Ramyana OS

Monsoon memories

Sita carried the pot of water inside the little hut and set it down next to the makeshift stove. She straightened, brushing an occasional leaf or twig from her saffron saree, which was damp from the light drizzle which had accompanied her to her detour to the nearby stream.

The entire forest seemed different in the rainy season. Fresher, greener. It came alive with all the creatures emerging out of their homes due to rain. Heavy clouds brushing the tall treetops. Stretches of green as far as the eye could see. The signature smell of wet soil and  damp grass invading their senses like no other perfume. Both the sky and earth seemed to rejoice at their connection that raindrops made possible.

Of course, it brought it's fair share of challenges for the trio. Frequent thunderstorms shook their hut, leaving the three of them huddled inside( Lakshman on much insistence and scolding from Ram's side). The accompanying wind induced several repairs, which resulted in a frenzied Lakshman running, feet caked in mud as he hurried to thatch the roof and fix the doors and strenghthen the walls, Ram making sure both Sita and Lakshman were alright and Sita coming up with a meal with whatever resources they had left.

Sita's eyes drifted out the window to the sky filled with heavy dark clouds and she wondered how it must be like in Ayodhya. Farmers gearing up as the rain provided the much needed irrigation to their crops, merchants waterproofing their shops, and markets filled with materials for the season. Children on the streets enjoying the rains, tempting smells of fried delicacies wafting through the air.

And the family, her family. How would they be doing. Maa Kaushalya would have the cooks make all the rainy season favorites of her children, Maa Kaikeyi making sure to keep all broths and medicines ready to tend to any sudden illnesses,Maa Sumitra with her amazingly engaging stories about monsoon.

And Bharat, being the artist he is, would paint extravagant scenes and landscapes, even asking them to pose for him. Showcasing his works with the enthusiasm of a child. Mandavi would probably try out new recipes she'd learnt and watch as everyone praised her no matter how they turned out to be.

Shatrughan would be the happiest of them all, he loved rain( a little too much.Bharat had to restrain him from going for a splash in puddles) eating and cracking jokes, getting wet and then falling sick. Shrutakirti would second Bharat in his artistic escapades only to be brought away by the shenanigans of her husband or to help Mandavi on her recipes.

And Urmila, she would go check out every little sapling and flower that the rains had brought into bloom, maybe make a few colours out of them for Bharat and Shrutakirti.

Sita sighed turning her gaze back inside. So much had changed. They weren't with her. Fourth monsoon away from her family. She turned and exited the hut to see what Ram was upto. She saw him emerge out of a thicket from the direction of stream. He caught her eye and smiled excitedly, immediately walking over to her to show what he held in his hands.

" Look Sitae, what I found near the stream. It's beautiful. And it would look even more so when you wear it."
He showcased a garland of delicate pink flowers and moved to put it around her neck but paused.

" Wait. How are you all alone? Where's Lakshman? How did he leave you alone in here? Did he-"

He broke off with a yell of alarm as Lakshman casually jumped down from a nearby tree. The brothers stared at each other for a moment before Ram spoke.

" What the hell Lakshman! You startled me and Sita so bad. What were you doing up there?"

Lakshman tilted his head in confusion.
" I was on a lookout bhaiya, to see if any dangerous animals were approaching. Startling you was not my intention. I am sorry if you were disturbed. I'll take your leave now. Bhabhi."
He bowed to them both all the while trying to balance the fruits he had collected from the tree and his bow in his hands and hurried away spilling his gather on the steadily developing pile of fruits, before disappearing in the thicket.

Ram stared at him and back at Sita as if to say, "Is he for real?"
Sita laughed. She had been more amused than startled. And Ram's reaction was a treat to watch. She watched as Ram wrapped the garland in a damp leaf so as to preserve it for her to wear, and went away to wash himself.

Sita strained her eyes to see if she could spot Lakshman through the trees, but was not successful. It was almost dinner time, they'd have to call him again. She grinned as Ram came and stood next to her, hands on hips as he joined her in her search for Lakshman.
" Where'd he go now?" Ram looked at her for an answer, she shrugged

" Probably to the stream. Go and get him will you?"
Ram  hesitated, " I can't just leave you alone  he-"

" Oh come on. I'll be fine. It's just a minute's walk from here. Besides I'll be in the hut. Serving food. Won't come out, I promise also it'll save us a lot of yelling."
Ram sighed and nodded.
" Stay inside, okay?" She nodded as he squeezed her hand and left.

Unbeknownst to them Lakshman formed a very good source of entertainment. There were incidences like today for example, or Ram would tease him to get a reaction or the other way round. Sita really loved watching them interact.

* * *

"Lakshman!" Ram called out as he traipsed through the forest.
"Where are you, Lakhan!"
He pushed past the trees and emerged next to the stream, where he found Lakshman seated on a large boulder, bent over something.

"What did I ever do to you,man!" Lakshman exclaimed. Confused, Ram went around to see who it was that Lakshman was talking to and was taken aback to see what seemed to be a baby python wrapped around Lakshman's ankle.

Lakshman looked up to see Ram, and stood up and pointed to his snake wrapped leg.
" Oh it's you, bhaiya. Look here, this one's been trying to kill me for ten minutes. Very perseverant this one."

Ram gaped at his brother for a few seconds and smacked his head gently.
" Are you mad?! Stop complimenting it, and get it off. It could be poisonous, and I would very much like my brother alive."

" As you say milord." Lakshman did an elaborate salute and disentangled the snake gently, stepping aside as it slithered away.
" Why are you here bhaiya? Shouldn't you be with bhabhi?"

" Your bhabhi herself has sent me to fetch you for dinner. Come on, I'm starving." Ram pulled his brother away, towards their hut where Sita waited with the small spread of hers.

* * *

Sita looked up, readying the food platters to see the brothers walking up to her hand in hand, Ram laughing at something Lakshman had just said. She felt a sense of peace settle upon her. She may not be with her family in Ayodhya but she had a small one of hers in here. Her beloved Ram and, Laksman more son than brother in law.

They had found it in the depths of the jungle. A new normal, a welcoming peace enveloping the trio in it's warm embrace as the sky began it's showers, cloaking the hut in a comfortable haze.

* * *

A/N: Hey people. This one kinda  didn't turn out the way I expected, please make do. Also a little tight on time. Anyway vanvaas was one of the happiest times in Sita's life so just showcased a snippet. Hope you like it.
Love
@ artemis_1205