Aug 18, 2007

Chapter 68: Rama prepares to leave

Manthara distributes sweets saying Bharat’s gonna become Yuvraj. Lakshman overhears and shouts at her, who goes off. Rama sees this. He says that its inappropriate behavior, against a daasi from a rajkumar like himself. A prince should endure such tests of patience and never lose patience. Rama tells all to L, who is shocked. He tells that he is gonna revolt.

Rama tells that orders from parents are never to be disobeyed. [But D said “Don’t go” to Rama!] Rama says its rare to give back pleasure to parents and he feels happy to return the pleasure to his father who has given Rama so much of riches, by executing his promise to KK.

Sita comes to Kau and seeks permission to go to forest with Rama. Kau refuses. Rama arrives. He too refuses. After all, it is to Rama that KK has informed and not to Sita. But Sita points out that she is half of Rama (ardhaangi) and hence he should not be going to forest alone as his other half would still be in palace! Sita says the horror of forest with Rama is better than palace without Rama. Kau initially proclaiming that she would become alone if Sita goes off finally yields as she would have done the same thing if she were in her position. But Rama and Sita seek blessings and prep for departure.

L tells his mom about the latest happenings. She is shocked. How could this happen to such a happy family (raghukul)? How could KK who loved Rama so much send him to forest for 14 yrs? She speaks to Kau and informs her of her wish to protest. Kau forbids her. Says that its not right on the part of womenfolk to question what the king orders and the son does. So be it. So be it.

Bharat and 4th bro at KK’s place receive info that Rama’s becoming Yuvraj (msngr had left prior to latest happenings). KK King hurt that its Rama and not Bharat. B is overjoyed. He tells KK King that whatever happens to any one of them, all feel the same level of happiness and sadness. They decide to consult the doc on KK King’s health and then decide about visiting Yuvraj ceremony.

D mumbles and mutters Rama’s name in pain. KK shuts him off. Bharat is becoming yuvraj and king unhappy. She spates in anger. D scolds her saying the least she can do is just shut up!

Rama gets set to go. Aashirwad from all moms. He is draped in simple apparel, minus all royal jewelry. His robe is the same he used to have as student which he had requested from his guru's wife. Same with Sita except for hairclip that was, seeing whom Rama is sad. Sita says that hairclip she will keep because Kaikeyi gave it to her (Indra's) on oath that she should always keep it.

L wants to come. His mom is glad that there will be company for Rama now that Lakshman will be with him. Lakshman is all praise for such a mom. Rama says no but agrees that Rama cannot without his shadow (L) but only if L’s wife gives go-ahead. Urmila cries, but lets him go. She wants to come too but L says no because L is going as a servant for Rama and a servant cannot take his family with his master. Urmila also promises that she wont ask for any happiness that you wont get in the forest. L is very happy and is proud of her.

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