66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

at Sidhasrama, to avenge his mother Thataka’s death, when
Rama’s arrow had flung him far out into the sea. Later he
had made another attempt, failed to kill Rama, and retreated
into the woods, forswearing a career of violence.
Now, at the sight of Ravana, Mareecha felt uneasy, but
received him courteously and inquired, “What can I do for
you?”
Ravana said, “My mind is shattered. I am going through a
phase of utter shame. The gods doubtless watch and
rejoice, but on our supreme race a great shame has fallen
and we have to hang our heads down and crawl aside like
faceless worms. A human creature has stationed himself in
Dandaka and has dared to challenge our supremacy. He
has mutilated my dear sister’s face. Your beloved niece is
now without nose, ears, or breasts. He chopped them off
when she approached his miserable hut.”
Mareecha already had an inkling as to who the human
creature was, and when he heard the sound, “Rama,” he
immediately said, “Keep away from him.” Ravana felt
irritated and declared, “I won’t. Are you suggesting that we
should tremble before him?”
“Let us not go near him.”
Ravana said, “Very well, I’ll not go near him, but only
snatch away his woman and keep her with me. For after all I
do not wish to engage myself in a fight with a mere human
being. But he must be taught a lesson for his