< Author's Note Begins >

Enjoy the new chapter. It's a long chapter. Also, there are 2 new soundtracks so do listen to them as well.

COMMENT YOUR HEART OUT PEOPLE. ENJOY.

< Author's Note Ends >

"You've been saying five minutes for the last twenty minutes," I impatiently retorted as I had been waiting for a long time and my grandfather was talking on the phone nonstop for the past hour without even pausing to take a break for a glass of water.

"OK, I'm keeping the phone now. Aniket is getting impatient.  Sure you can come by in the next few days. It'll be just like old times," my grandfather said as he finally disconnected the call.

"You know I've been waiting impatiently since yesterday for our session," I said with a fake pout.

"Well, dying soon has its perks. I get to do what I want," he chuckled as he settled into his usual chair.

"Only you can treat this like a joke," I rolled my eyes in disapproval.

"What can I say, I'm an eccentric optimist by default?" he smiled as he reached for the water bottle next to him and proceeded to quench his thirst.

"Very well. What did you mean yesterday when you said that I had a long way to go if I thought that Ravana had ten heads. The whole of India thinks that. That's why when Ravana's effigy is built on Dussehra, a massive ten-headed demon figure is burnt," I said.

"Yes. And that is a popular misconception," my grandfather replied causing me to raise an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" I replied.

"It is very easy to view Ravana as a ten-headed evil demon and Rama as a pure, godlike character. But epics are rarely so dichotomous in the sense that one guy is pure evil and the other guy is pure good. This never happens and nor should it because all characters of any great epic contain within themselves, multitudes. From varying behaviours to differing traits no character is black or white, all are shades of ever-changing grey," he replied.

"OK. Then why is Ravana called Dashanan? Surely there must be an explanation," I asked.

"And the explanation is this. Ravana was the first and foremost of scholars as described in the Ramayana. He was an exceptionally knowledgeable brahmin. He was an expert in the Vedas and other texts. The reason why he's called Dashanan is that he was an expert in four Vedas and six chief Shastras. This is why he was called Dashanan because it would take ten heads of normal human beings to store the knowledge he had in his only one head," my grandfather explained, holding up 4 fingers and then the remaining 6 fingers symbolizing 4+6=10.

"Wow," I remarked, quite taken aback by this explanation.

"In fact, I'll tell you something else. Ravana was the greatest scientist in the circle of rishis when it came to the science of performing Yagyas," he said, taking me by surprise again.

"Science of performing Yagyas!" I was surprised on hearing this.

"Of course. In fact, one phrase that is often associated with Ravana is the phrase, 'Aham Bramhasmi'. What do you think this means Ani?" he asked me.

"Well if my Sanskrit serves me right Aham means 'I' and Bramhasmi mean 'am Bramha'. So 'Aham Bramhasmi' means 'I am Bramha' in Sanskrit," I replied.

"Correct but what does it mean?" my grandfather enquired.

"Maybe he's trying to compare himself to Bramha, the creator of the universe?" I answered.

"No," my grandfather, flat out rejected my answer.

"Then what does it mean?" I asked, unable to come up with an alternative interpretation.

"Bramha is a position," he replied.

"A position? In what?" I asked.

"A position while performing a Yagya," my grandfather replied.

"What?" I said, confused by what my grandfather was trying to convey.

"Whenever a Yagya is conducted in a proper manner, there are usually not one but multiple priests who sit next to the fire. Different priests have different posts and thus different responsibilities. There is Ritwik, Hota, Udgata, Adhvaryu etc. to name a few positions and of course there is a Brahma as well. Brahma is the position of the chief priest, who presides over all other priests. He is responsible for the Yagya as an endeavour to be successful and he supervises the activity of all the other priests, rectifying any mistakes which the other priests might conduct out of human error. Ravana is said to be the greatest Brahma who ever was or ever will be because of his unparalleled expertise in conducting Yagyas," he finally finished speaking.

"Wow. I never knew this. I have never even heard of anything like this ever before!" I remarked, amazed by this facet of Ravana's character.

"And with this context, we will now begin our next story. And I promise you that this story will really make you understand what I meant about characters not being black or white but rather being an ever-changing shade of grey," he said.

"Cool. Can't wait," I smiled, excited about what was going to come next.

"This story takes place in Ramayana right when Rama and his Vanara Sena have built the bridge to Lanka and have just crossed over into Ravana's kingdom. Now news of this event reached Ravana who then called his closest, his most trusted advisor to get his opinion regarding the outcome of the events that are to follow soon," he said.

"And who was this advisor?" I asked, a sense of eagerness in my tone which caused my grandfather to smile.

"Vibhishana my brother," Ravana said as he turned around.

"Greeting Jeshta. How may your younger brother serve you?" Vibhishana bowed his head slightly and folded his hand.

"Our spies report that Rama has reached our shores with a massive army at his back. Needless to say, war is on Lanka's doorstep. You are my most trusted advisor. Tell me, if a war happens between Rama and me. Who will win?" Ravana enquired.

Vibhishana stood silently, not saying anything.

"Vibhishana?" Ravana asked, confused by why Vibhishana is staying silent on the matter.

"You can fight with Rama all you want Jeshta it won't do you any good. Even if you battle him for a hundred years you won't be able to defeat him," Vibhishana replied, stunning Ravana completely.

