Ayodhya Times

Sita in Captivity by Aubryelle Sebo

• Reader discretion is advised. The following story contains the graphic details of Sita's capture by Ravana. The story comes directly from an entry in Sita's diary. Sita so graciously decided to share her story with us to clear up any confusions of impurity.

Entry 1:

I am alone, tired, and hungry. I know I look a mess, but it had been days since I was captured by Ravana and I have not bathed since. I can feel my hair beginning to mat and my clothes are dirty and ripped . I am losing track of how long I had been in captivity. Days are starting to run together. The only company I have are the tormenting rakshasas guarding my cage.

The rakshasas are truly horrible creatures. They constantly torment me by making inappropriate comments and talking about how they would kill me. I know Ravana will return soon, as he does so at least three times a day and I know, yet again, what he will ask. He says all he wants is me, but I love Rama and no matter the pain or suffering it might cause, I will not betray him.

Ravana has been keeping me locked away in his palace. It truly is a place of beauty. It is built of solid marble with floors of pure gold. The grand staircase is made of beautiful multi-colored coral. It is a sight to be seen, but the wicked acts that go on in this place has soiled its beauty for me. Before placing me in my cage, Ravana tried to woo me with the splendors that the palace has to offer.

My cage is on the main floor of the palace. He said he was keeping me close. It almost seemed, like I am Ravana's prized catch. My cage is tall, with thick iron rods running down the length of it. The rakshasas hang from the sides, and torment me, trying to scare me. As the days go by I am getting used to their evil company.

Entry 2:

It has been days since my capture and I am so weak. I am beginning to question what life would be like if I just say yes to Ravana. Would he really treat me well or would he just say I betrayed my husband? Was this all a trick, a test? I have to stay strong. Rama will be here soon, I hope.

All of a sudden, I was woken out of my deep thought by the sound of bangles jingling around a woman's ankle. I knew Ravana was coming back with his swarm of wives surrounding him. I shook in fear not knowing how I would respond. Ravana approached my cage and tried to woo me.

He said, "Sita, you could end your suffering now. I will take you as my wife and you can live in pure bliss with us here." The swarm of wives began laughing.

Was he being serious or was he lying? I cannot risk it, but most importantly, I cannot betray Rama. A life without him, and seeing him so hurt would be enough to torture me for the rest of my life. This pain was temporary and I knew in that moment the answer I would have for Ravana.

I replied sternly, "You know my heart belongs to Rama. Our love is pure and eternal. I should not betray him by accepting your offer. I would rather be beaten and tortured by the rakshasas than be your wife."

Ravana furiously replied, "Woman, I give you two months to accept my offer or I will torture you to your death. I will let the rakshasas have you and dispose of you as they please."

I began shaking with fear, but knew in my heart that I would accept my fate before accepting Ravana. I replied, "You shall do no such thing. Rama will be here to rescue me soon and he will slay you with his own two hands."

Ravana laughed and walked away showing no sign of fear. I cowered back into my corner hoping that what I said was true. Where was Rama? Why had he not rescued me yet?

Author's Note: "Sita and Ravana" In this story, Hanuman finally finds Sita. He saw her surrounded in Ravana's home by rakshasas. During this whole episode, he was hidden a tree near, where he could witness this whole scene unfolding. I kept the episode details the same and I just changed the story to Sita's perspective. I thought hearing what Sita was going through firsthand would allow the reader to connect with her better. I like the idea of having her tell her story so we could feel what she felt. I added the detail of Sita being in a cage and of her being hungry and tired. In the original story, when Hanuman found her he said he recognized her by her fair flawless look and her jewels, so I took the idea and wanted it to make her seem that she was almost unrecognizable because of her state. I liked the original story line, so I did not want to make any changes. I rephrased the conversation between Ravana and Sita to make it less confusing and in my own words, but other than that and the perspective change my story is similar to the original. I even decided to keep the two-month proposition that Ravana gave Sita. I also wanted to make Sita seem strong and courageous by standing up to Ravana and not betraying Rama. I also wanted to emphasize the idea that Sita knew she would be rescued. After suggestions, I decided to make this a newspaper article where Sita directly shared an entry from her own diary.