Disclaimer: This work doesn't intend to hurt anyone's feelings and religious beliefs. This story is inspired from religious texts and famous folklores.
RAMAYAN
Whenever we hear the name of the greatest epic of the Indian history, a few things come i...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Unedited
Ravan paced anxiously in front of his room as the vaidya checked upon his wife. He was in a meeting with the officials when he was informed about Mandodari's condition and he didn't waste a single second to rush towards his wife.
"Putra Ravan, calm down. Putri Mandodari will be fine." Vishrava told his son Ravan who paced in front of the closed door in nervousness.
"I know pitashree but I can't help but be nervous. She was fine until today morning. Don't know what happened in the few hours." Ravan said as he massaged his forehead in tension.
Vishrava looked at his younger son Vibhishan and sighed. They were aware about Ravan's ego and his behavior. This was a matter of concern for almost everyone in Lanka. Though Mandodari came here a few months back, she was still not habitual of it and they knew it that she was trying her best to change it which was taking a toll on the poor woman.
"Putra Ravan, women are fragile creatures. They are to be cherished and treated with love. We need to be soft and warm with them. They are strong but they are very soft at heart. They don't have many desires in her life except one. Love. Love from her in laws, her whole family and most importantly her husband. Men often forget that their wives are their anchors." Vishrava took a deep breath and continued.
"Ravan, we men are always running a weird race that a family isn't. One may win the whole world with ego but family can't be won by that. Wives are to be cherished. They don't need these materialistic things. They just need love." Vishrava tried to mend his words, trying hard not to hurt his son.
"Pitashree, my Mandodari is not soft or fragile. She is Lankapati's wife. She is the strongest and most fearless lady in the world. And about me loving her, I love her to no end. I don't understand the reason of this conversation at all." Ravan said and Vishrava sighed. There was no way his son would listen to him.
Vibhishan too looked at his father and averted his gaze. Vibhishan and Vishrava have always tried their best to stop Ravan whenever he takes a wrong path. But their advice always fell to deaf ears.
They tried to stop him on various occasions, when he captired Lanka from his own half brother. When they tried to stop him, he said that the one who can't guard his possession, doesn't deserve it. Vishrava was a learned man, a tapaswi. He was praised by devas for his knowledge and valor.
He knew that his son was on a wrong path, a path of lust, ego, arrogance, selfishness. Eventhough he tried his best to stop him, he failed. He felt like he was failing as a father. On one side was Vibhishan, his son who was known for his selflessness, calm nature and righteousness.
On the other side was Ravan who was famous for his lust, arrogance, ego, greed, anger, jealousy, hatred and impulsive nature. He sometimes wondered what kind of an irony was that. Both his sons were learned but were poles apart. When he used to look at Ravan, he used to think that he failed as a father. While looking at Vibhishan, the feeling was entirely opposite.
They knew that someday his behavior would be the reason of his downfall. Vibhishan kept a hand on his father's shoulder aware of his inner turmoils. He blinked in eyes in assurance making Vishrava sigh. Again the surroundings were filled with silence.
After what felt like eternity, Kaikashi, Ravan's mother came out with a huge grin on her face. Ravan and the other two men immediately rushed towards her.
"Mata, is she fine? What happened to her all of a sudden?" Ravan asked in exigency.
"Putra, it's very common to faint in such a condition." Kaikashi said as she took out her expensive gold bangle and gave it to a maid standing nearby.
"Mata, what do you mean?" Ravan asked confused.
"Putra, you will soon hold the successor of Lanka in your arms." Kaikashi said cupping his face. Ravan's face broke out into a huge grin as he registered his mother's words.
"Really maa?" Ravan asked, unable to believe his ears.
"Yes putra. Mandodari is expecting." kaikashi broke the news as Ravan hugged his mother. Vishrava and Vibhishan too hugged each other, congratulating each other on the wonderful news.
"This is such a happy occasion Bhratashree. This definitely calls for a celebration." Vibhishan said.
"Of course anuj. After all Lankesh is going to have a son soon." Ravan said as everyone laughed looking at the ecstatic king.
"You go and meet her putra while we break the news to everyone." Vishrava said as he left with his wife and son, Vibhishan. Ravan moved to his room, excited to meet his wife.
Mandodari sat on her bed supported by pillows. She had a little smile on her face on knowing the news. Though the events of the following morning were still fresh in her mind, they were nothing as compared to the wonderful news she heard. Somewhere or the other she thought that maybe what everyone failed to do, her son might do. But at the same time she feared. What if the exact opposite happens? What if her son is also like his father.
She sighed and decided not to think about it. The more she will think, the more messed up she'll make her life. She decided to move with the flow.
She heard the chamber's door open as a familiar figure walked in. She could feel happiness radiating through his body. He soon engulfed her in a warm hug.
"Oh priye, you have given me the most beautiful news of my life. I can't express how elated I am. Thank you so much. Now I'll make my son the most valorous warrior and the most knowledgable man in the world, even better than me." He announced and Mandodari smiled at his happiness.
It was indeed going to be true. His son was indeed the most valorous warriors of his time.
