The Princes of Ayodhya-The Ramayan Through Short Stories

The Big News

"It has come of a good time, I think Raj Guru," Dasharath began without hesitation,and Vashishta looked up. "That I should coronate my Ram! He is of age, he is responsible, he is respectful, and he has a lovely wife who would make a Maharani amazing enough to rival even Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra! Do you think it would be good to, please sir? Please say yes, I beg of you!" Vashishta smiled at him, but something was gnawing at him from the inside.

Bharat and Shatrughan were not here. They would most certainly love to receive the good news immediately. They would also want to view the coronation itself. He knew, from the letters they sent, that they loved the visit to Kekeya, but they would, more so perhaps, love to see their brother's coronation, the brother whom they had all loved and looked up to since practically birth.

"I would like to say yes, I most definitely would but," Dasharath looked up, eyebrows furrowing together worriedly, body tensing, and mouth slightly agape. Was it not auspicious now anymore, perhaps? "His two brothers are not here. You know how close the four are, Dasharath, and Bharat and Shatrughan would love to see the coronation and crowning ceremony more than anything else. Please sire, I suggest moving your ideas a bit later than sooner." Dasharath sat back.

"But the auspicious period is ending soon, and it will maybe only start the next year or perhaps even the year after! You must understand, Raj Guru, that I am anxious and very ready to crown my Ram. I want to do it now! I might pass soon, it's no use diluting it Guru, I will die soon, I can feel it a little in my bones and blood, and I would like him to have the throne before then. I would like him to ascend to power not under the pressure to do it because I am not there, nor under the sadness. I would like to be there to guide him. My eyes are yearning to see him upon the throne!" he exclaimed.

"Don't say such things!" cried Vashishta, standing up. "You must not! You will live a long, long life with your son. Alright, if you wish to crown him now, Dasharath, I give my full blessings. It is a most auspicious moment indeed, call in the rest of the courtiers, and inform the queens privately." As he sat down, however, Vashishta felt something beating in his heart, which was large and made of gold. Who was he to deny a dying king his wish? But something told him that this was something that the Raja and the Maharanis would regret for the rest of their lives, long or short, it did not matter.

"Hello my friends!" cried Dasharath happily to all the assembled courtiers, who stood there, eager to serve their king. "I have decided that I am growing old and very weary, and that I should crown my eldest son, Yuvraj Ram, as the next king of Kosala!" Dasharath beamed, looking in between his courtiers, all of whom were staring, agape, at the Raja. Dasharath frowned. Were they not happy?

All his fears were quickly dispelled, to say the least. "You are crowning Yuvraj Ram?" asked one disbelievingly. When Dasharath nodded in confusion, a large smile spread across the man's face. "REJOICE, my friends! We have a new king, Yuvraj Ram is to be our Raja! Rejoice, rejoice!" A loud cheer rose up from his most trusted subjects and courtiers, and Dasharath grinned. It was then that Arya Sumant walked forward, swallowing.

"Oh king," he began, and Dasharath turned towards him, raising an eyebrow. "May I have the honor of informing the queens, please? It would be a highlight in my career of serving you, I implore you, may I please?" Dasharath nodded, waving him off, giving him full permission, and Sumant practically danced, before running away, happy tears falling from his eyes at the good news that his king had imparted.

He first reached Kaushalya's chambers, as good courtesy, chief Maharani as she was. The doors were decorated with simple gold and silvers, and a velvet, deep maroon paint. "Maharani, maharani, come out at once please! You must come out of your chambers at once, Raja Dasharath has asked me to tell you something very important and urgent! Please, Maharani, come out at once!" He could hear commotion inside the rooms, but knew that the queen was coming, not questioning his motives.