- OS: Sita Haran: as told by the ashtabharya -

As evening settled upon the mystical kingdom of Dwaraka, the royal family took their seats on silken divans and settees in the private sitting chamber, forming a circle around each other. Devaki and Vasudeva sat together, the latter with a book in his hand while the former had both her sons cuddled against her. Balarama sat with his head against her shoulder, while Krishna had his on her lap. She stroked both her sons' hair fondly, looking blissfully happy after all the pain and suffering she had undergone with her husband many years ago. Now, all that pain was a thing of history, for the bliss of being mother to Krishna and Balarama healed every scar she might have otherwise had. Vasudeva glanced at his wife and sons with affection in his eyes. To his other side sat Rohini, also glancing at Devaki and their sons with a sweet smile. She had Subhadra cuddled against her, the baby of the family and the darling of all her brothers and cousins, as well as her myriad sisters-in-law. Dwaraka was a truly magical place, for there was no distinction between yours and mine'. They all loved each other, and all the children belonged to everyone. There was such a strong sense of family unity and loyalty among the Yadavas, and though the family itself was immense, they all shared an incredibly strong bond.

"Pitashree, Revathi, Balarama's wife, asked her father-in-law with a hopeful smile. "Won't you continue the beautiful journey of Shri Ramachandra and Sita Mata?

"Of course, my dear, Vasudeva responded to his daughter-in-law with affection. "Once everyone is settled, I will continue the tale. We have now reached that point in Aranya Kanda where the demon King Ravana has set his heart on avenging his sister's humiliation.

To the side, Balarama snorted at this, and Krishna gave him a knowing grin. Balarama never did have patience for the character of Shurpanakha. When Vasudeva read of Lakshmana, Rama's younger brother, chopping off her nose, he had smirked and sat back with satisfaction.

It was a few days till Ram Navami, and the royal family of Dwaraka was reading the great epic Ramayana in honor of the upcoming festival. Every day, Vasudeva, who had been appointed the official storyteller of the family due to his soothing and steady voice, read a portion of the epic and everyone else listened with riveted attention.

The eight chief queens and royal consorts of Krishna, fondly called the ashtabharya by the family, all sat together upon a bed of blankets and pillows, which they had arranged tastefully in the middle of the circle. Rukmini was on her stomach, resting her head against a pillow as if lost in thoughts, while Satyabhama sat up with her knees to her chest, her eyes twinkling merrily. Jambavati had her head against Rukmini's back, using her for a pillow, while Mitravinda leaned against Satyabhama's shoulder, playing with her palloo while she waited patiently for the story to start. Kalindi and Nagnajiti both rested their head against a large puffy pillow, while Bhadra and Lakshmana sat cross-legged with shawls around their shoulders.

Krishna's eyes twinkled merrily as he looked upon his beloved consorts. It was pleasing listening to the leelas of his former life with his bharya, all of them experiencing the bliss of being SiyaRam eight times over. He knew the upcoming portion of the tale was a tragic one, and he knew each of his bharya would experience the pain of separation from him. He too preferred not to think of those dark days, in which his Lakshmi was separated from him for nearly a year, but it had all been necessary to establish Dharma in the world.

Vasudeva began the tale, clearing his throat for good effect.

"Blackmailing his uncle Mareecha to aid him in the abduction of Rama's wife Sita, Ravana arrived at Panchavati on his magical chariot, the pushpaka vimaana. Having chosen to die at the Lord's hands rather than being killed by his nephew for disloyalty, Mareecha took the form of a beautiful golden deer, his skin shining with the bright light emitted from various gems that were embedded in him. Devi Sita, who was plucking flowers for her Lord's evening prayers, caught a glance at the golden deer and lost her heart to him.

Rukmini lifted her head and closed her eyes, a memory of a beloved former life entering her mind.

"Swmai, Sita grasped her Lord's hand and dragged him towards her garden. "Look there! It is a golden deer.

"Quite beautiful, Lord Ram remarked, a smile upon his lips. "Anyone who sees it is sure to lose their heart.

"As have I, Sita said shyly, "I want that deer, my Lord. Please get it for me!

