Rama Lakshman Janaki in Exile no-watermark
Filled with hatred and anger, she tore up all the fine clothes she had worn, she pulled out the jewellery and threw them on the floor. And she sat huddled in the corner. The old king came to Kaikeyi chamber to share his happiness, to tell her about the grand preparations for the coronation. But he was upset when he saw the strewn jewelry and the torn clothes. And when he saw his dear queen in tears he was puzzled. He gently wiped her tears and asked her “o, my precious one! Why are you angry? I love you very dearly. Tell me. Why are you so upset?” Kaikeyi grabbed this opportunity. “Will you grant me the two wishes due to me long ago?” she asked. Have no doubt, dear” said the king. “I swear on Rama that I will keep up my word.” Feeling bold, Kaikeyi demanded ‘’ my first wish is that Bharatha should be crowned the king. To fulfill my second wish, Rama should live in the forest like a hermit for fourteen years. Grant me these wishes right now. Otherwise, I will end my life.”
King Dasharatha could not believe his own ears. He was horrified that Kaikeyi could be so mean and ruthless. “Are you playing a joke on me “he asked her? “No, I am very serious”, Kaikeyi said, laughing crudely. The king was shocked. He fainted. After a while, he regained his consciousness and pleaded with her “Kaika, give up your wishes. What you ask for is totally unfair. You have always told me that you love Rama as your son. Bharatha has been very devoted to Rama and when he comes to know of your treachery, he will never forgive you. Don’t Kaika, don’t! Give up such dangerous thoughts. I cannot bear to be separated from Rama. Don’t inflict this agony upon me in my old age. If you insist, I will crown Bharatha as the king but please do not banish my Rama to the forest”.
King Dasahratha just could not control his emotions and wept bitterly. Kaikeyi was unmoved. She did not want Rama in Ayodhya because she felt that only then Bharatha would be able to gain the love and respect of the people of Ayodhya. So she was adamant. “Keep up your word” she insisted. The king went pale anxiety. Rama was born as a result of yagna and that too, after being childless for a very long time. How could Dasahratha betray such a precious son? Why was Kaikeyi behaving in such a wicked manner? Who provoked her into this? Tormented with these thoughts, the king again tries to change Kaikeyi mind “Kaika, are you angry that I decided on Rama’s coronation without telling you? If so, please forgive me. I beg of you. Agree to this coronation. People, will love and respect you for this. Kaikeyi did not budge. Dashratha spent that night in Kaikeyi chamber, pleading with her, begging her and crying for mercy. The morning dawned. The city of Ayodhya wore a gay look. People were getting ready to take part in the coronation ceremony. Vashishta and other sages were busy with rituals. Manthara, the minister, who was told that the king was in Kaikeyi chamber, reached the room, only to find the king in a sad state. Kaikeyi stopped him from talking to the king and ordered him “Sumatra, go and fetch Rama here. I want to talk to him.” Sumatra conveyed this message to Rama and Rama reached Kaikeyi’s chamber immediately.
On seeing him, the old king just could not control his tears and cried out “Rama! My dearest son Rama!” “Mother, why is father looking so pale and grief-stricken? Have I caused him any anguish?” asked Rama politely. Kaikeyi told him about her two wishes and about the king’s reluctance to agree to them. Without any hesitation Rama at once agreed to carry out her wishes “Mother, you want me to live in the forest like a hermit. Is that all? I will do anything for you. I will leave to-day itself. Bharatha is my brother. I will be happiest person to see him as the king. I will sacrifice even my life to him.” Rama continued and said in a very calm voice. “For such a minor matter, I do not want to see my dear father unhappy. Please console him and please summon Bharatha to Ayodhya at once.”