The other Janaki

Unwanted Proposal

It wasn't that the third prince of Ayodhya vexed her, her anger was more due to the fact that she spent hours thinking about the prince. Surely , she had better things to do. Being the crowned princess, was a tedious title itself and now she had an entire wedding to organize. A few days back , they had recieved a reply from the King of Kosala, Dasharatha, where he had stated his delightment in this nuptial. He, however mentioned that due to his duties, his arrival in Mithila will be delayed for a few weeks, but his other sons have made their departure as soon as the news of their brother's marriage had reached them. The palace of Mithila , also seemed quite excited in hosting the other two princes . What were they like , Urmila wondered. Were they as impulsive as Lakshman or were they calm like Ram? From what she had heard, one of them happened to be Lakshman's twin brother.

Suddenly she was reminded of the last conversation she had with the prince , in the palace garden a few days back. Now that she thought about it , patiently , she realized it was rather silly - their argument. There's no point in building up enmity within family . She should've apologized . But alas! they got no private moments . The only interactions that they had , were mere eye contacts, when they were out , chaperoning their siblings. It was bold-the way he looked at her and didn't look away whenever Urmila would catch him staring. Their something burning in his gaze, that would often leave the poor princess flustered. It was after all those meetings, that Urmila would find herself thinking about him. 

" You do realize that you are in love , right " Mandavi had mentioned that to her in one such occassion. Urmila turned around , expecting a playful smirk on her cousin's face- her sisters have been terribly teasing her about her possible feelngs towards the younger prince. But this time, the eldest daughter of Khusadhwaja wasn't smiling, she looked serious. 

" Urmi"she continued," there are changes within you- changes quite prominent to be missed by anyone. My dear sister, you need to confront your feelings . Building them inside you, won't give you any solace .."

Urmila knew, there's no point in denial right now. She was alone with Mandavi - the one with whom she was closest to in age and responsibilities. She was safe with her , her feelings were safe with her - right ? This wasn't the time to keep her guards on.

" Oh Mandavi" she cried ," I don't know what is it I feel ". She layed down , hid her face behind a pillow and continued, " Everytime I see him, there's this feeling inside my stomach that won't just go away. He angers me, sure he does..but at times he is the only one I want to see for the rest of my life"

Mandavi had a victorious smile , she had finally compelled Urmila in speaking out her heart. She had known it , for the longest of time but she was also worried , that her sister would never speak of her heart and it will be too late. 

" But" Urmila continued ," I also spend too much time, thinking about him. Isn't that a bit too unhealthy ?" 

Mandavi sighed , " Of course not, dear . It's only natural. I see you , not failing your regular duties . So what's the point in worrying about these?"

" But...but ...does Sumitranandan, think of me this same way?"

Mandavi looked incredulously at Urmila. Sometimes her sister could be really thick , for the smart mind she is claimed to have. Even a blind wouldn't miss Lakshman's obvious affections for her sister. It was true, that he was a man of few words and would mask his feelings quite efficiently. But when it came to Urmila, all of his guards were down. Mandavi had caught him , innumerable times , staring at Urmila in a rather passionate way . Consuming her words, whenver she spoke.

" You stupid ...stupid girl .." Mandavi thought . But before she could speak , an give a verbal reassurance to Urmila , a maid hurried in ..

" Pranam Rajkumaris"he saluted," The Maharaja had asked for your presence in his office .."