"You are saying that I will lose? I, the Tri-Loka Samrat, the greatest devotee of Mahadev, the greatest ruler on the face of the earth, will lose to two forest wandering nobodies who have a few legions of vandalizing monkeys as their army?" Ravana responded, furious that Vibhishana has suggested that he will lose to the likes of Rama.

"You can get upset all you want Jeshta, but this is the truth. You won't be able to win. You'll be defeated," Vibhishana defiantly replied, infuriating Ravana even more.

"Fine then. If you really think that, then why don't you go and join that Rama about who you're singing such high praises. Cowards have no place by my side," Ravana snapped before turning around and summoning the guards to banish Vibhishana from his sight.

"As you wish Jeshta," Vibhishana replied before allowing himself to be thrown out of Lanka by Ravana's guards.

After being thrown out of Lanka, Vibhishana travelled to Rama's encampment which was situated on the northern coast of the island. After learning who Vibhishana was Rama greeted him and invited Vibhishana inside with utmost hospitality. After a meal with his new guest, Rama asked Vibhishana what would happen in the war should he and Ravana meet in battle.

Vibhishana responded, "You can fight with Ravana all you want Shri Rama it won't do you any good. Even if you tried to fight him to the very best of your abilities for a hundred years you still won't win. You and your entire army will get annihilated at Ravana's hands," Vibhishana answered shocking everyone present.

"What!" I remarked as my grandfather smirked.

"Wait a minute, Vibhishana said the exact same thing to Rama?" I clarified.

"Yes," my grandfather replied.

"He told Ravana that he was going to get defeated by Rama. And then he told Rama that he was going to get defeated by Ravana. What's he playing at?" I asked, utterly confused by Vibhishana's motives.

"I told you didn't I? You'll find that characters in the great epics have multitudes within themselves," he replied.

"Yes that's fine but Vibhishana is not making any sense," I replied.

"How so?" my grandfather questioned.

"Vibhishana telling Ravana he won't win against Rama makes sense. His banishment makes sense as well. But what doesn't add up at all is the fact that he will tell Rama, the only one who's looking to welcome him now, that he's going to lose. That just doesn't add up at all," I repeated.

"Very well. Let's continue with the story. And as you get to know more, perhaps it'll become clear as to what Vibhishana's reasons are, agreed?" he asked.

"Agreed," I replied.

"What! How can you say such a thing?" Laxman responded in an aggressive manner.

"Shri Rama is a great warrior with all celestial weapons available to him. We have me, Sugreeva, Jambavanta, Angada as supporting warriors. Not to mention we also have such a huge army with us. Then how can you say that my Prabhu Shri Rama will get annihilated at Ravana's hand?" Hanuman enquired.

"Calm down everyone," Rama said as everyone had stood up on their feet and the tensions and tempers had shot through the roof suddenly.

Once everyone had settled down, Rama continued, "Vibhishana kindly tell me why you say this? After all, I have been trained by Rishi Vishwamitra in all celestial warfare and weaponry. I have defeated and slain several of Ravana's kin as well. I understand that he's a great warrior and has a formidable army, but I too have great warriors and an army that can match up to his army. Then why do you say that I will be defeated?"

"You can bring another fifty armies and another hundred capable warriors to fight alongside you. It won't matter," Vibhishana replied.

The reply stunned everyone, including Rama. They all looked at each other, unsure of what to say as Vibhishana continued, "It is futile to make that attempt, which is destined to be defeated even before the attempt begins."

"Why?" Rama asked, taken aback by Vibhishana's words.

"Because my brother Ravana is Mahadev's greatest devotee. He's blessed by Mahadev to be invincible in battle. No matter what happens, no matter what strategy you decide to employ, no matter how many weapons you deploy, it will not matter. You'll be defeated regardless of what you do," Vibhishana said.

"What do you mean blessed to be invincible?" Rama asked.

"He has been given an armour by Shiva. This armour makes him invincible. Why do you think all kings, including your father, the late king Dashratha, quaked in fear at the mere mention of my brother's name. It is because of this primary reason among several others," Vibhishana answered.

"Then I will go to Lanka myself and find this armour and destroy it. Any obstacle in my lord's path, I shall remove it," Hanuman declared.

"If only it was that simple," Vibhishana replied.

"Meaning?" Rama asked.

"This is not some physical armour that can be smashed to pieces and destroyed by a mace. The armour has an academic nature and thus can't be destroyed via such conventional means like smashing it with a mace," Vibhishana replied.

"What do you mean academic?" Rama asked, confused by what Vibhishana just said.

"The way the armour works is like this. In battle the armour directly influences the mind of the opponent, rendering them unable to fight to the fullest of their abilities. And if your opponent can't fight you to the fullest of your abilities then... " Vibhishana said only for Rama to complete his sentence for him.

"Then you can't be defeated," Rama silently replied.

Everyone started looking at each other nervously, unsure of what to say as Rama silently stared at the floor with Vibhishana looking at him, studying everything about him.

After a while Rama finally broke his silence, "This is disastrous, I have promised Sita that I will kill Ravana and claim her back. But this changes everything."

"I am sorry," Vibhishana replied but Rama didn't reply.

