Guys, this is a new drabble, which I've divided into three parts. This one is Urmila centric, though Lakshman is mentioned here and there. This is basically before the Haldi ceremony, right after Bharat and Shatrughan come to Mithila.
REALIZATIONS
Urmila hummed to herself, as she ran across the
palace. Due to her speed, without realizing it, she crashed into someone.
"Urmila, why are you running across the palace?",
came the worried voice of her mother.
Looking up, she realized that she had crash-landed
into her father, who was looking at her worried.
"Sorry ma. I just felt like it. I am so excited for
Sita Didi's wedding with Jijashree", said Urmila, silently admonishing herself
for partially lying. She was definitely excited for her big sister's wedding,
but her main reason for this more-than-usual-Urmila behavior was Chote
Dashrathnandan Rajkumar Lakshman. Just the thought of his smile turned towards
her brought a smile to her face.
Janak and Sunaina smiled at her, knowing how much
Urmila loved her Sita Didi. However, along with a smile, Janak was looking at
Urmila strangely. For the past few days, there was something different about
Urmila. She was happier, which was right opposite of what he thought Urmila
would be, with the fact that Sita was leaving Mithila soon. He knew that he and
Sunaina had not paid as much attention to Urmila as they had to her other three
sisters. But then, Urmila had always been mature, and so fiercely independent,
that no one had to actually tell her what to do. She knew exactly what to do
when, even though she is a prankster, and was always upto something. Janak
smiled a little sadly. His gut feeling told him that his Urmila would also be
married soon, sooner than ever.
"What happened, Pitaji?", asked Urmila, worried
seeing the sad look on her father's face.
Janak, unable to restrain himself suddenly, pulled
his daughter into a tight hug. Urmila, though surprised, hugged him back just as
tightly.
Releasing her, Janak said, "I am so proud and
blessed to have you as my daughter, Urmila"
Urmila looked up at him in surprise. What had
brought this on?
Sunaina, who seemed to have sensed Janak's thoughts,
changed the topic, and said, "Putri, do me a favour"
"Ji ma", said Urmila, looking between her parents,
wondering what was actually going on.
"Go to Rishi Yagnavalkya's Ashram with some daasis,
and provide food for the royal family for Ayodhya. As well as for the rishis",
said Sunaina. "After all, you made the food"
"Of course, Ma. I would be happy to", said Urmila.
"Would it be okay if I stay back in the ashram after that? I haven't debated
with Mata Gargi in so long"
"Of course, putri. But come back in time to atleast
have a late lunch", said Janak, ignoring the slightly admonishing look Sunaina
gave him.
"Of course, Pitaji. Chaliye?", she asks the daasis,
and leaves with them, a spring in her step, a lovely smile on her face, making
her look like a Goddess.
Sunaina looks at Janak, and says, "I have a gut
feeling that Urmila will be getting married soon as well"
"It's not just you, Sunaina. I feel it too", said Janak,
sadly, thinking about the precious memories he shared with his daughter.
Urmila entered the ashram, bouncing in happiness.
She first went towards all the rishis, and received their blessings.
"Urmila", said Mata Gargi, affectionately touching
Urmila's head.
"Mata", said Urmila, a sweet smile on her face.
"When are you coming to debate with me?", asked Mata
Gargi.
"As soon as I provide food for Maharaj Dashrath, and
the four princes", said Urmila.
"Of course", said Mata Gargi, smiling at Urmila.
Urmila turned towards the two Brahmarishis, and
after saluting them again, turned to the two Gurumatas, to direct her to the
Ayodhya royalty.
"Putri, they are actually at your favourite part of
the Ashram", said Mata Katyayini.
"They were admiring your paintings on the walls as
well", said Mata Maitreyini.
Urmila smiled, a little shyly, and looked down,
feeling embarrassed.
"Give me leave", she said, bowing to all the rishis
and the Matas.
All of them simultaneously raised their hands in the
form of a blessing for her.
As Urmila walked away, literally skipping, Mata
Gargi realized. There is someone who is making Urmila happy. But who was it? Pondering
over it for a minute, she came to the logical conclusion that it had to be
Rajkumar Lakshman. Lakshman himself also seemed happier. He always had an extra
spring in his step. He seemed to have changed into an even more thoughtful
person. Gargi never thought that that was possible, as Lakshman had been
thoughtful since the time she met him.
'Fire meets fire', thought Mata Gargi, a little
amused. Yet, I have a feeling that instead of clashing, Lakshman and Urmila
will create a kind of warmth that will bring strength to all those that see it'
Brahmarishi Vishwamitra thought, 'Putri Urmila, may
your inner strength, and your sheer will grow manifold by the day; may your
innate curiosity and intellectual nature also grow; may your ability to inspire
strength and happiness always be with you, daughter. It is you who will eventually
bring happiness to all those who surround you. You will succeed in what you
have to, but it will be a long, tough path. Yet, your patience, entwined with
your love, will succeed ultimately'
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