Siya Rama - The Eternal Love

Chapter 6- The Exile

"Ma, where is Baba? He asked me to come," Rama said to Kaikeyi.

"Rama..." Kaikeyi couldn't finish.

"Ma?"

"There son, go on," she replied, pointing towards their study.

Rama bowed to her and stepped inside the study. In amazement, he saw his father crying. When he saw him, he quickly went to him and held his hands.

"Baba, why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?" he asked worriedly.

"No son! But what I am about to ask you to do is very difficult. Oh, Rama! What is this distorted fate?"

"Baba, please don't hesitate. I am willing to do anything for you."

"Then listen! I wish for you to go in exile for fourteen years and give up the position of Crown Prince to Bharata." Dasharatha said, his heart heaving with pain every second.

"Okay, Baba. But please don't cry. Raghuvanshi like you should always keep his head high."

"I do not deserve to be called a Raghuvanshi, my dear son. Which father is so cruel to wish for something like this?"

"Baba, please do not think this way. I promise to fulfil your wish, Baba. After all, a proud Raghuvanshi never backs away from a promise. I think I will inform Sita and Ma," Rama replied, bowing to his father.

Dasharatha drowned in grief. The pain of separation is indescribable in words. Kaikeyi sobbed quietly in a corner, regretting her choice, and blaming herself. She separated a father from his son.

"Sitae?"

"Shri? What did Baba say?" She asked, looking up from her book.

"Sita, listen carefully to what I will tell you," Rama said, seriously.

"Okay..." Sita replied, unsure of what he would tell her.

"Sita, Baba has ordered my exile and Bharata to be made the Crown Prince. I know we haven't spent much time together but I promise to make up for it once I return. Please take care of Baba and Ma for me," he said, holding her hands.

"Shri..." She hugged him tightly and buried her face in his chest.

"Take me with you, Shri. I could never live without you. Please," she said, looking into his eyes.

"Sita..."

"No, Shri. Please don't say no. When I became your wife, I vowed to be with you in your happiness and sadness. Let me fulfil my vows," she said.

He looked at her with tears in his eyes. He touched her face gently and said, "I'm so lucky to have you, Sita." They embraced in a warm hug and he felt the comfort of her presence.

"Let me inform Ma," he said gently.

Sita nodded and wiped her tears. Rama walked to Kaushalya's chambers and broke the news to her. She was devastated. Kaushalya wept uncontrollably; her heart shattered by the devastating news. With a broken heart, she begged Rama to stay, but Rama knew it was time to leave. Lakshmana insisted on going with them. Eventually, Rama gave in and allowed Lakshmana to come with him and Sita.

A morning ceremony was held in which their jewels and royal clothes were given up. They put on simple clothes and proceeded to the chariot, prepared to drop them off on Ayodhya's outskirts. Ayodhyians were equally devastated by Rama's departure. Many insisted to go with them and some secretly followed them.

Here's a little info on why Rama was banished specifically for 14 years-

During the Tretayuga, if a King leaves his throne for 14 years or more, he loses the right to become a King again. It was because during those times if a person was not in touch for 14 years, it was considered a sign of death. Another reason written is the belief that a person's nature changes over the course of 14 years.

|| Hare Krishna Hare Rama ||

P.S. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter!! Next chapters would be a bit sad, but I will write a happy one describing Rama's, Sita's and Lakshmana's life during Vanvas. I hope you will stick with me and this book till the end!! 

Please drop your comments. I would love hearing the stories you heard as a child related to Ramayana!! And I would consider incorporating them in my next chapters❤️❤️