"My gurudev always taught me that there is no problem which doesn't have a solution. You said there are no conventional means by which the armour can be destroyed. What about a non-conventional method. Is there really no way for me to be able to win against Ravana?" Rama asked.

Vibhishana, internally impressed by Rama's determination, replied, "There is a way you can even the odds. But it's very difficult not to mention you'll have to choose."

"Choose?" everyone echoed at the same time.

"Yes, choose," Vibhishana reiterated.

"Kindly elaborate, Vibhishana," Rama requested.

"You'll have to choose between your maryada and your wife," Vibhishana replied, stunning everyone.

"How dare you ask my brother to choose between the two?" Laxman sharply spoke, angered at Vibhishana's suggestion.

"Laxman!" Rama sharply said, rebuking Laxmana for his outburst.

"It's alright my lord. After all, he's a Raghuvanshi. A Raghuvanshi without a bit of pride would be awkward," Vibhishana smiled.

"I apologize for my brother's response. However, what did you mean by choosing between my maryada and my wife? I have always been a dutiful husband and upheld maryada throughout my entire life. In fact, my maryada is bound to my wife, they are not exclusive of each other," Rama replied.

"In this case, they will be. Because there's only one way to secure your victory against my brother. However, the path to do that will require you to let go of your maryada," Vibhishana answered.

"Why? What's the way?" Rama replied, not liking the direction the conversation was taking.

"The recommendations of warfare dictates to strike at an opponent's weakness to gain victory. Which generally means a chink in the armour. And if the armour doesn't have a chink, like in our case, then we must make a chink and exploit it in order to pave the path to victory. And the way to make that chink is by performing a Yagya," Vibhishana replied.

"Which Yagya?" Rama asked.

"The Yagya is called the 'Ajaymegh Yagya' which after being performed guarantees assured success in any one endeavour of the performer's choosing," Vibhishana replied.

"So I have to perform a Yagya with the intention of guaranteeing attainment of victory over Ravana in battle," Rama said as Vibhishana nodded.

"Very well. We will immediately set out and bring expert rishis who can perform this Yagya," Hanuman eagerly replied.

"No," Vibhishana flat out said.

"No?" Hanuman replied, confused by Vibhishana's remark.

"It won't do you any good. As the name suggests 'Ajay' means invincible and 'megha' is cloud and we all know that once a cloud decides to start raining nothing can stop it from doing so. This is why the Yagya is called 'Ajay Megha Yagya' since we intend to see a task to its completion and ensure that it can't be stopped no matter the circumstances. If it was any ordinary task we wished to accomplish then any reasonably knowledgeable sage could perform the Yagya. But the task we wish to succeed in is very daunting and difficult. Furthermore, the Yagya also needs to be able to neutralize the advantage that Shiva's armour has provided Ravana. Therefore, the Yagya needs to be at a scale which is beyond the capabilities of most rishis because it needs to be performed by a rishi who is a phenomenal expert on the Agni Tatva," Vibhishana replied.

"Why Agni Tatva?" Rama asked.

"Because what's the one thing always required in order to see a task to completion? Power. The one who has the most power, the most energy will always ensure the task at hand gets completed. And you wish to attain victory over Ravana in battle. And in battle, the victory always goes to the one who is the most powerful. Since Agni is the element which symbolizes power and energy in the Panchatatvas, therefore the Yagya has to be performed by someone whose understanding of Agni is second to none. Someone who is an expert on the Agni element," Vibhishana answered.

"I understand. Makes perfect sense," Rama replied.

"And this is why I told you that you will have to choose between your maryada and your wife," Vibhishana states causing Rama and everyone else to get confused.

"Why? What does this have to do with my maryada? I still don't understand," Rama questioned.

"I say this because at the moment there are only two people who can perform this Yagya at the required scale such that it can successfully neutralize the impact of Shiva's armour which my brother possesses," Vibhishana says.

"And who are these two people?" Laxmana asks.

"The first is Vaali, the king of the kingdom of Kishkindha," Vibhishana says causing Rama and Laxmana to receive a jolt of realization.

"Va Va Va Vaali?" Laxamana stutters, shocked by Vibhishana's statement.

"Yes Vaali, king Sugreeva's brother. He is an expert on Solar Energy. And because the sun is a ball of fire, that makes him one of the two people who can perform the Yagya at the scale of our requirement. I know this because he and Ravana often shared their research with one another alongside other rishis. If you wish to get confirmation you can ask, Vaali's son, Angada," Vibhishana says as everyone turns towards Angada for confirmation.

"Vibhishana is right. Father conducted a lot of research on the sun and solar energy. He took inspiration from Rishi Dadhichi's early research on solar energy and developed it further," Angada confirmed.

"I see," Rama silently replied.

"But the problem is that Vaali is dead since you killed him. And thus is unable to perform the Yagya for you," Vibhishana turned back to Rama.

"And who is the second person?" Hanuman asked.

"The second person," Vibhishana paused to take a deep breath to steady himself, "is my brother Ravana himself."

"Wait. What!" I shouted as my grandfather calmly looked at my face.

"Ravana was the second person?" I loudly spoke, disbelief making my senses go numb.

"Yup. Ravana was the second person. How's that for a cliffhanger?" my grandfather chuckled.

"Too good. But if Ravana is the only one alive who can perform the Yagya then that means," I continued as my grandfather cut me off.

