The Widening Gulf
Sati had got the proof she wanted of Rama's divinity but it bothered her that she had doubted Shiva. She agonized over her lack of faith and felt an unnamed fear when Shiva asked her in level tones that betrayed nothing: 'Are you all right? Have you finished the test?' He could see grief and despair written on her beautiful face.

They had reached a crisis in their marriage. She had doubted him and that was something he would not tolerate. He had said so right in the beginning - if she ever doubted him or his word, he would leave her. She had already shown her lack of trust when she asked for shelter from wind and rain. Then, she had accepted his reassurance without further question. Now, she had actually tested his statement.

Shiva's ways were mysterious. He did discard Sati, but only in his mind. As they stood, sensing and regretting the chasm that seemed to be opening up between them, and aerial voice reminded him obliquely of his vow to leave her. 'What vow?' asked Sati, trembling. He met her question with silence.

They went back to Kaliasa. She was quiet and troubled, knowing without being told. He tried to cheer her up in the way he knew best-with many a legend and tale. She listened, without hearing. Reaching home, he went into a trance and into himself. The yogi had taken over. She tried to adjust to the situation she herself had created. None could tell that a disenchanted husband and a heart-broken wife were trying to save a marriage. So private was their grief, so well-guarded their secret.

The marriage of Shiva and Sati settled down to an even flow of days on Kailasa. He was tender and caring, she was respectful and thoroughly domesticated. She spent most of her time with her companions and he with Nandi and the ganas, his retinue. One day, while she and her friends were hilling away an idle hour on the fragrant slopes of Gandhamadana, Rohani her sister, and her husband passed by. She wanted to know where they were going decked in their festive finery and sent her friend Vijaya, to find out. Vijaya came back visibly disturbed and broke the news. They were on their way to attend the sacrificial festivities of Daksha. The sky was full of aerial chariots -all gods and sages were bound for the same destination.