RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 18

                        RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 18, PART 1

                                                                KAIKEYI’S TRIUMPH

Rama entered the hall. He saw his father lying on the bed. His eyes were hopeless and the face was not normal. Kaikeyi was standing by the bed. Rama clasped his father’s feet. Then he did the same with respect to Kaikeyi. Dasaratha cried, “Rama”. And then speech failed him. Torrential tears blinded his eyes. And he could not see Rama. To Rama it was a fearful sight. He had never seen his father in such a state. Rama felt as though he had stepped on a cobra. Suddenly terror gripped him. Rama was always serene and unruffled in any situation. But his father was great. Rama wondered whether he could have been an unconscious reason for his father’s state. His father was sighing hot and furiously. He breathed thus like a wounded snake. He was pale and emaciated with grief. He also seemed to be bewildered and dazed. He lay there in strange despair. It looked as though the monarch of the waters had been disturbed to the very depths. It also looked like the Sun in the jaws of Rahu. Or he could be likened to a Rishi who had uttered a lie. Rama became angry with himself. He thought he had been unconsciously the reason for Dasaratha’s state. The monarch’s interests were important for Rama. He said to himself, “It is very strange. My lord’s face is not bright as usual. He always would exhibit joy at seeing him! I might have been the cause for this quite unconsciously. The Monarch will always be pleased to see Rama. Dasaratha’s face will be wreathed in a smile. But now my lord’s heart is torn with grief at my sight!” With a heavy heart, Rama turned to face Kaikeyi. Rama said, “My mother! Is my father displeased with me for any fault of mine? Please enlighten me! My father has great affection for me. It almost looked he was partial in his kindness to me. But now I find him careworn and miserable. He is quite silent to me. This body is subjected to bliss and grief. He might be subject to infirmities and maladies. Or has something unpleasant happened to Bharata? Bharata always brings joy to all. Or could it be that Satrughna or my mothers are the cause of my father’s misery? He is my lord and king. My duty always waits upon his pleasure. He is my fond father. I take no pleasure in life unless it were devoted to his service. But now his heart is turned away from me. Whatever he commands I will faithfully carry out. This very body is derived from him. So he is the only god we see. By carrying out his commands, our highest desires have been fulfilled. Or could it be that you, my mother, in anger done something unpleasant to him?  Have you spoken to him harshly? Mother! I pray you to tell me the truth. What is it that has brought about this sudden change?”