Ayodhya's Princess, Chapter 9- 19/9 - Page 5

THE PRINCESS

Somada twirled under the sun, in the beautiful meadow. Her three mothers had brought her here. Her eyes took in her three mothers, laughing and chatting about small stories. Yet, there was an indescribable sadness that hung around them. The almost six year old girl was extremely sharp like her Jyesht Mata Sita in that way. She wanted to know what the sadness was, but she didn't want to be impertinent when asking. Instead, she decided to make the three of them laugh.

For the three sisters, it was rare for them to have time together. Between juggling the household affairs, to helping out with administration and raising the kids, as well as taking care of the three mothers, they didn't have time to spend together. Due to this, the three mothers and four brothers had pushed them to spend a day together, with Somada. Suddenly, Urmila felt a weight on her back. Her daughter was clinging to her.

"Matashree!"

"Somada!", giggled Mandavi, the expression on Urmila's face making Mandavi find the situation funny.

"Why are you giggling, sister?", asked Urmila, narrowing her eyes.

"Your expression", said Mandavi.

"Is that so?", asked Urmila.

Somada jumped off Urmila, and promptly laid her head on Shrutakirti's lap.

"It is so", continued Mandavi.

The two sisters looked at one another, before Mandavi ran, and Urmila chased her, both of them playing a game they always did till they came to Ayodhya.

Shrutakirti admired the clever plan of her little niece. She stroked Somada's hair. Somada giggled from her youngest mother's lap, watching two of her mothers play around like little children.

Meanwhile...

Shri Rama was sitting in discussion with Bharat and Shatrughan, when Lakshman rushed into the room, a happy smile on his face. Rejoicing at the sight, Shri Rama asked, "What is it, Lakhan? What has you so happy?"

"Pitashree has sent a letter. He wants to come and visit us and the children, Bhaiya", said an excited Lakshman.

"Pitashree?", the three brothers asked, their demeanour smiling.

Lakshmana nodded excitedly, and said, "Bhaiya, what are you instructions?"

"Give me paper and ink Lakshmana. I will compose a reply back to Pitashree", said Shri Rama.

Lakshman grinned, and followed Raghunandan's orders. Soon, the letter was being sent to Mithila, and the four brothers rejoiced at the fact that Rajarishi Janaka was coming to Ayodhya to visit.

Somada was excited. Her grandfather, Rajarishi Janaka was coming to visit. Along with that, her favourite vanar ever, Hanuman was coming to Ayodhya. She loved running around with him in search of fruits. In her point of view, Hanuman is an amazing uncle. Her father also loved him. All her fathers loved him. Her mother and Hanuman would always prank poor Pitashree. Her Pitashree would prank them back, making it an all out prank war, till either one of her grandmothers, or her Jyesht Pitahsree stop the madness. Usually, it was her Jyesht Pitashree only.

"Little Princess?"

Hanuman's voice made her turn and rush to the gigantic monkey, jumping into his arms, not bothered about the mace he was carrying. For his part, a delighted Hanuman, who by nature loved playing with children, swung Somada around, gently.

"Hanuman Bhaiya, have you seen.. Of course you have. Right after Bhaiya, Somada is why you come to Ayodhya, am I right?", asked Lakshmana, eyes twinkling.

"Of course Lakshman Bhaiya", said Hanuman, laughing, causing Somada to giggle.

"I am offended", said Lakshmana, pretending to be hurt.

"It's okay. As long as little princess isn't", said Hanuman, cuddling her.

Somada's laughter brought life to Lakshmana and Hanuman. A girl child is the delight of the fathers and uncles.

Somada tiptoed as silently as she could, following Hanuman. She did not want any of her mothers to find her like this. They would have a fit when they saw her dress muddy.

"Hanuman? Little one?"

"Prabhu", muttered Hanuman, turning to pay obeisances to Shri Rama.

"Jyest Pitashree", said Somada.

Raghuveer looked at her for a minute, shook His head, and said, "You have inherited both Lakshmana and Urmila's mischievous ways. Come to my chambers. I will ask for a maid to bring clothes for you there and to dress you up there as well"

"Thank you", said Somada, hugging Ayodhyapati tightly.

Raghuvar smiled, and hugged His daughter back. Hanuman's heart felt delighted after seeing this loving encounter.

Somada was comfortably situated between her grandfather and her Jyesht Pitashree, smiling happily.

"Grandfather?", said Somada.

"Child?"

The Rajarishi's wisdom radiated off him.

"Why is it that princesses have to leave their family and go to another one?", asked Somada.

Janaka smiled a little nostalgically, and looked at Urmila, who had tears in her eyes.

"Urmila, what happened?", asked a concerned Kaikeyi.

"Mata", said Urmila, "I asked Pitashree the same question when I was Somada's age"

"And what is the answer, Ma?", asked Somada.

"A woman carries with her the ability to give a new life. A woman is one who gives new life to a place. Due to this, women are sent to their husband's place. The presence of a woman is what will continue a lineage", said Urmila.

"I have a few more questions. May I ask them?", asked Somada.

"Of course, little one", said Shri Rama, patting Somada's head.

"How must a princess be?", asked Somada.

"Well mannered, modest and shy, yet she must not have a problem with expressing her opinion", said Mandavi.

"But there is a right time and a right place and a right person to do that to", said Urmila. "Your four fathers, your grandfather, Hanuman Bhaiya will all listen, but the world won't"

"Why not the others though?", asked Somada.

"The world always sees in a way such that everything is a woman's fault", said Shrutakirti.

"But that isn't fair. Will the world blame Ma Durga for killing Mahisahsura? Ma, this is close to hypocrisy. They need women to produce heirs, and then forget these women? Don't they know the power of a woman?", asked an indignant Somada.

"They don't child. That is why they always point fingers at women rather than at men. They make women usable, which is wrong. A woman is to be revered and loved, to be cherished and protected", said Shri Rama, sadly. "Anyway, let's talk about happier stuff. Did you show your grandfather that drawing you made the other day?"

Successfully, Shri Rama changed the topic.

None but Lakshmana noticed the lone tear that rolled down His moon-like face.