felicity. You will meet Shri Ram and so the sun of prosperity will again arise in your life. Shri Ram and Lakshman along with their ministers and countless kings and princes are awaiting your arrival. Shri Ram is thinking of proving your purity and chastity in the presence of all. Therefore kindly return to Ayodhya."
"Sugriv! I am always ready to prove my innocence and purity. Well! I will return to Ayodhya."
Sita gave her consent. Sugriv's joy knew no bounds. An urgent message was sent to King Vajrajang. As soon as he received the message he came there. Sita informed him of her decision to return to Ayodhya. At once, the King's eyes welled up with tears.
"Revered lady! I am really happy to hear that you are going to Ayodhya. At the same time, I am greatly sad to hear that you are leaving this city. It is natural that when one's dear sister is returning to her husband's house, one should experience the mixed feelings of joy and sorrow. Dear sister! I wish that you must always be happy and that you should attain prosperity and felicity. If I have committed any mistake or if there has been any lapse in the treatment given to you kindly pardon me. Kindly remember your brother." And King Vajrajang began to weep like a helpless child.
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