The morning sun bathed Ayodhya in its golden embrace, yet its warmth couldn't dispel the lingering sadness. Within the royal palace, the once vibrant hustle and bustle now echoed with a somber tone.
The absence of morning prayers outside the King's chamber served as a poignant reminder of the great void left by the passing of Dashrath, the beloved ruler whose presence had once filled these halls with warmth and wisdom. His departure had cast a shadow over the kingdom, leaving behind a gaping wound in the hearts of his subjects.
Kanak Bhavan, which used be a ray of opulence and grandeur... now stood as a mere shell of its former self, in between the palace campus. Its once vibrant halls now were hauntingly empty. The laughter of Ram and Sita, that once echoed through its corridors had been replaced by an eerie silence, a stark contrast to the life and energy it once exuded.
Similarly Ksheesh Bhavan and Moti Bhavan... once bustling with activity, now was laying eerily still. The absence of Bharat and Lakshman made those lifeless. It was as if the very essence of the palace had been drained away, leaving behind nothing but a hollow chambers only.
The sun had been up since hours, but Urmila's door hadn't open yet. Maids of Moti Bhavan didn't interrupt, neither the other members of palace... since they thought Urmila must be very tired and separation from Lakshman would be drowning her deep in sorrow, so she needs time to be with herself. But suspicions along with murmurs between the maids raised as it became too late and still there was not a single sound from her chamber.
Kasturi, the chief maid of Moti Bhavan had to come and gently bang on the closed door... With voicing requests for the rajvadhu to start her day. But there was no response to her calls. But surprisingly she realised that the door wasn't closed from inside that day, and easily opened as she banged on it for several times.
As that door creaked open, Kasturi's eyes widened in astonishment at the sight before her. She found Urmila, usually the epitome of early rising and boundless energy... now peacefully slumbering on the floor upon the grass carpet. It was an unprecedented sight... one that sent a shiver of unease down Kasturi's spine.
By ignoring the flurry of questions that swirled in her mind, Kasturi gently attempted to rouse Urmila from her unusual slumber once again. But Urmila remained as still as a stone, by being lost in a deep undisturbed sleep that seemed very much unnatural.
A sense of terror gripped Kasturi's mind as she realized that this was no ordinary occurrence. Whatever had happened to Urmila, was beyond her understanding or control. With a heavy heart, Kasturi knew that she had no choice but to deliver this news to the queens.
Kaushalya, Sumitra along with Mandvi, and Shrutkirti were filled with concern as they rushed to Moti Bhavan upon hearing about Urmila's inexplicable slumber. The sight that greeted them there was- Urmila laying on her dry grass carpet, seemingly untouched by the passage of time and locked in an unnaturally deep sleep.
"Urmila didi is still asleep? Impossible" - Shrutkirti stated in disbelief.
"Exactly... There must be something very wrong... Oh God, what is happening to my family" - Kaushlya's hand went to her chest as her eyes couldn't comprehend what she saw.
Fear gripped all of their hearts as they attempted to wake her. Their voices were filled with urgency and desperation. Each of them tried every method they knew to rouse her. From gentle shaking to loud calls... but Urmila remained as still as the surrounding air. Her breathing was steady and undisturbed.
Their efforts seemed futile, and a sense of helplessness washed over them as they pondered the mysterious circumstances surrounding Urmila's condition. With furrowed brows and heavy hearts they stood by her side, wondering what forces could hold Urmila in such an unbreakable slumber, and what it meant for her.
The news of Urmila's inexplicable slumber spread rapidly throughout the palace. Worry ignited along with speculations among all whoever heard it. Whispers echoed through the halls and many attributed her condition to the separation from her beloved Lakshman. Anxiety hung heavy in the air as servants, courtiers, and family members alike grappled with the implications of Urmila's mysterious sleep. Each passing moment only seemed to deepen the sense of unease, as they waited for any sign of change or awakening from the third rajvadhu. The palace stood hushed and tensed by being united with concern.
As Nidra Devi had foretold, Urmila's senses remained keenly attuned even in her profound slumber. Though her body was still and unresponsive. But her mind was acutely aware of the bustling activity and anxious whispers that filled the air around her. Each sob from her mother-in-laws and sisters pierced her heart by filling it with a sense of helplessness and sorrow. Urmila longed to reassure them, to convey that she could hear their every word and see their tear streaked faces through the eyes of her mind. Yet, bound by the sacred duty she had undertaken to ensure Lakshman's uninterrupted rest, she remained trapped in her statue-like state.
