Ayodhya's Princess, Chapter 9- 19/9

LITTLE SISTER

Urmila walked apprehensively towards her Ram Bhaiya's chamber, though with every step, she was more determined to see Him and talk to Him. She wanted to be there for Him more than anything. Her Lord had given her a heartbroken and grief struck look, and had rushed in the direction of Bharat Bhaiya's chambers. At times like this, it was always Bharat Bhaiya he needed. She could well imagine his hurt. Sita Jiji was a mother to him, his darling Ma, for whom he would go against even Ram Bhaiya for. He had to leave her in the forest. If her husband was in this state, she didn't want to imagine what state her Ram Bhaiya will be in. But knowing Him, He won't grieve to anyone but her husband. And Arya was with Bharat Bhaiya. A fierce, sisterly protection for the Lord of Ayodhya filled Urmila. She wanted her Ram Bhaiya to know she will always be there, as a sister and friend, to listen to Him. Anytime He needed someone.

She neared His chambers, slowly but surely, getting ready with something to tell the guards, when they had to announce her. But to her surprise, the heavy doors were open, and the corridor was deserted. Had Ram Bhaiya sent them away? Still a little apprehensive, but her stubborn nature pushing her, Urmila stepped into the chambers.

The first thing she noticed was a grass mat on the floor. Ram Bhaiya was going to renounce everything with Jiji. Sadness filled her being, but so did anger. How could the praja do this to their beloved Rama? Can't they see how hurt He will be without His Sita? Her eyes searched for Him, and finally found Him standing by the balcony, staring at the moon.

She silently went and stood next to Him, knowing that He knew she was here, and that he was waiting for her to talk.

"Ram Bhaiya", started Urmila. The slight turn of His body showed her that He was listening. Always the listener was He! Even in the time of deep hurt and distress, He would help everyone and think of everyone. Such a man had they hurt.

"I understand"

Those two words from Urmila made Him turn to look at her, his little sister.

"I shouldn't be surprised that you do. You are your Jiji's soul", said Raghuvar.

"You once told me, Urmila, I live in the Praja. What they say is what I should understand and follow. I should act in accordance with them'", said Urmila.

"I did, yes", said Raghuvar.

"And hence, you took the decision. Your Raj Dharma made you take it. But another important thing did", said Urmila.

"And what is that, sister?", asked Raghuvar.

"Jiji. You wanted her dignity to be protected, didn't you?", said Urmila. "The world can point fingers at you, but not at Jiji. And Jiji understood you too well. She knows her Lord"

"And you seem to know me as well", said Lord Rama, a small smile playing on His lips.

"I am your sister, am I not? You know Bhaiya?", asked Urmila.

"Tell me sister", said Raghunandan.

"You love and trust your praja the most, but..", said Urmila, tears gathering in her eyes.

"My praja don't have the same kind of trust. In the end, they don't see that their accusations on Sita has pierced their Rama horribly, making Rama separate from His breath", said Lord Rama, closing His Lotus eyes.

Urmila nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Don't cry sister. This is my fault, one way or the other", said Raghuvar.

"Bhaiya!", said Urmila.

"urmi, listen to me. Sita and I have to undergo this separation, for you and Lakshman underwent separation because of me", said Raghunath.

"No Bhaiya. We got separated due to Destiny", said Urmila, firmly.

"You are a lot like Vaidehi", said Raghava.

"And that is why I am here. Bhaiya, if you ever need anything at all, please come to this little sister? She would love to help you out, even if it is to just sit and not talk", said Urmila.

"I will never forget Urmi", said Lord Rama, His brotherly love for Urmila increasing every second.

Urmila smiled, greeted Him, and turned to walk to the door. Suddenly, she stopped, turned and said, "And Ram Bhaiya?"

"Urmi?"

"The children growing in my womb are your children"

Smiling at Him, she walked to her chambers.

Lord Rama smiled. Urmila was indeed Sita's soul.

Three years later...

Shri Rama paced His chambers, waiting for His sons to make an appearance. They were Urmila and Lakshman's, yes, but in His heart, they were His sons as well. They were His joy and happiness in these days when He lived without Sita and their children. As were Taksh, Pushkal, Subahu and Shrutsen. But ever since they were babies, Angad and Chitraketu always came to him first. Almost always. When he was busy, they went to Lakshman. Urmila and Lakshman didn't mind either. They loved that Raghukul Bhushan was this close to their sons.

"Jyesht Pitashree!"

Angad and Chitraketu rushed into the room, promptly jumping into Raghuveer's waiting arms. Lord Rama cuddled them in His arms, feeling the unconditional love only children are capable of giving.

"Jyesht Pitashree", said Angad.

"Tell me son", said Raghuvar, affectionately.

"Matashree and Pitashree have news for you", said Chitraketu.

"And do you know what the news is?", asked Raghunath, shaking His head at the twins.

"No Jyesht Pitashree. Matashree said that you had to know first", said Angad.

"Did she now?", asked Raghunandan.

"I did, Ram Bhaiya", said Urmila, walking into the chambers, Lakshman with her.

"What is going on?", asked Raghunayak.

"Well, we have good news for you", said Urmila, glowing.

"And that is?", asked Lord Rama, though guessing what it was.

The couple exchanged a look, smiled at each other, and then Lakshman said, "In about eight months, you will become a Jyesht Pitashree again"

The smile on Lord Rama's face grew. Jyesht Pitashree again. The joy was increasing.

If only you were here Sitae', He thought. Shaking off the memories, He looked at Angad and Chitraketu, both hugging Urmila tightly. He smiled at Lakshman, who smiled back, both understanding that they need Sita, yet not saying it.

Eight months later...

An odd sight was seen in the King's chambers. Rajkumar Lakshman was sitting calmly, along with Rajkumars Bharat and Shatrughan, while the King of Ayodhya, Raja Ramachandra, was pacing. His love for His kid sister was obvious.

"Congratulations sons"

Ma Sumitra walked in to the room.

"Mata!"

The four brothers fell at her feet.

"Urmila has given birth to a baby girl", said Ma Sumitra.

"A baby girl?", asked Lakshman, eyes filled with tears.

Lord Rama's eyes closed. This little girl would be quite a bit like Sita, His heart told Him.

"Here she is", said Ma Kausalya, entering the room with the little girl in her arms, followed by Ma Kaikeyi. She handed the baby to Lakshman, who took her and cradled her lovingly. Slowly, he walked towards Lord Rama, and said, "Bhaiya, your daughter"

Shri Rama took the baby in His arms, staring at her moon-like face. She opened her eyes, and big, almond eyes stared at Him. He was captivated. This little girl, whose face shone like the moon had His heart completely.

"I want to call her Somada, for she is like the cool moon in this Sun Dynasty", declared Lord Rama, kissing little Somada on her forehead.