Punar-agamanam - The Return of Hope

4 years ago

proteeti

@sambhavami

Once again, the state of Kosala had decked herself in her best ornament- a new hope. After fourteen colourless years, the King of Awadh was finally returning to his home!

The citizens had taken it upon themselves to decorate every nook and alley of Saketa-puri. All soldiers guarding the state had been dismissed to go home to their families. Men and women danced and sang in processions rolling down the main streets. Children took great pleasure in shooting flower arrows at clay models of the evil King Ravana, imitating the beloved King.

Every street was strewn with flower petals. Who could say which route they will take?!

Shrutakirti was overjoyed herself. Her heart filled with warmth every time she saw her husband running around, excited. He could hardly stop smiling. Tears streamed down constantly down the cheeks of Prince Bharata. Her sister Urmila stood still on the balcony overlooking the main entrance, her eyes flitting between the palace gates and the sky!

The Queen Mothers refused to leave the temple premises. They were determined to keep praying to the Lord till their sons and daughter-in-law had landed on the soil of Saketa. Shrutakirti herself couldn't help breaking into peals of laughter when she found herself alone. He was surprised to find her eyes welling up simultaneously.

A faint cheer could be heard in the distance. Shrutakirti looked out of the window. A faint shape of a bird could be seen close to the horizon. Wait, it isn't a bird! It's a flying chariot! Then it hit her. That's Pushpaka!  She could almost feel an overwhelming wave of relief wash over the entire city.

Finally! Fourteen years of waiting, and repenting, and praying finally bore fruit. The unending love of his people finally dragged King Rama back to Ayodhya! In the quiet golden glory of twilight, a multitude of earthen lamps slowly lit up every corner of the city. Incense burned in every house. Torches lit up the streets. Saketa in her entirety became the temple for Seeta and Rama.

All members of the royal family gathered at the gate to welcome the apples of their eyes. Only Urmila still stood biting her nails like a nascent bride, her face crimson from shyness. Smiling gently, Shrutakirti rushed down to join the rest of the family.

Rama and Seeta came running inside the palace falling at the feet of their mothers. Lakshmana stood behind them, smiling ear to ear. The Queen Mothers all embraced Rama and Lakshmana. Seeta rushed to embrace Mandavi and Shrutakirti, all them shedding tears of joy. Mandavi pointed at Urmila staring down from the balcony. Seeing them, Urmila immediately covered her face in shame and ran inside. "Well, she has already seen what, er who, she had to see, hasn't she?" Joked Seeta.

At night, when everyone had finally retired to their room, Shrutakirti too returned to her chambers. She could not help but reflect. All three of them had changed a lot in the past fourteen years.

Rama was more reserved than ever. She couldn't recall him uttering even a single word without reason. Lakshmana seemed much more in control of himself. Seeta, her sister, had changed the most. Her golden complexion now appeared dull and her eyes seemed tired. But there was pride in her gait.