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Sulochana was standing with the aarti thali. Mandodari stood by her side. Indrajith was going to do the homa and then fight the most important battle of his life. The man on whom Indrajith has used the Brahmastra has survived. Sulochana's eyes didn't betray the fear she was feeling. She started doing the aarti.
Lakshman got ready. This was the do or die battle. The man who had defeated Indra had to be defeated today, if they were supposed to win the war. He went to Ram to take his blessings. As he was walking he remembered the aarti Urmila took. Yes she should have given him the Vijay thilak today. His Urmila. He closed his eyes.
Urmila woke up early, dressed and came to Mahadev mandir kept by Sumitra. Sumitra was already there. As she was about to take the aarti thali, Urmila asked " Mata can I do the aarti of Mahadev today"
Sumitra smiled at her DIL. Urmila never asked anything. She was always understanding others and selflessly doing her duty. And Sumitra knew why Urmila wanted Aarti thali.
" Putri do the aarti, Mahadev can never turn away from you. Let your wish be fulfilled". Urmila touched Sumitra's feet and Sumitra blessed her.
Sulochana finished the aarti. She gave the sword to her husband and then was trying to put Vijaythilak. Indrajith could see his wife's hands were shaking as she took the vermillion. He shouted
" Cowardly lady don't put Vijay thilak on me like this. I am better off without this. Before she could say something Indrajith turned and walked off leaving a teary eyed Sulochana who collapsed in Mandodari's arms.
Urmila finished doing the aarti of Mahadev. And she put a tilak on the Shiv Linga and prayed " Mahadev my heart tells today my husband is going to fight the battle of his life. As a wife I should have done his aarti and put the Vijay thilak. But unfortunately I cannot do it. So Mahadev I have done your aarti and put tilak on you. Take my wishes to my husband. Make him know Urmila is with him. Never away from him." She stood steady and prayed joined by both Sumitra and Sruthakirti.
Lakshman bowed in front of his brother " Bhaiyya bless me to come back victorious"
Ram lovingly put his hand on his brother's head. " Lakshman yes I am blessing you to come back victorious. But understand that real your protection is coming from Mata Sumitra's blessings and Urmila's love. Come back victorious my brother. I have to return the treasure Mata Sumitra and Urmila has entrusted me with " saying this Ram put Vijay thilak on Lakshman.
Lakshman smiled at his brother and once again remembered Urmila, her love and he felt strong inside as if Urmila was just with him, whispering to him to come back victorious.
Lakshman walked out followed by Hanuman, Vibhishan and vanar sena. The battle lines were drawn.
Even when present a man couldn't see his soul, and even while away another carried his soul with him. That was the difference between them and on the decisive battle it made all the difference.
