Maharaaj Dashrath Looked towards Sage Vashisht With Shock and Grief , but the sage seem to to unperturbed by any of the Kings Emotions
Vashsiht : Dashrath , In my Chambers , NOW...
Dashrath : Yes , Respected Sage
A few Moments after Dashrath and Vashisht went away for talk , Rani Kaushalya, who in her consiscence knew what the matter was all about , still asked Sumitra , hoping to get an answer she was looking for as a last ditch effort.
Kaushalya ( crying ) : Sumitra , for God's sake pls assure me , its not about sending our children to Gurukul.
Sumitra ( Hugs back Kaushalya ) : No Didi , it is time finally , we have to let go of them for their own own good.
The four Princes , Standing Next to their Mothers , getting the gist of the conversation of their mothers , were visibly shaken at first . Ram tried best to maintain his composure .
But the Bubble inside Shatrughan Burst out , and He Ran away to his room Crying.
Shatrughan ( Shouts , Cries, runs to his room ) : I am not going anywhere and I am not leaving anyone.
Mothers : Putra , Stop , Listen to us...
Bharat : Brother...
They follow him behind to console him
Meanwhile
Ram : laxman , Pitashree must be distressed a lot , I know he loves all of us too Much , I need to be with him now, he needs me . You go and see if Shatru is alright . Bharath is soft and I fear he might break up too , maybe they will need a stricter brother with them now .
Lakshman : Ram Bhayia , not just you , I think We both need to be with Pitashree now , I am sure Mothers will handle the situation there .
Ram : I am surprised I haven't seen a tear in your eyes still Lakshman , wont you miss everyone here.
Lakshman : Of course I will Bhayia , but as long as you are with me to wherever I go , I can manage , its separation from you that will break this Lakshman Apart . And Having said that , you yourself have put up a very brave face before us , Don't I know how sad u are from inside your Heart Currently...?
Ram hugs Lakshman Back Tightly
Ram : Don't say that Lakshman , Even I cant Bear any separation from You. Come On , lets go .
As Ram and Lakshman Went towards the Guru's Chamber , they couldn't help but evesdrop standing outside the door about all the conversation that was taking Place inside
Dashrath ( annoyed tone ) : But Rishivar , How Can I let a piece of my Heart go away from me for so many years
Vashisht : Oh Come on Putra , don't tell me you didn't knew that there would be a time when u would have anyway had to face this day
Dashrath : Yes Gurudev , I knew I would have too , I just didn't imagine it would be this tough , isn't there any alternative , cant the boys be taught everything here .
Vashisht : Everything being taught here ????? Meaning that we break the Raghukul Parampara ???
Dashrath ( voice getting louder in agitation): But following Parampara is least of my concerns when I know My Ram's life is in danger. You remember don't you , telling me that my eldest Son's life will be at the mercy of Destiny till he reaches Adulthood. Am I supposed to butcher my Son for the sake of Raghukul.
Listening to this statement , Lakshman grabbed Ram's hand tightly , as if to never let it go , as if to state that any Harm approaching his brother would have to deal with him first.
Vashisht : Putra Dashrath , for the praja , you are the emperor first and a father later . This is a sacrifice the king will always have to make , leaving his personal emotions behind for the cause of greater good . And why just Ram , don't you remember what I said next , that if Ram escapes unhurt , the bad omen will befall on the person he loves and cares about the most , So who else are u going to keep with you on this doubt , all his three brothers , all the mothers , who then ...?
These were the words that led Ram to reciprocate lakshman's hand in fear of losing him, he held Lakshman's Hand even firmer , he was clear in his mind who he loved the most.
Ram ( wiping a lone tear ): Common Lakshman , I think I have heard enough , let's leave , shatrughan must be unconsolable
There at chambers
Dashrath : But Gurudev...
Vashisht : No Putra , No more areguments , you are a Suryavanshi , don't concede defeat towards the hands of destiny , fight it , let your boys go to Gurukul , make them able and strong , let them learn to fight and defend themselves. And its Gonna be All OK , remember what the prophecy also stated , that the wives of your children shall be their shield , once married , no evil can befall upon them.
Dashrath : Gurudev , I think u say correct , I just pray to lord shiva to keep everything in order. My Sons are my life , without them , this dashrath would just be a body without soul.
Vashisht : And I will personally see that our princes are churned into the finest warriors this universe has ever seen , common now , you have your boys to prep up for the journey.
