The Forgotten Sister

Chapter 20

" For the greater good." Ram said looking away. " The residents of Ayodhya were.."

" Bhadra" growled Lakshman. " It was that washerman, Bhadra. His wife came back to their house later than usual from her parent's house and he doubted her. He claimed he was not King Ram to take a wife who was in some one else's place. He dared to doubt Sita bhabi's purity.."

" Did you?" Shanta asked Ram sharply.

" Not even for a second." he replied instantly. " The people follow and respect their leader. If they donot trust me, how can they expect me to rule well? I wanted to give up the throne but.."

" We stopped him." Bharat cut in. " Ikshvaku clan would come to an end. Whatever you have sacrificed for didi for us, would be over."

" Like it hasn't already!" Shanta said . " You didnot just send away Sita. You sent away the child in her womb too. Yes, King Dasharath gave me up years ago but he made sure I had a secure life in Anga. Some may consider it a disrespect. But it was not. Not as much as you have disrespected your wife." she said turning to Ram.

"Sita is your wife. You said once that you would not marry any one else other than Sita because that would be direspecting her and your relationship is based on love and respect. So have'nt you disrespected her now?" Shanta continued  restraining herself from shouting.

" I removed her position as a queen. Once I have finished my role as a king I will go back to Sita. That is where I belong. " he whispered. It was the first time Shanta had seen Ram cry. But she was not done yet.

"  Did she not protest?" Shanta asked.

" Lakshman left her on my orders. He said she was shocked, dismayed, in pain..but not angry." Ram broke down. " She accepted it."

"Ikshvaku clan holds promises to every single male. But what you have done is.." Shanta continued in a fit of rage.

" Enough" Rishyashringa said placing a hand on her shoulder. " Can't you see he is suffering enough? He is torn between his duties as a King and a husband. But Sita is no ordinary woman. She knows what's  happening now is for the good. She could have protested outright,but she didnot. She respects his decision. It is not in your hands to hurt him."

Shanta looked at her valiant brother who had killed Ravan, lifted the bow of Lord Shiva, killed scores of demons, who had fought on even though he was severely injured. She had never seen him look so defeated. He looked like a broken man. " I am sorry, Maharaj" Shanta whispered stepping back.

Ram looked at her hurt brimming in his eyes. " Maharaj? Didi, I am your brother" Shanta was strongly reminded reminded of a teenage version of Ram in his element. She stepped forward pulling him in an embrace. " You don't look too well. You have'nt eaten today?" she asked him softly.

Lakshman beckoned her aside. " Ram bhaiya has not eaten anything since Sita bhabi left. After the court, he dons the garments of a sage and sleeps on the floor. He shouts in his sleep.." Lakshman couldnot say anything further. 

" He will eat today." Shanta said firmly leading Ram to the dining hall. She sat next to him as the attendants served him food. He closed his eyes tiredly as she stretched out her hands to feed him.He refused hesitantly. Suddenly Shanta realised he was doing the same things Sita was doing . He had donned simple robes as she did, he slept on the floor as she did, he would certainly eat as she did. She brought out fruits. " You will eat this" she said firmly.

Ram smiled. " You read my mind,didi " he said. 

Years  passed by and Shanta and Rishyashringa now resided near Ayodhya itself though a bit far from the Palace. When the decision to hold Ashwamedha Yaga was taken, Shanta was  worried.