Even as the other warriors were going back, Hanuman and Angada too had abandoned hope. They had battled against all odds in the most inaccessible regions of the Vindhyas and through intimidating country where rivers were dry and groves dead. Trees stood stark and leafless, lotus ponds held neither water nor lotus and nothing moved in that endless barren expanse, as no man , bird or beast seemed to inhabit it. Sage Kandu's curse was the cause for such desolation. Except that they had to face and slay a fierce Rakshasa whom they mistook for Ravana, their search was uneventful. Sita remained elusive and the Vanaras remained unhappy! Tired and disappointed they threw themselves on to the ground in frustration.