"The deer? What shall you do with it, my love? Ram asked his wife affectionately.

"I will tie bells around its neck, and every time it moves it will make such a charming sound! I will bring it with us when we return to Ayodhya. My Urmi will be delighted to play with it, as will Mandavi and Srutakirti.

"Your wish is my command, my lady, Ram caressed his wife's cheek lovingly, making her blush. "But what if Lakshmana's doubts are true, and the deer happens to be a Mayavi?

Sita's eyes glinted with determination and pride in her husband. "Then you must kill it, thereby honoring the vow you made to the sages that you would eradicate this Earth of demonkind.

Despite the warnings of his brother Lakshmana, who suspected the deer was a result of foul play, Lord Ram gave chase to it to fulfill the desire of his beloved wife.

Rukmini closed her eyes and felt a tear trickle down her cheek. How she regretted asking her Lord for the deer! If only she had kept more faith in Lakshmana's words, Ravana would never have been able to lay hands on her.

"But then, how would the destruction of Ravana have come about?

It was her Lord, her beloved Kesava, who sat next to her and caressed her cheek lovingly. His eyes bore into hers with understanding, and there was wisdom in the words he imparted.

"Do not blame yourself for what happened, my love, Krishna said gently, "It all happened as we had planned it. You could not have been touched if not for loka kalyaan.

Rukmini nodded. Her beloved Kesava was correct. Everything had happened for a reason. Brushing her tears aside, she returned her attention to Vasudeva.

"Hearing her Lord's voice crying in distress, Devi Sita became stricken with anxiety and pleaded with Lakshmana to go after his brother and protect him. Lakshmana knew no harm could touch his brother, but he was unable to convince his dear bhabhi, who in her worried state became angry at the young man she considered her own son.

Satyabhama glanced at Balarama and sighed with guilt. She still regretted how she had spoken to him all those years ago. Why hadn't she believed her dear Lakshmana? Why had she spoken to him in such a cutting manner?

"Lakshmana! Two options lay before you, and if you respect me at all you will either go after your brother this instant, or hand me your weapons so that I may go after him myself, Sita cried out with exasperation, tears brimming in her beautiful eyes. "I may be a woman, but every Kshatriya princess is able to protect her family in times of need.

Lakshmana shook his head, his brows creased with frustration, not at his mother-like bhabhi, but at the situation that had brought them to such crossroads.

"So be it! Sita's eyes hardened with resolve. "I shall go unarmed, and yet I am determined to find my Lord and protect him. You may stay here.

She walked towards the entrance of the ashram with determination, but her son's pitiful voice stopped her.

"Bhabhi, wait! Lakshmana cried out, sighing in defeat as he struggled to come to terms with what lay ahead. He would have to disobey his brother, for he could not countenance letting his Maa run off into the forest by herself. Who knew what trickery awaited her by the immoral rakshasas?

"I will go, he spoke in a more resolute tone. He would go find his brother, and they would return to the ashram quickly. Surely nothing would happen to his bhabhi till then. "Please return to the ashram, bhabhi. I will not shirk from my duties.

Sita closed her eyes with guilt, knowing she had given pain to her dear son and yet, worry for her husband prevented her from her course. She had to know her Lord was okay. If anything happened to him, she would not survive one moment on this Earth.

Lakshmana closed his eyes and invoked a mantra, infusing the arrow he held in his hands with ancient magic, and then he scarred the face of the Earth, creating a virtual wall of such energy that anyone who dared to cross it would burn to ashes immediately.

Satyabhama closed her eyes and tried to stifle the tears that came, but a hand brushed them away for her, a hand that did not belong to her, but her Lord.

"Swami, she murmured, letting her Madhava cleanse her face of tears and laying her head against his shoulder. He caressed her hair reassuringly.

"Lakshmana never did blame you, you know, Madhava spoke kindly. "When we came upon the ashram bereft of you, he blamed himself, but never you.

"I know, Satyabhama murmured. "And yet, I wish I had not spoken to him so harshly.

"A mother has the right to scold her son when she finds his behavior wanting, Krishna said. "Even if Lakshmana was not at fault, you as his Mother had the right to scold him, and thus he never blamed you, so remove the guilt from your heart.

