Summary

Chapter 35 opens as Lakshmana and his wife, Urmila, arrive in Kaikeyi's chambers. Lakshmana swears to the gods that he will protect Sita during the exile. Kaikeyi is both stunned and hurt when Nidra appears. Nidra says she heard all of Kaikeyi's prayers, but says she could not respond as Kaikeyi achieved greatness. Nidra tells Lakshmana that she will allow him to stay awake for all ten years of the exile, but only if someone else sleeps in his place. Urmila offers and Nidra agrees.

After a full night of sleep, Kaikeyi goes to Rama who accuses her of deception. Kaikeyi says she loves him enough to free him from his burden. He says he wants the responsibility, but Kaikeyi says they can be happy again. She asks him to leave Sita, and he agrees, but only if she repents. He...