The Abduction of Sita - Soorpankha
Soorpankha looked on with astonishment. Two humans had single-handedly in front of her eyes destroyed one of the best divisions of Ravana's army. Two of her brothers who had never tasted defeat were lying dead. The dead were dead - her business lay with the living. She now desired Rama and Lakshmana more than ever. A wicked plan was taking shape in her brain. She would go back to Lanka and involve Ravana.
Soorpankha stormed into Ravana's court and began chastising him. "What kind of a king are you? Hermits have encroached on your territory. They have employed guards to protect them. Instead of surveying the outposts of your kingdom you are engaged in merrymaking here in your capital. Your spies are useless. The faith you imposed on your brothers was misplaced. A king has to do his dirty work himself or he loses his all. Come with me at once to Dandak and subjugate the two humans and give them to me so that I can have my revenge. This is the bare minimum that you can do to restore your disfigured sister's honour."
Ravana was unmoved. "Khara and Dushana must have been careless or drunk. They died a warrior's death. As for you, sister, you have flirted once too often this time. The King of Demons does not go out to attack mere two humans. He would become the laughing stock of the world. But nevertheless a replacement will have to be sent for Khara. He will take care of the humans."
Soorpankha sensed that she was losing out. She changed tracks. "I was not flirting dear brother. My mission was to procure a gift for you. The two men have a woman with them, whose beauty puts to shame Indra's celestial maidens. When she smiles the peacock spreads his coloured plumage. When she bestows her glance the stag puffs out his chest and raises his antlers. When she speaks the bee starts buzzing with renewed vigour. Imagine what pleasure she will give to a man like you. She will be the jewel of Lanka and you will be the envy of the world. I was trying to abduct her and bring her to you." Soorpankha saw that Ravana had fallen into her trap. She continued, "Go, brother, and bring her here. But I want the two men. I will give them a death the human race will never forget."
Ravana thought
Latest Articles