Ramyana OS

The demon's end, A warrior's revenge

Ram paced outside the vanara camp, his feet disturbing the sand beneath, occasionally looking towards the sky as it illuminated with the sparks of a fight going on far away well inside of the castle of Lanka.

He tore his eyes away and sighed. He was being impatient, he knew that. But that didn't help the brother in him to excessively worry about his younger brother, one who he considered his soul. He missed Lakshman and he'd only been gone for what three days? Three days since Lakshman had left along with Hanuman and Vibhishan to defeat one of the most powerful rakshasas of Ravan's army, his son Meghnad or Indrajit as he liked to call himself. Three days since the brother within Ram had lost the battle against the leader within him and had given permission for this duel. But that couldn't stop his heart from clenching with anxiety at every loud sound that reverberated through the silent night.

The same silence had echoed in his ears a few days before, a silence of mourning, for his Lakshman. Ram lowered himself on the makeshift cot as the fateful day played itself in his mind.

Lakshman's limp form in Hanuman's arms. Lakshman sprawled on the ground, a gaping wound in his chest. His face pale and lifeless. Ram had never been more horrified in his entire life, never had he felt so powerless. Not when his own father and stepmother banished him from his house and the kingdom, not when Sita was abducted, though it was a close second.

Seeing his brother without whom he couldn't imagine a life, on the brink of death. Ram had cradled him in his arms cursing his fate and begging Lakshman to just wake up and look at him, to say something, one of his taunts at the arrogance of Rakshasas or words of comfort or even just a word, " Bhaiya" ensuring that he was still alive.

He would die. If anything happened to Lakshman he would die. He couldn't stand seeing Lakshman in such agony when he had made sure that Ram won't have to face any all these years.

The wait for Hanuman was by far the most agonizing of all. He could see Lakshman's condition worsening but couldn't do anything but wait. Clutching his hand and cradling his head, whispering reassurances to hold on, that it was almost over.

The relief that coursed through him on Hanuman's timely arrival was immeasurable. The Sanjeevani was administered and his beloved brother opened his eyes slowly as though just waking up from a deep slumber. He knew better. Lakshman hadn't slept for fourteen years.

He had helped Lakshman sit up and pulled him in an embrace telling him how grateful he was that his brother was alright. Life surged back more into Ram than Lakshman that day. Since then Ram hadn't wanted to let Lakshman out of his sight, he couldn't be reassured enough of his well being. And this same Lakshman he was forced to send back into the raging battle to face the same enemy who had struck him down. Though Ram believed in the capabilities of his brother, it was taking too long. Far too long for his liking.

He looked up and rose from his seat on seeing the senior bear Jambvant walking towards him.

" This is the third night of the battle between Lakshman and Indrajit, the fight will reach it's end soon. You need not worry."

Ram marveled at how Jambvant had deduced his sentiments. He smiled weakly and opened his mouth to reply when he suddenly spotted something on the horizon.

A group of people, walking towards the camp from the direction of the palace. His expression changed to that of hope. Eyes darting anxiously to spot the orange angavastra of his brother's amidst the dust and crowd.

* * *

One foot in front of the other. That's what Lakshman told himself as he was hauled forward by Hanuman and Vibhishan. All trying to curb their excitement until they reached the camp.

The fight had been a long and ardous one. It had taken Lakshamn everything he had to finally defeat the wretched demon that had caused him and his bhaiya such misery. But now it was over. After three days and three nights, he was going to see his bhaiya.

The vanar camp materialized into view as they got closer. He could almost make out his bhaiya. He willed his steps forward, as the dam of excitement broke and vanaras began hooting and jumping, a clear sign of victory. But he wanted to tell bhaiya by himself.

Hanuman and Vibhishan finally let go of him in front of his bhaiya and stood respectfully aside. Lakshman could see worry clouding Ram's eyes as he scanned him, beckoning him to confirm the happy news.

" It is done bhaiya. Indrajit is dead. We won."

Lakshman said what he could manage without gasping in pain. The fight had taken it's toll on him. Indrajit was one heck of a warrior to defeat. Strengthened by countless boons and his defeat over Indra. But Lakshman through his penance had achieved this seemingly unachievable feat.

It was as if a dam of emotions broke inside of Ram. Lakshman rejoiced at his brother's touch as he pulled him into an embrace, careful not to hurt any of his wounds, caressing his head and face and telling him just how proud he was of him. Ram pulled away and held him at an arms distance eyes narrowing in worry as he took in Lakshman's wounds.

Lakshman tried to school his face so as to not get his bhaiya worried, but that exercise turned to be a futile one as there was no masking the strain and exhaustion etched onto his face.

He noticed Ram's expression softening as he pulled Lakshman to the neatest cot and sat him down. Lakshman winced but at the same time smiled as his bhaiya ran a hand through his dark hair matted with sweat and blood.

" I can't express enough of how proud I am of you my dear brother. I am in awe of your courage and skills. Yet again you prove to be the mighty warrior that you are. You are my lucky charm my dear Lakhan. You have no idea of the victory you just gave us. You have almost won us the war Lakshman...."

Ram went on and on with his praises and Lakshman felt quite shy at such an onslaught of compliments and turned red bowing his head, a shy smile lighting up his face.

At a point Lakshman could no longer hold his gasp of pain. Ram who seemed to be in no mood to let go of his brother finally noticed

" Lakshman! You're hurt. I am so sorry for not taking care. Does it hurt a lot ? "

Lakshman's expression of discomfort must have said it all because next thing he knew the doctor Sushen who had healed him from his previous injury had been summoned.
Ram clutched Lakshman's hand and caressed his head as Sushen worked on his wounds.
Lakshman sighed and leaned against his brother's shoulder finally giving in to the exhaustion.

" Vaidji could you give him something for the pain please ?"

Ram asked, and Lakshman wondered if his brother had mindreading abilities.

" No I don't have mindreading abilities Lakshman, the pain is clearly visible on your face."

Lakshman could only gawk at his brother's statement as he gulped down the broth given to him by Sushen.

Ram smiled with pride in his eyes, and laid a gentle hand on Lakshman's forehead.
" Rest for a while Lakshman. You have done more than enough. "

" I did what you asked me to do bhaiya. Without your encouragement and blessing this would not have been possible. I am lucky to have you bhaiya."

" No Lakshman. I am clearly the lucky one here. Now rest ."

Lakshman smiled at the statement and squeezed Ram's hand.

The vanaras watched the scene unfold with adoration, admiring the love the brothers held for each other.

Far away, the sun rose in anticipation of another great battle to come, bathing the battlefield in a golden glow as Ram and Lakshman watched, each cherishing the presence of the other next to them.

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A/N:Hey people... I actually wrote this coz I feel this part is not given the importance it should. Laksh did have a big win after all. Obviously Ram would be proud.
Anyhoo, don't really have anything more to say though.
If you guys have any more ideas plz lemme know ( I Stan Laksman and Ram too much)
Also sorry if the title mislead you, couldn't think of anything else and this kinda sounded poetic.