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The Journey to the Forest
He was cheerful and smiling. Lakshman also was cheerful. Sita's face was radiant with joy but those who had come there were in a different state of mind. Their faces were clouded with sorrow and agitation. All sat hanging their heads.
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After having eaten fruits and drunk water the head of the cabinet of ministers began speaking.
"My Lord! King Dasarath has sent us to take you back to Ayodhya. Therefore, kindly return with us to Ayodhya."
"Dear Chief Minister ! You have come here according to the order of the King and you have done your duty but, Oh noble man! Just as you carry out your duty I too have to carry out my duty. You install Bharath on the throne of Ayodhya and mantain thus the great tradition of Ikshvaku dynasty."
"Oh noble hero! You are right. From the time you left Ayodhya Bharath has been weeping ceaselessly. He has been rejecting the kingship."
Hearing from the ministers the state of affairs prevailing in Ayodhya, Ram experienced deep anguish. He began thinking deeply. The ministers kept watching the thoughts and feelings manifesting themselves on Shri Ram's face.
"Do you believe that if I return to Ayodhya Bharath would accept the throne ?"
"Dear prince, that may not happen".
"Then why should I return to Ayodhya ? Will it serve any purpose ?"
"The king desires to install you on the throne of Ayodhya." "But that does not appear to be proper. My father's promise has to be fulfilled."
"That is right. His word has been fulfilled. According to Kaikayi's desire our king has offered the kingship to Bharath but when Bharath himself has rejected the offer and when he offers the throne to you how is his promise to Kaikayi broken ?" The Chief Minister said employing a logical argument.
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