This below scene had me in tears literally.
Lakshman had just entered Ram and Sita's sitting room. He wore the same attire that
his elder brother and sister-in-law did: one of a forest hermit.
Lakshman dared Sita with determination blazing in his eyes. I'm coming, Bhabhi.'
Lakshman...' pleaded Ram.
You will not survive without me, bro,' said Lakshman. I'm not letting you go
without me.'
Ram laughed. It's touching to see the faith my family has in me. No one seems to trust
me to be able to keep myself alive.'
Lakshman laughed too, but turned serious in a flash. You're free to laugh or cry about
it, brother. But I am coming with you.'
An excited Urmila greeted Lakshman as he entered his private chamber. She was
dressed in simple, yet fashionable attire. Her dhoti and blouse were dyed in the common
colour brown, but an elegant gold border ran along its edges. She wore simple, modest
gold jewellery, unlike what she normally favoured.
Come, my darling,' said Urmila, smiling with childlike enthusiasm. You must see
this. I have single-handedly supervised the packing and most of it is done already.'
Packing?' asked a surprised Lakshman, with a fond smile.
Yes,' said Urmila, taking his hand and pulling him into the wardrobe room. Two
massive trunks made of teak were placed in the centre. Urmila quickly opened both.
This one has my clothes and that one has yours.'
Lakshman stood nonplussed, not knowing how to react to his innocent Urmila.
She pulled him into their bed chamber, where lay another trunk, packed and ready. It
was full of utensils. A small container in one corner caught her attention. Urmila opened
it to reveal small packets of spices. See, the way I understand it, we should be able to
get meat and vegetables easily in the jungle. But spices and utensils will be difficult.
So...'
Lakshman stared at her, bemused and a trifle dismayed.
Urmila moved towards him and embraced her husband, smiling fondly. I will cook the
most divine meals for you. And for Sita Didi and Ram Jijaji also, of course. We will
return fat and healthy from our fourteen-year holiday!'
Lakshman returned his wife's embrace gently; her head reached his muscular barrelchest.
Holiday?
He looked down at his excited wife, who was obviously trying very hard to make the
best of what was a bewildering situation for her. She has been a princess all her life.
She assumed that she would be living in an even more luxurious palace in Ayodhya.
She is not a bad soul. She just wants to be a good wife. But is it right of me, her
husband, to agree to her following me into the jungle, even if she wants to do so? Isn't
it my duty to protect her, just like it is my duty to protect my Ram Dada?
She will not last a day in the jungle. She won't.
A heavy weight settled on Lakshman's heart as it became obvious what he had to do.
But he knew he must do so gently so it would not break his Urmila's tender heart.
Keeping one arm around her, he raised her chin with his other hand. Urmila gazed at
him lovingly with her childlike innocence. He spoke tenderly, I'm worried, Urmila.'
Don't be. We'll handle it together. The forest will be...'
It's not about the forest. I'm worried about what will happen here, in the palace.'
Urmila arched her spine and threw her head back so she could get a better look at her
extremely tall husband. In the palace?'
Yes! Father's not keeping too well. Chhoti Maa Kaikeyi will be controlling
everything now. And, frankly, I don't think Bharat Dada can stand up to her. My mother
will at least have Shatrughan to look after her. But who will look after Badi Maa
Kaushalya? What will happen to her?'
Urmila nodded. True...'
And if Chhoti Maa Kaikeyi can do this to Ram Dada, can you imagine what she will
do to Badi Maa?'
Urmila's open face was guileless.
Someone has to protect Badi Maa,' Lakshman repeated, as if to drive home his point.
Yes, that's true, but there are so many people in the palace. Hasn't Ram Dada made
any arrangements?' asked Urmila.
Lakshman smiled sadly. Ram Dada is not the most practical of men. He thinks
everyone in the world is as ethical as he is. Why do you think I'm going with him? I need
to protect him.'
Urmila's face fell as she finally understood what Lakshman was trying to say. I'm not
living here without you, Lakshman.'
He pulled his wife close. It will be for a short time, Urmila.'
Fourteen years? No, I'm not...' Urmila burst into helpless tears as she hugged him
tight.
Lakshman eased his hold as he gently raised her chin again. He wiped away her tears.
You are a Raghuvanshi now. We hold duty above love; we uphold honour, even at the
cost of happiness. This is not a matter of choice, Urmila.'
Don't do this, Lakshman. Please. I love you. Don't leave me.'
I love you too, Urmila. And I cannot force you to do anything you don't want to do. I
am only requesting you. But before you give me your answer, I want you to think of
Kaushalya Maa. Think of the love she has showered upon you over the last few days.
Didn't you tell me that after a long time, you felt as if you had a mother again, in
Kaushalya Maa? Doesn't she deserve something in return?'
Urmila burst out crying and embraced Lakshman tightly again.
A cool evening breeze blew through the palace at the fifth hour of the third prahar, as
Sita walked towards Lakshman and Urmila's private chambers. The guards immediately
stood at attention. As they turned to announce her, they were halted by a pensive
Lakshman emerging from the chambers. Sita felt a lump in her throat as she looked at his
face.
I'll sort this out,' said Sita sternly, as she attempted to walk past him and enter her
sister's chambers.
Lakshman stopped her, holding her hand with a pleading expression in his eyes. No,
Bhabhi.'
Sita looked at her giant brother-in-law, who suddenly seemed so vulnerable and alone.
Lakshman, my sister listens to me. Trust me"'
No, Bhabhi,' interrupted Lakshman, shaking his head. Forest life will not be easy.
We will face death every day. You know that. You are tough, you can survive. But she
is...' Tears welled up in his eyes. She wanted to come, Bhabhi, but I don't think she
should. I convinced her not to... This is for the best.'
Lakshman...'
This is for the best, Bhabhi,' repeated Lakshman, almost as though he was convincing
himself. This is for the best.'
Current Affairs
