The other Janaki

Ayodhya

The first thing that she saw of her new city was the massive dome-like structure, that appeared to be made out of gold. She had at first thought it to be the royal palace-her new home, but her husband had clarified that it was only the gate of the city of Ayodhya. And that really astonished
her. If the gates of a city was so magnifiecntly, Urmila wondered what was waiting for her inside.

After an emotional farewell from their parents, the four sisters were being made to sit on four carriages along with their respective husbands. The wheels rolled on , and all Urmila could see was her hysterical mother , her strong father almost at the verge of breaking down. As the cart progessed and the vision reduced to a thin outline of the city, Urmila had the sudden urge to jump down and run back to her parents. But the comforting muscular built of the man beside her, didn't let her do so. She had already considered herself to be a very fortunate bride. While social customs forces the girl to move away from her family , after marriage , she at least had her three sisters accompaining her. Also the man she was married to , was not some random strangers picked up for her, but instead someone she had the good luck of getting to know and falling in love with her.

" And that my dear, is my..I mean our home" The soft whispers of Lakshman brought Urmila out of her thoughts, only to realize that they had entered the main city of Ayodhya.

Ayodhya was extravagant and it bespoke of the immense wealth it possesed. Each and every house beautifully made , and had exquisite exterior designs. It appeared no body suffered from poverty in the capital city of King Dasharatha. The newly wedded couples were welcomed most ceremoniusly by the citizens. Dancers and musicians proceeded the parade, while the rest of the commoners stood by the road, some kneeling down, and bowing their heads as the carriages proceeded. Here Urmila noticed the difference between Mithila and Ayodhya. While both the states were happy with their Kings, there appeared to be a stark difference between how they treated their royals. In Mithila, her father had made himself a man of the people. There were no boundaries between the royal family and the commoners. But her in Ayodhya, the people were aware of the difference and they worshipped. But what impressed the princess was most , that this awareness didnot take away the sense of humility from her husband or his brothers. She saw Prince Ram fold his hands as he greeted everyone , and soon her husband followed the que.

Their carriages stopped in front of the palace , which was probably the largest building Urmila had ever seen. Her stunned eyes made a swift contact with Mandavi, who appeared to be having the same thoughts. This Palace could easily contain ten of Mithila's palace. The top of the palace shimmered , and Urmila had her doubts whether it was crafted with gold. The prince and princesses were asked to get down as they would be recieved by the queens. Urmila took a long breathe- this was probably one of the most anticipated moments , meeting her mother-in-laws.

The three queens were already waiting with the aarti thalis in their hands, when they reached the staircase of the palace. King Dasharatha went up first to greet each of his wives . It wasn't very difficult to quess which of the ladies were whom. They were already taught about their in-laws before they came here. Three queens could inevitably mean a good deal of palace politics , Sunaina had warned them. The sisters have brushed her words off, seeing the strong bond of the brothers. Surely a rivalry among the mothers wouldn't create such strong brotherhood. But Alas were they wrong!
Even though the three wives of Dasaratha put forth a rather amicable relationship, Urmila's swift eyes easily caught the air of stiffness between them. This became more pronounced when the tall and beautiful Kaikeyi stepped first to greet the couple. It was generally the custom, that the eldest wife would perform the rituals first but however such respects came from her authority and Kaikeyi, even though years younger than Kaushalya had surpassed the elder queen in that field.
Kaikeyi approached Ram, her eyes filled with utmost love that Urmila almost discarded her previous thoughts .
"Oh Ram,my sweet sweet boy" she called , engulfing Ram within her arms , leaving behind her regal pose for a minute. Her eyes then shifted towards Sita. The queen approached Ram's wife who had bowed down in order to respect. Kaikeyi didn't hug the poor girl, neither did she showed any form of affection. Her coldness so evident , that Urmila could sense her husband flinching beside her.  In their short interaction , Urmila could sense a strange feeling - was Kaikeyi disapproving Sita as Ram's wife.
Kaikeyi then proceeded to her own son , who as recieved as lovingly as Ram was. However as she went towards Mandavi, who by then had turned almost white in fear , Kaikeyi smiled. Their interaction was far less cold than what happened between Kaikeyi and Sita. Urmila eyes fleeted towards Sita, who was almost on the verge of breaking down. The poor girl had never been treated with such disrespect.
Kaikeyi's interaction with Lakshman was also the same.  It appeared that queen loved her four sons equally. But what shocked her was when the queen came and hug her.  Her eyes filled with joy she said , " Daughter of the great Janak , the world doesn't do justice when they describe your beauty. You by far surpass their description. Also you make such a lovely pair with my dear Lakshman. Mithila would flourish unthinkably when you two will reign."
For a moment Urmila was flabbergasted. What had she done to get such affection when her sisters were deprived of the same. She turned towards her sisters.Sita was being recieved by Kaushalya , who unlike Kaikeyi was showering her with all the affection that she deserved. Her eyes then drafted towards Mandavi, and in the very few moments that their eyes met , Urmila traced a new feeling - was that jealousy. What was Kaikeyi playing at ?
As much as she disagreed , Urmila understood where Kaikeyi's affection towards her came from. She was the biological daughter of Janak, and also the heiress to Mithila's throne. Therefore in the political eyes of Kaikeyi her marriage was by far the best alliance. The queens must had very high plans about her sons 's marriages....
Urmila was drafted off from her chain of thoughts only by Lakshman's cough. He was indicating her that Kaushalya had arrived to receive them.
" where were you lost , dear girl" Kaushalya smiled. She was nice , albeit a bit timid in stature and completely opposite to Kaikeyi.
At last it was Sumitra's turn to receive them and Urmila would say that she fell in love with the woman almost instantly. She was the best- regal and poised like Kaikeyi, yet sweet and soft like Kaushalya. She reminded her of her mother , Sunaina. And in her arms she almost felt she was at home.
Home. Urmila took a long breath. This was her new home. And with subtle breeze of rift that she felt today, she wondered what else was yet to come.