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The Journey to the Forest
361
Bharath broke down in grief. He wept bitterly. His voice was choked. He became speechless with grief. He placed his face upon Dasarath's lap and wept. Dasarath affectionately patted on his back.
"Dear father! I am a wretched fellow. On account of me, my brother had to go to a forest and you have had to experience this anguish and the people of Ayodhya have had to lose their radiant Lord. But what is it that I can do ? The separation from Shri Ram is unbearable to me. I cannot even think of living without him. In this situation, how can I accept the Kingship? My dear father! Kindly forgive me. I cannot accept the kingship of Ayodhya. Only Shri Ram can ascend the throne of Ayodhya. I feel blessed if only I can worship his feet.”
Dasarath could not say anything. He was silent. Bharath kept sobbing for a long time. His sobs echoed in the chamber. Just then, Kaikayi entered the chamber. Dasarath made a sign suggesting that she be seated. Kaikayi silently sat on a throne. Her resplendent face had grown black and blighted. She seemed to be the very image of anguish and agitation.
After being silent for a while Dasarath said: "Bharath has been rejecting the kingship. What shall we do ?" He looked at Kaikayi with fixed eyes. He said again, "How can I be initiated into the Sadhudharma until the coronation takes place.”
For a while, deep silence prevailed in the chamber. Then Bharath said in a firm voice : "Only Shri Ram must be crowned king of the country; not I..." On hearing Bharath's words, a violent conflict arose in Kaikayi's mind. She had never thought that such a situation would arise. She said in a serious voice : "Oh Lord of my life! What is past is past. Now only Shri Ram should be crowned the king of the country.”
“But my dear queen, what about my promise to you ?" Dasarath said with evident eagerness and anxiety.
"Oh Lord of Ayodhya ! Your promise to me has been fulfilled. I have received your boon because you have offered the
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