"I would like another beer, please."

"Okay, son. Are you ready for the rest of the story?"

"Yes, I'm actually interested to see how this story will end."

"This is my favorite part of the story of Rama and Sita.  Their relationship is really put to the test, because Rama must find a away to save her."

"Is there any action?"

"Yes, you'll love this part if you like action."

"Awesome!"

"Okay, kid. Where did I leave off...? Oh, Ravana just took Sita. Once Rama discovered that Sita had been taken, he formed a plan to rescue her. Rama and Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, headed south to Kishkinda, the monkey kingdom. Remember how I said there are magical creatures in this story?"

"Yes."

"Okay, good. Well, Rama and Lakshmana got to the monkey kingdom and were greeted by a scholar. Rama realized that this scholar was really a monkey in disguise. Rama called the monkey out and wanted to know who he really was. The monkey introduced himself as Hanuman. Hanuman was a monkey who had the power to enlarge himself. The monkeys had found Sita's jewelry and agreed to help find her. Before Rama could go after his wife, Sita, he had to help the monkeys first. The monkeys needed help with bringing down the King of Kishkinda, so Rama agreed to help. As soon as Rama killed the monkey king, the monkeys made a promise to help find Sita after the rainy season. Rama and Lakshmana had to wait patiently for the rainy season to be over, and the moment there were clear skies, Rama went to the monkeys. Sugriva, the new monkey king, set up a huge army and they headed towards the direction that Ravana was in. Rama sent Hanuman to find Sita, so he could give her a ring to show her that he was still out there fighting for her."

"Wow, Rama sounds like he is an awesome guy. I wish I could give everything to my girlfriend."

"That's why I'm telling you these stories, kid. I always like to add the part of the monkeys, because it shows some of the obstacles Rama must go through for his relationship. So, if you put all your energy into fixing things with her, instead of gambling and being lazy, you could have a great relationship."

"I never thought I'd get great advice from a bartender."

"Well, I've been there before. I've experienced things and I just want to help people. Do you still want to find out how Rama saves Sita?"

"Yes, but I would like to switch to water. I want to sober up, so I can really learn something from these stories."

"Alright, kid. So, Hanuman went to Ravana's place and let himself get captured. Once Hanuman was in the presence of Ravana, he told Ravana that Rama was really upset and a war was about to start. Hanuman told Ravana that if he just gave back Sita, Rama would forget about everything. Ravana  refused to give her back and was willing to go to war with Rama. After Hanuman left, Ravana went to Sita and showed her a decapitated head that looked like Rama's. Sita was so upset, but thought it was just a trick."

"What! You're right, Jerry, their relationship does go through a lot. Why would Ravana do something like that?"
 
"Ravana did pretty much anything to get Sita to forget about Rama. Anyway, when Rama saw no other way to get her back, he declared war on Lanka, the home of Ravana.  Rama and Lakshmana were in Lanka and got poisoned and fainted from darts that were being shot at them. Someone showed Sita the bodies of Rama and Lakshmana, and, to her, it appeared that they were dead. All she wanted to do was kill herself. The god Vishnu broke the spell, which woke Rama and Lakshmana. Rama shot Ravana, breaking his crown. The day finally came to an end and Rama demanded Ravana to come back the next day and fight him. Ravana agreed."

"I hope Rama wins, so he can get Sita back."

"Another refill of water?"

"Yes, please. Go on with the story."

"Okay, it was a new day and time for their battle. They both had new weapons and they were ready to go. Rama destroyed all of what was left of Ravana's army, hoping Ravana would surrender. Ravana would not give up! Rama chopped off one of Ravana's heads, but it they grew back. Finally, Rama used the most powerful weapon and pierced the heart of Ravana. Rama sent Hanuman to get Sita. Once Sita was in Rama's presence, he told her he didn't want her to come home with him."

"After all of that he didn't want her?"

"He was testing her purity. Rama wasn't sure if he could trust Sita anymore, because he wanted to know for a fact she loved him and only him.  Anyway, Sita declared that she would prove her innocence by going into a fire, and the god of fire kept her from being harmed because she was innocent."

"Wow! I can't believe he questioned her love for him. That story was incredible. I see myself in Rama. I know I can be a better man for my girlfriend. I hope she will see that I can change for her."

"Good! Yes, Rama questioned Sita, just like you question your girlfriend. Trust is very important in a relationship. I have one more story to tell you and then you can go back to her."

"I guess your right. I have questioned her love and I know for a fact she has questioned mine. I'm going to work on trusting her and hopefully she will learn to trust me. I'm so glad you can help me."

"Let me serve these people and I'll finish up my stories."


Author's note:I want the readers to see that Jim really wants to work on himself and wants to learn from these stories. I mention that he switches to water, so he can retain the information given to him. By drinking water, he is one step closer to being a better man for his girlfriend. Jim is over drinking his sorrows away and is ready to open himself up to whatever Jerry is telling him. I wanted to show that Jerry had been through a lot and likes to help people. Jerry is more than a bartender, because he is taking the time and showing that relationships aren't easy. I really hope my audience is getting the connection between the two men and that these stories really mean a lot to Jerry. I also want the readers to see that Jim is getting more positive and eager to change who he is as a boyfriend. I like how this part of the story shows all the things Rama did for Sita. It lets Jim see that you have to give one hundred percent into a serious relationship.




Bibliography:  Narayan, R.K. The Ramayana. New York: Penguin Publishing Group, 1972. Print.
Image Information: Cocktails

Cover page
Introduction
Another Round
I've Had Enough