A KING'S PAIN
Somada restlessly turned on her bed. Something was wrong, she could sense it. Her Ma said that ever since the day her Jyesht Pitashree blessed her with the ability to have her Jyesht Mata's nature, Somada seemed to have the same sensing abilities Sita had. Sita was always able to sense everyone's emotions, and was able to instinctively put her finger on who is more hurt. But who was hurting like this, that she felt a need to comfort that person?
Her pondering suddenly gave way to a new realization. Her Jyesht Pitashree. Without her Jyesht Mata, He must be hurting. As a King, her Jyesht Pitashree was perfect. She knew, as a husband too, He was.
"The happiness of their loving hearts was sacrificed because of the praja", said Urmila.
"Ram Bhaiya took this decision to protect Bhabhi. He doesn't mind fingers being pointed at Him, Mila. Nothing should happen to Sita Ma", said Lakshman.
Her father's words kept ringing in her head. Her Jyesht Pitashree loved her Jyesht Mata a lot, she had heard. That one statement from her father proved her thoughts right as well. A husband who doesn't mind the world finding fault with Him for no mistake of His own is a God. Her Jyesht Pitashree was Divine.
Slowly, she moved across her room, almost snake-like in her movements. Her Jyesht Pitashree's room was very close to her current room, though this was not her original room. Slowly, she tiptoed into His chambers, only to see Him crying, staring into space. Her eyes automatically filled with tears, for her Jyesht Pitashree was hurt. He shouldn't be. He deserved all the happiness in the world.
"Jyesht Pitashree!"
Shri Rama turned to look at His daughter, who was crying as well. Silently, He opened His arms, and she rushed into His arms, hugging Him tightly. The Lord lifted her into His arms, and held her, tears still running down His cheeks.
"Don't cry Jyesht Pitashree", said Somada, wiping His tears, even as fat tears rolled down her cheeks.
"You are crying as well, my daughter", said He, wiping her tears away.
"Seeing my father cry hurts me", said Somada. Her simple statement had a profound effect on Shri Rama, causing Him to shed tears again.
"Jyesht Pitashree, please don't cry. I am sorry if I said anything to offend you", said Somada in a small voice.
"No you didn't, my child", said Shri Rama. "These are happy tears. I am very lucky to have a daughter like you"
"I am much more luckier to have been your daughter, Ma and Pa's daughter. I have a father, a protector, a guardian in all four of you, while I have four mothers as well", said Somada.
At the look on Shri Rama's face, Somada continued, and said, "Ma told me a little bit about Jyesht Mata Sita. She said that what you feel for me, Jyesht Mata will as well. When that is the case, how will Jyesht Mata not love me unconditionally like you do, Jyesht Pitashree? She is also a Ma to me, just as you are a Pa"
Somada's words filled the Lord's heart with delight. He thanked Urmila in His mind for opening up the topic of Sita to Somada.
"And also, Jyesht Pitashree", said Somada.
"Tell me child", said Shri Rama, smiling.
"I am blessed to be born in Raghukul. Raghukul is the epitome of Dharma, just as Nimivansh is. Both are equal. Raghukul Neeti and Parampara might seem ideal to people outside to follow, but I don't find difficulty in following it. My theory is that Raghukul and Nimivansh were made relatives through marriage mainly because both the Kingdoms have everything. Only Kingdoms which are equal can have ideal men and women like the eight of you. You and Pa often tell me that Raghukul and Nimivansh is the same. Now, hearing about Ma and Pa, and Jyesht Mata and you, I understand why they say that. You, Pa, Chote Jyesht Pitashree and Chote Pitashree treat my four mothers as equals, loving and trusting them completely", said Somada.
As Somada said these words, Raghuveer could see both Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakirti in her. He couldn't have been happier.
"You are right little one. Every word you said is right", said Shri Rama. "Don't you have lessons with Hanuman tomorrow?"
"I do", said Somada.
"Sleep then, my child. Sleep", said Shri Rama, cuddling His daughter tightly.
The next day morning...
Urmila, Lakshmana and Hanuman rushed to Shri Rama's chambers, unable to find Somada anywhere. They entered His chambers, and gasped at the beautiful sight in front of them.
There was Ayodhyapati, with Somada in His arms, eyes closed in peace. Somada looked like a little angel, curled into Him, head on His chest. Urmila immediately decided that she would paint this scene that very day itself, and give it as a present to Raghuvar. Lakshmana, knowing his wife's thoughts, smiled through the tears that shone in his eyes.
Hanuman could see that the little princess was the balm to his Prabhu's hurt and anguished heart.
Somada giggled as she played with her four brothers. She loved her brothers a lot. They were very protective of her, and always took the blame for her mischief. Needless to say, Somada showered her four brothers with love and affection.
But somehow, Somada seemed distracted that day.
"Sister, what happened?", asked Taksh.
"Nothing Bhaiya", said Somada, blinking at Taksh.
"Sister, we know you too well. We are your brothers. Tell us", said Chitraketu.
"It's just that... we know about Jyesht Mata Sita. Bits and pieces about her. We can discern that she is patient, tolerant, loving and compassionate. But we don't know the entire story", said Somada. "And I want to know the entire story"
"We do too", said the six brothers, in a chorus.
"We have been wanting to know forever sister", said Pushkal. "Ma has told us bits and pieces about Jyesht Mata, but she says that Jyesht Mata's story has to come from Jyesht Pitashree and Jyesht Chote Pitashree"
"Then let us go and ask Jyesht Pitashree and Pa, brothers", said Somada.
The five children left the room to go to Urmila-Lakshman's chambers, for they knew that the four brothers and three sisters were there.
As they entered, they all saw their Jyesht Pitashree's smile seeing them. All rushed to Him and fell at His feet, before the seven jumped into His arms. Shri Rama hugged all of them to Him tightly.
The three brothers and two sisters, as well as Hanuman, smiled at the sight.
"Jyesht Pitashree", started Somada. "The seven of us have a request for you all, though mainly for you and Pa"
"And what is that?", asked Raghuveer.
"We want to know the story of Jyesht Mata Sita", said Angad, before the kids could even think of backing out.
Shri Rama looked at Lakshmana, who looked back at Him, tears filling His eyes. Shri Rama nodded. It was time for the children to know the story of their Jyesht Mata Sita.
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