Kaikayee has asked for her two wicked vows and Dashrath hit the floor while calling, "Hey Ram!", in his agony when Ram has exiled for fourteen years. Knowing this, Sita and Lakshamana have also announced to depart for the exile, and Lakshamana was going to give this news to the unaware Urmila.
"Dasi! make haste, I want to look like the most beautiful lady ever," Urmila said while adjusting her attire and the ornaments in front of the mirror. There was a pleasant smile in her face.
Dasi looked down and hesitated, "Devi! If you don't find it being disrespectful, can I ask you something?"
Dasi knew that it clearly violated boundaries for a low born like her to be questioning a high born. She was afraid of being a reason of her displeasure.
Urmila just laughed dismissing all her fears in a moment, "Go ahead Radha, you are just like my friend," She nodded looking towards her who kept looking down.
"Is today special?" Dasi asked.
Something in her face changed. She brightened up like a sunflower during sunrise, "Indeed! today is a very memorable day." Blushingly she threw her chunar on her head and completed, "Today is a very important day as Bhrata Rama is going to be the maryada puroshottam. My Swami is delighted, seeing him happy makes this day special for me as well in more ways than you would think it is possible."
She looked ecstatic as she sat in her bed. Studded with jewels that made her look like a newly wed girl.
Dasi was about to utter something out but was stopped midway as Urmila heard someone's steps approaching her chamber. Urmila blushingly uttered, "Ekanta!", being so sure they were the footsteps of her husband.
Dasi departed immediately when Lakshamana entered the chamber. But she was met with his wrath rather than love for which she was waiting impatiently. His face had a frown rather than the smile which was more familiar to her.
His anger escalated when he witnessed his queen, all studded like a bride, waiting for him. He could not bear the sight. He immediately threw a vase on her mirror impression.
The mirror cracked; pieces of glass shattered everywhere in the room, making a terrible noise that jolted Urmila who was standing motionless; out of her chain of thoughts.
"Swa-Swami!' She almost pleaded only to be intervened by Lakshmana.
"Don't call me with that pious name" he said yelling at her.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she slowly went in front of him right where he was standing.
"What have I done to deserve this unpleasant behaviour, my Lord," joining her trembling hands, Urmila pleaded.
"You want to listen from my mouth? How are you waiting for me to come in your hall and witness you in this attire when the whole Ayodhya is mourning from for Bhrata Rama and Devi Sita, begging for them not to leave Ayodhya for an fourteen years' long exile? " His face now reflected disappointment rather than anger and somehow that hurt Urmila more than the angry rampage.
"you are no better than Kaikayee"
She cut him out while holding his legs.
"Swami! forgive me, I was seriously unaware of the unfortunate turn of events/deteriorating situation"
"I don't believe you, Devi!"
He turned his back towards her. which stunned her enough to make her look pale and lifeless.
She did not know what hurt her the most the disappointment of her husband or the fact that her husband couldn't trust her anymore?
What had she done to deserve this?
If only she could go back in time to reverse what seemed like irreparable damage to her at this moment .
Then Lakshamana announced without even looking at her.
"I made up my mind to accompany Bhrata Rama and Bhabhi Sita in exile, and my decision is unalterable."
The tears slipped out from her eyes which were red and swollen.
"Swami! please take me along with you," clenching her hands in a fist she requested.
"This is your punishment Devi, to be seperated from your husband for fourteen-years."
Lakshamana declared in a fit of rage but only to be met with her smile.
He asked perplexed, "Why are you smiling?"
"Your punishment is an offering to me, Swami", a happy tear fell on the floor from her eyes.
Lakshmana was disturbed as he realized that Urmila was oblivious to the fact that Lord Rama was exiled for fourteen years and tears started flowing from his eyes, "Oh my dear Urmila, forgive me for jumping into conclusion without assessing the situation, but still I can't take you with myself on exile."
Urmila smiled closing her eyes, "I understand, Matas will be alone here in the huge mahal, and I have to take care of them"
"How did you know my wish?", he asked puzzled.
"I am your ardhangini, your half soul"
She said confidently but her voice was closing over the persistent lump in her throat.
"But Swami don't forget that a devil in disguise of a beautiful woman will try to molest you, don't forget that you have a wife at home.", tears rolled down from their eyes.
Hearing this Lakshamana embraced his supportive wife in his arms and then left for exile with a promise, "You will be a powerful woman, Urmi!"
Urmila looked at the lamp as Ram, Sita and Lakshmana left for the exile. She felt that the lamp will be the promise with which she will have to live for fourteen years in the dark and deserted palace of Ayodhya as an exile.
Betaed by Sonatia
The promo was a perfect prompt for me to write something in my ishtyle! ...
Amidst the tumultuous storm of a high-stakes trial, Anushka Raisinghani, a ...
Comments (3)
View all
Jai Shri Ram @SoniRita
+ 32
2 years ago
Nice one Aditi. It was sad when Laxmanji jumped to conclusion n scolded Urmilla but Urmilla is strong n love Laxman a lot so she understood. Her sacrifice is always remembered in the history. Good job
Ramya @Ramya_98
+ 6
2 years ago
Beautiful piece, Aditi! There is something so sad and hard hitting about it, especially the part where he says she is no better than Kaikeyi.
Urmila was indeed very very strong and I wish you would write a bit about them reuniting after the exile too. I would love to read that. ❤️