Ayodhya's Princess, Chapter 9- 19/9 - Page 15

Originally posted by: babita..

Shrutha 🤗

Originally posted by: KanhaKiChutki

Res chhe! 😆

Originally posted by: KrishnaPriyaa

Here you all go :)

This chapter focuses on Shri Rama and Urmila 😳

LITTLE SISTER

Urmila walked apprehensively towards her Ram Bhaiya's chamber, though with every step, she was more determined to see Him and talk to Him. She wanted to be there for Him more than anything. Her Lord had given her a heartbroken and grief struck look, and had rushed in the direction of Bharat Bhaiya's chambers. At times like this, it was always Bharat Bhaiya he needed. She could well imagine his hurt. Sita Jiji was a mother to him, his darling Ma, for whom he would go against even Ram Bhaiya for. He had to leave her in the forest. If her husband was in this state, she didn't want to imagine what state her Ram Bhaiya will be in. But knowing Him, He won't grieve to anyone but her husband. And Arya was with Bharat Bhaiya. A fierce, sisterly protection for the Lord of Ayodhya filled Urmila. She wanted her Ram Bhaiya to know she will always be there, as a sister and friend, to listen to Him. Anytime He needed someone.

She neared His chambers, slowly but surely, getting ready with something to tell the guards, when they had to announce her. But to her surprise, the heavy doors were open, and the corridor was deserted. Had Ram Bhaiya sent them away? Still a little apprehensive, but her stubborn nature pushing her, Urmila stepped into the chambers.

The first thing she noticed was a grass mat on the floor. Ram Bhaiya was going to renounce everything with Jiji. Sadness filled her being, but so did anger. How could the praja do this to their beloved Rama? Can't they see how hurt He will be without His Sita? Her eyes searched for Him, and finally found Him standing by the balcony, staring at the moon.

She silently went and stood next to Him, knowing that He knew she was here, and that he was waiting for her to talk.

"Ram Bhaiya", started Urmila. The slight turn of His body showed her that He was listening. Always the listener was He! Even in the time of deep hurt and distress, He would help everyone and think of everyone. Such a man had they hurt.

"I understand"

Those two words from Urmila made Him turn to look at her, his little sister.

"I shouldn't be surprised that you do. You are your Jiji's soul", said Raghuvar.

"You once told me, Urmila, I live in the Praja. What they say is what I should understand and follow. I should act in accordance with them'", said Urmila.

"I did, yes", said Raghuvar.

"And hence, you took the decision. Your Raj Dharma made you take it. But another important thing did", said Urmila.

"And what is that, sister?", asked Raghuvar.

"Jiji. You wanted her dignity to be protected, didn't you?", said Urmila. "The world can point fingers at you, but not at Jiji. And Jiji understood you too well. She knows her Lord"

"And you seem to know me as well", said Lord Rama, a small smile playing on His lips.

"I am your sister, am I not? You know Bhaiya?", asked Urmila.

"Tell me sister", said Raghunandan.

"You love and trust your praja the most, but..", said Urmila, tears gathering in her eyes.

"My praja don't have the same kind of trust. In the end, they don't see that their accusations on Sita has pierced their Rama horribly, making Rama separate from His breath", said Lord Rama, closing His Lotus eyes.

Urmila nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Don't cry sister. This is my fault, one way or the other", said Raghuvar.

"Bhaiya!", said Urmila.

"urmi, listen to me. Sita and I have to undergo this separation, for you and Lakshman underwent separation because of me", said Raghunath.

"No Bhaiya. We got separated due to Destiny", said Urmila, firmly.

"You are a lot like Vaidehi", said Raghava.

"And that is why I am here. Bhaiya, if you ever need anything at all, please come to this little sister? She would love to help you out, even if it is to just sit and not talk", said Urmila.

"I will never forget Urmi", said Lord Rama, His brotherly love for Urmila increasing every second.

Urmila smiled, greeted Him, and turned to walk to the door. Suddenly, she stopped, turned and said, "And Ram Bhaiya?"

"Urmi?"

"The children growing in my womb are your children"

Smiling at Him, she walked to her chambers.

Lord Rama smiled. Urmila was indeed Sita's soul.

Three years later...

