Thus, although a part of Ayodhya kingdom, these people were denied any chance of contact with the royal house or the king. However, despite their poverty and inconvenience, their chief Guhaka was aware of the noble character and pious nature of Ram.
He had also the news of the recent ill-fated happenings in Ayodhya. Therefore, he was waiting for the arrival of Ram-Laxman-Sita with great expectations and eagerness. He was keen to serve the nobility, and in particular Ram.
On their arrival, Guhaka arranged for their meals consisting of fruits and milk only as he was not sure whether other items would be accepted by the members the royal family. He saluted Ram from a distance, but Ram went a step ahead and embraced the chief as his old friend!
This unexpected gesture of solidarity beyond caste consideration on the part of Ram made Guhaka very happy. He could not control his tears that fell on the chest of Ram. Laxman and Sita were silent witness to this high drama of love between the two.
The night fell and arrangements were made for Ram and Sita to retire. The bed of straw was hastily prepared as Ram refused to enter the village and accept the hospitality of the chief, saying, "O dear friend, I have taken the vow of leading a simple life in a forest. I cannot come inside your palace."
It is important to note that Ram and Sita did not have any physical contact during these fourteen years of forest life.
Laxmana did not sleep for he had come to protect and serve Ram and Sita. He and Guhaka had night-long talk on the decency of Ram's character and divine qualities. According to Laxman, Ram as the God-incarnate and Guhaka as the devotee made a wonderful duo of peace, love, and tranquility.
Guhaka was also impressed with the insights that Laxman offered about the real nature of Ram as Brahma-incarnate. It is the Absolute GOD that has deliberately planned all this sport of forest-treading, banishment, etc. so that more democratic, peaceful, righteous, society without caste and creed, racial or ethnic hatred should emerge.
Moreover, the king Ravan, the mighty Demon King of Lanka was too powerful wicked, and unrighteous who required to be vanquished. Only Ram was capable of defeating Ravan, and hence all this play of forest life.
