Prologue: The Story

Ram kept tossing and turning in his bed. Sleep eluded him as he pondered the reason behind his father's melancholy. It puzzled him because it was supposed to be a day of celebration, and nothing untoward had occurred recently.

'We're not wealthy, but we're not struggling either, so it can't be financial,'

the 18-year-old mused.

'I wonder why Appa looks like that. Now that I think about it, he's always had that look during the Dussehra festival. He smiles, but there's something hidden behind it. Every Dussehra, when they burn the effigy, he appears a bit melancholic, only to act as if nothing happened the next day. What's the connection between my father and a burning wooden statue? Did something significant occur on this day that continues to sadden him?'

Ram decided that tomorrow he would approach his father with this question, one that had lingered in his mind since he was ten. At this point, it felt like an annual tradition. He believed himself old enough to distinguish right from wrong, and he remembered his father's counsel to comprehend all facets of a matter before passing judgment, for even in unfavorable outcomes, minimizing damage was essential. Satisfied with his decision, he fell into a deep slumber and didn't stir until it was 10 a.m.

After freshening up, Ram found his father seated in his customary chair at home. It was still a public holiday due to the festivities, and his father had stayed back. Seating himself on the floor beside his father, Ram posed the question, his curiosity unabated.

"Appa, I have a question."

His father replied,

"What is it?"

"Why do you seem sad when they burn Ravana's statue? I've observed it since I was ten. I didn't want to trouble you, but I'm curious."

"Did I appear sad? I suppose I was a bit melancholic. Very well then, my boy, do you know whose statue they burn every Dussehra?"

"Of course, it's the statue of the Demon Ravana. But what does that have to do with your sadness?"

"It has everything to do with it. It's a long story, but I believe you should learn about it. Are you interested?"

"What story are you talking about?"

"Give me a moment,"

Ram's father said as he retreated into his study and fetched an old, dusty book with a rugged cover.After dusting it off, he returned to his chair and handed the book to his son.

"Ravana Puranam? Is this a story about Ravana?"

Ram inquired as he read the title on the cover. Upon opening the book, he noticed that it was written in ancient tamil. He wasn't fluent, but he could decipher a few words.

"To my descendants, may the truth remain known, at least to the few. What is this, Appa?"

"As much as the Ramayana is regarded as a myth, there's evidence that attests to its reality. This, my son, is a letter and record from one of our ancestors, the chief of records, Anandha. He was the one who documented the life of Ravana, a distant relative of the Demon King himself. In that sense, my son, we're linked to the Demon King Ravana."

"Appa, I understand if you want to keep your feelings to yourself, but this is a lot to take in. You're suggesting we're related to an evil mythical creature capable of terrorizing the world. This can't be serious, can it?"

"Do I look like I'm joking? I'm just responding to your question. You can leave if you wish."

"Alright, I'm sorry. It's just a lot to take in," Ram conceded.

"Indeed, I understand it's not easy to accept," his father replied," But that doesn't make it a subject for mockery. The war of Ramayana did occur, and the existence of Sri Lanka itself serves as proof. Our ancestor, Anandha, was by Ravana's side, recording everything from his birth to his rise and ultimate demise. Fearing that the truth of Ravana's life would be lost after his passing, Anandha ordered that one copy of the record must be passed down to each generation."

Ram was stunned.

"Wow, that's... quite something. So we're related to Ravana. That's not something I ever expected. So, what's the story?"

"This is the tale of the man known as the demon of Lanka, a record of his life and death. This is 'The Tale of Lanka.' Let's begin."