Shri Rama paced His chambers, waiting for His sons to make an appearance. They were Urmila and Lakshman's, yes, but in His heart, they were His sons as well. They were His joy and happiness in these days when He lived without Sita and their children. As were Taksh, Pushkal, Subahu and Shrutsen. But ever since they were babies, Angad and Chitraketu always came to him first. Almost always. When he was busy, they went to Lakshman. Urmila and Lakshman didn't mind either. They loved that Raghukul Bhushan was this close to their sons.

"Jyesht Pitashree!"

Angad and Chitraketu rushed into the room, promptly jumping into Raghuveer's waiting arms. Lord Rama cuddled them in His arms, feeling the unconditional love only children are capable of giving.

"Jyesht Pitashree", said Angad.

"Tell me son", said Raghuvar, affectionately.

"Matashree and Pitashree have news for you", said Chitraketu.

"And do you know what the news is?", asked Raghunath, shaking His head at the twins.

"No Jyesht Pitashree. Matashree said that you had to know first", said Angad.

"Did she now?", asked Raghunandan.

"I did, Ram Bhaiya", said Urmila, walking into the chambers, Lakshman with her.

"What is going on?", asked Raghunayak.

"Well, we have good news for you", said Urmila, glowing.

"And that is?", asked Lord Rama, though guessing what it was.

The couple exchanged a look, smiled at each other, and then Lakshman said, "In about eight months, you will become a Jyesht Pitashree again"

The smile on Lord Rama's face grew. Jyesht Pitashree again. The joy was increasing.

If only you were here Sitae', He thought. Shaking off the memories, He looked at Angad and Chitraketu, both hugging Urmila tightly. He smiled at Lakshman, who smiled back, both understanding that they need Sita, yet not saying it.

Eight months later...

An odd sight was seen in the King's chambers. Rajkumar Lakshman was sitting calmly, along with Rajkumars Bharat and Shatrughan, while the King of Ayodhya, Raja Ramachandra, was pacing. His love for His kid sister was obvious.

"Congratulations sons"

Ma Sumitra walked in to the room.

"Mata!"

The four brothers fell at her feet.

"Urmila has given birth to a baby girl", said Ma Sumitra.

"A baby girl?", asked Lakshman, eyes filled with tears.

Lord Rama's eyes closed. This little girl would be quite a bit like Sita, His heart told Him.

"Here she is", said Ma Kausalya, entering the room with the little girl in her arms, followed by Ma Kaikeyi. She handed the baby to Lakshman, who took her and cradled her lovingly. Slowly, he walked towards Lord Rama, and said, "Bhaiya, your daughter"

Shri Rama took the baby in His arms, staring at her moon-like face. She opened her eyes, and big, almond eyes stared at Him. He was captivated. This little girl, whose face shone like the moon had His heart completely.

"I want to call her Somada, for she is like the cool moon in this Sun Dynasty", declared Lord Rama, kissing little Somada on her forehead.

Originally posted by: KrishnaPriyaa

Hi all :)

Don't kick me for the creative liberty here 😛😆😆

Enjoy reading, and do review :)

EARLY YEARS

Shri Rama was distracted, even as He did His work to perfection. He was worried about three month old Somada, who had fallen sick. He knew that it was normal for children. All the boys had also fallen sick. Yet, Somada was their angel, and a girl also. The overprotectiveness that fathers feel for daughters is more. He was always with her when He wasn't busy with work as the King of Ayodhya. He could never forget the first day He heard her giggle. He had been walking with her in His arms, humming lightly, when she giggled delightfully. He shared a special connection with the little girl. He felt like she was Sita's gift to him in a way, for Somada already reminded him a lot of Sita.

"Ram Bhaiya"

Raghunandan turned to see Lakshman standing at the door, smiling lightly at Him.

"Lakshman. Is Somada okay? Will she be?", asked He, franctically. Lakshman couldn't help but smile at the love his eldest brother had for his daughter.

"She is fine Bhaiya. The fever broke. Mila sent me here to inform you first. She said that Somada's Jyesht Pitashree has been waiting for this", said Lakshman.

"I have", said Shri Rama. "Can we go see her?"

"We can, Bhaiya", said Lakshman, tears forming in his eyes when he saw Shri Rama rush out.

Mata', he thought silently. Bhaiya shouldn't be separated from you or his child/children. What has fate done?'

