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366
"Revered Queen!
JAIN RAMAYAN
Now, we should not delay." said Sugriv
humbly.
Sita folded her hands and saluted the surging crowds of people; and returned into the palace. Her daughters-in-law were now ready for the journey. Then Sita went to the harem and took leave of King Vajrajang's queen.
The colourfully decorated Pushpak stood ready. Sita ascended it accompanied by her daughters-in-law. Sugriv also ascended the Pushpak.
"May the noble lady Sita be victorious." This cry issued by the vast crowds reverberated in the highest skies. King Vajrajang bade farewell to all.
King Vajrajang bade farewell to Sita; but he did not know what lay concealed in the womb of the future. How could he decipher the mystic signs of the mysterious future? If he knew the future he would not have bidden farewell to Sita. On the other hand, he would have accompanied her to Ayodhya. He did not know that he was bidding a final farewell to Sita; and that he would not see her again. Ah! Even Sita did not know what the Almighty had decreed regarding her future. She too did not know that she would not enter the city of Ayodhya.
The Pushpak began to fly through the sky. After flying a little while, it turned towards Ayodhya.
The citizens of Ayodhya were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sita.
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