Satyabhama nodded, giving her Lord a smile. He had such a way with words, her Madhava!

Vasudeva continued the tale, oblivious to the scene happening before his eyes.

"Ravana happened upon Devi Sita when she was alone, and taking the guise of a traveling sadhu, he claimed hunger and demanded to be fed. Although she could not grant him entrance into the cottage in the absence of her husband, Devi Sita bid him to take a seat and went to gather fruits and roots to appease the sadhu's hunger. Ravana attempted to enter the cottage, but the Lakshmana rekha prevented him from coming anywhere near it. Incensed, he took a seat and created a plan to manipulate Sita into coming to him.

Recollecting the deception of the terrifying demon Ravana, Jambavati shivered and closed her eyes as the memory of what happened flashed through her mind. She had requested the so-called sadhu to come take his meal, as she was unable to come to him herself. He had threatened to curse her husband, and concern over her Lord's life had caused her to lose her senses for a moment and she had hastily crossed Lakshmana's line of protection, regretting it immediately when she saw the sadhu's eyes flash with victory. What followed was the worst sort of trickery possible, and the sadhu soon revealed himself to be none other than the demon King Ravana, come to marry her with or without her consent.

"Dusht! Sita's eyes flashed with anger. "How dare you look upon me with eyes full of lust? Begone from here this instant, or else my husband and brother-in-law will put an end to your miserable life!

Ravana laughed mockingly. "Your husband? You mean your exiled human husband, who is not even able to offer you a proper home? What happiness can that man give you? You foolish woman, you are wasting away your life in this thatched cottage. Come away with me, to my golden Lanka, where you shall be treated like a queen for the rest of your life.

"Had I my husband's permission, I would have reduced you to ashes by now for speaking such wicked words! Sita lashed out, turning away from the immoral man so she would not have to see his gloating face. "You speak of my husband as if he is any common man, but he is the Lord of the entire universe, and he will punish your entire dynasty for this insult, Ravan!

"What harm can a simple human man do, you foolish yet beautiful woman? Ravan said scornfully. "Don't you know who I am? I am Lankapati Ravan, the Lord of the three worlds! I have conquered all the heavens, and Vishnu himself is no match for me, let alone your human husband Ram!

"My human husband killed 14,100 of your rakshasas with a single incantation, Sita responded scathingly, pride evident in the way she spoke of her husband. "He put an end to the miserable lives of your cousins Khara and Dushana, and he even killed your grandmother Tataka!

Ravana's eyes flared, offended by the cutting words of the defiant woman in front of him. He had never been denied anything in his life, and till then everyone had submitted to his wishes, willingly or unwillingly, and here was this common woman, a human no less, who dared to refuse him! Growling menacingly, he lifted Sita effortlessly into his arms, one hand beneath the nape of her neck and the other above her thigh, and ignoring her screams he threw her upon his chariot, which immediately began its journey skyward.

"There there, forget that vile man's touch, my dear one.

Jambavati felt her Lord, her beloved Gopala, gathering her into his arms. His loving touch erased all the remembrance of feeling the wicked Ravan's touch upon her body. She shook with distress and buried her face into the nape of Krishna's neck.

"Ravana was punished for his misdeed. He was killed in such a way that any man would think twice before touching another woman against her wishes, Krishna stated with assurance.

"I know, my lord, Jambavati whispered, "You punished that dusht Ravan and protected my honor, and yet I cannot forget his hateful words, or his vile touch.

"He was your son gone astray, my love, Krishna said, a reassuring hand around her shoulder. "He was Jaya, one of our sons and devotees who was cursed to be born on Earth as our enemy. He touched you with vile intentions, and through his death we made it possible for him to atone for his sins and become one step closer to his divine self.

"Yes, you are correct, my Gopala, Jambavati returned her Lord's smile with a sweet one of her own.

Vasudeva continued the tale, being unaware that his daughters-in-law were all experiencing the tale quite differently from everyone else.

