66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

the monkey populace fled into the neighbouring forests,
deserting the city. Lakshmana stepped majestically into the
city and looked about. Angada and all the others who stood
surrounding Tara, observing him from a distance, asked
themselves anxiously, “What shall we do now?”
At this moment, Hanuman counselled Tara, “Please move
onto the threshold of the palace with your attendants.
Lakshmana will not go past you. Otherwise, I dread to think
what might happen if he rushes into the palace.”
“All of you now leave,” Tara said, “and remain out of sight. I
will go and face him.”
By the time Lakshmana had traversed the royal path and
reached the palace, he heard the jingle of anklets and
bracelets, looked up, and discovered an army of women
approaching him with determination. Before he could decide
whether he should retreat, he found himself encircled; he felt
confused and embarrassed. He bowed his head, unable to
face anyone, and stood with downcast eyes wondering what
to do.
Tara addressed him with all courtesy. “We are honoured
and happy at your visit. But the manner of your coming has
frightened us. Until we know what you have in mind, we will
feel uneasy. Is there anything you wish to tell us?” she asked
sweetly.
Lakshmana looked up, and at the first glimpse of Tara’s
face felt a sharp remembrance of his mother Sumithra and