"It means, Rama is going to have to trick Ravana into performing the Yagya for him. That's why Vibhishana said that he was going to have to choose between his maryada and his wife," my grandfather finished.

I did nothing but blink my eyes, trying to digest the turn of events in the story, "That's freaky."

"Of course it is. You have to understand something. Ramayana and Mahabharata are stories about extraordinary men who are in a power struggle. Now which side is good and which side is evil is a different debate. But what doesn't change at the end of the day is the fact that the side which is willing to do what it takes and has competence is the side which generally wins," he lectured me.

"Of course. But I still don't understand Vibhishana's position. If he knew Ravana would win then why did he tell Ravana that Rama will win?" I asked.

"This is because Vibhishana wanted to see where should his allegiance lie in order for him to get the highest benefit," he replied.

"You mean Vibhishana wanted to backstab his brother?" I asked.

"No I mean, Vibhishana wanted to be the ruler of Lanka. That's why when opportunity came knocking at the door he decided to capitalize on it," he replied.

"Opportunity? You mean Rama's army which was about to lay siege to Lanka?" I replied.

"Exactly. He recognized that Rama has the potential to do what most other people wouldn't even consider. He had the competence, he had the army, he had strong advisors. Furthermore, he had an exceptional motive to kill Ravana. But before he decided to see which horse to back in his bid to gain power, he first had to first ascertain which candidate will be better. And when you have choose between two candidates, what do you do Ani?" my grandfather expectingly looked at me. 

"When you have to choose, you put the candidates through a test," I replied.

"Excellent and the test in question being?" My grandfather asked.

"The test was the reaction that both Rama and Ravana gave upon being confronted with the statement that they both were going to lose," I answered.

"And?" my grandfather motioned at me to keep going on.

"And Rama managed to convince Vibhishana that he was worthy of Vibhishana's allegiance while Ravana wasn't," I said, in a slightly unsure self.

"Correct. But that's not the end of it. Now that Vibhishana has ascertained that Rama is more worthy of his allegiance, he must test Rama further, before he's absolutely sure that Rama can win. After all, if he chooses Rama's side then that means making Ravana his enemy which he won't do until he's absolutely certain that with his aid Rama will win over Ravana, thereby getting him the crown," my grandfather said. 

"And let me guess. The next test was to see whether Rama will choose his wife over his maryada," I replied.

"Indeed. This was a test to see that if push came to shove, will Rama do whatever it takes to secure a victory over Ravana. Because Vibhishana knew that apart from this there will be other challenges that would need to be circumvented, often at times using trickery and deceit if Rama was to win the overall war. And if you think about it Aniket, it makes sense. At the end of the day, the goal of war is to achieve victory and you ideally want someone who does whatever it takes in order to secure victory," my grandfather said as I nodded.

"But wait a minute. You didn't tell me why Ravana is the second person who could do the Yagya?" I asked just before he was going to resume the story.

"Ravana is an expert on Agni, just a different type of Agni. Vaali was an expert on the sun, which is a ball of fire. Ravana was an expert on the fire of a Yagya. And this is another reason why Ravana is called the greatest Brahma who ever was and will be," he explained.

"Cool. Continue with the story," I smiled.

"The decision is yours, Shri Rama," Vibhishana replied.

"What you're asking is impossible," Rama replied before pausing for a moment.

"You are asking me to go to the man who has abducted and imprisoned my wife, who I wish to kill in battle, and ask that man to perform a Yagya for me, ensuring his and his army's defeat at my hands in the battle which is soon going to occur?" Rama asked.

"Yes," Vibhishana replied.

"Why will he ever agree to it? He's my sworn enemy!" Rama asked.

"He won't. Which is why I told you, that you will have to choose between your maryada and your wife. Because if you want my brother to perform this Yagya then you'll have to trick him into doing it," Vibhishana said.

Upon hearing this Rama did nothing but open and close his mouth in rapid succession, unable to find the right words to express himself, "I can't do this. If asking my enemy to do a Yagya for his own destruction wasn't bad enough, now you want me to trick him into doing it? This goes against everything Kshatriya dharma stands for," he said.

"Then be prepared to lose your wife, Shri Rama. Because this is the only way," Vibhishana replied, studying Rama's reaction to being put in the dilemma.

"I... need some time to think it through. Can you kindly give me and my advisors some time to discuss this?" Rama requested.

"Of course. I shall come back within the hour," Vibhishana took his leave and left the tent.

"He's lying, right?" Laxmana said the moments after Vibhishana left.

"No. Vibhishana may be many things, a liar he's not. I have heard several accounts of several people, all of who have told me that Vibhishana is a man of character. Besides, why will he lie to us? He has already been exiled by Ravana. And the art of war dictates that the enemy of my enemy is a friend, it would be foolish not to take advantage of Vibhishana's knowledge about Ravana's warriors and his safeguards," Jambavant remarked.

"I am inclined to agree with Jambavant's assessment. Without Vibhishana's aid defeating Ravana may prove next to impossible," Sugreeva spoke up.

"But how can Shri Rama let go of his maryada as well? Even that is not possible," Hanuman spoke up.

"With all due respect Hanuman, you are forgetting that Shri Rama will have to forgo his maryada anyway in the near future," Jambavant said causing everyone to suddenly look at him.

"What does that mean, Jambavant?" Laxmana asked.