Both Dashrath and Vashisht Went to Sumitra's Room , where the rest family was present and the queen were busy packing for their boys , albeit very reluctantly.
There in Sumitra's Room:
Kaushalya ( sad mood ) to Ram : Putra Ram , from today , you have to be the Father as well as the Mother to your Brothers , You have to be their pillar of strength , take care of them ... and ...and ...( throat chokes in crying ) and take care of yourself too. ( and embraces him in tight hug ) .
Ram : Don't worry Ma , I shall always be there for them , and I will miss u all very much.
Kekayi : Bharat , from today your Ma isn't going to be there around you , you have to manage everything yourself . Do everything as gurudev and your Brother Ram says to you . Learn with dedication , and take care of your brothers , specially Shatrughan , he shall need you the most. I want to see you return as a charming and strong Prince.
Bharat : Yes Ma , I promise .
Meanwhile shatrughan is still lying on Sumitra's Lap , arms round her neck like an infant , the tears visibly dried up and made stream marks on the face .
Lakshman : common U devil , will you stop now , its not that you are going alone , we three are going along too.
Shatrughan makes a disgusting face towards his twin and then looks towards his mother with his big complaining eyes.
Sumitra : LAKSHMAN ... don't tease ur Brother , and I am seeing you are least concerned about going away from Ayodhya , wont you miss us ...?
Lakshman ( murmuring very softly ) : Ayodhya is least of my Concerns when Yama is sprawling near my Ram Bhayia
Ram ( pinching Lakshman , drags him to a corner ) : Shhh... will you please keep quiet , I don't want to listen to any of this again , and certainly No one else should know this. And don't tell me you don't know who I love the most ... Its you silly . You too share the same fate as mine.
Lakshman : I don't care about my Life as long as you are OK .
Ram : you are now going to get a tight slap from me in front of everyone If I hear u say these unauspicious words again.
Lakshman : Sorry Brother , I wont say again if it hurts you . ( Hugs Him )
The Mark on their chests shines a little brightly as they embrace , but no one notices.
Just then Guru Vashist and Dashrath enter Sumitra's chambers. Shatrughan runs into his father's arms crying and dashrath picks him up with his strong mascular Arms .
Dashrath : So boys , I hope by now u all know where you all are headed to . Are you ready to Face the next challenge in your lives ?
Lakshman , Ram , Bharath : Yes Father
Dashrath : And by any chance , Are u going to miss your father a tiny bit as well
Lakshman , ram and Bharath run towards Dashrath and grip him tightly
All three together : Yes Father ,we will.
Shatrughan in the meanwhile is still silent , arms bent around dashrath's neck .
Dashrath : Good Good , That's like my Brave princes , certainly more brave than your father. Complete your Shiksha and return Back Strong , I cant wait to see the day when I can relieve myself from all the duties of an emperor
Sumitra : Come here Lakshman , and listen to me very carefully . Just as Kaushalya and Kekayi Didi Said , I want you to be very attentive in the Gurukul towards ur Shiksha , and I want you to always look forward to your elder brothers , I want you to ne around them always
Lakshman : you don't have to say that Ma , Till I am around , no one can touch my Ram Bhayia , and Bharat bhayia and shatrughan too
Sumitra : And Keep your anger in check , I don't want you to get into fights everytime , otherwise what will Gurudev think of you , that his Ma has taught him to always fight
Lakshman( casually ) : Well ... ( long pause ) , that depends on situation , I cant guarantee that .
Sumitra( loudly ) : LAKSHMAN...
Lakshman gives no reaction at all
RAM : LAKSHMAN ... Do as MA wishes.
Lakshman : Ok Bhayia , if u say so
Sumitra : See , How he agreed at once to Ram , but this boy never listens to me . If you are going to be this much temperamental , How I am gonna find a bride for you ...
Lakshman ( making funny face ): I don't need one , or you can find someone as temperamental as me , I just want my Ram bhayia to be with me always.
Ram : Shut up and come with me , we have a lot of preparations to do
Sumitra : Stupid Boy...
And Sumitra let goes of Lakshman's comment casually ...
Dashrath caresses Ram's cheek softly , as if seeing him for last time
Dashrath : Ram , you and your brother get ready , you all are leaving tomorrow morning. Till then , I have to have a Man to Man talk with your little brother
Dashrath takes shatrughan away to the throne , and disperses all his ministers from there for some time . He Makes Shatrughan sit On the Throne and himself sits on one knee , kneeling towards him
Dashrath : Do you know where you are sitting Son ?