"Ravana travelled southward towards his island kingdom Lanka. He attempted to entice Devi Sita with innumerable riches and comforts, if she married him. He taunted her loyalty to a husband he deemed ordinary and weak'. He threatened her, blackmailed her, and used all forms of persuasion in his power, but nothing worked on the divine lady whose mind was steadfast on her husband. Then, the great vulture Jatayu, a friend of the late King Dasharatha and a devotee of Rama, came upon Sita's plight and battled Ravana to protect the lady he revered as his Lord's wife.

"No! Sita shrieked upon seeing Jatayu's wing being mercilessly chopped off by Ravan's infamous sword Chandrahaas. She felt tears prick her eyes and glared hatefully at the cackling demon above her.

"Cruel man! How could you? He was an old and weakened vulture. Do you think it makes you strong to kill those weaker than you? Do you think you will be lauded and praised for this deed?

"I warned him to mind his own business, Ravan spoke in a contemptuous tone, "Yet he insisted on meddling in issues not concerning him. He deserved what he got.

Sita's heart cried out for the poor vulture, as he fell down to the Earth chanting Ram's name. She felt touched by his love and sacrifice for her. Could there be a truer devotee and protector of her Lord, who gave his life to defend her?

Oh great vulture king,' she thought in her mind, May you be blessed for this sacrifice of yours, by having the ability to survive until you meet your Lord Rama, whom I know you are eager to see one last time. I bless you that you feel no pain while you wait for Raghunandan. May your name be remembered till the end of time, dear Jatayu, for as long as my Lord's tale is spoken on Earth.'

Turning her face away from the intolerable demon, Sita prayed to God to grant her the strength to survive the trials that were ahead.

"Jatayu, Kalindi murmured, "To this day, I cannot forget your sacrifice. I hope you met your Lord Rama and that your last moments on Earth were joyful.

"He did, Krishna remarked, clasping her hands and giving her a soothing look. "The last words he spoke to me were that I must avenge your abduction, and how guilty he felt that he could not protect you.

"But he did, Kalindi insisted, "He protected me with his very life. Even dusht Ravan was unable to win against him for a while, and had to use his Chandrahaas to defeat him. Although he did not show it, I know he was shaken by Jatayu's sheer will and strength.

"He is in a better place now, Krishna said. "He is always with us. Don't you feel the presence of our devotees, both past and present, every moment in our lives?

"I do, Govinda, Kalindi smiled, stroking Krishna's cheek. "Thank you for reminding me that Jatayu is still with me. Pitashree Vasudeva's narration made me remember his last moments, and I wish he felt no pain before he died.

"He did not, thanks to your blessing, Krishna assured her, "His last few moments were spent blissfully.

With this, Kalindi returned her attention to Vasudeva, who was continuing as if there was no disturbance.

"Ravana expected Devi Sita to succumb to the riches of Lanka upon catching sight of it, but it had no effect on her. Rather, she turned her gaze away from it and looked skyward, as if waiting for her Lord to come for her. Incensed, the demon King dragged her towards his palace, ignoring her cries to be released. He would take her to his Anttapuram. Many unwilling ladies had succumbed to him there, but it was not to be, for he received resistance before he could step foot inside.

Ravana stopped in his tracks, glaring down at Mandodari, his chief queen, who stood blocking his path to the entrance of the royal palace.

"Do you dare block my path, Mandodari? Ravana growled down at her. "Move aside! I have brought a new woman I wish to make my wife before long. She will join you and the other queens in my anttapuram.

"No, my lord, Mandodari replied softly, though her voice held a steely edge to it. "I will not accept this woman into your harem.

"What nonsense do you speak, Mandodari? snapped Ravana. "Are you insecure of your position due to this woman? Have I given you any reason to doubt my loyalty to you?

"I am not insecure of my position, my lord, Mandodari said respectfully, though in a firm tone. "I have accepted all the other women you brought to Lanka, and I am ready accept this lady too, but she must come willingly. I will accept no woman into the palace who is in tears. It is not a good omen and I do not wish to invite the Goddess's wrath upon Lanka. A crying lady is not auspicious.

