Episode 14 - Anjaneya narrates the story of Rama from the tree top

Hanuman, sitting above, amidst the branches of the tree, was witness to all that was happening. He felt that it was his immediate duty to console Sita, who was impatient and desperate to see Rama, the most powerful and the most compassionate.

Hanuman pondered thus: “If I do not console Sita now, it will be a sin on my part and she will die before the day-break. Though I am a monkey, I have to speak in human language which I am capable of. However, Sita will suspect me to be Ravana himself in disguise. Besides, the Rakshasis may attempt to kill me and will certainly carry the message to Ravana. Rakshasa troops will be despatched and if they capture me, Sita will not know about my arrival. The Rakshasas, by nature, love violence and they may as well kill Sita.”

“I am caught in a dilemma. If I do not interact with Sita now, she is certain to die. If I speak to her, I may get caught or killed. A foolish emissary can destroy the whole purpose of a mission. In any case, I have to devise a way of consoling Sita. Her mind is always focussed on her husband. Therefore, if I speak words of praise for Rama, the greatest and the brightest of the Ikshavaku Kings, Sita will believe in me.”

In pursuance of his plan, Anjaneya began to narrate sweetly the story of Rama thus: “Once there was a famous, valiant, truthful and prosperous king called Dasaratha in the Ikshavaku clan. His eldest son, known as Rama, is as beautiful as the moon. He is the greatest archer and knows what is best in the whole creation. Following the king's word, Rama, accompanied by his wife, Sita, and brother Lakshmana, left for the forest. In the forest, he was hunting and killed several cruel Rakshasas. Offended by the killings, Ravana, the Rakshasa King, with the help of another Rakshasa disguised as a deer, deceived Rama and abducted Sita.”

“Rama has been searching for Sita and has come into contact with Sugriva, who was dethroned by his brother, Vali. Vali, who wronged Sugriva, has been killed by Rama and Sugriva has been installed King of the Vanaras. Sugriva, as per the agreement between Rama and himself, has dispatched his army of Vanaras in all directions in search of Sita. As part of the mission and upon the clues provided by Sampati, a bird, I have crossed the ocean and arrived here. I have found Sita who fits exactly the description given by Rama, in her appearance, colour and features.”

Having thus introduced himself somewhat indirectly to Sita, Anjaneya kept quiet, awaiting her reaction. Sita was pleasantly surprised. She looked around in all directions; looked up and noticed Anjaneya amidst the branches of the tree.