Chapter 4
The Lotus Lake Room
What follows is my own account of the month I spent with Sita after she reunited with her sisters and her husbands’ family in Ayodhya/Saket and was coronated Queen. And Raghav King. This was my first visit here, my first visit anywhere outside my Lanka island, with no one except us, mother and daughter. And Sita.
Conversation in the Lotus Lake Room
A few days after the eight-day pattabhisheka (crowning ceremony) I entered Sita’s chambers shivering.
Much to the amusement of my hosts, I requested a small fire, something never done in these parts in autumn. I gladly accepted a bowl of hot root water and settled down facing Sita.
I stopped to spit out few root-bits that had gotten in. The maids studying me from a safe distance giggled as if on a private joke.
‘Janaki, I have been wanting to tell you all week. I consider you a good friend, and I would love to write a story about you and Raghav.’
Sita signalled her maid who offered me a fresh bowl of amber tea and replied: ‘But what is there to write about us? Our people are so alike, you observe the routine of one, and you know us all. I would love to read what you write about Lanka though, I never saw the beautiful side of your land while I was there. Your people are so free-spirited and passionate and do whatever your heart feels like. Who knows? Perhaps reading your account helps me heal faster.’
This was the most she had spoken since she had gotten back to her home.
‘I will write letters to you, Janaki, writing about Lanka if you’d like.’
‘That would be wonderful. Thank you, Sarama.’
‘Will you permit me to write your whole story, right from the day you were born?’
‘You have made up your mind, haven’t you? Okay, I will speak to Raghav and let you know. Some of our scholars may read your work, and even suggest changes.’
I nodded and said, ‘Of course, I understand. You are not ordinary people.’
Sita and Raghav were avatars of Laxmi and Vishnu, and the scholars, especially the Vedic priests, would want to ensure that they were shown as such.
I had hoped then that Sita asked me to stay. After my husband marrying Mandodari, there was no place for me and Trijata in his life. I had longed to stay at least a month longer so I could explain my circumstances back home to Sita.
My husband, Lord Vibhishan had left early, after the third day, as he had important matters to attend back home in Lanka.
He now had a second wife, Mandodari, to keep him warm. Just thinking of them together made my skin crawl.
Here in Ayodhya, I was getting judged too. I was from a royal family but our cultures were - to put it mildly - different.
But Sita had a way to make me and my daughter Trijata comfortable, and all the giggles I got that winter from the people of Saket did not bother me.
So that is how I ended up writing this story. Raghav and Sita gave their approval, and I stayed for a month and quilled several accounts from her, Lux and Raghav.
I was careful to rarely mention the name of her tormentor (who now having been slain by Lord Raghav, was in heaven somewhere chasing apsara women, or suffering in naraka for his bad karma.) He shall not be named unnecessarily in my books.
Today she is not with me. Do I remember her poise, her strength or her dignity? Most of all, I remember how her faith made her fearless. Even before Raghav met Ravan in battle, Sita had defeated Ravan with her moral courage and determination.