Chapter 7
"How can Raja Janak say there are no warriors left in the whole of Aryavarta. My brother Ram is still there. Everything is possible for him, so is lifting this bow." Everyone in the swayamvar hall turned around to see the owner of the voice. Lakshman in stood in front of Vishwamitra and Ram. They had just entered the swayamvar hall when Raja Janak frustrated had mentioned he was disappointed with the princes and kings of Aryavarta who couldn't lift the bow.
Urmila was standing beside her father. She knew her father was stressed a lot after the drama Ravan had made in the swayamvar hall. He couldn't lift the bow, hence he felt humiliated and mentioned to everyone Sita is not the real daughter of Janaka but his foster child. He also laughed telling since he couldn't lift the bow, no one else can and Sita didi will remain unmarried her entire life. Hearing Ravan the kings had decided to fight among themselves for Sita didi. That was when her father made the statement.
Now she looked at Lakshman. Confidence was oozing in him about his brother. But Ram stood behind silent. He was not taking any step forward to prove himself. Urmila decided to speak. Her didi had gone through enough for the day. If Prince of Ayodhya was interested in her he had to take the challenge. His brother has opened a way and she decided to take it forward.
Before Janak could stop she spoke, "Pardon me prince Lakshman if what I am telling is wrong. This swayamvar was open to all princes and kings of Aryavarta. Your brother has not participated in it. Even now he is not coming forward. So how can you claim lifting this bow is possible for your brother."
Lakshman looked at the fierce lady standing near her father. Her eyes had fire in them indicating enough drama had happened in the swayamvar hall and now the self-respect of Sita was at stake. He turned to look at his brother who was standing still. Seeing everyone in dilemma finally Rishi Vishwamitra spoke.
"Princess Urmila, Ram didn't come forward to take the bow because he has come accompanying me to help me. I had taken the princes to Mithila just to see the bow of Shiva not to participate in the swayamvar. Without my order he cannot participate in the swayamvar. I understand the pain of your father and sister. Hence I am ordering Ram to lift the bow and end this ordeal for Raja Janak and Vaidehi."
Urmila and Lakshman were unknowingly looking at each other and smiling as Ram took the blessing of Vishwamitra, moved forward, lifted the bow and before he could string it, it was broken.
Only when the sound was heard Urmila's attention deflected from Lakshman and turned towards her sister. Sita was blushing and smiling. Their mother gently moved toward didi and whispered its time to garland the prince of Ayodhya. Didi got up shyly with the garland in her hand. Urmila and Mandavi stood on both her sides, while Kirti stood behind her handling her pallu.
Lakshman stood beside his brother proudly. Finally, his dream was coming true. Devi Sita was going to be his bhabi. But then was it the only thing he was feeling happy about. Why his eyes were darting towards the lady standing on the left of his bhabi. That girl who had the audacity to question the credentials of his brother. He realized he had loved that audacity. She had infact opened the door Ram bhaiyya and Sita bhabi's union with her question. She had forced Rishi Vishwamitra to speak up. In other words, unknowingly she had completed him.
Urmila felt her cheeks flushing as the procession neared where Ram and Lakshman were standing. She could feel his eyes on her and she was feeling all warm with that attention. She had vowed to herself she won't think about the younger prince of Ayodhya. But with each step she was taking she could feel in his image filling her heart. It was as if there cannot be another image in her heart. As Sita garlanded Ram, Urmila felt she had garlanded Lakshman too. She had become his forever.
Lakshman felt it was not just Ram bhaiyya who got garlanded, but he too got a garland. It was not visible but, in his mind, he could understand the younger princess of Mithila has chosen him and he felt so happy she had chosen him. He was so bound to his duty he never thought he could love. But Urmila has awakened the warm feelings within him. He wanted to belong to her forever and he was sure his Ram bhaiyya would do what is necessary to unite him with Urmila. So, he spoke softly to her.
"Devi Urmila. Don't misunderstand my outburst a few minutes back. I had no intent to insult your family. I love my brother very much and when I heard your father telling no warriors in Aryavarta the outburst happened. You don't know how happy I am to get your sister as my bhabi."
Urmila looked up and smiled blushing heavily, "Prince Lakshman forgive me too. I too had no intention to question your brother's credentials. We had gone through a lot in this swayamvar hall today. Everyone had started considering my sister as a trophy and her dignity was at stake. I will be always thankful to you and your brother who is now my jeeju for keeping my didi's dignity and self-respect intact."
Ram and Sita looked at their siblings and understood what their heart was speaking. Ram indicated to Sita that he will take care of it and Sita smiled understandingly as Janak announced the swayamvar complete. He mentioned he will be sending the news to King Dasrath inviting him for the grand wedding of Ram and Sita. Till then Ram and Lakshman along with Rishi Vishwamitra had to be treated royal guests. Ram and Lakshman bowed to King Janaka and took retreat. As they walked back Lakshman turned back and he could see Urmila had also turned back. As their eyes met she quickly walked along side her sister hiding her blush with her pallu.
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