ALWAYS TOGETHER
Dasharatha relaxed against the bed, after sending his four sons away. He had noticed the looks his three younger sons had exchanged with the three younger daughters of Mithila, and his thoughts mirrored them. When he had heard that there were three more daughters of Rajarishi Janaka and Maharaja Kushadwaja, his first hope had been that his three other sons would marry them, and the four brothers would be happy. If the rumours he heard about the sisterhood the four of them shared were true, then they could also be together, just as his four sons were always together.
The King smiled as he closed his eyes. He would ask his Gurudeva advice on what step to take next. With thoughts of a happy future of sons and daughters, the monarch shut his eyes, heart beating in a pleased rhythm.
The guest chambers that the four brothers had been given was filled with a comfortable silence. They all took turns in looking at each other, and staring back at anything that was right in front of them.
Rama and Lakshmana watched their brothers with amusement, both completely sure of their love, and almost having fun at the expense of Bharata and Shatrughan.
"Bharata Bhaiya, whatever is the matter?, asked Lakshmana, innocent smile on His face.
"N-nothing at all Lakhan. Why would you think something is the matter?, asked Bharata, not meeting Lakshmana's eyes.
"Bhai, what's wrong?, asked Lakshmana, concerned. It was rare for Bharata to not meet his eyes, and the fact that he did not worried Lakshmana. He moved and sat next to Bharata, gently placing His hand on Bharata's shoulder.
"I ran into Rajkumari Mandavi, whispered Bharata, a light blush covering his face. Rama smiled, and simultaneously, He and Shatrughan moved forward to form a comfortable small circle with their brothers.
"And?, asked Rama, His tone encouraging.
"I don't know Bhai, said Bharata, looking up to meet Rama's eyes. "I feel like I am in love with her already
"That is how I felt when I saw Sitae, or when Lakshmana saw Urmila, said Rama, reassuringly. "Love fills you and makes you complete Bharata. Tell me, didn't you feel complete with Mandavi?
"I did Bhai, said Bharata, soft smile on his face.
"Then, let me talk to Pitashree, and ask him to fix our marriages. Now, only Lalla is left, said Rama, an innocent smirk on His face.
"Bhai, whined Shatrughan.
"Him also Bhai, said Bharata, his eyes twinkling.
"I see. Shrutakirti?, asked Rama, innocently.
"Yes Bhaiii, said Bharata, sing song in his voice.
"Bharata Bhaiyaaa!, whined Shatrughan, causing everyone to laugh.
"Lakshmana Bhaiya likes Rajkumari Urmila, or should I say, Urmila Bhabhi, said Shatrughan, innocently.
"Urmila is your Bhabhi only, in my heart, said Lakshmana, cheeky grin.
Rama shook His head and smiled, as Bharata and Ripudaman started laughing. His family will get complete soon. He will see to that! He had already spoken to both His Gurus about Lakshmana and Urmila. He resolved to speak about Bharata and Mandavi and Shatrughana and Shrutakirti to them the next day.
Rama smiled, as He walked out of the chambers of His Guru Vishwamitra. Both His Gurudevas had asked Him what He had wanted to ask them; regarding a complete marriage alliance between the four Princes of Ayodhya and the four Princesses of Mithila. His grin widened, and He walked towards the garden, the place where He had first seen Sita.
He smiled at the flowers, gently touching them, causing the flowers to brighten up. His smile widened as He neared the exact bush where He had met Janaki, only to bump into the lady herself.
"Rajkumar, said Sita, a pretty blush covering her cheeks.
"Rajkumari Janaki, said Rama, smiling at her, His eyes not moving from her eyes.
The two of them stood there, both with shining faces and smiles that stretched across their face, staring at each other with a love that could be felt across the Universe making all those who felt it tear in happiness.
The sound of happy laughter made Sita and Rama turn their heads in the direction from where it was coming, and their eyes widened. They saw Urmila running towards them, a happy smile on her face, followed by an unusually calm Lakshmana, who was grinning. Rama smiled, when He realised that His Laal had managed to speak to Urmila beforehand.
Urmila ran straight into Sita's arms, hugging her tightly, after which she promptly dragged Sita with her, smiling at Rama as she left. Rama laughed to Himself, and turned to smirk at Lakshmana, who couldn't remove the goofy grin on His face.
"Bhaiya, don't tease. Weren't you with Bhabhi?, asked Lakshmana, pouting petulantly.
"Yes, but the difference is, my darling brother, Janaki and I are already engaged to be married, unlike you and Urmila. However, that will happen soon enough, said Rama, innocently.
"You did not, said Lakshmana, a wide grin forming on His face.
"I did indeed, said Rama, grinning, and gesturing to Lakshmana to move forward. Lakshmana grinned joyously, and walked forward, spring in His step.
"Along with Rama, I ask for your second daughter Urmila's hand for Rajkumar Lakshmana
Brahmarishi Vasishta's voice reverberated across the entire hall, causing a wide grin to form on Rajarishi Janaka and Maharani Sunaina's faces.
"There is nothing that will give me greater happiness, Brahmarishi, said Rajarishi Janaka. "Along with Sita and Rama's wedding, I will perform the wedding of Urmila and Lakshmana, as long as Maharaja Dasharatha is agreeable to it
"I would have no greater joy, Rajarishi, said Maharaja Dasharatha, his face shining with happiness.
"I have another proposal to make, said Brahmarishi Vishwamitra.
"Tell us Brahmarishi, said Brahmarishi Vasishta, a knowing smile on his face.
"I propose to get Maharaja Kushadhwaj's elder daughter Mandavi married to Bharata, and younger daughter Shrutakirti to Shatrughana, said the sage, eyes twinkling.
"That is a proposal that would give me infinite happiness. I gain not one, but four sons, said Rajarishi Janaka, his eyes speaking his acceptance. "With Sita and Urmila, Mandavi's wedding to Rajkumar Bharata and Shrutakirti's wedding to Rajkumar Shatrughana will take place
Bharata and Shatrughana smiled at each other, and looked at a now grinning Rama and Lakshmana, who both looked content and joyous.
"Always together, the four of them whispered to themselves, knowing that the others had said it without having to hear it.
"Always together!
These words echoed off every wall and the tiles on the floor in the room of the Mithila Princesses, who had taken to hugging each other tightly, and not letting go. Together they will always be!
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