SitaPate, MythiliPriya, JanakiVallabha Rama- A three shot (Completed)

A beautiful smile donned the face of the beautiful man, as He stood on the dark balcony, His moon-like face shining with the effect of the moon's rays and His own inner radiance. Tall and well built, His face was perfectly shaped, with a sharp nose, full, red lips and a perfect jawline. His Lotus eyes shone with love and compassion that seemed Eternal. Yet, as the young man looked at the moon, His heart seemed to dance to its own rhythm, and thudded in His chest. The same man who had always been calm and serene, had become completely restless and dazed, ever since He had seen the beautiful Mythili, the Princess Sita Janaki. Seeing her had awoken feelings in Him that He remembered His Maas had taught Him and His brothers as Sringara Rasa. Without doubt, He knew that what He felt for the Princess, the Queen of His heart was that. Not knowing what to do, He walked towards the Shiva Mandir, knowing that in the presence of the idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma, He will find peace.

In deep prayer, Rama smiled. He knew that His worried were for no reason, and that when the time came, Vaidehi would be His. Maybe she already was. Radiance shone around Him, as He transcended to a level beyond human comprehension. His conscience entered the conscience of Lord Vishnu, and in that second, He knew. He knew that the events of the next day would turn around, and that He would be the one to lift the bow and marry the Princess of Mithila. And Lakshmana will be a catalyst of sorts. Shaking His head, He got up, and after praying deeply to Lords Brahma and Shiva, He walked towards the Ashram, deep in thought about His interpretation of various instances that had happened so far.

Suddenly, He heard a gasp, and looked up, meeting the eyes of the woman who had stolen His every thought and vision, and replaced it with images of her own. He looked at her, watching the range of emotions that her Lotus eyes, and her youthful face displayed. He could sense her pure love, her longing to talk to Him, her need to ask Him to win the Swayamvara. He knew that she loved Him, the way He did her.

"Janaknandini", said Rama, smiling tenderly as He saw her startled gaze on Him.

"Dasharathnandan", said she, folding her hands, and looking down at the ground shyly.

"How come you are here, Devi? In the dark night?", asked Rama, softly.

"I couldn't sleep. Due to that, I came to see Maa Gauri and Maa Vaani, and was just returning to the palace, as I met you", said Sita, shyness overcoming her heart.

"Neither could I, Rajkumari, said Rama. "I came to see Lord Shiva Shankara and Lord Brahma for the very same reason

"Oh", said Sita, curiously looking at Him, almost in askance of why He was unable to sleep.

"I was lost in something that has been my only thought since I came to Mithila", said Rama, smiling gently.

"That must be a serious thought", said Sita, letting her curiosity speak for her, instead of her shyness.

"It is indeed. It is of my future", said Rama. "Whether I will get what I want, or whether I will spend my life lost without"

"Sita Jiji!"

Urmila's voice stopped Sita's reply. Sighing, and shaking her head at her sister, Sita said, "May the Gods bless you with what you want, Raghunandan"

Saying thus, Sita rushed towards Urmila, throwing a last glance at Rama, before disappearing into the palace.

Rama smiled. His confidence had been further boosted by the one person whose word He had needed. Now, nothing could stop Him from getting what He needed.

The next day morning, Rama, with a smile of melancholy, strung His bow, checking it mechanically. His usual loving activity had been replaced with visions of the daughter of Rajrishi Janaka, and all He thought of was the garland she would have in her hands, and His wish that she garlands Him.

"Bhaiya!"

The joyous voice of Lakshmana automatically gave Rama a smile. Lakshmana's joy gave Rama the greatest happiness in the world.

"Lakhan, Lakhan, slow down", said Rama, laughing. "Why are you so excited this early in the morning?"

"I had a wonderful dream Bhaiya! That's why", said Lakshmana,

grinning.

"And does this dream have anything to do with the second daughter of Rajarishi Janaka, Rajkumari Urmila?", asked Rama, a sly smile on His face, though His eyes gleamed with practiced innocence.

"Bhaiya! No!", said Lakshmana. "But it does have to do with you and the elder Janaknandini, Sita Bhabhi"

"You have already decided she is your Bhabhi?", asked Rama.

"Yes Bhai. I can see her love for you, and your love for her. I sincerely pray to Lord Shankara, requesting Him to bring you both together", said Lakshmana.

"And what does this have to do with your dream?", asked Rama.

"Everything. I dreamt that you strung the bow, and that Bhabhi garlanded you", said Lakshmana.

"Laal, we can't get ahead of ourselves. The King did invite us to the Swayamvara, but till Gurudeva asks us to go, we can't go", said Rama, softly.

"Then can we go ask Gurudeva?", asked Lakshmana. "I know he won't say no. He knows all, Bhai"

"Yet Laal. Gurudeva has to first come, and tell us what he wants us to do. If there is nothing, then we can ask him", said Rama.

"Is it because we are under him, as his students? And he comes first for us?", asked Lakshmana.

"Exactly, Laal. He is our parent as well as our Guru right now. And as long as he is with us, his orders come first", said Rama.

"As you say Bhai", said Lakshmana, smiling.

"And I say, you both come to the Swayamavara Sabha with me", came a gruff voice from behind the brothers.

"Gurudeva!", said the brothers together, touching his feet.

"Ayushman Bhava! Vijayi Bhava!", said Brahmarishi Vishwamitra. "I want both of you to come with me to the Swayamvara hall. The miraculous Pinaka you must see"

"As you wish Gurudeva", said Rama, smiling and getting His bow ready. He was going to attend the Swayamvara, after all!