Sulochana didn't know what hit her. The news that was delivered to her by the messenger from royal court was that devastating. It was as if all her hopes of saving Lanka had ended. Even before she could collect her thoughts on next step she heard her mother in law's voice.

She turned and saw Mandodari standing at the door tears streaming down her cheeks. Sulochana rushed to her and requested her to calm down.

"How can I calm down Sulochana? My husband has crossed all lines of sanity. How could he kick his own younger brother in royal court? Vibhishan only wanted the best for Lanka and now he is banished from his homeland for trying to stop his elder brother from destroying it."

"Mother did you speak to uncle. Can we stop him from leaving Lanka? He respects you mother. He will listen to you if you ask him to stay back," replied Sulochana.

"Daughter that's why I came to you, we both will go and meet him. We will plead with him not to leave Lanka. I just received information Vibhishan is walking to the seashore with some of his trusted men," told Mandodari simultaneously dragging Sulochana and walking.

As she walked Sulochana was lost in thoughts. When she had visited Vibhishan last time she had expected things would turn out fine. Uncle Vibhishan can make Lankesh understand returning Sita with all honor was in best interest of the country. Alas she was wrong. Now even uncle was banished from Lanka and they were feeling lonelier. She knew her husband won't speak anything against his father. As she thought about Meghnadh her eyes unknowingly got welled with tears. She loved him immensely and she knew her husband too loved her a lot. But today due to the fact that his duty as a son was overriding his ideology she was not sure how long their union will last. It was like with each passing day the day of their eminent separation was coming near.

For the first time Sulochana thought about separation from her husband. It was then she realized she cannot live without him. Their souls were so connected from the day they met in the world of serpents. It was like if there was another birth she only wanted to be his bride. She was prepared to let go of him as part of the natural cycle of life and death. She was even willing to let go of him if he died for the right cause. But now the separation that was staring at her was neither due to natural cycle nor for the right cause. She wanted to shout at him not to leave her prematurely. But her thoughts were once again interrupted by Mandodari.

"Daughter what happened? Come fast. We do not have much time."

"Nothing mother, was just lost in some thoughts. Do not worry. We have almost reached the palace gates," saying so Sulochana ran and went past the palace gates. She saw Vibhishan standing at the seashore paying his last respect to his motherland.

"Vibhishan," called Mandodari loudly and Vibhishan turned and seeing the ladies coming towards them walked briskly to meet them.

"Uncle, where are you going? You know father very well. He tells lot of things in anger. Don't take him seriously. I am sure Prince of Lanka can speak to him and make him change his decision," said Sulochana in desperation.

"Yes Vibhishan Meghnadh cannot make my husband return Sita, but he can get pardon for you. Why are you going away? Just think about us, think about your family," exclaimed Mandodari.

"Bhabi it's too late to correct things. Even Meghnadh cannot do anything. I met him after the royal court. He was unable to face me. I didn't want to burden him Bhabi. I have only requested one thing from him. That he ensures Sarama and my children are safely taken from Lanka and send to her parents place. He has agreed to it and hope both of you will help him in that."

"Uncle that's not an issue, I will ensure aunt Sarama and your children are safe. But where are you going. You very well know, wherever you go father's army will keep an eye on you and they can even harm you," mentioned Sulochana.

" I was also undecided Sulochana on what I am supposed to do. But now I have decided. I am going to take refuge under Ram," replied Vibhishan.

"Vibhishan Ram won't accept you. You are from his enemy land. How will he even trust you? Even if he trusts his army will always be suspicious of you and even one small misstep can cost you, your life," exclaimed Mandodari.

"Bhabi from what Hanuman told in the royal court I have envisioned Ram as a man with empathy for the entire universe. He will not let go of the hand that surrenders to him. So let me make the try. If he too leaves my hand then I will think of what I need to do the next. At this time please bless me bhabi," saying so Vibhishan kneeled in front of Mandodari folding his hand.

Tears rolled down Mandodari's eyes as she kept her hands on her brother in law's head. Sulochana too was feeling emotional. But both of them knew what Vibhishan was doing was the right thing. It was as if the last light in Lanka was also taking leave and the golden city was plunging in darkness.