Ayodhya's Princess, Chapter 9- 19/9 - Page 3

EARLY YEARS

Shri Rama was distracted, even as He did His work to perfection. He was worried about three month old Somada, who had fallen sick. He knew that it was normal for children. All the boys had also fallen sick. Yet, Somada was their angel, and a girl also. The overprotectiveness that fathers feel for daughters is more. He was always with her when He wasn't busy with work as the King of Ayodhya. He could never forget the first day He heard her giggle. He had been walking with her in His arms, humming lightly, when she giggled delightfully. He shared a special connection with the little girl. He felt like she was Sita's gift to him in a way, for Somada already reminded him a lot of Sita.

"Ram Bhaiya"

Raghunandan turned to see Lakshman standing at the door, smiling lightly at Him.

"Lakshman. Is Somada okay? Will she be?", asked He, franctically. Lakshman couldn't help but smile at the love his eldest brother had for his daughter.

"She is fine Bhaiya. The fever broke. Mila sent me here to inform you first. She said that Somada's Jyesht Pitashree has been waiting for this", said Lakshman.

"I have", said Shri Rama. "Can we go see her?"

"We can, Bhaiya", said Lakshman, tears forming in his eyes when he saw Shri Rama rush out.

Mata', he thought silently. Bhaiya shouldn't be separated from you or his child/children. What has fate done?'

In Valmiki Ashram...

Sita smiled sadly hearing her son's voice.

"Putra", she said softly. "Fate wants the world to learn something from all of us Ayodhyavasis. And that we will have to teach, taking its course"

7-8 months after that...

Shri Rama was playing with Somada, sitting on the floor. Somada was his joy and relaxation. She brought peace, and reduced his pain of separation from Sita. He loved seeing her play around happily. He knew she loved Nature as well. His Somada was a lot like her Jyesht Matashree.

"Bhaiya"

He turned to see Urmila sit next to Him, smiling at Him sweetly.

"Urmila"

"Spending time with your daughter?", asked Urmila, grinning.

"I can't imagine time without her", said Raghuvar. Urmila and Lakshman had gone out of the way, understaning his need for children, and allowing him to treat their own children as his. Bharat and Shatrughan did the same. He felt that they let him take the major decisions regarding the children for they wanted him to have the joy of a family as well. And they were. The six sons and one daughter were his lifeline. They taught him how to be a father.

His eyes caught movement from Somada's direction. He looked at her, only to see the most wondrous sight ever. Somada, holding her toy elephant, was standing up. She left the elephant, yet her balance stayed. She gurgled at him, eyes wide. What other things she had inherited from Urmila He didn't know, but those wide eyes were definitely an Urmila trait.

She took one shaky step forward. Raghunath wanted to scoop Somada in His arms and keep her there, but He knew that she had to learn. Without learning, what is life? Life is a journey of continuous learning in the various roles one plays.

Raghunandan stretches His arms out for Somada, and the little girl, making that as her target, took quick shaky steps and fell straight on His lap. Shri Rama cuddled the little girl, placing a soft kiss to her head.

Urmila smiled seeing the scene. Her princess had a guardian, the best guardian anyone can ever have, her Jyest Pitashree, the King of Ayodhya. Her eyes met her husband's, who had been watching the scene from the doorway.

Both Urmila and Lakshman's eyes had pain, both missing Sita, and both hurt for Raghunandan. Oh fate! Why the separation of two loving hearts?

2 years later...

Shri Rama was discussing with His ministers the state of affairs, when He heard the sound of delightful anklets. Those anklets could belong to only one person. What was she...

"Jyesht Pitashree!"

"Somada!", said King Rama.

Somada toddled inside the hall, and walked straight up to the throne.

"What are you doing here, little one?", asked Lord Rama, lifting her up gently.

"I wanted to attend Raj Darbaar with you", said Somada, with wide eyes.

"Do you now?", asked Lord Rama.

"Yes Jyest Pitashree. Can I? I promise to be silent", said Somada.

"Of course you can", said Lord Rama, and continued the discussion with His minsters, with Somada on His lap. Somada listened intently, learning like this.

The three Rajmatas looked at the scene with love, while Mandavi and Shrutakirti were shocked by how much like Urmila Somada was. When they were young, Urmila also used to run like that to Rajrishi Janaka's discussions, with the three of them following her serenely.

In Urmila and Lakshman's chambers...

"Swami", said Urmila, calling out to a distracted Lakshman.

"Mila?", asked Lakshman, startled.

"What are you thinking of?", asked Urmila.

"How much Somada would have learnt from Sita Mata", said Lakshman.

"That is true Swami", said Urmila. "Jiji would have given her sons to us three, and taken all the other kids under her wing"

"I miss her, Urmila", said Lakshman, quietly.

Urmila, sensing that he needed her to be there and support him rather than talk, pulled him into a tight hug, offering him silent support. Lakshman's tears fell on her dress, and her own eyes closed, trying to desperately control the tears she wanted to shed.

Miles away...

A beautiful woman cried, as she watched her sons play outside the cottage. She could feel her Lord, her son and her soul. They all missed her as she missed them.

A year later...

Shri Rama stared at Sita's jewel box. On this day, on this very same day, He knew she would be decked up in grand clothes, welcoming Him with a thali, wishing Him for His birthday. But He didn't have her with Him. She was far away, as was He. Yet, their love grew stronger, for He could feel and understand everything she was going through.

"Jyesht Pitashree"

He turned with a smile lighting His lips, when He felt a whirlwind hugs Him tightly around the waist. He hugged her back, laughing at her insistent tightening of arms around Him.

"Happy Birthday"

Somada fell at His feet, and said, "Jyesht Pitashree, on this day, I want a blessing from you"

"Tell me, little one", said Lord Rama, lifting her up.

"Bless me that I will be like my Jyest Mata Sita. Bless me that I will have the kind of strength she had and has to face everything thrown at her, bless me with that kind of patience and tolerance", asked Somada.

Shri Rama's Lotus eyes filled with tears. He raised His hand in blessing, and said, "Tathastu!"