"Perhaps you're forgetting Laxmana, Ravana might be the king of Lanka but he's a Brahmin by birth. If Shri Rama kills him in battle, in the event we win, Shri Rama will have to accept the sin of Brahmahatya on his head," Jambavant answered silencing everyone for a few moments.

Rama who had been listening to all the arguments finally spoke up, "At one end there is an abyss and on the other a well."

"With all due respect Shri Rama, between an abyss and a well, choosing the well is the logical option. With effort and determination, it is possible to climb out of the well," Jambavant, the voice of wisdom, spoke.

"Essentially you're telling me that I need to choose my wife over my maryada," Rama sighed.

"Yes Shri Rama, that is exactly what I am saying. Sins can be atoned for through a combination of good deeds, sacrifice, and righteousness. Dead people can't be resurrected after their death," Jambavant said.

"Kindly leave me alone. I thank you all for your counsel, I will make my decision soon and call you shortly," Rama said as everyone else bowed their heads before leaving the tent.

Once outside the tent, Laxmana started anxiously pacing the encampment, too nervous to talk to anyone.

"What do you think Shri Rama will decide?" Sugreeva asked Jambavant.

"I don't know but I am inclined to lean more towards him choosing his wife. After all, he's responsible for our side attaining victory. If we can't do that then all this effort would have been in vain," Jambavant sombrely replied.

Sugreeva nodded before his sight caught Vibhishana sitting in the shade of a tree not far from him. I think we should rejoin Vibhishana, he is our guest and to leave him unattended would be wrong on our part," Sugreeva said as everyone, apart from Laxmana, followed him to Vibhishana's tree.

A while later suddenly, Rama came out of his tent. Upon seeing him everyone got up as well and approached him as well. 

"Shri Rama, have you come to a decision?" Vibhishana humbly asked.

"Yes Vibhishana, I have come to a decision. I have given a vow to Sita that I'll come and save her from Ravana. As a Raghuvanshi either I will uphold the vow or I will die trying for that is the tradition of our Raghukul lineage. I will do as you ask Vibhishana," Rama replied.

"You will not be disappointed, my lord. This is my promise to you," Vibhishana replied.

"And to express my thanks I will organize your Rajya Abhishek as the future king of Lanka once Ravana is vanquished in battle," Rama declared.

"You are too kind Shri Rama," Vibhishana folded his hands.

"No, I am merely following what my Kshatriya Dharma requires me to do," Rama smiled.

"Prabhu, I will go and see to the arrangements of the coronation at once," Hanuman volunteered.

"Of course, thank you Hanuman," Rama smiled as Hanuman left in a hurry.

"Vibhishana while Hanuman is busy with the preparation, why don't we discuss how to proceed," Rama said.

"Of course my lord. We should step into your tent to talk privately," Vibhishana said as all of them entered the tent once more.

"So tell us Vibhishana, how are we going to trick Ravana into performing the Yagya for us?" Rama enquired.

"I have devised a plan. It will be tricky but shouldn't be impossible to execute," Vibhishana replied.

"Whatever we do, we must remember one thing, Ravana's spies are keeping an eye on our movements and reporting them back to him, every hour. Therefore if anyone from this camp goes towards Lanka, my brother will be informed of this immediately," Vibhishana told.

"But then what will we do?" Laxmana replied.

"Since I was one of Ravana's most trusted advisors before being banished, I know exactly which spy is located where. And using this information we will be able to set our plan in motion," Vibhishana said.

"Please continue," Rama requested.

"First we will mobilize our troops and proceed to march towards the fortress of Lanka," Vibhishana said.

"But our preparations for a siege are not yet complete!" Laxmana retorted.

"Which is why we will only mobilize our troops and pretend to attack. The reason why we need to do so is because the moment my brother's spies see movement, they will inform him. I am sure that in response my brother will order his armies to ready themselves for battle and order the spies to keep an eye on the movement of our troops. While the troops are distracting the spies, I along with Shri Rama and Laxmana will leave for a new place, not far from here, while wearing disguises of young ascetics. The reason for doing so will be to ensure that no one suspects that Shri Rama and Laxmana are not with the army. This will be the first step of our plan," Vibhishana said.

"What's the next step?" Sugreeva asked.

"After Shri Rama and Laxmana reach the place, they shall quickly begin constructing a small hut and start living there. In the meantime, I will deal with the spies in that area and then return to the camp and so will our army, having successfully distracted the majority of Ravana's spies," Vibhishana answers.

"And what makes you think that the spies in the place where Laxmana and I will be staying will cooperate with us? I assume you're having us shift there so that the spies of that area will corroborate our version of the story when we attempt to trick Ravana?" Rama questioned.

"You're absolutely right Shri Rama. When you go to Ravana's court wearing your disguises my brother will call his spies to verify whether what you're saying is true or not. The reason why this will work because the spies in the new area are people who are loyal to me. Thus they will corroborate your story," Vibhishana clarified.

"Then?" Laxmana asked.

"Simple, I will give Shri Rama and you a script regarding what to say in order to get my brother to agree to do the Yagya for us. I will give you the script tonight and we will put our plan into motion tomorrow. But we will have to be extra careful, the slightest of missteps can ruin our plan," Vibhishana said, his tone indicating the seriousness of the matter.

