Balkhand days

tedious tests

Attending Gurukul was no easy task. There was a challenge awaiting the students every minute on the path.

"Baiyya, are you not asleep yet?", asked Lakshman who sat next to him pressing his feet.

"For some reason I don't seem to have a pinch of slumber. Lakshman you look tired. You better sleep", said Ram sitting up and meddling with Lakshman's hair.

"You know I can't say no to you but- but I enjoy serving you. Of course I can't sleep before you do!", Lakshman said as if it were a crime.

Bharat and Shatrugan burst out laughing.

"Looks like someone else isn't asleep as well huh? Come on close, it's okay", Ram said in his motherly gentle way.

The two came close and Ram held his brothers tightly. The rustle of the leaves and twigs outside, disturbed their cuddles. Ram wondered who it might be.

The noise became increasingly annoying for Shatrugan. "Should I check who it is outside, baiyya?"

"Yes.. -"

He ran out and saw an army- an army of monsters attacking the village. He could probably handle it. He did not want to disturb Ram baiyya. He ran and got his bow.

The twang of Shatrugan's bow altered the other three. What could he be doing? Ram immediately rushed out with his younger siblings behind him, only to see the youngest prince single handed lay attacking hundreds of hideous creatures.

Thank god he was safe!

"Why are you worrying unessasarily baiyya? Shatrugan will manage."

The other two were shocked to hear that. How could they let this young kid fight alone?!

"No.. we will help him Bharat."

Bharat immediately got his brothers weapons ready and the began to shoot.

They had just learnt the knowledge of Special heavenly arrows (Divyastras). Shatrugan took out and arrow and chanted a verse which made it turn to dozens of painful pricks.

Ram and Lakshman made a net to protect the hermitage. Bharat ran to guard the area. It took a long time to kill each one of them and besides, they did not have the permission to spread bloodshed in the hermitage so Shatrugan bruised many and vanquished them.

The close victory was followed by a quick congratulation to the four by their guru and an appreciation for their quick thinking and tact fullness.

"So someone lived up to their name!", Bharat grinned at Shatrugan. (Shatrugan mrans the vanquisher of all enimies)

"It was a test from Gurudev."

"How did you know Bharat?"

"Oh Ram baiyya, that's why I said Shatrugan will manage!"

"No wonder. If he didn't know, I'm sure Bharat baiyya would have fainted seeing Shatrugan like that!", Lakshman joked.

"Looks like someone loves pulling my leg!"

"Atleast I am holding your leg. Bless me elder brother!",Lakshman joked.

"I bless you to stop making fun of me", Bharat mocked.

No one could control a laugh at this point. Not even his Ram baiyya.

Ps: thank you for reading! Shout out to @disha41 for liking my little tales and have a good day.

ever yours,
A shy writer :)