In Valmiki Ashram...

Sita smiled sadly hearing her son's voice.

"Putra", she said softly. "Fate wants the world to learn something from all of us Ayodhyavasis. And that we will have to teach, taking its course"

7-8 months after that...

Shri Rama was playing with Somada, sitting on the floor. Somada was his joy and relaxation. She brought peace, and reduced his pain of separation from Sita. He loved seeing her play around happily. He knew she loved Nature as well. His Somada was a lot like her Jyesht Matashree.

"Bhaiya"

He turned to see Urmila sit next to Him, smiling at Him sweetly.

"Urmila"

"Spending time with your daughter?", asked Urmila, grinning.

"I can't imagine time without her", said Raghuvar. Urmila and Lakshman had gone out of the way, understaning his need for children, and allowing him to treat their own children as his. Bharat and Shatrughan did the same. He felt that they let him take the major decisions regarding the children for they wanted him to have the joy of a family as well. And they were. The six sons and one daughter were his lifeline. They taught him how to be a father.

His eyes caught movement from Somada's direction. He looked at her, only to see the most wondrous sight ever. Somada, holding her toy elephant, was standing up. She left the elephant, yet her balance stayed. She gurgled at him, eyes wide. What other things she had inherited from Urmila He didn't know, but those wide eyes were definitely an Urmila trait.

She took one shaky step forward. Raghunath wanted to scoop Somada in His arms and keep her there, but He knew that she had to learn. Without learning, what is life? Life is a journey of continuous learning in the various roles one plays.

Raghunandan stretches His arms out for Somada, and the little girl, making that as her target, took quick shaky steps and fell straight on His lap. Shri Rama cuddled the little girl, placing a soft kiss to her head.

Urmila smiled seeing the scene. Her princess had a guardian, the best guardian anyone can ever have, her Jyest Pitashree, the King of Ayodhya. Her eyes met her husband's, who had been watching the scene from the doorway.

Both Urmila and Lakshman's eyes had pain, both missing Sita, and both hurt for Raghunandan. Oh fate! Why the separation of two loving hearts?

2 years later...

Shri Rama was discussing with His ministers the state of affairs, when He heard the sound of delightful anklets. Those anklets could belong to only one person. What was she...

"Jyesht Pitashree!"

"Somada!", said King Rama.

Somada toddled inside the hall, and walked straight up to the throne.

"What are you doing here, little one?", asked Lord Rama, lifting her up gently.

"I wanted to attend Raj Darbaar with you", said Somada, with wide eyes.

"Do you now?", asked Lord Rama.

"Yes Jyest Pitashree. Can I? I promise to be silent", said Somada.

"Of course you can", said Lord Rama, and continued the discussion with His minsters, with Somada on His lap. Somada listened intently, learning like this.

The three Rajmatas looked at the scene with love, while Mandavi and Shrutakirti were shocked by how much like Urmila Somada was. When they were young, Urmila also used to run like that to Rajrishi Janaka's discussions, with the three of them following her serenely.

In Urmila and Lakshman's chambers...

"Swami", said Urmila, calling out to a distracted Lakshman.

"Mila?", asked Lakshman, startled.

"What are you thinking of?", asked Urmila.

"How much Somada would have learnt from Sita Mata", said Lakshman.

"That is true Swami", said Urmila. "Jiji would have given her sons to us three, and taken all the other kids under her wing"

"I miss her, Urmila", said Lakshman, quietly.

Urmila, sensing that he needed her to be there and support him rather than talk, pulled him into a tight hug, offering him silent support. Lakshman's tears fell on her dress, and her own eyes closed, trying to desperately control the tears she wanted to shed.

Miles away...

A beautiful woman cried, as she watched her sons play outside the cottage. She could feel her Lord, her son and her soul. They all missed her as she missed them.

A year later...

Shri Rama stared at Sita's jewel box. On this day, on this very same day, He knew she would be decked up in grand clothes, welcoming Him with a thali, wishing Him for His birthday. But He didn't have her with Him. She was far away, as was He. Yet, their love grew stronger, for He could feel and understand everything she was going through.

"Jyesht Pitashree"

He turned with a smile lighting His lips, when He felt a whirlwind hugs Him tightly around the waist. He hugged her back, laughing at her insistent tightening of arms around Him.

