Siya Rama - The Eternal Love

Chapter 9- To the Moon and Back, Through Thick and Thin

"Mandavi? Can I come in?" Bharata asked.

"Swami? Please come in. You don't have to ask for permission," she said, quickly wiping her tears with her saree.

He smiled a bit and entered their room. He knew Mandavi was a quiet girl who wouldn't open up to someone about her sadness. It had been a year since his brothers and sister-in-law had left and his father had died. He sat down beside her and brought his hand out. He had stringed jasmines together to make her a gajra.

"What is this, Swami?" She asked pointing at the leaf package.

"Open it and see."

She opened the package and saw the gajra. She caressed it gently and looked at Bharata. Her eyes whispered a soft thank you. He helped her pin it to her braid.

"You look even more beautiful when you smile Mandavi. I know it's difficult for you to open up about your feelings, but don't worry. I'm always here for you. Hmm?" He said, gently stroking her hair.

She felt a wave of emotion rush through her as she realized how much he cared for her. She smiled, taking his hand in her own, and leaned on his shoulder.

"Swami! Bhaiya! Dinner is ready."

"Coming Sitae!"

The kitchen of their humble hut was filled with delicious aromas. The hot chapattis were stacked next to the earthen pot of curry. Rama entered the kitchen quietly and crept behind her. He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She was startled a bit but calmed down after seeing Rama. He smiled at her and helped her stoke the fire.

"You should sit, Swami; I will serve you guys dinner."

"It's okay, Sitae," Rama answered, smiling back.

She blushed and nodded. She took out the leaf plates and placed them before the mats. She called out to Lakshmana again, who came rushing inside. She served the brothers dinner and sat down.

"Bhabhi, you should also sit with us," Lakshmana said.

"No, it's okay, Bhaiya. I will sit after you guys."

"Sitae, please?" Rama said, looking into her eyes.

She blushed and nodded slightly. She served herself and sat near Rama. Lakshmana giggled silently at them and quickly finished his dinner.

Sita sat outside the hut and admired the moon in the sky. Rama quietly sat beside her, covering her with his shawl. She smiled and leaned on him.

"Shri, the moon is so bright today, just like the sun."

"It is."

"It has always been there, being my silent companion at every step of my life."

Rama took her hand in his and said, "Don't worry, I will be there for you even when the moon is not there."

She giggled and smiled at him. 

|| Hare Krishna Hare Rama ||

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