"Sulochana, dress me up the best way I was waiting for you to recover," mentioned Surpanakha as she came into Sulochana chamber. Sulochana looked at her aunt startled. She was already worried by her aunt's behaviour. That year due to heavy rains fairs could not be organized in Lanka. Kumbhakaran was sleeping and Sulochana had a nasty fall and had sprained her leg. If that was not enough her husband Meghnadh was in the cave for doing his tantric pooja. He did it every twelve years to strengthen his power and also to strengthen the weapon called Shakthi which was the gift Kali Maa had given him for his devotion. Since Meghnadh was away for past 3 months Sulochana had no news about the whereabouts of Ram. That had given her a nagging feeling and if that was not enough since none was there to monitor her, her aunt had started roaming again. Though her mother in law Mandodari had assured her that she was coming back to Lanka every evening Sulochana's mind had been quite upset. Now the request from her aunt made her more worried." Aunt why suddenly you want to dress up," asked Sulochana" Dear finally I realized what love is. I have met a man in the jungles of Panchavati. How would I describe him to you. There cannot be another man in this world who is more handsome. His eyes are like lotus flowers. His physique can challenge the physique of Kamadeva. His arms, his arms when he holds the bow in his hand they are so delicate yet so strong. His gait can make your heart flutter. Sulochana I want to be his better half. I want him to be impressed by me. I want to look the most beautiful woman in this world," exclaimed Surphanaka." Aunt do you know his name, where he is from. Is he a prince. If yes prince of which kingdom," Sulochana continued questioning. Her aunt's description of the man had added to her discomfort. What was a man who is so handsome as described by Surpanakha doing in the jungles of Panchavati." Sulochana I dont know his name and I dont care. He is dressed like a hermit, but his behaviour shows that he is more a prince. I dont know which kingdom he represents and I dont care," mentioned Surpanakha casually.Sulochana understood her aunt is filled with lust for the man. Though she knew she cannot deter her aunt she decided to try. " Aunt you are so used to the luxury of the palace. How will you live a hermit life. It will be difficult for you aunt. Let go of this man. I am sure father will find a very good man who is eligible for you." " Brother Ravan cannot find a man for me. He killed the man I found myself. You very well it has been more than twenty years since the incident. Did your father in law brought someone good for me. No right. He will not. Because he doesnt care. I have to find someone for myself and I have decided I am going to marry this man," told Surpanakha adamantly.Lord Saturn's voice rang in Sulochana's head and she decided to try one last time to stop her aunt. Her intuition was telling her aunt going behind this man would bring calamity to Lanka. " Aunt what if that man is already married and he rejects you," questioned Sulochana" Sulochana every man is not a fool like my nephew to just stick to one woman. Why would he decline my proposal even if he is already married. I am the sister of King of Lanka. He will get a powerful ally in my brother if he marries me. Which man doesnt want to have the great Ravan as his ally," exclaimed Surpanakha and Sulochana had to take a very long breath to suppress her anger. She wanted to shout at her aunt that her nephew was not a fool. He was a great man. He was a warrior par excellence and had respect for his wife and mother. She wanted to shout world needs more men like him who can be loyal to a woman. She wanted to tell if her husband had not followed his father's orders blindly he would have been a man whom the world would have looked up. But the obedience to his father has robed him of that. She also wanted to tell if the man her aunt had fallen for was like her husband then she was inviting trouble for herself and Lanka. But she stood silent and defeated. She knew she cannot do anything. She just decided to speak to her mother in law before agreeing to dress up her aunt.Mandodari also tried her best to deter Surpanakha. She also mentioned Surpanaka had to choose someone who has an equivalent status as that of brother Ravan. Else how will he be able to introduce his brother in law to the world. A simple hermit will never match the status of Lankesh. But Surpanakha was adamant. She wanted to impress that handsome hermit and marry him. Mandodari looked at her daughter in law helplessly and both women decided to resign themselves to the fate. Sulochana asked Surpanakha to come early next day and promised she will dress her up in such a way that no man can reject her. Surpanakha looked happy as she thanked Sulochana and as she walked away Sulochana sank in her bed. Her heart was beating fast. She felt as if she was going dress up Surpanakha not for a marriage but she was dressing her up to take away the Shringaar of many women of Lanka. The thought itself gave chills to Sulochana and she prayed to Goddess Kali fervently.Parvati looked at Sulochana. The Goddess had a tear in her eye. She knew the intuition of Sulochana was right. But then she also knew no good karma of Sulochana can stop the destruction of Lanka it can only delay it. Her only worry was along with Lanka her favourite child was also going to lose out a lot. If that is not enough she was going to face her niece in a war of life and death. When Parvati thought about war she thought about Urmila and her gaze turned towards Ayodhya.Urmila was feeding the cows. She did it without fail one day a week. Guru Vashisth had told her seva of Gomata will ensure protection for Ram, Lakshman and Sita. Even if any calamity falls on them Gomata will surely show a way out of it. Parvati smiled seeing Urmila. If at one hand Sulochana was worried about impending tragedy on the other side Urmila was doing all her duties with a smile. Seeing her none will believe she is staying away from her husband for past thirteen years. She looked as if Lakshman was always beside her. Her eyes sparkled with so much love that it gave belief and solace to everyone who came across her. Urmila never kept her room in darkness. She always kept her room lighted. She was always beautifully dressed. Never once she gave the feeling that she is lonely. She looked as if her cup is full. Parvati knew it was this attitude of Urmila, her unwavering love and faith that was going to win the most difficult battle of her life.

It was morning. Sulochana started dressing up Shurpanakha. She first dressed her up in a beautiful red lehenga. Then she started putting ornaments on her. First the bangles, then the chains, then earrings finally maang tikka, nose ring and waist belt. She used the exquisite make up set to dress up her face and sprayed the most fragrant perfumes on her. Once she was done she held the mirror in front of her aunt. Surpanakha looked herself in the mirror. She adjusted some things here and there and once she was satisfied with the looks thanked Sulochana and walked out from the room. Sulochana observed her as she closed the door. She felt as if door of life was closed on Lanka.