LAKSHMAN PRIYA

IN SHADOWS OF EXILE (2)

As they had decided previously, Ram, Sita and Lakshman left the bank of Tamasa river before the dawn. By bidding all farewell in their slumber. The trio moved towards Shringabair Pur by crossing the holy Ganga.

It was the territory of the tribal king Nishadraj. In that region, the trio of Ram, Lakshman, and Sita were embraced with genuine warmth and hospitality. King Nishadraj, the friend of Ram and known for his generosity, welcomed them with open arms, ensuring their comfort and well-being during their stay. As they rested beneath the canopy of stars, they were treated to tales of ancient lore and wisdom by the tribal king by deepening their understanding of the land and its people.

After bidding farewell to their gracious host, Ram, Lakshman, and Sita set forth towards the sacred city of Prayag. Upon reaching the banks of the revered Triveni Sangam, where the holy Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge, they were overcome with a sense of awe and reverence. Bathing in the purifying waters and offering prayers to the deities, they felt spiritually rejuvenated. And their souls cleansed by the sanctity of the place.

Crossing the gentle flow of the Yamuna, the trio continued their journey, and reached at Chitrakoot. As they approached the serene landscapes of the hill, they were greeted by the tranquil beauty of nature, a fitting backdrop for their spiritual quest. Each step they took resonated with purpose, guided by the divine will that guided their path towards righteousness and enlightenment.

They got the chance to greet the great Maharshi Bharadwaj in his soul gracing Ashram. The deciples again provided hospitality and respect to the royal heirs of Suryavansh. Just at a distance from the hermitage, they established their hut.

As per Ram's order, Lakshman constructed a beautiful hut by woods, rocks, muds and dried grasses. And their exile started from their by true means.

In the quiet depths of the forest, Lakshman labored tirelessly all day, his every step was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his brother, Ram, and sister-in-law, Sita. From the break of dawn until the sun dipped below the horizon, he scoured the wilderness for collecting fruits and berries, his mind was heavy with the weight of his responsibilities.

As night draped its velvety cloak over the hill, Lakshman found his duty outside the modest hut. His weary frame illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. Despite Ram's gentle entreaties for him to rest, Lakshman's resolve remained unyielding, his determination fortified by the love and duty that bound him to his kin.

With each passing hour, exhaustion gnawed at his bones, his senses dulled by the relentless onslaught of fatigue. Yet, as he clasped his Priya's anklet to his chest, the memory of her tender embrace infused him with renewed strength, igniting a flicker of warmth amidst the cold embrace of the night.

Through the haze of weariness, Lakshman stood sentinel, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the horizon. His soul tethered to the solemn vow he had sworn to protect those, he held most dear. In the quietude of the forest, his solitary vigil bore witness to the depth of his love, a silent testament to the sacrifices he willingly made in service of his beloved bhaiya and bhabhi.

Bharat arrived at Chitrakoot after two days, along with entire royal family of Ayodhya.... With the heart wrenching news of Dashrath's unfortunate death. It raised turmoil in their hearts, as their mind refused to believe even after knowing that it was very true.

But what hurt Lakshman from the bottom of his heart was the entire look of Urmila. The pain she had been pushing back was clear in her numb eyes. Her smile was diminished and she was adorn in a hermit woman's attire... no jewellery, no shringar.

Lakshman couldn't help but let his tears flow by the sight of his beloved. The difference between the Urmila he met at Mithila and the one standing infront of his eyes were palpable. Again guilt enveloped his heart, as he realised it's all because of him. As his Ardhangini, she had given up on all the things that were dear to her.