Sumantra reaching Ayodhya grew anxious at the eerie silence, which prevailed in the once bustling streets. A pall of gloom hung over the entire city. As soon as the fleet footed horses drew the chariot into the city, people, by the hundreds and thousands, spilled out of their homes, looking askance at Sumantra. When he told them that inspite of his most impassioned pleas, Rama had crossed the Ganga, it brought fresh tears to the listeners who feared for their safety. Even as Sumantra felt the palpabe silence he wondered "What ever has happened to the horses, elephants, the people and the king? Did they all fall victim to the fire of their anguish over Rama's exile?" More people poured out on to the streets clamoring for news of Rama. Heartbroken to see the chariot devoid of Rama they lamented, "In sorrow and in happiness he was with us. No wedding or yagna was without him. Who will share our joys and sorrows now? Will Kausalya survive this devastation?"

Escaping the endless questions Sumantra went to see Dasaratha. Women, their eyes streaming with tears came down from mansions, three and seven storeyed high.In the palace of the king was heard the weeping of his consorts. All pitied Kausalya, who was neither able to endure her separation from Rama, nor die in peace. Sumantra reaching the palace of Dasaratha conveyed to him the message sent by Rama. The king whose mind was mangled with grief slipped into a merciful oblivion. Alarmed, his consorts wept aloud and Kausalya raising Dasartha, who had fallen to the ground said, "You banished Rama against every code of honor. Shamed by that act you now refuse to even enquire of him. Fearing Kaikeyi who is not even here you refuse to speak to Sumantra." Dasaratha's exhausted mind gave up its battle, once again triggering unrest and melancholy which spread over the entire city.