Bharat's Guilt

A hug worth remembering

It was Shatrughan's turn. He had been waiting for so long for this. He sniffed and gently touched his baiyya's feet. Baiyya pulled him up and they looked overwhelming at each other.
The burden on his shoulders seemed to reduce.

"I missed you so much. Forgive me."

"How can the two apple of my eyes ever sin? I'm happy that everybody is safe.. but you shouldn't have come here. Did father give you permission?"

The two princes hung their head low.

"Bha... Shatrughan? Your silence scares me."

"Fa-fath.. er he.. he is no more", Bharat did not have the courage to look up . "He passed away as soon as you left unable to bear the separation"As he looked to see his baiyya, it broke every part of him to see Ram baiyya shake, and he could sense the so many unshod tears he wanted to let out.

Ram sighed. He had passed away because of him. Lakshman cried bitterly. The last time he saw his father, he left him with wrong accusations which hurt every bit of him.

He leaned on Ram baiyya's shoulders and his eyes bled.

Ram closed his eyes. He had to be strong. He was the next and only fatherly figure he brothers had. He gave a sad smile and caressed Lakshman's hair.

The crackling fire which danced in the night brought in forgotten memories. Of the days where they ran care free with the whole universe with in their hands. The loving sense of nostalgia creeped around Bharat, making him delusioned of happy days. He travelled though another dimension of childhood's bonds living though each and every beautiful incident.

When he realised where he was, his thoughts turned dark. He couldn't live here anymore. It would be better for everyone if he just didn't exist.

He was interrupted by a firm hand on his shoulder. The hand though heavy gave him a warm feeling. He got up to see the eldest son of Sumitra.

"Lakshman! You haven't slept yet?"

"How can I when baiyya is still awake? He was calling you in Bharat Baiyya."

The three younger princes walked towards a finely crafted hut, none cutting the deafening silence.

"Baiyya?"

"Bharat! I could see a bright light outside and I guessed you two weren't asleep... Come here and sit down."

Bharat's brows tensed and face compressed, his jaw tightening. He was controlling himself from weeping heavily.

"I know what you're thinking Bharat. But honestly speaking I feel bad for all you three. I never lost my father, you did. Lakshman has always remained with me. He was the father figure who has always stayed with me protecting me always."

Ram stood up and embraced all the three brothers together. The atmosphere had a sudden touch of tranquility upon it. The warmth the Ram ushered would have to stay with them for fourteen years.

Ps: thank you for reading and have a good day!