RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN--AYODHYAKANDA--CHAPTER 18, SECOND PART

             RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—AYODHYAKANDA—CHAPTER 18 SECOND PART

.

Kaikeyi knew that she had no fault to find with Rama. But her selfishness blinded her to every other consideration. She felt no fear or shame. She was about to speak to Rama the unholy things. But she was resolute in her resolve. “Rama!” Kaikeyi said, “The king is not offended with you. He is not afflicted with any other grief. He desires to speak to you. But he is afraid that you may not carry out his wishes. You know how much he loves you. And his love stands in the way of his talking to you. He has made a promise to me long ago. And it rests with you to fulfil it. He forced his boons upon me. But now when I invoke the same he repents of it.  Is it not a fault in giving me two boons and when I invoke them he hesitates? His act is like a man who shuts the stable after the horse has bolted. Dharma is the root of this Universe. And it is your duty to ensure that your father carries out his promise to me. Your father must not turn a traitor to Truth. I will speak on his behalf if you give your word that you will fulfil whatever I demand.”

Rama’s heart was filled with unutterable grief. “Alas! What a fate! Has it come to this that you, my mother, should suspect me? You can speak for my father, Dasaratha. He is not only my father but my lord and teacher!” Rama turned to Kaikeyi and spoke in a voice so Dasaratha also could hear. “Fie, fie! How can I disobey my very own mother’s words? I wish to die and sucked into fathomless darkness. He is not only my father. He is also is my lord, ruler, my master and the guardian of my interests. All he needs to do is speak one word. And I will gladly leap into the flames. Or I will drink poison. Or I will plunge into the depths of the deep ocean. So I pray you to speak on behalf of my father. Is it necessary that I should promise you to do your bidding? Rama does not speak twice!”