66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

values. After all this, I must tell you that it is not customary to
admit back to the normal married fold a woman who has
resided all alone in a stranger’s house. There can be no
question of our living together again. I leave you free to go
where you please and to choose any place to live in. I do not
restrict you in any manner.”
On hearing this, Sita broke down. “My trials are not ended
yet,” she cried. “I thought with your victory all our troubles
were at an end … ! So be it.” She beckoned to Lakshmana
and ordered, “Light a fire at once, on this very spot.”
Lakshmana hesitated and looked at his brother,
wondering whether he would countermand the order. But
Rama seemed passive and acquiescent. Lakshmana, ever
the most unquestioning deputy, gathered faggots and got
ready a roaring pyre within a short time. The entire crowd
watched the proceedings, stunned by the turn of events. The
flames rose to the height of a tree; still Rama made no
comment. He watched. Sita approached the fire, prostrated
herself before it, and said, “O Agni, great god of fire, be my
witness.” She jumped into the fire.
From the heart of the flame rose the god of fire, bearing
Sita, and presented her to Rama with words of blessing.
Rama, now satisfied that he had established his wife’s
integrity in the presence of the world, welcomed Sita back to
his arms.