Hanuman to the Rescue by Ruskin Bond

Author:Ruskin Bond [Bond, Ruskin]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Rupa/Red Turtle
Published: 2013-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

The Capture of Sita

Sita was not afraid of being left alone, but she could not bear the thought that Lakshman might arrive too late to help Rama. She blamed herself for the foolish whim that had sent Rama off in the quest of the gazelle.

The moments passed, and each one seemed like an hour to Sita as she crouched by the hut, watching every movement of the trees and listening intently for the sound of footsteps. Presently, she heard a rustling in the bushes and she sprang to her feet. A man stood there, but he was neither Rama nor Lakshman, only an old hermit with bowed shoulders and a flowing white beard.

As the old man drew near, Sita noticed with a pang of fear that a change had stolen over the forest. Until then, the sun had shone and the trees had been noisy with birdsong. Now there was nothing to be heard. Not a leaf rustled. The sky was suddenly overcast.

‘May I rest here for a while?’ asked the stranger in a feeble voice. ‘I am tired and hungry.’

‘I will bring you food and water,’ said Sita timidly, and the old man thanked her. His gaze was steady, his eyes curiously bright and piercing.

‘Who are you, lady?’ he asked. ‘And why do you live in this dangerous and lonely forest? Your beauty and grace should adorn a palace, not this rude hut.’

Sita told him how she had chosen to share the exile of her husband, and when she explained that her fancy for the gazelle had caused both Rama and Lakshman to leave her alone, the old man smiled to himself. Then he stood upright, and at once a change took place in him—his shrunken height increased to a mighty stature, his aged face grew youthful, bold and mocking, and his hermit’s robe fell to the ground, revealing the regal clothes beneath. It was none other than the king of the demons who stood there—terrible Ravana himself!

Sita drew back with a cry of terror.

‘Have no fear, Sita, I will not harm you,’ said Ravana in a friendly manner. ‘You must know that I am Ravana, the demon king, and I have come here to make you my queen. You will live in my beautiful palace on the island of Lanka and your days will be full of delight.’

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