"Happy Birthday"

Somada fell at His feet, and said, "Jyesht Pitashree, on this day, I want a blessing from you"

"Tell me, little one", said Lord Rama, lifting her up.

"Bless me that I will be like my Jyest Mata Sita. Bless me that I will have the kind of strength she had and has to face everything thrown at her, bless me with that kind of patience and tolerance", asked Somada.

Shri Rama's Lotus eyes filled with tears. He raised His hand in blessing, and said, "Tathastu!"

Originally posted by: KrishnaPriyaa

Here you all are :)

Chapter 3 :)

THE PRINCESS

Somada twirled under the sun, in the beautiful meadow. Her three mothers had brought her here. Her eyes took in her three mothers, laughing and chatting about small stories. Yet, there was an indescribable sadness that hung around them. The almost six year old girl was extremely sharp like her Jyesht Mata Sita in that way. She wanted to know what the sadness was, but she didn't want to be impertinent when asking. Instead, she decided to make the three of them laugh.

For the three sisters, it was rare for them to have time together. Between juggling the household affairs, to helping out with administration and raising the kids, as well as taking care of the three mothers, they didn't have time to spend together. Due to this, the three mothers and four brothers had pushed them to spend a day together, with Somada. Suddenly, Urmila felt a weight on her back. Her daughter was clinging to her.

"Matashree!"

"Somada!", giggled Mandavi, the expression on Urmila's face making Mandavi find the situation funny.

"Why are you giggling, sister?", asked Urmila, narrowing her eyes.

"Your expression", said Mandavi.

"Is that so?", asked Urmila.

Somada jumped off Urmila, and promptly laid her head on Shrutakirti's lap.

"It is so", continued Mandavi.

The two sisters looked at one another, before Mandavi ran, and Urmila chased her, both of them playing a game they always did till they came to Ayodhya.

Shrutakirti admired the clever plan of her little niece. She stroked Somada's hair. Somada giggled from her youngest mother's lap, watching two of her mothers play around like little children.

Meanwhile...

Shri Rama was sitting in discussion with Bharat and Shatrughan, when Lakshman rushed into the room, a happy smile on his face. Rejoicing at the sight, Shri Rama asked, "What is it, Lakhan? What has you so happy?"

"Pitashree has sent a letter. He wants to come and visit us and the children, Bhaiya", said an excited Lakshman.

"Pitashree?", the three brothers asked, their demeanour smiling.

Lakshmana nodded excitedly, and said, "Bhaiya, what are you instructions?"

"Give me paper and ink Lakshmana. I will compose a reply back to Pitashree", said Shri Rama.

Lakshman grinned, and followed Raghunandan's orders. Soon, the letter was being sent to Mithila, and the four brothers rejoiced at the fact that Rajarishi Janaka was coming to Ayodhya to visit.

Somada was excited. Her grandfather, Rajarishi Janaka was coming to visit. Along with that, her favourite vanar ever, Hanuman was coming to Ayodhya. She loved running around with him in search of fruits. In her point of view, Hanuman is an amazing uncle. Her father also loved him. All her fathers loved him. Her mother and Hanuman would always prank poor Pitashree. Her Pitashree would prank them back, making it an all out prank war, till either one of her grandmothers, or her Jyesht Pitahsree stop the madness. Usually, it was her Jyesht Pitashree only.

"Little Princess?"

Hanuman's voice made her turn and rush to the gigantic monkey, jumping into his arms, not bothered about the mace he was carrying. For his part, a delighted Hanuman, who by nature loved playing with children, swung Somada around, gently.

"Hanuman Bhaiya, have you seen.. Of course you have. Right after Bhaiya, Somada is why you come to Ayodhya, am I right?", asked Lakshmana, eyes twinkling.

"Of course Lakshman Bhaiya", said Hanuman, laughing, causing Somada to giggle.

"I am offended", said Lakshmana, pretending to be hurt.

"It's okay. As long as little princess isn't", said Hanuman, cuddling her.

Somada's laughter brought life to Lakshmana and Hanuman. A girl child is the delight of the fathers and uncles.

Somada tiptoed as silently as she could, following Hanuman. She did not want any of her mothers to find her like this. They would have a fit when they saw her dress muddy.

"Hanuman? Little one?"

