The other Janaki

Dasharath's wish

"Four sisters for four brothers ..what a terrifying proposition"Khusadhwaja exclaimed. 

" Our daughters are not someone to be hurried away in this away.."rebuked Sunaina. 

" But think about it , didi" Chandrabhaga chided in," All our daughters are to married off in the great kingdom of Kosala"

The entire family was gathered in the office of Janaka, after their guest King Dashratha had dropped a surprising request. Dashratha was an unsual man himself , so different yet similar to his four sons. With his greying hair and incresaing belly , the man was slowly loosing his handsomeness and valour with time. It was not very difficult to guess, who was his favourite son - the moment he saw Ram for the first time after so many days , his eyes refused to him leave him .  Dashratha's exceedingly huge  affection towards his eldest was well known. But what surprised Urmila most, was that it appeared Lakshman was next in his priority towards his sons and not Bharat - the son of his favourite queen Kaikeyi.  The King with his eyes shinning with pride about the propostion his mind had come up with , had declared, " O king Janak , let's prepare four four weddings"

Janak was taken aback. It was not in the tradition of Mithila, to marry off daughters without consent.  Dashratha's suggestion was interesting, for sure, but it wouldn't ne wise to hurry with an affirmation.

" Your daughters" Dashratha continued," Are gems. The best of the brides that could be found in  the whole of Aryabharta. It would be an honour to have them as the brides for my sons. Therefore I propose you , give the hand of your younger daughter for my Lakshman . And the Sankasya princess, Mandavi for my Bharat and Shrutakirti for my youngest Shatrughan"

Janak folded his hands- whatever he was going to say he must speak with caution. If his words, anyhow hurt the King's sentiments , it may jeopordize his eldest daughters marriage as well.

" O great King of Kosala", Janak said," Your offer has surely increased the status of Mithila. However in Mithila, we do have the custom, that the bride selects her groom. Therefore I cannot proceed with your offer, untill my daughters have approved of their matches"

Dashratha seemed to be thoughtful. The entire concept of women getting to choose their husbands , was not a common practice from where he hailed.  The custom of matriarchy , that was popular in Mithila and the other north eastern states , was very new to him. He couldn't comprehend how King Janak was so pleased with four daughters. It was even more shocking when he had heard that his crown will be passed on to one of his daughters. But still, Dasharatha was not foreign to the power of the women. He was well versed with their intelligence- his wife Sumitra, one of the wisest human he had ever encountered ,  often did he seek professional counselling from her - their bravery - his Kaikeyi , serving him as his charoiteer in the battlefield- their patience - his sweet Kaushalya, generous and wonderful , never showing a single sign of fury.  His wives were great women and Dashratha knew his glory was nothing without them by their sides. So when, Janak told him that he would want to know about his daughters choices first, Dasharatha couldn't complain. He had afterall, wanted strong women for his sons. 

" It is better that we let the girls speak" Janak said, calming down Sunaina and the rest. Sunaina, though displeased, didnot complain. It was after all, why they have gathered right- to know what their daughters think.

" Begining with Shrutakirti" Janak said ," Tell me dear, are you happy with your alliance"

Shruta looked down, her cheeks adorning a pretty red tint. It was enough as a confirmation, however Janak waited for her to speak. "I..."she spoke, her lips upturned in a coy smile, " I have no issues in marrying the younger Sumitranandan , Bade pitaji."