Ravana rolled his eyes, infuriated with Mandodari's obstinacy. If any other woman had dared to cross him, he would have pushed her aside with physical force, but Mandodari had always had a special place in his heart. She was his chief queen, the mother of his heir Indrajeet. He could truly deny her nothing, and thus he allowed her to have her way...for now. He would convince Sita to come to him willingly. After all, what woman had refused him till now?

"Alright, have your way, he finally said in a gruff tone. He barked at a nearby rakshasi, Trijata, and ordered her to take Sita to the ashoka vatika, his personal pleasure garden that was prohibited to everyone but himself and his wives. There Sita would reside until she came to her senses, which he was confident wouldn't be long.

"I felt so grateful towards Devi Mandodari, Nagnajiti told her Lord, catching sight of him next to her. "I do not know what I would have done if I had been forced to stay in that dusht Ravan's palace. Mandodari's principles enabled me to reside in the only place in Lanka I felt close to you.

"How so, my love? Krishna asked her with a smile, as she lay her head against his lap.

"The ashoka tree, my lord, Nagnajiti said. "You had planted one right behind our cottage in Panchavati, do you remember? You used to do your prayers under the tree's shade, and we spent evenings with Lakshmana chatting and feeling the fragrant breeze playing against our skin.

"Of course I remember, Krishna chuckled, his eyes dancing playfully. "I also remember you had once hidden from me behind the vast tree trunk, nearly causing me to search the entire forests for you, so frightened was I!

"You knew I was there all along, my lord, Nagnajiti rolled her eyes. Krishna gave her a wounded look, pretending innocence which fooled none of his bharya.

"Devi Sita would eat nothing, Vasudeva read on in his calm, soothing voice, "She spent the first few days of her imprisonment refusing to speak to anyone, and did not touch any of the rich meals Lankapati sent to her. Ravana was not too concerned at first. He reckoned that Sita would come around eventually, but when a fortnight passed in this manner, he ordered the rakshasis guarding her to use all methods of persuasion to convince her to give up her stubbornness and marry him. The rakshasis praised Ravana and told Sita what riches and worldly possessions would become hers as a queen of the demon King. When that did not work, they threatened to kill her and eat her up, but Sita did not fear them. She knew they were empty threats, for Ravana had no kidnapped her only to let his rakshasis kill her. The rakshasis became frustrated with Sita's stubbornness, but the head rakshasa, Trijata, felt sympathy for the divine lady who sat under the ashoka tree.

"My dear, Trijata spoke kindly, taking a seat next to the persistent lady who sat with her back erect and an immovable expression upon her face. "You must eat something.

"Whatever you wish to say, say it and leave me in peace, Sita spoke with a sigh, feeling tired with all the negativity surrounding her. "If you wish to threaten me, threaten me, but do not try to convince me to marry that dusht paapi Ravan!

"I will not, Trijata spoke gently, "Putri, I am worried about you.

"You call me your daughter? Sita turned to the rakshasa in surprise. "Who are you?

"I am Trijata, one of Lankapati's head rakshasis, Trijata replied.

"Oh, you are one of them, Sita sighed.

"So what if I am one of them? Can a rakshasi not be a devotee of Raghunandan Ram? Trijata asked her softly, making sure none of the other rakshasis heard.

"You mean, Sita glanced at her with surprise, "You are my Lord's devotee? She looked as if she did not believe that to be possible in Lanka.

"Indeed I am, Trijata whispered, "I am not the only one, putri. Lankapati's youngest brother, Prince Vibhishana, is an ardent Vishnu bhakta and yearns to meet Lord Rama one day. His wife Sarama and I are dear friends, and the three of us sympathize with your state, putri. We wish to offer you whatever emotional support we can. We believe Raghunandan Rama will most certainly come here, and he will fight with Lankapati to get you back.

Sita's eyes swam with tears hearing such positive words from the kindly rakshasa.

"Maa! she buried her face in Trijata's shoulders, feeling some of her pain lessen ever so slightly knowing she had such support from another soul in the dark and lonely Lanka. From that day on, Sita accepted food cooked by Sarama in Vibhishana's quarters, which Trijata brought to her with her own hands. Ravana felt perturbed hearing this, and offended on behalf of himself, for he knew Vibhishana's family ate only satvik food and could not understand how Sita could prefer to eat such, but he decided it was better she ate something than nothing at all. He did not want her to perish before he could convince her to marry her.