With no recourse but patience, she put herself to the waiting game by counting the moments until she wakes up.
As per Kaushlya's order, all of the royal physicians and esteemed healers of Ayodhya came to Moti Bhavan, their collective expertise summoned to unravel the enigma of Urmila's unprecedented slumber.
In that moment Kaikeyi came with heart coated with multiple layers of guilt. However, the weight of her remorse made her unable to approach Urmila's chamber. And she had convinced herself that her own actions were to blame for the rajvadhu's condition. With tear-filled eyes, she stood at a distance and silently witnessed to the situation. Her soul burdened by the knowledge of the pain she had inadvertently caused. Despite her longing to offer solace, Kaikeyi remained trapped in the grip of her remorse, by being unable to find redemption amidst the turmoil that enveloped the palace.
"Maharani Kaushalya, this condition of Rajvadhu Urmila have raised because of depression. The separation from Rajkumar Lakshman have hung heavy on her heart. Her mind had forcefully accepted it but not her heart. It's still in ache and longings. Her subconscious found itself unable to handle the pain for upcoming fourteen years, as a result she had temporarily lost her physical senses." - A group of female healers served the reason, still the hint of doubt was palpable in their tone.
To counter that statement, another group of physicians stated- "But the symptoms are signs of sudden shift in diet and life style. Rajvadhu Urmila have made an extreme changed in her diet. From Rajbhog to roasted sweet potatos and berries. This shift is like heaven to earth. So her body became irresistible to it. As a result...........
"This reason is baseless Maharani." - Another healer cut the previous physician up.
"We all know the irregular sleeping habits of Rajvadhu Urmila. She sleeps very less. And this is what hampered her health by resulting this undisturbed slumber."- pride raised in the healer's voice.
"Mahashay (sir), Seems like you lack knowledge about the royal family members."- Another female physician came to the front with a mocking smile on face. - "Let me tell you, Rajvadhu Urmila has not developed the less sleeping habit recently. She naturally sleeps less Since her childhood. I hope Rajvadhu Mandvi and Shrutkirti can confirm this.."
Mandvi and Shrutkirti nodded in response to her.
She continued- "The reason here is the tears, which are behind the boundaries of her eyes... Which she had prohibited from falling. It has given her this helplessness. Her soul is buried under the weight of her tears, which she couldn't shed during Rajkumar Lakshman's along with Rajkumar Ram and Rajvadhu Sita's departure for exile. And for the unexpected demise of Maharaj."
The argument went on for an hour and different physicians gave different reason. Still no proper conclusion was found. The queens, gathered nearby, exchanged worried glances as they listened to the array of opinions, none of which seemed to offer a definitive explanation.
Kaushalya spoke up as her voice tinged with frustration. - "But which of these theories is correct? We need answers, not conjecture about such condition of my child."
Sumitra nodded in agreement, her brow furrowed with concern. -"Indeed. The uncertainty only adds to our anxiety. Please provide us one proper reason."
Mandvi couldn't hide her distress anymore. -"please.... We must find a solution soon. Urmila's well-being is hanging in the air."
Shrutkirti's eyes glistened with unshed tears, as added softly - "I can't bear to see her like this. We must do everything in our power to help her."
The impulsive discussion continued but nobody reached at a proper solution or reason. So Kaushalya had to dismiss them all in a disheartened manner. The caligo of fear thicken in the Raghuvanshi sky, as they found the turmoil deepen. Except praying God, no choice had left.
All of them collectively joined their palms and closed eyes, as their focus went on to the lotus feet of Narayan.
They prayed together and their noble prayers immediately got answered as Vashishtha arrived along with his wife Maharshika Arundhati, without giving prior notice about their arrival.
Kaushlya, Sumitra, Mandvi, Shrutkirti and Kaikeyi fell on their knees infront of their Rajguru and Guru mata. They knew that Vashishtha and Arundhati must have the solution to it and they were very much correct.
Kaushalya approached Vashistha and Arundhati with utmost humility and requested- "Gurudev, you are revered as the greatest sage in the world, and Gurumata, your wisdom is boundless like the endless ocean. Both of you possess eternal knowledge and unparalleled insight. We are beset by a perplexing dilemma concerning our third rajvadhu, Urmila."