"Prabhu", muttered Hanuman, turning to pay obeisances to Shri Rama.

"Jyest Pitashree", said Somada.

Raghuveer looked at her for a minute, shook His head, and said, "You have inherited both Lakshmana and Urmila's mischievous ways. Come to my chambers. I will ask for a maid to bring clothes for you there and to dress you up there as well"

"Thank you", said Somada, hugging Ayodhyapati tightly.

Raghuvar smiled, and hugged His daughter back. Hanuman's heart felt delighted after seeing this loving encounter.

Somada was comfortably situated between her grandfather and her Jyesht Pitashree, smiling happily.

"Grandfather?", said Somada.

"Child?"

The Rajarishi's wisdom radiated off him.

"Why is it that princesses have to leave their family and go to another one?", asked Somada.

Janaka smiled a little nostalgically, and looked at Urmila, who had tears in her eyes.

"Urmila, what happened?", asked a concerned Kaikeyi.

"Mata", said Urmila, "I asked Pitashree the same question when I was Somada's age"

"And what is the answer, Ma?", asked Somada.

"A woman carries with her the ability to give a new life. A woman is one who gives new life to a place. Due to this, women are sent to their husband's place. The presence of a woman is what will continue a lineage", said Urmila.

"I have a few more questions. May I ask them?", asked Somada.

"Of course, little one", said Shri Rama, patting Somada's head.

"How must a princess be?", asked Somada.

"Well mannered, modest and shy, yet she must not have a problem with expressing her opinion", said Mandavi.

"But there is a right time and a right place and a right person to do that to", said Urmila. "Your four fathers, your grandfather, Hanuman Bhaiya will all listen, but the world won't"

"Why not the others though?", asked Somada.

"The world always sees in a way such that everything is a woman's fault", said Shrutakirti.

"But that isn't fair. Will the world blame Ma Durga for killing Mahisahsura? Ma, this is close to hypocrisy. They need women to produce heirs, and then forget these women? Don't they know the power of a woman?", asked an indignant Somada.

"They don't child. That is why they always point fingers at women rather than at men. They make women usable, which is wrong. A woman is to be revered and loved, to be cherished and protected", said Shri Rama, sadly. "Anyway, let's talk about happier stuff. Did you show your grandfather that drawing you made the other day?"

Successfully, Shri Rama changed the topic.

None but Lakshmana noticed the lone tear that rolled down His moon-like face.

Originally posted by: KrishnaPriyaa

Hi all :)

Chapter 4 :) Read and review :)

P.S. I hope this is not too OOC

@Janu- I decided to go the Vandevi way rather than Valmiki 😆

P.S. Next part based on reviews 😆😆

THE APPLE OF THEIR EYE

Somada and Urmila stood at the balcony, staring at the men of the army practice sword fight.

"Ma, this looks interesting", said Somada, eyes shining.

"I said the same when I was seven", said Urmila. "I told Chote Pitashree, and he taught me. In fact, he was so excited that one of us four wanted to learn warfare"

"You are a trained warrior Ma?", asked Somada.

"I am with the sword and spear. I am fairly good with bows and arrows as well", said Urmila. "Ask your Pitashree how much I talk about it. Even he gets tired, and we know how much he loves his weapons"

Somada giggled.

"You and Pa ever fought with weapons Ma?", asked Somada.

"Never. After I became the bride of Raghukul, I was always busy with so much work, or I used to paint or read. I had no time for practicing", said Urmila.

"But do you still remember what you learnt?", asked Somada.

"Like the back of my hand", said Urmila. "Why putri? You want to learn?"

Somada was amazed at how well Urmila knew her. But her brothers always told her that Ma always knows. And though she knew that, she hadn't seen her Ma use it so directly on her.

"Want to go to Arya and Ram Bhaiya?", asked Urmila, a knowing look on her face.

Somada nodded, eyes reflecting the excitement she felt.

Urmila and Somada walked into Shri Rama's chambers, where He was sitting and talking to His brothers.

"Somada?", asked Lord Rama. "And Urmi. What is going on?"

"Why does everyone think that we need something?", asked Urmila, pouting at Raghuvar.

"I know that look on your face", said Lord Rama, raising an eyebrow.

"Well..", started Somada. "I want all four of your permission for this"

"Tell us, putri", said Lakshman, placing a hand on her head.

