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Walking demurly, Kaikeyi would stand infront of every seat. The maid would then introduce the prince seated there, in most ornate language. Kaikeyi would then cast a side glance at the prospective bridegroom. Enticed and enamoured by her beauty and manners, the prince would think, "Am I going to be the luckiest man today? Will this young princess accept me as her future life partner and add a new meaning to my life? But I am not the only one here! there are many others ... and some are even much better than what I am ! everyone is desirous of marrying her but whom would she select ? Am I the lucky one destined to be her husband or is there someone else?"When Kaikeyi awaited near a prince, his heart would flutter and sway in glee; but when she ignored
9 him and walked ahead, his heart would be filled with disdain and gloom. Thus, immersing innumerable hearts in the ocean of gloom, Kaikeyi reached the last row where Daśaratha was seated. When she glanced at the disguised king, Cupid struck her heart. She was enmoured by his broad forehead, clear eyes that resembled the petals of a lotuslily. Muscular and proportionate body that was the epitome of manliness. Without thinking for a moment, the young princess offered the garland to the young ascetic.
Emperor Harivahana and many other nobles were enraged at the rash action of the young princess. Thousands of young, handsome, strong and noble princes were gathered there, yet the princess rejected all of them and selected an ordinary ascetic of dubious origin as her life partner. They thought that it was a preplanned insult. Really speaking, their thinking was wrong, for, a princess has a freedom of choosing any man of her own liking and her decision is final. No questions are asked to her and no coercion is made, but when a soul is blinded by fury, it forgets everything and indulges into the meanest actions.
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