"It made me so happy to hear you had such loving support from Trijata, Krishna spoke to Mitravinda happily. "She must have been like a mother to you those 10 months.

"Indeed, Mitravinda returned the smile quite happily. "I saw my mother Sunaina, and also Mata Kaushalya, Mata Sumitra and Mata Kaikeyi in Trijata. She became my rock during those dark days. Whenever I felt hopeless and depressed, she renewed my faith. She prevented me from giving up. She reminded me to keep praying to God and to trust you.

"Due to that, I am still indebted to her, and I can never repay that debt, Krishna said, "She is to me what Mata Sunaina is to you, for she took care of you like a Mother those months you were in Lanka.

Mitravinda clasped her husband's hands. "She was your devotee, swami. All she ever wanted was a place at your feet.

"And yet, even with the blessings I bestowed on her, my debt to her can never be fulfilled, Krishna remarked. "She protected you, my love, and that is a service that I can never forget from my devotees.

"A few more weeks passed and yet Devi Sita remained immovable, Vasudeva continued. "Ravana became restless, and his threats became more and more fierce. After a point, he lost his senses and decided to force Sita to bend to his will, even if it required violence.

"You take my love for a joke! Ravana thundered, pacing before the ashoka tree under which Sita sat, rigid in her bearing, her eyes flashing with anger. "Do you think I am weak, Sita, to beg in front of you day and night like some fool?

Sita did not respond to him, though her lips trembled in fury. Nearly every day since she had been brought to Lanka, Ravana visited her in the grove, taunting her, insulting her beloved Lord, threatening to kill her if she did not accept him. Sometimes, Sita ignored him, deeming him unworthy of a response, and yet at other times, his words were so cruel and so wicked that she could not help but respond scathingly.

"I am a virtuous woman, Ravan! she now responded for what felt like the thousandth time. "I am lawfully wedded to my Lord, Raghunandan Ram, and none other than he can be my husband. Not you, not anyone! Give up this obsession you have for me, and return me to my Lord. There is still a chance he might forgive you.

"Forgive me? ME? Lankapati Ravan? Ravan roared with laughter. "Why would I beg for mercy in front of your mere human husband, Sita? If I so chose, I could kill him right now and then, you would have no choice to marry me!

Sita sneered. "You are a coward, Ravan! You always knew you stood no chance in front of my Raghunandan, and thus you kidnapped me in the absence of my Lord and devar. You ran from my Lord like a jackal runs from a lion. You are nothing in front of him!

Ravana's eyes flared with fury. "SITA! Enough is enough! I have borne enough insults from you, now no more! You are so proud of your virtue, are you not? I will drag you to my chambers right now, and make you mine through force! Then you will see who is the coward.

Ravana thundered towards her, and Sita's eyes flashed with rage. How dare Ravana threaten to force himself on her! How dare he not respect a woman's choice!

She picked up the first thing she saw next to her, which was a blade of grass, and held it up as if to shield herself.

"Dusht! she spoke in a low tone, though each word dripped with venom. "Don't you dare come near. Don't you dare cross this boundary created by this blade of grass! It has been created by the power of Sita's satitva, and if you dare attempt to cross it, you will burn to ashes!

She invoked the powers of all the Devas in the heavens, and all the heavenly beings protecting the Earth. She thought of Mata Anasuya and prayed to her for strength, and she placed the blade of grass in front of her.

Ravana laughed mockingly, looking almost amused with what he deemed her theatrics', and he moved forward as if to grab her by the hair and drag her away, but suddenly he stopped, and a heavenly voice said above.

"Beware Ravana! Remember Nalkubera's curse! If you dare to touch a woman against her will, your head will break into seven pieces and burn to ash. Beware of your actions!

"Nalkubera's curse protected me, Lakshmana said, playing with one of her Lord's enchanting curls. "I do not know what would have happened had the heavenly voice not warned him off.