Sumitra added- "She is engulfed in an unknown misery, and despite our efforts her affliction eludes understanding. We implore you, in your infinite wisdom, to grace us with your guidance and help us uncover the truth behind Urmila's suffering. Your intervention is our only hope in this time of uncertainty and despair."
Arundhati gently touched kaushlya and Sumitra's shoulder by gesturing them to get up, and respond- "We know Maharani Kaushalya and Sumitra. This is why we are here."
The assurance of the divine woman touch every soul like cooling air.
Then they walked upto Urmila's bed and both of them simultaneously touched Urmila's forehead by diving into their meditative conscious by closing their eyes.
After a while they opened their eyes, which were filled with lures of respect and appreciation for Urmila.
Vashistha's voice resonated with deep admiration, -"I am at a loss for words to express my sentiments regarding Urmila. Once in an eternity, there emerges such Pativrata (devoted to husband) of unparalleled devotion... one who transcends all boundaries in her unwavering commitment. Urmila exemplifies this rare class of extraordinary beings. My heart brims with profound respect for her unwavering dedication and selflessness."
Mandvi questioned, her brows downed with glints of confusion in eyes. - "We didn't understand gurudev? Is my sister alright?"
Vasishta answered with a gentle smile- "Rajvadhu Mandvi, your sister Urmila is in perfectly fine. However, what you witness is not mere slumber, but an embodiment of unparalleled devotion and sacrifice. The sleep that envelops her form belongs to Lakshman... Which he had transferred to his wife with the assistance of Nidra Devi. He did so to fulfill his sacred duty of protecting Ram and Sita during their exile in the forest."
"What ?? Lakshman's sleep ?" - Sumitra asked in disbelief.
"You heard it absolutely right. Urmila is completing the sleep cycle of Lakshman. In her boundary less love and selflessness, she accepted this burden without hesitation by setting an extraordinary example of unwavering commitment." - Arundhati muttered with a proud grin.
The queens and the daughter in laws teared up as their heart became heavy in affection and respect for Urmila's satitva.
Vashistha explained- "This is going to be happening for upcoming fourteen years... Until Lakshman takes it back by himself. Till then Urmila is going to spend half of her day in sleeping only. But her senses will be fully active. Now also... She can hear us and feel our presence around her. But she is unable to be awake before twelve hours from her sleep."
Kaushlya started crying loud- "These punishments are for which sins of mine...? First my husband... Then one after another, all of my eight children"
Sumitra embraced her and shed tears along with Mandvi, Shrutkirti and Kaikeyi as well.
Arundhati put one hand on Kaushlya's shoulder. - "Have patience dear Kaushalya... This is no sin. But an example and lesson for the upcoming billions of generations."
"What to say about this devotion of Lakshman and Urmila for Ram and Sita. The more I say, the less it will become.." - Sumitra murmured in a soothing tone and wet eyes.
Then Arundhati affectionately patted Urmila's head in her slumber. Her voice was honey soft as she responded to the youngest queen- "Because he is Ram's shadow... and she is Sita's reflection... One is the personification of dutifulness and other one is the epitome of sacrifice. What else in the world can be comparable with this divine bond, which has crossed every limit of human emotions. The world needs to bow down infront of this nonpareil love of Lakshman... and Lakshman priya, Urmila."
Tears flooded from eyes while every head downed infront of Urmila's devotion towards Lakshman.
After twelve hours of slumber, Urmila's eyes fluttered open and got greeted by the radiant smiles of Sumitra, Kaushalya, Mandvi, and Shrutkirti... who had faithfully remained by her side. Their presence infused her awakening with a sense of profound satisfaction. The family embraced, their hugs echoing appreciation and unwavering support. As Urmila received blessings from the queens, a wave of reverence swept through the palace, with every member paying homage to her resilience and sacrifice. From that day forth, her name echoed through the streets of Ayodhya, reverberating with respect and admiration—'Lakshman Priya,' the beloved of Lakshman, a testament to her enduring devotion and selflessness.
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Writer's note
Hello everyone 💙
This is the most awaited chapter for me. If you would have noticed, a paragraph of Arundhati's dialogue is what I had written in the description of my book. Since that day this chapter was lingering in my mind and I finally put it on to the pages today.
So happy for that and grateful to you all for reading my book.
💛💛💛