"Pardon the interruption Prabhu, but all the arrangements for Vihishana's coronation ceremony have been completed," Hanuman said with his hands folded and a smile on his face.

"Excellent work Hanuman. Come Vibhishana. We'll get you coronated first. Then we'll discuss the plan further," Rama said causing Vibhishana to smile as they all left.

"So did the plan work?" I asked.

"Yes, it did. The distraction worked like a charm. Rama and Laxmana in their disguises managed to surreptitiously shift themselves. Then as per Vibhishana's plan, they went to Ravana's fortress, pretending to be two young brahmins who wished to learn the science of Yagyas from Ravana. They perfectly executed the script Vibhishana had prepared for them, flattering and charming Ravana, causing him to get impressed that two Brahmins had come to him to learn the science of performing Yagyas since according to them he was the greatest researcher of Yagyas at the time. Pleased with Rama and Laxmana's praise and stroking of his ego, Ravana asked what did they wish for him to do," my grandfather said.

"Wow. I never imagined Rama would have resort to such means to achieve victory," I remarked.

"Of course. After all, if you wish to extract the maximum amount of Nuttela from a container, after some point of time you will have no choice but to curl your fingers in order to do it," he replied as I nodded in agreement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfzyi_lryyA

"I am pleased to know that you consider me as the greatest Bramha to ever exist. So tell me, what is it that you want from me, young brahmins?" Ravana asked.

"Oh great Ravana, foremost of all scholars, if you would be so kind, we would like to see you perform a Yagya for us in front of our eyes so that we can learn from the experience of watching you perform the Yagya," Rama requested.

"And which Yagya would you like to see me perform?" Ravana asked.

"Pardon us, great Lankesh. We would not dare to recommend a Yagya to you knowing that you are capable of performing any Yagya," Rama replied.

Ravana smiled on hearing that, his face lit up with pride.

"Very well. You may return to your cottage outside Lanka. I will come tomorrow and perform any Yagya of your choosing," Ravana said as both Rama and Laxmana folded their hands before taking their leave.

After they left Ravana called his spies and asked them to confirm the story Rama and Laxmana told Ravana about them. Upon receiving confirmation that the story matched up with his spies' reports Ravana's suspicions were laid to rest.

"Lankesh if I may," prime minister Parashad suddenly stood up from his seat in the court.

"Yes Prime Minister," Ravana replied.

"Lankesh. I would advise against going tomorrow to conduct the Yagya. After all, war is looming over Lanka's head. In such a situation it is not advisable to leave the capital," he said as many members in the court voiced their support of the prime minister's statement. Ravana raised his left hand, silencing the courtiers immediately.

"I appreciate your concern. And it is not without merit. But you forget uncle, that I may have become Lankesh through my actions but I am first and foremost a Brahmin by birth. I can't as a Brahmin refuse a request for a donation of my knowledge. Especially if that request is made of the science of Yagyas, in which I dominate the field of research," Ravana announced.

"But Lankesh, the Vanara Sena is camped outside Lanka's fortress. We still don't know why they suddenly came so close to our walls and then in a few hours retreated back to their encampment," the prime minister replied.

"I know why they fled. They fled because they got scared. They are Vanaras after all. Getting all excited and starting to jump about is in their nature. They must have marched on us out of impulse and when they reached our walls and saw our security arrangements, they must have decided to retreat," Ravana declared, resulting in the entire royal court exploding with laughter.

"Still," Ravana said, quelling the laughter almost immediately,  "we must be on our guard. Incorrectly measuring an enemy's capacity and strength almost always has bad consequences."

"Of course my king. Which is why our spies our keeping a tight watch on their activities," another courtier replied.

"Good," Ravana replied.

"Lankesh, I feel it is my duty to inform you that security in the enemy camp has increased tenfold since yesterday," the courtier said causing Ravana to raise his eyebrow.

"Something is not right here. Why has the security gone up suddenly? Perhaps there is some endeavour which is being carried out in the enemy camp which they wish to keep secret," the prime minister remarked.

"I am inclined to agree. Tell our spies to try their hardest, infiltrate the enemy camp at all costs," Ravana ordered as the prime minister bowed his head in acknowledgement.

"If there's nothing else on the agenda, the court is dismissed for the day," Ravana declared as everyone took their leave and left.

The next day Ravana set off for the hut of the two brahmins aboard his Pushpak Vimana. He saw that a small yet magnificent platform had been built for the Yagya to take place. Getting off the Pushpak Vimana he noticed the two brahmins waiting for him.

"I am very impressed by this Yagyashala you have built for the Yagya," Ravana remarked taking in the scent and scene of the various floral arrangments surrounding the Yagyakund.

"The greatness of the Yagya is not determined by the arrangements but rather the greatness of the Brahma conducting the Yagya," Rama responded as both he and Laxmana folded their hands and greeted Ravana who was pleased by Rama's reply.

"Please, accept your seat and do us the kindness of accepting the position as the Brahma for our Yagya," Laxmana requested.

Ravana went and took his place at the seat, clearly marked out for him. Rama and Laxmana followed suit as they took their place next to him. Rama placed the camphor inside the Yagyakund and lit the fire. He then handed Ravana, the pot of water, with the swastika symbol clearly marked on it. Ravana received the pot with utmost reverence and pressed his forehead to the pot, giving it the respect it deserved. 

