The Broken Prince

Chapter 6 - Ayodhya, Our Home

"I am sending my younger daughter with you, Prince Lakshman... She is the light of Mithila, the pride of Vidheha... My Urmila... My..."

Raja Janak couldn't complete his words... Tears were flowing from his eyes with out a break. But he had to complete the 'Kanyadhan' ritual. It was his duty as a father.

Janak took Urmila's hand and placed it on Lakshman's.

"I am giving my daughter, princess Urmila, as your wife... "

Urmila bit her lower lip to control her sobs. 'Kanyadhan' was the last ritual of royal marriage. Now she has been the wife of Lakshman, princess of Ayodhya and Daughter-in-law of Suryavamsha. This is the time to leave Mithila...

"I, Lakshman, the son of King Dasharath and queen Sumitra promising you my father-in-law... Urmila will be my one and only love... forever..."

Janak's heart filled with delight when he heard Lakshman's words. Ram already gave him a word that he won't marry another princess ,Sita will be his only wife. Now in the same way Lakshman too declared that he also won't accept another one as his wife.

The couples took blessings from their parents and Gurus. Then started to walk towards the royal chariot of Ayodhya which was arranged out side the palace.

Urmila turned back to look at her mother. Sunaina smiled through her tears. Urmila remembered her words 'We may separate from each other physically, but Sita, Urmi remember my words... You are my daughters, you are a part of my soul and body... Nothing can separate a mother from her children... I am always with you my dears...I am always in you..."

Urmila slowly placed her sight on Sita's face. Both the sisters shared an ensuring nod and smile. They won't be alone , they have their mother with them.

Lakshman helped Urmila to climb the golden steps of their chariot.

They started the journey.

"May I open the windows please..." Urmila asked Lakshman avoiding an eye contact.

"Of course Mila..." Said Lakshman and opened the windows for her.

Urmila gave him a thankful smile.

Lakshman was astonished by her behaviour. He was familiar with a 'chatter box' Urmila. He couldn't believe that the same one is sitting in front of him, totally silent.

"Is there any problem..."

Urmila lost the control over her grief. The beautiful landscape of Mithila running back through the windows made her more weak... She covered her face with both her hands and started crying heavily.

Lakshman's mind caught her feelings easily. Each and every time he leave Ayodhya for gurukul he also went through the same pain. But here the separation is for a lifetime...That makes it an unbearable one...

Urmila felt the grip of his strong hands on her shoulder. Lakshman gently placed her head on his chest. The warmth of his body and rhythm of his heartbeat reduced her torment. She closed her eyes and enjoyed that moment. She can sit like this for a life time... Each piece of her soul were waiting for this hug...She was waiting for him, to be his, only his...

"Mila...Mila..."

Urmila heard his voice as if in a dream. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled.

"Seems like you are not in a mood to leave my chest..."

"You are correct..."

Lakshman laughed on his naughty and childish wife.

"No need to be greedy my dear wife, that place is reserved for you... No one will try to steal it from you..."

"If anyone dared to do that, then she will understand who is Urmila actually ." Replied Urmila with visible fury in her voice.

Lakshman cupped her face and made her look straight into his eyes. Urmila forgot to breath. His dark intense eyes were similar to a deep ocean and they were filled with pure love... The reflection of her beautiful face in his eyes was similar to the sight of full moon in the dark sky... Beautiful and mysterious at the same time...

Urmila broke the eye lock with a jerk.

"Please don't make me look into your eyes Laksh... I don't know what magical ability they have, but they make me feel as if I am near the fire... So please... control them...at least for now..."

Lakshman ran his fingers through her blushed cheeks and said with a smirk

"I am the fire... Mila... you can't escape from me...you are trapped..."

Urmila turned her face opposite to him to mask her joy. Lakshman was stubborn and didn't wish to put an end to their romantic moment. So she has to change the topic as soon as possible.

"Is this the border of Kosala?" asked Urmila pointing towards the forest they were passing through.

"Yes. We are actually in Uttara Kosala now. Kausalya ma was the princess of Uttara Kosala before her marriage with father..." replied Lakshman.

"Kekaya is also your neighbour country ,Isn't it?"

"Sure... Both Ayodhya and Kekaya share a rare bond... Kaikeyi ma's father Aswapathi is my father's best friend also... Kekaya is the second largest country after Ayodhya..."

Urmila had heard some rumors about her father-in-law's relation with his wives. People say that Kaikeyi is his favourite wife. But after meeting king Dasharath in Mithila, Urmila felt him as a kind hearted man who never hurt his loved ones. He cared her like his own daughter.

"We are at the end of Nandhigram now..."

Lakshman's voice was filled with pride and pleasure.

Urmila stared at the gigantic golden entrance of the city. There was a large shining golden sun placed on it. The holy symbol of Raghukula. The God of Suryavamsha.

"Welcome to Ayodhya, the undefeatable city...! " exclaimed Lakshman. Then he hold her close to his heart and whispered on her ear...

"Welcome to our home...My Mila..."