Somada exchanged a look with Urmila, and put forward her preposition.

Shri Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna looked on with love and pride, as they watched Somada follow her mother's instructions on sword fighting perfectly. She mirrored Urmila's actions. They knew it was a good decision on their part to allow Urmila to train Somada. It was the wish of the four of them to teach Somada warfare as well. Silently, Raghuraj made a decision of recruiting Lakshman to help him teach Somada dhanush bhan, while Bharat and Ripudaman will be showing Somada their own skills with a sword.

Somada for her part was having a great time learning techniques for sword fight. She followed her mother, and parried and defended, attacked and moved back. She felt like she was dancing. One had to feel light when fighting with a sword. Additionally, a person's best sword fight can be put up only when the sword one used was a balanced sword. Her mother and father's basic lessons on sword fight were ingrained in her head.

After practicing for more than an hour, mother and daughter took a break and sat under the shade of a tree.

"Ma?", asked Somada, hesitantly.

"Child?", asked Urmila, a gentle smile on her lovely face.

"I know that you and Pa were separated for fourteen years. But how is your love so intact for each other, even though you didn't see each other for that long a time?", asked Somada.

"That is true love, Somada. It didn't matter whether Arya was physically there with me or not, mentally, he was with me and I was with him. I am his strength and he is my support. That is how it has to be with husbands and wives, Purush and Prakriti. Every woman is Prakriti for her husband, for he is her Purush. Your father and my love is like this. You know how the sea has waves and it ends at the shore. That is how our love is. It is endless and eternal, we love each other more by the second", said Urmila.

"Ma, you are so confident about Pa's love for you", said Somada. "I wonder if there is anyone else other than the three of you Mas and the three of you Pas who are"

"Four Mas, Somada. Your Jyesht Mata Sita and your Jyesht Pitahsree had a love beyond all this. They can feel the other, they go through what the other goes through. Their love is Love, they are the name of Love. They are called SiyaRam because of that. I will tell you something. Your Jyesht Mata will be feeling all the love your Jyest Pitaji feels for you", said Urmila.

"Really Ma?", asked Somada, wide eyed.

"Really putri. Now what say you for another round of techniques?", asked Urmila, already getting up.

Somada could see that her mother was trying to divert herself. This topic hurt her mother. But she wanted to know. Her curiosity will get the better of her.

Somada sat on the lowest tree branch, deep in thought.

Lakshmana and Hanuman looked at the little girl and were surprised. She was always running around, dancing whenever in Nature, and right now, all they could see was a distracted Somada. What had gotten into her?

"Child?"

Lakshman's voice jerked Somada out of her deep thoughts.

"Pa?"

"What happened?", asked Lakshman, gently.

"Ma told me about Jyesht Mata Sita", said Somada. "Not much, but simply that Jyesht Mata and Jyesht Pitashree were the very definition of Love"

"They were", said Lakshmana, softly, tears forming in his eyes.

Somada, perceptive of the hurt in her father, decided to question this another time. She said, "That's all I wanted to know. Let's go? I want to go see Jyesht Pitahsree"

Lakshmana and Hanuman smiled at each other. They both knew that her questions will come soon, but for the time being, they will let her take things her pace.

Miles and miles away..

In Valmiki Ashram...

"They say that Somada, the daughter of Rajkumar Lakshmana and Rajkumari Urmila is exactly like her Jyesht Mata Devi Sita, with a tinge of her parents as well", said Maharishi Valmiki, smiling at Vandevi, who loved hearing about all this.

"Really Gurudev?", asked Luv, excited.

"What relationship does she have with Ayodhyapati?", asked Kush, even more excited.

"It is said that she is his daughter", said Maharishi Valmiki. "He loves her unconditionally, and she loves him back equally. She is always talking about her Jyesht Pitashree. Always. She adores Him, and respects everything He says and does"

Vandevi's eyes were filled with tears. Her Raghuveer had gotten someone who would love Him unconditionally. In her heart she knew that as much as Raghunandan was taking care of Somada, Somada was also taking care of Raghunandan.

Originally posted by: Shivam...

Simply Awesome😃

Originally posted by: lexy_rix

The God-devotee aspect has been covered wonderfully. 😊

The painful of episode of the haran 😭