He then proceeded to pour some water into his right palm and said, "I Ravana, son of Rishi Vishwashrava, grandson of Rishi Pulatsya accept my role as the Brahma of this Yagya."

The moment he spoke those words a sigh of relief came from Rama and Laxmana, which went unnoticed by Ravana who upon completing his declaration proceeded to pour the water in the palm of his hand, into the sacrificial fire.

He turned to Rama and said, "Before we begin the Yagya, you must first state your name, the name of your father, your dynasty and your clan name."

"Of course," Rama said as he too extended his right palm allowing Ravana to pour a little water into his hand.

As Ravana was setting the pot on the floor he heard, "Name: Rama, Father's name: Dashratha, Clan: Raghuvansh, Dynasty: Ikshvaku, Caste: Kshatriya."

Ravana, stunned, turned to Rama who proceeded to pour the water in his palm into the fire as well. After this Rama turned to Ravana who did nothing but stare at him. Ravana's eyes blinked with disbelief as realized that he had just been tricked into performing a Yagya for the very same enemy who had come to his shores with an army at his back. His first impulse would have been to leave that very instant but he couldn't. He had accepted the role of Brahma of this Yagya. He had to see it to its fruition else he would be inflicted with Brahmadosh and that was something which just wasn't acceptable under any circumstance whatsoever.

After a while, Ravana reluctantly spoke, "Which Yagya do you wish me to conduct for you?"

"Ajaymegha yagya," Rama said.

Ravana silently fumed on hearing the two dreaded words which came out of Rama's mouth. He suddenly stood up, shocking both Rama and Laxmana. They watched, completely shocked, as Ravana stormed away to his Pushpaka Vimana and then flew away towards his fortress.

Rama and Laxmana who were completely lost for words just stood there looking at each other as Vibhishana and Hanuman who had been concealed nearby came out of their hiding spot.

"Vibhishana, I thought you said if Ravana accepted his position as the Brahma of the Yagya then he would have to perform it. But Ravana just left?" Laxmana asked, completely flabbergasted by how Ravana left without a word.

Vibhishana smiled much to Rama's surprise, "I know my brother very well, Laxmana. Rest assured he will perform the Yagya for you. If he has gone away then there must be a reason behind it," Vibhishana said, before turning to Hanuman.

"Hanuman. You should go and fetch Maharaj Sugreeva, Angada and the others as well. They should also be here I feel," Vibhishana said following which Hanuman took his leave.

"Are you sure that Ravana will return?" Rama asked.

"I have known him since he was a kid. He can't go against his vow. Once the vow of accepting the position of Brahma has been taken, it can't be refused. All we need to do is wait," Vibhishana answered.

After a while, when all of Rama's advisors and commanders had arrived, Laxmana spotted the Pushpaka Vimana headed back in their direction. Ravana had indeed returned but he was not alone. And the identity of the one who was with Ravana took everyone's breath away.

"Sita?" Rama blurted out as the Pushpaka Vimana landed in front of them.

"Swami," Sita's eyes turned watery, as did his.

Everyone else was confused, why had Ravana brought Sita with him? Was he going to give Sita back to Rama now? What was happening?

Sita, who couldn't help herself jumped out of the Vimana, ran towards Rama and then enveloped him in a hug which he returned.

"My Sita. You have no idea how much I have missed you. My heart has been like dry like the desert, bereft of the warmth of your touch," Rama cried as Sita drenched his chest in her tears as well.

The sight brought a tear to all the other people present except Ravana who was still firmly standing in the Pushpak Vimana, his expression still smoldering with the anger of being tricked in the way he was by Rama.

"Vanara!" Ravana finally called out causing everyone to turn their attention to him, "Make yourself useful. Carry these pots carefully to the Yagyashala."

"Why what is in the pots?" Hanuman asked.

"The Yagya to be performed is a very complex and specialized Yagya and thus requires special Yagyasamagri which your lord Rama didn't arrange for. Since I am the Brahma of this Yagya thus the responsibility of the Yagya's completion falls on my head, even if it means getting the supplies from my personal stores," Ravana replied stunning everyone present except Vibhishana.

"Then why did you bring Mata Sita here?" Hanuman asked.

"Because in the event the person for who the Yagya is being performed for is married, then the Yagya requires the spouse of the person to sit next to the person while the Yagya is being performed," Ravana said again shocking all the people present.

"Now make yourself useful Vanara and set those supplies exactly where I tell you to," Ravana stepped out of the Vimana and started to walk towards the Yagyashala. 

"So looks like your Yagya will be a success, Shri Rama!" Hanumana smiled as he turned to Rama, knowing that the obstacle in his lord's path had been removed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6tBLiPGg84

Ravana stopped in his tracks on hearing Hanuman's statement. 

He immediately turned around and brandished his hand, right in Hanuman's face before shouting, "Only Rama!"

Everyone was rendered shocked as Ravana's words echoed several times in their ears. Hanuman watched as Ravana's fingers, which were dangerously close to his face, slowly curled into a fist.

"Shri?" Ravana questioned, his tone full of derision, mockery, and anger.

With a snort of derision, his hand dismissed Hanuman's salutation for Rama, in front of Hanuman's own eyes.

