The Princes of Ayodhya-The Ramayan Through Short Stories

Responsibilities Before Tragedies

Dasharath sat, slumped on his throne. It was a far cry from the usual regal look he set up for himself, whether anybody was there or not. Raj Guru Vashishta stood in front of him amusedly, raising a greying eyebrow as he wrapped his two hands in front of him calmly. Dasharath bit his lip, stroking his beard, and looked off towards the distance, his mind buzzing.

Beside him, Kaushalya cleared her throat. "What are you thinking, oh king? What is troubling you? I hope none of the brothers and sisters have acted out?" Dasharath shook his head, but would not reveal his thoughts. "An enemy, perhaps? Someone threatening to march on Kosala? Is it some trouble with the subjects, maybe? Are the crops not as good this year?Do speak up, Dasharath, we will die worrying over here!" Dasharath leaned even further into the throne, but did not speak.

Kaikeyi was restless. What was the king planning? Something large? Something urgent, perhaps? She wondered how secret it was that he would keep it from them. The three queens were his advisers, Kaushalya the kind, Kaikeyi the warrior, and Sumitra the wise. Finally, Dasharath opened his mouth. "I was thinking that maybe I could give Ram and Sita some responsibilities in the kingdom, just for a day or two. Not for long. I think it would be good, they need something to do other than stare into each other's eyes."

Kaushalya and Kaikeyi were both ecstatic. "That sounds wonderful, sir, truly great! I think Ram would shoulder on the responsibility like a soldier does the imminent possibility of death, very well indeed. He is calm, and good-natured, and responsible. He needs something to do, and his multiple abilities are certainly going to waste here! Yes, that's a great idea Dasharath, a great idea for sure!" Kaikeyi rambled as Kaushalya chuckled in excitement and amusion.

Raj Guru turned towards Sumitra, who was in deep thought. She was wise, and most always knew the best thing to do. "I think that is a great idea, Dasharath," Sumitra finally piped up. "But we need to make sure that Sita stays away from anything dangerous, there are still many horrible people out there. People that do not respect royalty. Assign Ram and Sita different areas, perhaps Ram towards the more dangerous sectors, for he can defend himself well." Dasharath nodded seriously, before beaming again.

Something beat incessantly in all of their hearts, though it was something different for each. Dasharath had pride in what his son could surely do. Kaushalya was anticipatory, perhaps Ram could help solve some of the problems of the citizens. Kaikeyi was just excited. She was jumpy, and Dasharath would not be surprised if she jumped right off her throne, burst through the ceilings and landed on the moon. Sumitra, she was happy for her son, yes, but anxious as well. And Raj Guru Vashishta? Something, pressing deep into his gut like a knife made him want to intervene. He didn't.

-----O-----

Ram walked into the brother's courtyard, brows furrowed and jaw clenched, his arms folded across his chest. Bharat jumped up. "What happened, bhaiyya? Did something happen? Are you sad, did Papa tell you off? Come, sit down." He gestured to a seat which Ram took gratefully, plopping down as Sita followed him, looking perfectly poised as usual. Bharat's eyes darted in between them, but he waited for his brother's response. "Bhaiyya?" he asked, poking his shoulder hesitantly.

Ram jumped, roused from his long trance. "What-ah yes! Yes! Yes..." he trailed off, sinking further into his chair, not knowing how much he looked like Dasharath in that moment. "Speaking of Papa, he has assigned me some responsibilities around the kingdom, speaking to citizens, alleviating their fears, you know?" When Bharat nodded, Ram went on, talking short, quick breaths. "Well, I don't know. What if I fail him, what will happen then?" He looked up, grasping Bharat's forearm anxiously.

Bharat shook his head, putting his hand over Ram's. "You won't. You'll make Papa proud, I know it! The subjects love you, the people love you, and besides, you'll have Sita bhabhi won't you? It will be fine." Ram nodded to himself and removed his hand, turning towards Sita, who smiled serenely at him, before turning back to Bharat, his eyes darting around the courtyard in confusion.