"I do, Krishna grasped her hand, placing a kiss upon it. "Although Nalkubera's curse did protect women from Ravana, it was your satitva which protected you, my love. Ravana could never touch you in Lanka. He was only able to touch you in Panchavati, because your abduction was necessary to bring about his end, but in Lanka you were untouchable and had Ravan attempted to lay hands on you, he'd have burned to ashes on the spot.

Lakshmana blushed at her Lord's praise, laying her head against his shoulder contentedly.

"Although, I wish I had seen the image of you, my fiery woman, battling the famous Lankapati with his Chandrahaas, with nothing more than a blade of grass.

Krishna winked, as if to show her he was teasing, and Lakshmana swatted his hand away.

"Careful, my lord, or I might just go searching for another blade of grass, she joked. Krishna pouted, looking like a child.

"After that incident, Vasudeva narrated, "Ravana stayed away from Sita for a while. He warned her that she had 1 year to come to her senses, and if she still persisted in refusing him by that time, he would kill her and serve her during meal time to his rakshasas. Sita knew he was in earnest, for now that it was common knowledge he could not force himself on her, his only choice was either killing her or waiting for her to submit to him, the latter of which would never happen. She prayed to her Lord to come quickly. Soon, the monsoons came upon them and only increased the feelings of pain and loneliness.

Sita sat under the ashoka tree, shivering as torrents of rain poured down upon her, soaking her to the bone. She did not know whether the water upon her face was tears or rain droplets. Perhaps it was both, for the monsoons only increased her yearning for her Lord. She remembered all their happy moments in Ayodhya, watching him string the Shiva dhanush in her swayamvara and wedding him in Janaka's courtyard along with her sisters and brothers-in-law. She remembered the blissful early days of her marriage, getting to know her Lord and her new family, being spoiled by the three kindly mothers, and told stories by a doting Dasharatha. She remembered the difficult days before her husband's exile, following by the dark cloud which had passed over them when King Dasharatha had died. Then had come a happier time, 13 years of living an idyllic life in the forests, doting on her sweet brother-in-law and being loved by her Raghunandan. Those had been some of the happiest days of her life, and as she recollected them now, they only amplified Sita's pain.

Raghunandan, when are you coming for me?' Sita though, closing her eyes to prevent more tears from falling. In front of Ravan she refused to show weakness, but during times like this when she was all alone, with not even the rakshasis for company (they all took shelter in a cave nearby, where they could still see her, until the rains stopped), she let her emotions pour forth, let her heart truly grieve the separation from her beloved husband.

"The monsoons were some of the toughest days of our separation, Krishna told Bhadra solemnly. "I felt guilty that I could not protect you. I felt as if I had failed in carrying out my wedding vows.

"You never failed me, swami, Bhadra placed a finger on his lips to still his words. "Do not blame yourself, for I have never blamed you, not once. In fact, you were my strength and fortitude. Remembering you was the only way I kept myself sane.

"You have gone through so much, my love, Krishna caressed Bhadra's eyes, wiping any residue of tears that were left. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?

"You tell me every day, Bhadra spoke softly. "I love you too, my lord, ever so much. I hope I may never have to suffer separation from you again like I did as Sita.

"You will never, Krishna promised her solemnly, "You will never have to suffer like that again. From henceforth, my love, you will experience only bliss.

Around the room, this was a promise Krishna made to all eight of them. The time for suffering had ended with the sacrifice of Devi Sita. Henceforth, none of her forms would ever go through such pain again. They would always be united with their Lord, until the end of time and beyond.

Balarama looked around the room and smiled. His younger brother Krishna still lay in their mother's lap, a smile upon his lips, but around the room, each of the bharya too had Krishna with them. This was a leela not apparent to everyone. In fact, it was only he and Revathi who could see the multiple forms of his brother. Everyone else saw only the Krishna laying in Devaki's lap. They did not see the eight Krishnas that were present with each of the bharya, experiencing the emotions of the story with them, comforting them, and loving them as only his brother could.

As Lord Rama and Devi's Sita's story was spoke throughout the room, the eight queens of Krishna and Krishna himself experienced both the bliss and pain of the story, eight times over.

Jai Siya Ram!

Jai Ashtabharya sameta Shri Krishna!