THE SEARCH BEGINS

"You will remember, my Lord," 'said Sugreeva, "how Vaali pursued me in all directions. Wherever I went, he still pursued me. And so I had to wander over the face of the whole world. I thus had occasion to see every part of this planet. Later, I learnt about the spot where Rishi Matanga had built his aashrama. If Vaali entered that region, his head would go to shivers by the sage's curse. I knew that he would not come to that place and could not harm me even if he came. So there I lay protected."

The hordes that went north, east and west returned in a month and reported that Seeta was not to be found anywhere. "Carefully we searched forests, mountains, rivers and cities, but nowhere could we find her. Hanumaan, who bad gone southwards, is the lucky one. Did not the Raakshasa carrying Seeta also travel south-wards? And Hanumaan has not yet returned."

Raama, hearing this, was satisfied that the Vaanaras had done their best.

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