"Titles and respect should not be given blindly Vanara! They should instead be earned from achievements," Ravana loudly spoke as Hanuman fumed at Ravana's questioning of his lord's status.

"Shri?" Ravana mockingly asked as he walked towards Rama who had been silently observing so far.

"I will be the judge of that," Ravana said, as he came dangerously close to Rama.

Rama didn't say anything as he looked back into Ravana's ferocious eyes, which had been incensed at Hanuman's usage of Shri for Rama. Everyone else had become worried as Rama and Ravana stared down at each other.

"And let me tell you something, Dashrathaputra Rama. So far, I am not impressed," Ravana spoke before turning away and moving towards the Yagyashala.

Rama, however, remained rooted to his spot, his mind refusing to move his body. He managed to slightly turn as he saw Ravana had retaken his seat as the Brahma of the Yagya.

"Swami," Sita said as she shook Rama out of his train of thought. 

"Yes. Sorry. Come let us all take our seats and commence the Yagya," Rama said as everyone slowly walked towards the Yagya where Ravana was busy making preparations, setting everything in the proper place.

As Rama walked back, he wondered why he had seized up when Ravana was standing in front of him. By the time he sat down in his place, he had understood. He had seized up because he had been beset with something which he had never encountered before... intimidation.

"Wow, Karma is a bitch. Ravana tricked Sita into crossing the Laxman Rekha in order to abduct her. And now that he got tricked, he's furious," I said, a smile creeping its way up to my lips.

"Yes. But don't say this again in the future. You know your mom doesn't like you using cuss words," my grandfather said.

"Cool," I replied before helping myself to a glass of water.

I drank the water in silence, running the sequence of events through my head. I had to admit, I had never heard anything remotely close to this when I had heard or read or watched Ramayana anywhere else. Though it was rather foolish of me to think of Hindi Mythological shows as a source of information for Ramayana and Mahabharata.

"You done?" a voice interrupted my thoughts as I proceeded to drain my glass in one gulp.

As the day progressed the Yagya also progressed, reaching completion a few hours before the sun would set. Even though Ravana was their enemy, Rama had to admit Ravana's expertise in performing Yagyas was really second to none. As a prince, he had seen several esteemed rishis perform yagyas, including respected Rishis like Vashishta and Vishvamitra but even their Yagyas seemed to pale in comparison before Ravana's Yagya. Such lyrical pronunciation, such crisp direction, precise timing, not to mention using the Veena towards the end of the yagya for the finishing mantras, made the Yagya almost ethereal in nature. 

"Now the Yagya has been completed, Rama. You may ask me for a blessing for one endeavour and that endeavour will be successful in the future," Ravana said while standing up.

Rama got to his feet upon hearing that, went in front of Ravana, folded his hands, got down on his knees and asked, "Bless me so that I will be victorious against you in the battle to come."

Ravana did not say anything but his nostrils flared as he simply stared down at Rama's eyes. For a while, he didn't say anything but then he reluctantly raised his right hand and said, "Tathasthu."

With that he immediately turned away, walking straight back to the Pushpak Vimana, "Devi Sita. Bid your husband farewell and come with me."

"Prabhu now that Mata Sita is here, how can we send her back to the enemy camp?" Hanuman said.

"Hanuman, I have to go. Ravana abducted me. Now the only way for me to return to Shri Rama is if he claims me back by slaying my abductor," Sita said, tears falling from her eyes.

"Sita I promise you. I will free you. The next time we see each other will be when I have killed Ravana in battle," Rama promised as Sita nodded her head in agreement.

Despite not wanting to, she climbed back into the Pushpak Vimana. Ravana took one final glance at Rama who was looking straight back at him.

"Well played," Ravana said before turning to Vibhishana.

"Traitor," Ravana bitterly muttered before ordering the Pushpak Viman to fly back to Lanka.

"And that brings this story to its end. Come now, let's go for dinner," my grandfather said as my stomach embarrassingly grumbled.

"Yup," I said as I followed him, eagerly awaiting the food which I would no doubt be wolfing down once it was put in front of me.

< Dictionary >

1) Yagya: Ritualistic sacrifice with fire which is done with the intention of achieving something.

2) Yagyas: Plural for Yagya

3) Shri: Respected.

4) Mata: Mother

5) Vanara Sena: Monkey Army

6) Jeshta: Elder brother

7) Tathasthu: So be it

8) Maryada: Moral Code

9) Kshatriya Dharma: A code of ethics and etiquette meant for the warrior class

10) Yagyasamagri: Substances like clarified butter, wood, camphor, flowers etc which are used in the yagya, mostly fed to the fire.

11) Yagyashala: The place where Yagya is conducted

12) Yagyakund: The earthly cavity inside which the fire of the yagya burns

13) Rishi: An ascetic sage

14) Swami: Husband

15) Prabhu: Lord

16) Brahmahatya: Killing of a Brahmin

17) Brahmadosh: Sin committed by doing an action that goes against the code of Brahmin Dharma.

18) Rajya Abhishek: Royal Coronation ceremony

< Author's Note >

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I hope it really gave you a story which you hadn't heard before. 

Also, I hope you enjoyed listening to the 2 new song tracks. Do rate them out of 10, should be exhilarating to hear them:

1) Rate out of 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckrKm4TrxvU

2) Rate out of 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfzyi_lryyA