Shatrughan : Yes Father , its your Throne
Dashrath : As of today , it is Mine , in the future , it may be yours
Shatrughan ( shocked ) : But Why Father , I am the youngest . It Ram Bhayia's right on this , not mine .Even for some reason he is not crowned , Still there will be Bharat and lakshman Bhayia .
Dashrath : I know Son , I know . And I also know that your Ram Bhayia will make the most magnificent of Kings. But Destiny is cruel Son , and we have to be prepared for everything , for the worst of times. That's why I need you to be strong
Shatrughan : I don't understand Pitashree
Dashrath : See son , When the worst times hit us , we don't know as to how everyone will react to it , it can break even the toughest of Kings , force them into taking decisions in a not so healthy state of mind. And your Brothers will need your support always , you know why , because you are the strongest at heart.
Ram is really Kind Hearted , he can forgive almost anyone even if someone did very wrong to him.Your Brother Bharat is very soft , and Lakshman can loose temper easily.
But You, you may be the youngest , but I know you can take into your stride the most difficult of the situations. You complete the three of them.
Shatrughan ( smiles ): I never imagined you thought of me so high father...
Dashrath: Putra , sometimes we just have to look inside us a bit harder to know our qualities, I am sure I can look forward to your return as a mature and Brave Prince , just as your brothers. Now , shall we prepare for leaving tomorrow , or you still want to stay back...
Shatrughan : No Father , I will go and learn to become a fine prince . And I promise I will never cry there in Ahsram , I will always be of help to my brothers and take care of them.
A few Thousand Miles Away ...In Lanka
Raavan Arrives with his huge Asur Sena and kumbhkaran to the palace Gate , with Queen Mandodari waiting with a Aarti Thali , in anticipation of welcoming her Husband Back victorious from War
But as soon as her Eyes drop on her husband , the Aarti thali falls from her Hand
Raavan is visibly injured , a deep red wound on his bare chest reflects the amount of damage done to him by a powerful weapon from the enemy.
Raavan pushes aside Mandodari forcefully and goes to his chambers , in a very angry mood.
So angry he was on his defeat that he didn't even notice his son megnath who was standing alongside his mother for his welcome .
Mandodari : Bhrata Kumbhkaran , what happened , how can Swami be defeated??
Kumbhkaran : I don't know what to tell you Bhabhi , we almost had swarg LOK in our hands , when that Indra Fired his Vajra over bhratashree.
Mandodari : So is there no counter to the Vajra of Indra
Kumbhkaran : There is . But...theres no point talking about it
Mandodari : and why is that ?
Kumbhkaran :Because to learn the counter , one has to be accepted as a disciple by Guru shukrachariya , its only him who can teach counters of the powerful weapons created by Swarg Lok's Guru Bhrahaspati . And you know how are relations between brother and gurudev.
Madodari : Yes , I know. Anways , you pl take rest while I attend to swami
Mandodari goes to raavan in their room , but he was already asleep by then
THE NEXT MORNING
IN AYODHYA :
The queens and King Bid farewell to kids , only to see them an year Later , a relaxation that rishi Vashisht allowed , that the boys could visit ayodhya once a year for 15 days
The king and Queens are teary Eyed , but happy on Vashisht's assurance that he would always be there for them in the ashram.
As their Chariots leave for Gurukul , Vashisht sees Dashrath's fallen face .
Vashisht ( to himself ) : If I could only tell you Putra , that the Ansh of Narayan and Adishesha Require no Protection from any one , they are supreme . Great is your leela Bhagwaan Vishnu...
IN LANKA
Raavan is awake early , and spots mandodari sitting by his side , with some food and medicines
He sees his wounds being dressed up already , probably this was done when he was asleep
Raavan : Mandodari , I am sorry for reacting the way I did yesterday , And I need to opologise to my son as well , I reacted very rudely to all of you
Mandodari : Megnath was here all night swami , and it was him who dressed your wounds , you know it was the first time I saw a tear in his eyes .
Raavan : I need to see him now
Mandodari : He must be in his chambers , asleep after being awake all night
Both reach Megnath's Room , but find him nowhere , instead find a Note on the table that Read
" Pitashree , I am leaving Lanka and going to Guru Shukracharya for learning all Asuri Vidya . It's a promise of a son to his father , that I wont show you my face till I take revenge from the Man who insulted you "
Kumkum Bhagya
