The Princes of Ayodhya-The Ramayan Through Short Stories

Alliance Maker Supreme

Dasharath sat on his large, golden throne, stroking his thick, grey speckled beard, which he was very fond of, thoughtfully. Guru Vashishta sat on the throne right below him, doing the same thing. The queens also sat beside him, and if they had a beard, they would be stroking them as well, for when people stroke their beards, it's usually because they have an imminently important decision to make.

"I think, Rajguru, revered sage, oh great one, that it's time to get our Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughan married off as well. Ram's wife needs some companions over here, and they have come of the age. Doesn't Janak have a daughter and two nieces? Perhaps we could get them married to our princes!" The rajguru looked up as the queens began to talk amongst themselves excitedly.

"I don't see why he would decline!" exclaimed Guru Vashisht. "From what I have learned, their astrology maps match beautifully, and the match is auspicious! Raja Janak and Kushadwaj have both expressed a large interest in allying with Ayodhya!" Dasharath sat up quickly, smiling and stroking his mustache now, proudly.

"Yes, yes, yes! It's perfect, meant to be! I think that our princes and their princesses should get along as well, and we need some activity around here! All the rajkumaris will liven up this place like it wasn't since the princes left for Gurukul. Yes, let's send the message immediately!" Raja Dasharath beamed through his mustache and beard, both dishevelled at this point as the old king rejoiced in his fortunes.

Kaikeyi suddenly sat up. "Bharat will get along very well with his wife, quiet and calm as he is! I think he'll be an ideal husband! And Ram, of course, Ram will get along very well! He is so calm and serene!" Kaushalya nodded along.

"Yes, Kaikeyi, I completely agree. Shatrughan might have some difficulties in the beginning but his wife will never be bored, and his wit will keep her happy. I think our princes are quite civilized, we have taught them well!" Sumitra smiled at the subtle compliment towards her. She was always a bit concerned about her two boys.

"I am very excited for this match." she added. "I always was a little scared that Laksh would never marry. Ram has to, he is the Crown prince, the Yuvraj. Bharat was always the hopeless romantic. Shatrughan is a big flirt, doesn't shy away from women. Just Laksh, I thought he would always stay so immersed with his weapons that I was very sad." Everyone nodded along, each absorbed in their own thoughts.

Somewhere in Mithila...

"And Raja Dasharath proposes a marriage between your daughter and niece and his three other sons, Bharat of Kekeya-Kosala, as well as Lakshman and Shatrughan of Kashi-Kosala. He asks for an answer through me." The messenger declared proudly. He had seen the princes grow up before his very eyes. He had thirsted to see the day when they would get married. Janak turned to his Rajguru, astounded, and grinned. Once receiving the congratulations and celebratory nod, he turned back towards the messenger.

"Please tell Raja Dasharath that we would gladly accept the marriage between Urmila of Mithila and Mandavi and Shrutakirti of the North! It's our greatest honor to ally with one of the most powerful forces in India! Please send a hearty confirmation to him!" The messenger nodded and walked out of the room.

King Janak turned towards his wife, Rani Sunaina, who was also smiling. "Do you think that the boys and our girls will agree to this arranged marriage? Will they be able to live with each other? Prince Shatrughan and Princess Mandavi are already enemies, they constantly tease and taunt each other, as are Princess Shrutakirti and Prince Bharat." he asked in fright. Rani Sunaina shook her head, patting his shoulder.

"Do not worry, Janak, listen to this. Bharat-Mandavi, Lakshman-Urmila, and Shatrughan-Shrutakirti! Do you see any problems with that?" When Janak shook his head in awe, Rani Sunaina nodded. "Bharat and Mandavi already are fine companions. Lakshman and Urmila are good friends as well, and I do think our Urmila has fallen in love. Shatrughan and Shrutakirti are partners in everything! It's a match made in heaven!"