Lakshmana stood still and silent, a picture of great sorrow. Janasthana, which had witnessed the din of war, violence and death, now witnessed profound sorrow and silence. Rama asked his brother, "Lakshmana, Where is Sita? Why did you leave her alone? Stripped of my crown and kingdom I wandered in the wilderness like a mendicant and Sita followed me. Where is she now Lakshmana? Not for a moment can I live without her who is dearer to me than my life and whose beauty surpasses that of the gods in heaven. Without her by my side I would even spurn lordship over both heaven and earth. Will I die before my exile ends? Will my vows go unfulfilled? I will leave this world and Kaikeyi will rejoice in my death. Will Kausalya have to serve Kaikeyi? If Sita is not at the hermitage to welcome me with her sweet smile, I shall perish. Tell me, is she alive or have the demons devoured her? "Maricha's deceitful intention to alarm you seems to have succeeded. In her innocence, succumbing to the guiles of the rakshasa, Sita must have driven you to look for me. When you left her alone; you gave these monsters an opportunity to avenge us. The flesh eating fiends are now on the war path infuriated by the death of Khara. What shall I do now? Destiny perhaps dictates that I suffer!" Lakshmana listened to Rama's verbal assault silently and patiently. Rama hurried towards Janasthana hungry, thirsty and tired. He rushed around in a frenzy looking for Sita and his fears were confirmed when he found her missing. Searching in vain, he grew fearful and crestfallen. The silence was ominous; the foreboding of ill palpable for Sita had disappeared with out trace.