The other Janaki

Question of Honour

Sita was in love.

From what Urmila, could understand , from reddish tint that Sita now bore regularly, to her free spirited laughter that was being heard too often, her sister had definitely fallen for the great prince of Ayodhya. This sudden change in Sita, was noticed by the other sisters, as well, as they took turns,in teasing their elder sister. But all this merriment was shortlived. With the mere mention of the Swayamvar, which was to be held the next day, Sita's expression would darken, even though ahe immediately hid it. Urmila's concern were different again. Ayodhya hadn't replied to their invitation. What pegged her , was that the great Kingdom of Kosala didn't think Mithila worthy of a marriage alliance with any of its princes, let alone the favourite Prince Ram .

"What?" Urmila asked Mandavi, who had been continuosly eyeing her , for the past few minutes.The sisters were getting ready for the Swayamvar. In the centre of the room, was Sita, being dolled up almost like a bride. Urmila , Mandavi , Shruta were also being dressed up in a more elegant way that they usually did. It was a strict instruction from their mothers, each and everyone should look their best for the day.

"Since when did you care, that your maangtika looked alright and didn't make your face look fat ?" Mandavi asked, suspiciously.

Urmila knew what she was referring to. Through all her life, Urmila had never cared about her appearence. The warrior princess of Mithila , a name the  people endeared her with, was always seen in a rather frenzy state. Her hair in their unruly state, fell over her back, were seldom tied in a hasty braid. She wore the daintiest of the dainty jewelleries, something couldn't much qualify as a princessly attire. The color of the clothing, never mattered to her and she could barely understand when her mother said , " the violet colour complimented her blue coloured eyes." However , in these past few days, something in her had clearly shifted. She took time in getting dressed- selecting jewelleries, that would befit a particular outfit- a change that was clearly not missed by her sisters.

"Maa said we need to look perfect" Urmila answered, even though she knew Mandavi was not going to buy her answer. Even she herself, didnot . This answer was too lame, to justify the massive changes within her.

"Mandavi, don't you trouble our dear Urmi, here ," as always it was Sita to her rescue, however she continued," it's every girl's priority to look perfect in front of her beau"

Urmila eyed her sister increduosly, as Mandavi grinned from ear to ear. Surely , the prospect of Urmila getting  teased , satiesfied her more than Urmila would have liked to. Shruta, who was silent throughout, popped in , "Who could have thought, our Urmi didi , would fall in love this quick ?"

Of course not! How silly of Shruta to think, she was in love. She wasn't and won't be ever with that prince..prince Lakshman. He was arrogant, rude , barely thought before he spoke , always up for a fight, how can any sane woman ever fall for him? But then again he softest around the ones he loved, the most respectful, had a witty humour which barely got noticed,  was so also deviously handsome...Urmila mentally shook her head.  She didnnot possibly associate the man, with these good adjectives? What was her brain playing at?

"Of course not .."Urmila retorted back to her sister, in a more feirce and flustered way, that only increased their smiles..

"Aren't you girls, ready yet"A rather panicked Sunaina entered their, with Chandrabhaga closely following her suit. Her mother , was dressed in a silken sari, a change from her usual cotton ones. Mithila's greatness was reflected in the simplicity that the royal family bore. Sunaina, immediately made her way to where Sita was sitting,

" You look lovely dear"she said said as she scraped off a bit of kohl from her eyes and applied that behind Sita's ears. Kaala tika- supposed to give you protection. Well Sita will be needing that today, thought Urmila ironically.