Raghili- A Ramayana Fiction

Chapter-20. Welcome Back!

The most awaited day in Ayodhya was finally there. The three  mothers along with the king were present at door of the palace, today their sons were returning home after so many years. Their heart was in their mouth, and a bundle of questions on their mind. The young boys they sent years ago are men now. They are returning as warriors, now they are not those kids who used to hide in their mother's lap to cry, they cannot pamper them like kids anymore  for they are returning as grown up men. 

With each passing second their heartbeat also raced, the wait and the emotions of the past few years taking a toll over them. The separation of these  few minutes were heavier than the entire gurukul years combined. With thumping hearts they stood at gate thinking how would their boys look now, considering that they are grown up?

The sound of conch shell and trumpets indicated the arrival of the princes.There entered two chariots with a royal procession.  Stepped down from the chariot four gems of Raghu. When the lotus feet of Rama touched the ground of Ayodhya after years, Bhudevi rejoiced and the lands of the Kosal bloomed up and rejoiced at its fortune.

The four groomed men were well built and tall, their eyes shined with the wisdom they possessed, and the structure reflected the confidence and attitude of a warrior.With a sword hanging by their waist and a bow around their shoulder and arm, they looked like warriors descended straight from heavens. All four of them turned towards the countrymen and greeted them by bowing half way  with a namaskar.

The Dashrathnandans moved towards their parents, finally ending their yearnings when the parents finally cupped their faces with their hands. After an emotional farewell everyone moved inside.

Afternoon

After a good rest, the four princes were in Kaushalya's chamber with the three queens, their heads in their mother's laps while the mothers ruffled their hair and lived the moment they were missing for the last few years. The brothers were telling them the gurukul's stories and everyone was having a blissful time. Ram placed his head in Sumitra's lap, Laksh in Kaushalya's while Bharat and Shatrughan in Keikeyi's. 

"Mata you know, when we were leaving guruma said we four are the most skilled students who have passed this gurukul, she even said we four are so skilled in our fields that their is hardly anyone in the entire world who can give us a competition. Ram Bhaiya with bow, Laksh Bhaiya with sword are undefetable. And you won't find an artist like Bharat Bhaiya ever. " said an innocent Shatrughan

" Don't forget to count chote's knowledge in scriptures and his wisdom. Gurudev said he with his knowledge will help Ram Bhaiya to take Ayodhya's name to great heights." Laksh completed

" I know, you both are happy because of these praises, but don't let these praises and confidence overpower your abilities and ruin you. Remember, there is a thin line between confidence and overconfidence. Never cross that line." Ram pointed

"Ji Bhaiya, We won't disappoint you." both said in unison 

While the mothers just smiled, there is one thing which has not changed over the years, the amount of devotion, love and respect they had towards Ram is still the same, infact its even more now.

"By the way, Mata Sumitra you need to have a word with both Lakshman and Shatrughan" said Bharat smirking towards the twins.

Both of them gave each other a shocked look and gazed towards Ram helplessly. Ram shrugged his shoulder indicating the matter is not in his hands anymore. They both gave each other a knowing look and nodded with a now expression, just the moment they were going to run, a sharp pull on their ears brought them back. With horrified expressions, they both looked at each other and towards Sumitra who had a dark face, and was giving them a stern look.