The Ramayana - Lakshmila's POV

Enroute to Mithila

Years passed. The four princes excelled in their various subjects starting from their texts to warfare. In Mithila, the four princesses blossomed into young women - each with strong characteristics.

AYODHYA

King Dashratha was over the moon. Why wouldn't he be ? His four sons had come back after so many years. His Ram had come back after so many years. Ram was the apple of his eye. Right now, they had been taken by their mothers. He knew that his wives had missed them. He had gone into the chamber where he knew his sons were. He had expected what he saw. But what he hadn't expected was that Ram was with Kaikeyi and Bharath with Kaushalya. He smiled. Ram was laying on Kaikeyi's lap as she listened to his stories about Gurukul. Bharat was being fed ladoos by Kaushalya. Lakshman and Shatrughan were taunting each other in a brotherly sort of way while Sumitra smiled at them. His family was happy. Little did he know that this happiness would be short-lived when Brahmarishi Vishwamitra would visit Ayodhya.

Brahmarishi Vishwamitra was a learned sage and was known for his pride and temper. He was on a visit to Ayodhya for a purpose. He wanted help. Many sages performing yagnas were being disrupted by demon asuras. The asuras when spotting a yagna being performed, dropped things like bones and blood into the pious fire putting an end to the yagna.
It was for that exact reason he had come to Ayodhya. He had heard a lot about the eldest prince Ram from the sages who had passed by his ashram. He wanted Ram to travel with him to rid the sages of their worries.

LAKSHMAN'S POV..

Brahmarishi Vishwamitra in Ayodhya. I wonder what is it about. I was on the way to the Throne Room with my brothers to meet the learned sage. His story is not an ordinary one. Born a Kshatriya, he had performed a very tedious penance to attain the title of a Brahmarishi. As we entered the throne room, I saw Father talking to him. He looked up at us. Ram Bhaiya was the first to offer his greetings.

Ram : Pranaam Brahmarishi

Vishwamitra : May you live a contended life, Son.

Bharath Bhaiya, Shatrughan and I followed suit. Brahmarishi Vishwamitra looked at my father. Father didn't look good.

Ram : What is the matter, Father ? Are you well ?

Dashratha : I am in a tough situation, my son.

Ram : What is it Father ?

Vishwamitra : Son. Let me tell you. I had asked your father to send you with me for help. Your father is having second thoughts about it.

Ram looked towards his father. Dashratha couldn't look at him.

Ram : Why not Father ? Why aren't you sending me with him ?

Dashratha : Son. You are too young. And you just finished Gurukul.

Ram : Father. Being a Raghuvanshi, our word is our Dharma. We cannot turn back on our Dharma. That is going against our clan. Please let me go, Father. Let me fulfill my Kshatriya dharma.

Dashrath looked defeated. Brahmarishi Vishwamitra had a pleasant smile on his face. I was livid.

Dashrath : I won't stop you Son. But do come back soon. For Ram, you are my soul.

I was beyond myself. Stay without my brother !! Never. My day never started without seeing my dear brother. How can I let him go !! I am being selfish but Ram Bhaiya is my life. I had to do something.

Me : Brahmarishi... Pranaam.

Vishwamitra : Yes son..

Me : Please take me along with you.

Dashratha : What are you saying, Lakshman ?

Me : Father. Please let me go. I want to help my dearest brother in any way possible. Brahmarishi, please take me along.